Dedication

We just attended the dedication of the new BYU Idaho Center (I-Center). Just after we arrived for our mission Elder Bednar spoke at the ground breaking ceremony which we attended (Oct 31, 2006). He spoke of gathering and gave a prophesy to the students, faculty and community. Today he repeated that prophesy. We created a clip of this prophesy from a video and have used it the past four years in Vision Conference, teaching the students that if the spirit of "entitlement" or "intellectual arrogance" were to permeate this valley then the spirit of Ricks would be extinguished. The spirit of Ricks is a spirit of dedication, innovation and frugality. It brings the Spirit of the Holy Ghost and is the greatest asset of this university. The outstanding students are strong, humble, dedicated and diligent. Most come from humble backgrounds and I've come to truly appreciate that kind of heritage. It makes for young people who know how to work, sacrifice, serve and obey.

Vision Conference also teaches the students that they are here for a purpose and being here is an important part of their preparation for their individual missions. They are brought here by the Lord. How very blessed they are to have that calling and blessing.

How very blessed Bob and I are to be here in Rexburg through this amazing period of revelation and growth. The Lord is directing his university as it pushes forward into new avenues of teaching and learning. We've seen the on-line learning and pathways program get their beginnings and develop into wonderful programs that bless lives. We've watched a temple take shape, be completed and dedicated, leading tours and enjoying the wonderful celebration program.

Today two wonderful buildings were dedicated and it was the sweetest experience to be able to attend (3rd row front and center). We listened to three apostles Pres. Eyring, Elder Nelson and Elder Bednar. Elder Bednar could hardly contain his emotion. He has seen this school make the transition from the 2-year Ricks to the 4 Year BYU Idaho. That was his mission while he was President. President Eyring saw it through much earlier stages and was here when the Teton Dam broke and wiped out Rexburg (The flood). He ministered to the community by offering them shelter and food in the untouched Ricks facilities.

This valley has had quite a history and it has an amazing future. The new I-Center is patterned after the Conference Center in SLC. It seats 15,000 and in addition has 10 basketball courts behind the auditorium. Pres. Clark said, "Just think of it as a great big chapel with a great big cultural hall". It truly is amazing. You can't see it without wondering at such a facility being built here on campus in Rexburg, Idaho. Obviously, the brethren have vision and there is a sacred purpose for this facility. How exciting it will be to watch it unfold.

We are a part of a great work, surrounded by dedicated faculty, employees and students, dedicated to the Lord and building his kingdom. It is our greatest desire to fulfill our responsibilities to this institution. Our work goes forward, possibly changing in form but with a purpose to assist in helping the Lord to accomplish his work here. It is a marvelous privilege!