At the annual commencement ceremony, held Thursday, April 23, at the Marriott Center, Brigham Young University recognized more than 7,100 students as they completed their degrees.
The event honored the graduates’ hard work and academic achievements, marking an important milestone as they prepare to move forward into the next stage of their lives.
Elder Soares
Elder Ulisses Soares, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed the 2026 graduating class during the university’s historic 150th anniversary. He described commencement as the beginning of the end, not a conclusion but a launch into a life of purpose and consecrated service.
He taught that as graduates leave BYU, they are called to move beyond preparation into active discipleship, using both their knowledge and faith to bless others.
Drawing on the story of the lighthouse keeper named Ida Lewis, Elder Soares encouraged students not only to be “keepers of the light” but to actively “beam it forth” to those struggling in the world’s spiritual storms.
“As you begin this new chapter of your lives, you carry with you more than a diploma — you carry a double heritage: an education that includes both worldly knowledge and revealed truth,” Elder Soares said.
He promised that drawing nearer to Christ will bring clarity of purpose, resilience in adversity and peace that surpasses understanding.
Elder Soares concluded by inviting graduates to remain steady in their faith as they navigate an increasingly complex world. By consistently drawing nearer to Jesus Christ and applying the principles they have learned, they can become a source of light and strength to others while continuing their own lifelong process of learning and discipleship.
President Reese
C. Shane Reese, president of BYU, began his address to graduating students by directing attention to the purpose of the ongoing renovations of the Salt Lake Temple: to strengthen the foundation in preparation for earthquakes and storms.
President Reese shared that 91% of this year's graduating class reported that BYU had a positive impact on their faith and testimony, a higher percentage than any other year.
“Under every mortar board here today is an individual story about how you have grown, overcome and become during your time on campus,” President Reese noted. “Like the Salt Lake Temple, you’re building a foundation that can withstand the shakes and tremors of life because your foundation is sure, steady and anchored in truth. “
President Reese provided two pieces of advice and counsel:
- Stay true to the covenants and promises the bind you to God and center your life on Jesus.
- Serve and love others every day. And be willing and humble enough to have others serve you back.
President Reese closed with his love for each graduate, telling them how proud he is of their accomplishments. He invited them all to “go forth to serve,” holding their light up for the world to see.
“As you stay true to your covenants, keep your foundation on Christ, and serve in ways big and small your light will shine brighter and brighter in a world that needs illumination,” promised President Reese
Student Speaker
Mirabella Archibald Keogh, a graduating student who double majored in Middle Eastern Studies/Arabic and public health, addressed the BYU Class of 2026. She reflected on her visits to the Hagia Sophia and how they have shaped her commitment to seek “holy wisdom” and dedicate her life to God.
“In my efforts to seek intellect, I had forgotten to seek God,” she said about one of her visits there. “As my focus returned to constructing a life glorifying Him, following Him in faith became a joy despite the uncertainty.”
She encouraged graduates to live by three principles: to sacrifice for God’s will, consecrate their intellect to His work and remain humble. She testified that as they do so, God will magnify their efforts and use them to continue to build His kingdom.
BYU Alumni President
Derek Miller, president of the BYU Alumni Association Board, congratulated the graduates on behalf of the five-hundred-thousand living BYU alumni and invited them to join those alumni in being involved after graduation.
“Whatever your reason for coming to BYU… I hope you accomplished the most important goal, our common purpose of life, to deepen our faith in Jesus Christ and become more like Him.”
In closing, Miller invited all graduates to go forth bearing Christ’s name and His light into whatever life has in store for them. He promised that, as they take that invitation, the light will shine through them, changing the world in special and sacred ways.
