NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The motto lux et veritas, or "light and truth," is etched on random bricks throughout the stone walls of the Yale University campus, a continual reminder that this is among the most revered universities in the world.
This motto has added meaning for Yale's Latter-day Saint students who find light and truth within the walls of the Wilford Woodruff Building.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve returned to his alma mater Feb. 10 to address Yale students and other young adults from the New Haven Connecticut Stake Institute and rededicate the renovated Wilford Woodruff Building, a building he originally dedicated on April 26, 1997.
Attending Yale University for graduate school, he said, ranked among the important decisions he had made in his life that "shaped many of the other things that have happened to me." He wanted the young adults to have their dreams and "to know that their fulfillment all revolves around the gospel of Jesus Christ." He noted that for most, college years are a great time of life in which to take the gospel seriously.
"Something is going to be asked of this dispensation that's never been asked before," he said. Those of this dispensation must be ready to "present the Church of the Lamb, to the Lamb," and when that happens, "we must be looking and acting like His Church."
He emphasized the need to "never even look like what we don't believe," counseling that "one who sees the truth must live bearing witness to it."
Elder Holland cautioned against attitudes of pride and pomposity that can fester in an academic setting.
His warning addressed an issue that many Yalies face. "I have taken several classes where professors give the notion that people who believe in God are foolish," said senior football player Brett Crandall.
"In some classes there is a feeling that truly intelligent people are not people of great faith."
Jenika Beck, a junior majoring in behavioral neuroscience, said her experience at Yale has been very positive. "The things I have learned here have enabled me to see beauty and truth in unexpected and indescribable ways," she said.
The Woodruff building was constructed on the Green in 1867 by the Center Church. It served as a home for aged and destitute women of the greater New Haven area for almost 120 years before it was closed in 1986.
For the New Haven Young Single Adult Branch, including Yale students, the Wilford Woodruff Building is a place of friendship and learning.
Jenna Felici, a junior majoring in molecular, cellular and developmental biology, said that she made sure there was an institute within walking distance because she knew that she could rely on making good friends there and continue to build on her faith.
Jed Brinton, a Yale law student, said, "It has been a tremendous pleasure to be in a small singles branch. I feel like I know everyone, and that they are my best friends."
Dwight Durrant, the institute director, said it was a little intimidating at first to think of teaching students at Yale. "But I have found them to be humble, wonderful students who are teachable and eager to learn the truth."
His classes help foster a sense of community and spiritual growth many Yale students are seeking. Institute enrollment has nearly doubled since the building's renovation.
"Something is going to be asked of this dispensation that's never been asked before." Those of this dispensation must be ready to "present the Church of the Lamb, to the Lamb," and when that happens, "we must be looking and acting like His Church." — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
