Continue the legacy, Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve told graduates of Ricks College April 27.
Speaking to the largest graduating class in the history of the two-year, Church-owned college in Rexburg, Idaho, Elder Perry admonished: "My challenge to you today will be to encourage you to face your opportunities and trials with the same faith, obedience, courage and sacrifice as the early pioneers who preceded you and to become true disciples of our Lord and Savior."Elder Perry, a member of the Church Board of Education and chairman of the Executive Committee of the board, was the keynote speaker during the 107th graduation ceremonies, during which 2,674 degrees were awarded to 2,611 graduates.
Before speaking, he stood with college officials at the entrance to the Hart Building greeting the processional of graduates amidst an unexpected spring snow squall.
Speaking of the sacrifices of the Mormon pioneers, especially during the exodus west, he asked: "Where in all of history could you find a greater legacy of faith than that of the early people who embraced this gospel. Joining the Church in the early days was not an easy undertaking.
"Leaving Nauvoo was an act of faith. They departed without knowing exactly where they were going or where they would settle. They only knew that they were on the verge of being driven out of Illinois by their enemies and that their leaders had received a revelation to locate the Saints somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. When the Saints crossed the Mississippi River into Iowa, they began a new quest for a home where they could build the Kingdom of God and worship without opposition. The way to this new refuge was not easy. It exacted toil, sacrifice and death."
Under Brigham Young's direction, the early members left their comfortable homes to seek out new homes in the mountains, Elder Perry said. "They had faith in their leadership and they had faith in the Lord. Their faith was strong enough to propel them west in the most adverse conditions until they reached their promised land."
Elder Perry said the challenges facing people today are different from those of the pioneers. "You have had sufficient faith and diligence to complete all of the requirements for graduation, but tomorrow the sign will be out in front of you saying, `Welcome to the real world.'
"The next challenge is just ahead, whether it be for additional education or [to] enter the job market. You have been blessed with the foundation of knowledge and spiritual strength. This blesses your life with a dual responsibility - first, to compete for employment satisfaction in an ever-changing, technological-driven world, and second, a duty to carry on the legacy of faith to which you have been blessed."
Elder Perry asked: "Does the fire of the pioneer spirit still burn within your souls? The world is literally crying for the type of leadership you can give to it because you understand the laws of the Lord which will bless His children here on earth."
During the commencement exercises, Elder Perry was presented an honorary degree from the college. The apostle, whose father once taught at the school, was honored for being a "friend and advocate of Ricks College for nearly a quarter of a century."
In his remarks to graduates, Ricks College Pres. Steven D. Bennion said: "It is my hope that you as graduates of Ricks College have learned to be bilingual in spiritual and moral preparation as well as in the latest learning in academic matters. The one reinforces the other.
"Because of your balanced growth in not only academics - which have been excellent - but also in spiritual and social dimensions, I am confident that you will go forward and let the light of the gospel shine forth in your continued studies, missionary service, careers, families and public service."
