Cecil O. Samuelson, President of BYU in Provo and member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, encouraged students and faculty at Thursday's devotional to recognize and appreciate the contributions of those who have gone before.
"This is a very special institution that has been established under the inspiration of the Lord," Samuelson said of BYU-Hawaii, "and it continues to be supported, guided and lifted up by the leaders of this great Church… Most of you will make important differences in the world, in the Church and in your families.
"It is not a coincidence that has brought you here," he continued. "You have been guided in your desires to attend BYU-Hawaii, and those having the authority to admit you to this very competitive institution have also been guided by the Spirit to help you come here. None of this is a matter of chance, and it is important that we not only believe that this is true but also understand why it is the case."
To help explain why, President Samuelson related his experience of being sustained as a General Authority over 10 years ago. Immediately following the general conference, one of the senior brethren told him, "Don't think that this blessing has come to you because of anything special you have done. It is likely the result of the faith and faithfulness of your people who have gone ahead to the other side of the veil."
"The spirit told me that day that what he said was true, and I testify of its truthfulness today," Samuelson added. "In that same context, I would suggest that for virtually all of you, the same could be said about your presence here at BYU-Hawaii."
On that point, President Samuelson quoted Doctrine and Covenants 2:2 - “And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers" - and reiterated the importance of family history and temple work. However, he also taught that there are other lines and linkages that are important to consider and treasure.
"The matter that I would like to address is the regard and gratitude we should each have for those who have gone before and have especially blessed our individual lives," he said, suggesting that this includes teachers, influential church leaders, prominent national figures and others.
President Samuelson then related a personal experience where he turned his heart to his "fathers." Prior to his appointment at BYU, President Samuelson had never been a student there. He felt a strong desire to learn about the history of the university, its founders and early leaders – one of which was Karl G. Maeser.
President Samuelson learned that President Maeser took a keen interest in his students and was personally mentored many, including James E. Talmage, who later became a great teacher, university president and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Brother Talmage in turn mentored J. Reuben Clark, Jr., who in turn mentored Harold B. Lee, who in turn mentored Neal A. Maxwell. "And Elder Maxwell was one of several who took an interest in me and served as one of my special mentors as he has done for so many over the years," said Samuelson.
"I began to realize that I owed President Maeser," he continued. "This is true not only because of what he did institutionally in getting the great university that I now have the privilege of trying to lead off to a good start, but also because of what it has meant to me personally... I express gratitude for the service of those who have never known nor thought of me, but have still so enriched my life immeasurably."
"How are you doing with identifying those who wish to help and mentor you?" Samuelson asked. "I hope that you are finding ways to recognize the contributions that have been and are being made for you. I hope that you are taking time to reflect on the sacrifices that your parents, grandparents, bishops, mission presidents, teachers, coaches and others who have made and are making for you."
President Samuelson related another personal story to illustrate how we can recognize and appreciate those who have sacrificed for our success. He told of an advisor or mentor he had in medical school. He has "helpful with his counsel and opened some doors for me," said Samuelson, "but I didn’t know of a way to compensate him adequately for the service he had rendered me." The mentor's response to President Samuelson was, "The only way you can really thank me appropriately is to become a good teacher and an excellent doctor yourself."
"Most of you may not choose to become doctors, but the principle and counsel are the same, whatever career path you follow," explained Samuelson. "The only way we can appropriately thank those who have gone before us is to be the best that we can be and help those who follow us do and be their best also.
"Our hearts must be turned to all of the fathers and mothers that have helped us in any way, and also to the children and others who will look to us to in turn help them on their way," he concluded. "May this be so for all of us."