A year ago, in 2009, Ned B. Williams was chosen to be the David O. McKay Lecturer for 2010. After the absence of the annual lecture in 2009, students, faculty, staff and community members looked forward to Williams' words concerning 'The Glory of God is Intelligence Ignited in the Beauteous Majesty of Language'. Williams has lived in our community and worked on our campus since 1977, and is currently the Chair of the English department.
He opened his lecture by speaking of the emphasis placed on intelligence by the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, saying that our education is ultimately the only thing we will take with us to the next life, noting that without intelligence, there is no existence.
Because of his education and teaching in the English department and his love for literature, Williams has traveled the world as a literature expert, comparing literature and teaching marketplaces to communicate more clearly, noting that curiosity, discipline and creativity reach each other and complement the mission of this university.
The David O. McKay lecture series began in 1963 with remarks titled "Thoughts on the Nature and Reality of God" by Richard T. Wootton. It is an annual event that takes place on the BYU–Hawaii campus as part of Founder's Week and the celebration of the 1955 establishment of the university.
--Photo by Monique Saenz
Click here to view the full transcript of Ned Williams' David O. McKay lecture.