The feeling in Hepworth's classroom has been reverent and subdued since President Hinckley's death. Even though the institute teacher did not personally know the church leader, she feels as if something is missing in her life.

"Sure we'll carry on," she said. "But we'll miss that humor, vigor and the love he had for everyone."

Plans are in the works for a new class, focused on the teachings of the church's new president.

Douglas Bassett, another institute instructor who developed the "Teachings of President Hinckley" class four years ago, said the goal has always been to center on the living prophet.

"When I get up to teach this class, there's a feeling of the spirit stronger than any class I've ever taught," he said. "I believe that is because the Lord would have us quote his living prophets. If we continue to teach as if nothing has happened, the spirit will diminish."

Both teachers will slowly add the words of the new church president to the curriculum. By next semester, the class will have a new name. In the meantime, Hepworth said she plans to teach the course with renewed "passion." It's her way of honoring President Hinckley. Her students had similar thoughts.

"It's such a privilege to be in this class right now to pay tribute to the work that President Hinckley's done," said Mark Millet, 25, a UVSC student from Las Vegas. "I feel like it's a way to pay tribute to the man. He's one of my mortal heroes."

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