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BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character. The true value of an education should be measured by who we become, not just how much we know. Etched in stone at the western entrance to campus are the words, “Enter to learn; go forth to serve.” Here are stories of people who make a difference in a world we wish to improve. 

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Character

Creating messages for good — A BYU graduate’s impact on the Special Olympics

By Abigail Degn
April 22, 2026
Sitting on a boat in the middle of the ocean, filming an ad idea for Starlink, was a moment when Samuel Haggard felt grateful he chose to attend BYU.
2 Min Read
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BYU graduate finds belonging on campus, in the lab, and at home

By Ellie Larsen
April 22, 2026
For Family Life student Michelle Si Broadbent, the decision to come to the United States from China was not the difficult part. Her parents had studied here and encouraged her to look for opportunities. The difficult part was the transition itself.
2 Min Read
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Who will you serve next? Mikayla Filfred’s mission to serve and uplift native students

By Ashleigh Staples
April 21, 2026
Through faith and service, Filfred has found purpose in overcoming self-doubt and uplifting others.
4 Min Read
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More than Law: a BYU graduate’s commitment to service

Sharman Gill
By Sharman Gill
April 21, 2026
MinJae Kim (JD, Dec.’25) sits at his desk at Spencer Fane in Salt Lake City, reflecting on BYU, grateful because he is doing exactly what he set out to do when he left full-time law enforcement for law school – civil rights litigation. He loves his job.
3 Min Read
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Peacemaking, promptings and prayer: A Q&A with the 2026 commencement student speaker

Aaron Sorenson
By Aaron Sorenson
April 21, 2026
At BYU’s commencement exercises this week, student Mirabella Archibald Keogh will represent the graduates as the student speaker.
3 Min Read
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From Appalachia to BYU: on a student’s journey to becoming a first-generation BYU grad

By Abigail Degn
April 19, 2026
During the winter semester of her freshman year, Hannah Criser walked home as the BYU bell tower rang across campus, playing “Country Roads.” Hearing that, she knew God was aware of her and that BYU was where she needed to be.
2 Min Read
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Mountains to milestones: How this BYU graduate overcame doubt

By Ellie Larsen
April 19, 2026
BYU chemical engineering student Ovidio Gomez Avila stepped onto the now familiar pavement for his final semester. The sunrise-glow over the mountains in Provo reminded him of the rolling horizon back home.
3 Min Read
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BYU Spanish for nurses club president shares his light through nursing, research and global service

By Ashleigh Staples
April 16, 2026
Senior Carter Bird learns the Healer’s art by providing care not only to others’ physical bodies but also to their souls
4 Min Read
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'The biggest miracle of my life': How language studies opened doors for a BYU graduate

Sharman Gill
By Sharman Gill
April 15, 2026
Family has always been at the core of Faith Hall’s life, even shaping her academic focus at BYU. After a particularly inspiring Eternal Family class and a strong spiritual impression, she chose her major: Family Life with an emphasis in Family Services.
2 Min Read
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A BYU grad's first-generation journey guided by God

By Sage Johns
April 14, 2026
Passion: Identify it, explore it, pursue it.
3 Min Read
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Kathryn Douglas: Learning to trust the detours

By Sage Johns
April 13, 2026
“Have the courage to be a beginner again.”
3 Min Read
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‘You can do chemistry short on sleep’: How one BYU grad balances faith, scholarship

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
April 12, 2026
For James Corey, some of the most important lessons he learned at BYU came between late nights and early mornings.
4 Min Read
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Cougar Query: Trevor Wilson

April 06, 2026
Cougar Queries is a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life.
2 Min Read
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New Church-commissioned Easter paintings, created by BYU alums, on display in Wilk Reflection Room

Sharman Gill
By Sharman Gill
March 26, 2026
Just in time for the Easter season, a pair of new Christ-focused paintings by two BYU alums are on display in the Reflection Room at the BYU Wilkinson Student Center, located just behind the East Lounge near the ballroom.
3 Min Read
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Cougar Query: Shayla Bott

March 09, 2026
Cougar Queries is a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life.
1 Min Read
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Cougar Query: Mike Roberts

October 20, 2025
Cougar Queries is a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life.
1 Min Read
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Serving and being served: BYU athletes team up with special-needs children at 13th annual Courageous Kids Invitational

Sharman Gill
By Sharman Gill
October 09, 2025
When former BYU track athlete Tammy Bowers realized in 2012 that traditional athletics might not be part of her young son’s future, she decided to create something new.
1 Min Read
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Cougs Care service tailgates set for 2025 BYU football season

Tyler Stahle
By Tyler Stahle
August 18, 2025
Fans planning to attend a road football game this year are invited to participate in the BYU Alumni tailgate and team up on a service project that supports families and communities in each road-game city.
3 Min Read
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