President Eric B. Shumway used his remarks at the December 15 graduation luau and a thank you letter from former university president Alton Wade to comment on BYU-Hawaii's year-long Golden Jubilee celebration, which drew to a close with the December 17 commencement.
President Shumway read part of President Wade's letter "as representative of what thousands of people felt when they joined us in the Jubilee" and noted the former president brought a group of 42 to the celebration, including every one of his children and grandchildren, to share in the Jubilee.
"Even though we have been back home for a period of time, the wonder and glory of the Jubilee activities is still a topic of daily discussions in the Wade family," President Shumway read. "It would be a profound understatement to say that the proceedings as a whole and each individual event were impressive. From the beginning to the last event, we were entertained, inspired, informed and uplifted far beyond our expectations. From morning to night, from day to day, the Jubilee was a quality experience."
"Here is what I would like you to remember," PresidentShumway emphasized, "because what he said is absolutely true":
"The growth and development of BYU-Hawaii toward its prophetic destiny were clearly evident to all of us who were privileged to have been a part of that great institution in years past. You all have made us proud and the ongoing fulfillment of the prophecies will continue to be a joy to behold."
"Why did the people feel so keenly and so deeply?" PresidentShumway asked. "Truly the events were well prepared and well performed, but I feel they were so deeply impressive because the spirit of the Lord was present."
"Let me tell you what I think happened during the Jubilee, when the Lord poured out His spirit in so much abundance," he continued. "It was His way of saying that He had accepted the sacrifice, the work, the joys,the heartaches of those who pressed forward in building, strengthening, growing and maturing this school over the years."
"I truly felt that it was the Lord's gratitude and His way of saying thank you to you and me. I say that not to boast, but to say we truly were blessed in a very special way."