LAIE, Hawaii – Elder Quentin L. Cook (pictured) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presided over BYU–Hawaii's April 10th Commencement Exercises—notably the largest number (353) to have marched at a BYU–Hawaii commencement—held in the Cannon Activities Center.
Elder Cook was sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 6, 2007. He was called as a General Authority in April 1996, served in the Second Quorum, the First Quorum, and the Presidency of the Seventy (newsroom.lds.org).
Elder Cook counseled graduates to contribute and provide leadership in their families, communities, chosen field of study, and in building the kingdom of God. He shared his "recipe for the good life," stating, "I am confident that you can attain the joy and happiness you desire and that God wants for you if you are—
• Grateful for your blessings, especially your heritage
• Committed to the eternal institution of the family as the foundation for happiness
• Involved in the world in a positive way
• Living and communicating your standards to those you work with
• A light to the people where you live."
Elder Paul V. Johnson, commissioner of the Church Educational System, addressed the graduates, stating, "Whatever happens next in your life will be greatly affected by what you learned and experienced while here at BYU–Hawaii."
BYU–Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright shared three things graduates can take from their BYU–Hawaii experience: spiritual power, a sense of love, and the blessing of a sound mind.
Student speaker Nicholas Holladay, graduate in international business management from Arizona, whose wife Tara had given birth to their first child days earlier, summed up his feelings with "Each of us has sacrificed to get to this graduation day. Each of us has a 'desire to serve.' I pray that we each can commit to going forth and turning these desires into realities."
The Concert Choir and University Brass Ensemble closed the exercises with a rousing rendition of "Redeemer of Israel" arranged by Mack Wilberg.
--Photo by Monique Saenz