The Brigham Young University Homecoming opening ceremonies will introduce the theme of Homecoming week 2005, “Catch the Spirit,” Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 11:05 a.m. in the Marriott Center.
The ceremonies will not air on the KBYU broadcasting networks.
BYUSA President Adam Larson and BYU Alumni President Carr Kreuger will host the show, which will feature BYU’s Cougar Marching Band, color guard and cheer squad. President Cecil O. Samuelson and Sharon Samuelson will also speak to the student body during the ceremonies.
“Our theme this year invites students and alumni to feel the spirit of their day through the excitement and energy of this program,” said Ron Clark, director of Public Affairs and Guest Relations at BYU.
The program also ties in the 200th anniversary of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s birth, transitioning from the energy of Homecoming Week to the reflection and appreciation of the first latter-day prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“We are honoring the Prophet Joseph Smith as our founder. Although he was not directly responsible for BYU, he was directly responsible for Brigham Young,” Clark said. “I think he had insight and knowledge of what was to come for the Saints in Utah and how the love and spirit of the gospel would be spread throughout the world.”
The winner of the George H. Brimhall essay contest will set the tone for the final element of the show with an essay on Joseph Smith in relation to the Homecoming theme.
Featured in this final element is church scholar and historian on Joseph Smith’s life and writings, Truman G. Madsen, who will share his knowledge on the Prophet as a direct descendent. His address will be complemented by a musical number, “I Have Seen Him,” performed by Dallyn Bayles as the Prophet Joseph Smith.
After the opening ceremonies, the Cougar Marching Band will the lead students to a free barbecue at the Carillon Tower Square.
Writer: Angela Fischer
