Leading up to the rival football game, the BYU and University of Utah presidents encouraged fans to be respectful and participate in a food drive for hungry Utah families.
While commending students for their efforts, President Lund said he wished to address a topic even more important than education — “which is saying a lot.”
"Our enrollment growth is not just about attracting new students, but also about retaining and supporting our existing ones," Guy Hollingsworth, Ensign College’s vice president of college and student services, said of enrollment increase.
"The exciting growth is a product of an increased understanding across the Church of how remarkable a BYU–Idaho education is," said BYU–Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III.
During the October 2024 general conference, Church leaders, including President Holland, Elder Bednar, Elder Christofferson and Elder Soares, warned Latter-day Saints to beware pride and rebellion.
“The sacred scriptures and living prophets are a major way a loving Heavenly Father makes His plan of happiness available to all His children,” said Elder Quentin L. Cook.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of broadcasting the Church’s general conference on radio, the 75th on television and the 25th of live broadcast via the internet.
During a BYU–Idaho devotional, Elder Bangerter taught that confidence is a Christlike attribute God will bestow "as you look outside yourself and strive to lift the lives of others around you."
"Coming to know Jesus Christ is the most important thing we can do in this life," said BYU–Pathway President Brian K. Ashton during the opening devotional for fall semester.
Through small and simple acts of kindness and love, individuals become "flecks of gold to an often-troubled world," Elder Patrick Kearon taught during a BYU devotional.
"Wilt Thou accept this holy house as the gift of our hearts and hands," Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said in the prayer to dedicate the new Pittsburgh temple.
The Pacific Area presidency expressed "sincere aroha and great respect" for Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, the Maori king in New Zealand who died Aug. 29, 2024, at age 69.
"As disciples of Jesus Christ, we believe BYU’s medical school is another way to lift God’s children," BYU President C. Shane Reese wrote in a letter on Sept. 5.
"These are boxes of love, and many lives will change because of this donation to the Saints in Papua New Guinea," said Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the Pacific Area presidency.
Although many messages are geared toward students, Latter-day Saints throughout the Church are invited to participate in devotionals, most of which are available online.