At the annual commencement ceremony, held on Thursday, April 24 at the Marriott Center, Brigham Young University proudly celebrated the achievements of more than 7,200 students earning degrees.
This event marked an exciting occasion, honoring the dedication and academic excellence of these graduates.
Elder Gilbert
Elder Clark G. Gilbert, Church Educational System Commissioner and General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed the 2025 BYU graduating class. He emphasized that BYU’s motto, “Enter to learn; go forth to serve,” is not just a phrase but a lifelong calling.
He taught that as BYU graduates step beyond this campus, they are challenged to balance two crucial callings: to be excellent professionally and to remain rooted in spiritual discipleship.
“As graduates of BYU, you will forever carry the responsibility to represent this university and its sponsoring faith,” Elder Gilbert said.
He encouraged graduating students to let their light shine in the world and represent the gospel with courage, warmth and integrity.
He also warned of two common pitfalls for graduates: isolating themselves to protect their faith or silencing their faith to blend in with the world. He invited graduates to engage fully and faithfully, standing as disciples in every aspect of life.
“As you leave BYU today, have the courage to stand up and be that light to the world,” Elder Gilbert said. “Maintain your spiritual integrity even as you engage as an ambassador and peacemaker.”
President Reese
President C. Shane Reese encouraged graduates to be “Christ’s ambassadors” as they go out into a world that is in desperate need of peace.
“In this moment of division, BYU graduates can stand as examples of peacemaking by going forth and serving others in ways that emulate the Savior,” President Reese expressed.
He explained to the graduates that their education has prepared each of them to be lights to the world and serve all those they meet.
“Using your BYU education to serve will inspire greater peace and goodness in this world,” he said.
He invited the class of 2025 to embrace the opportunities they have to influence the world for the better and be “agents for peace in this divided world.”
Honorary Doctorate Recipient
In accepting an honorary doctorate degree, Judge J. Clifford Wallace, a World War II veteran and accomplished federal judge, humbly reflected on his life. His life was shaped by a challenging childhood followed by divinely guided experiences, enabling him to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands.
He encouraged the class of 2025 to adopt the principle of putting God and family first, followed by a career.
“I found that if I carefully and prayerfully made the most important parts of my life consistent with their eternal worth, I accomplished much more of real value in my life’s endeavors,” Judge Wallace said.
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, honored Judge Wallace as a long-time friend and universally respected leader. He spoke on the commitment to the divinely inspired principles of the United States Constitution and recognized Judge Wallace for his worthy example to the world.
Student Speaker
Amy Ortiz Sanchez, a graduating journalism student, addressed the BYU class of 2025, encouraging them to embrace their own stories of faith and perseverance. She echoed a recent BYU devotional by President Reese, teaching that God loves underdogs.
“We have made it to this moment with proof that God works through the unlikely — the underdogs — to accomplish the impossible. Still, this moment is not the end,” she said.
She challenged her fellow graduates to live “bilingual” lives, being fluent in both the language of the Spirit and of academic pursuit. She encouraged them to follow the Savior, the ultimate underdog, in a life of consecrated service and faith.
BYU Alumni President
Hillary Nielsen, president of the BYU Alumni Association, spoke on how life’s seemingly small moments are part of God’s divine design for each student’s life.
“Every one of us is here today by divine design. Your experiences at BYU, the friendships you have formed, the lessons you have learned — each one has been orchestrated by a loving Father in Heaven who knows you perfectly,” Nielsen expressed. “He knows where you have been, He knows where you are and He knows where you are meant to go.”
