May we learn and practice compassion and courage. These virtues will help us become more like Christ0—which is, as John Milton says, the ultimate purpose of education. The “end” of learning is, Milton writes, is “to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love him, to imitate him, to become like him” ( Of Education). May your education help you to become like Christ in courage and compassion.

My dear friends, the Lord has blessed you to obtain a wonderful education so that your contribution may be great. May you now press on in faith, moving forward the Lord’s work wherever you live throughout your lives. The Lord has prepared you, here at BYU–Hawaii, to contribute to this great work.

This University is and will continue to be a place where people from across the world gather to be one in Christ and educate and uplift each other. Diversity of culture, experience, and thought is one of our greatest strengths. So too is our striving for unity as children of God bathed in the light of the restored gospel. Diversity and unity work together here at BYU–Hawaii in remarkable ways.

Every aspect of my secular and spiritual education has brought me joy. I want each of you to know how excited I am to be part of that same joyful experience for you at BYU–Hawaii. I will do everything I can to be a meaningful part of the effort to support our students.