From Deseret News archives:
Cheney talk a thrill for big BYU crowd
'I'll remember who spoke forever,' a graduate says
Attendees to the rites in the Marriott Center welcomed Cheney and President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with several minutes of thunderous applause.
Cheney was awarded an honorary doctorate degree and spoke briefly to the graduating class, at times referencing BYU specifics, such as the "Wilk" campus lingo for the Wilkinson Student Center. The vice president received laughs and applause as camera flashes went off like strobe lights at a disco party.
"We're such loyal Americans, so to be here and listen to a vice president is such an honor," said mother Sharon Hoem. "It was an added bonus we were coming anyway."
Her husband, Robert Hoem, added: "It's heavy, hot fudge, thick frosting on the cake."
BYU informed commencement attendees they had to be in their seats by 3:30 p.m. The event began at 4 p.m.
While waiting, they were entertained by BYU performing groups and video clips of game-winning football passes that were shown on the large screens above the floor.
There were also sacks of goodies under the seats, something graduate Mackenzie Clark appreciated. She and fellow bachelor's degree graduate Wendy Madsen munched on their pretzels and BYU mint brownies for nearly three hours before waiting for the ceremony to begin.
"I think it's less political than people see it," Clark said. "It's someone in charge of our country. It's neat to get a name like that in Utah."
That sentiment was echoed by parents E.J. and Julia Harris.
"If the vice president was a Democrat, I don't think it'd make any difference," said E.J. Harris. "If Bill Clinton came, I'd still come. If it was Al Gore, I'd still come and not protest. It doesn't mean you have to agree with him."
And many don't. However, they kept their sentiments to themselves during the rites.
Cheney finished his speech to a standing ovation.
Comments
- Fire damages Taylorsville home 3:25 p.m.
- Concert to benefit Ugandan children 3:22 p.m.
- Senate committee approves Voros 3:21 p.m.
- Mya tops fellow celebs 3:16 p.m.
- Stocks zigzag after rally 2:53 p.m.
- Placebo power behind cures 2:49 p.m.
- 'Suspect just shopping screenplay' 2:49 p.m.
- '08 loss 'learning experience' for TCU 2:47 p.m.
- AMA: repeal 'don't ask,don't tell' 2:46 p.m.
- Jackson's executors approved 2:43 p.m.
- Utah group finds homes for orphans
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
- Jazz blow big lead, hang on
- Senators want food tax restored
- Y. tight ends talented tandem
- Utes get extra motivation
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- BYU soccer incident still popular
- Lobo land like home for BYU lineman
- Price injured; Miles has cast removed
- House passes health care bill
247 - TCU showdown has big implications
185 - Lobo suspended
184 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Senators want food tax restored
137 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
104 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants nationwide will honor...
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former presidential candidate John...
what an awesome game, really the only one that we can reasonably win. The...
interesting | 1:56 p.m It's more than the "Tear down this wall"...
I guess I would call myself an American mutt. Born in American with a mix of...
Warm, cold, tepid, nothing you can do about it anyway. Short of eliminating...
Re: Not about the money. Other good reasons to want TCU to win 1. I...
It's embarrassing when you're 8-1 and ranked #16 ... and your fans have...
Isn't it somewhere by Scipio?
What fascinates me is the contrast between the tone taken by the DN writers...
interesting | 1:56 p.m. If your posting contains mis-representations it...
Yeah if Utah beats TCU then they would certainly lose enough skill and to...




You can be the first to comment on this story.