Today’s special forum featured a panel discussion with current BYU President C. Shane Reese and previous Presidents Kevin J Worthen, Cecil O. Samuelson and Merrill J. Bateman.
The presidents individually shared their thoughts and feelings about BYU’s sesquicentennial theme regarding the divine gifts of light that BYU cultivates.
To introduce the theme, a video was shown of President Dallin H. Oaks and President Jeffery R. Holland, also former presidents of the university, expanding on their experiences both as students and leaders at BYU.
President Bateman began the discussion by speaking on the spirit that can be felt on a campus dedicated to secular and spiritual learning. He stated that BYU is a “unique university” because it is led and directed by the Lord.
President Samuelson focused his remarks on the “mini miracles” that are always occurring at BYU. He shared the miracle of the funding and construction of the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center during his tenure. He said that the building was set apart as “a single place that would allow our campus family to gather together … where they could learn to understand so much of what makes BYU unique.”
President Worthen testified that everyone at BYU is meant to be there for a reason, especially students, because they carry a special light. He referenced 2 Nephi 1:6, a scripture in the Book of Mormon, which says, “... there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.”
"We are all here for a reason," President Worthen said. "God wants you here."
President Reese concluded the panel by expressing his love and gratitude to each of the past presidents, especially considering his personal connections to each of them. He shared that he finds it more valuable to learn from the history of the university through the people rather than the events. He invited the students in attendance to look at the mission of BYU and “see how you're going to fulfill that mission [in your life].”
