UVU grads told to reach out, press forward

OREM — Members of the first university-level graduating class at Utah Valley University were told to look at their accomplishments with pride and to turn to their uncertain futures with hope.

President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave the largest-ever graduating class at UVU "three guideposts" to live by, admonishing them to "glance backward, reach outward and press forward."

"You live in one of the most precious and privileged periods of all human history," he said, adding that with such a designation comes great responsibility. "The choice is yours. The future is bright, and it awaits you."

Graduates representing 46 states and 11 countries stood to claim their degrees, of which UVU conferred 3,743 during Friday's commencement ceremony at the McKay Center on campus.

"It's a nice weight off my shoulders," said Jonathan McArthur, of Orem, who received an associate degree that he believes substantiates his pathway to a future degree in business management. "It's nice to be done with that part of my education."

Current economic circumstances might keep behavioral-science grad Katie Hunter from finding the job she desires at the moment, but she said she's looking forward to applying her higher education "in the real world."

"This has been my second home, the professors know me by name, and all my friends are here," she said. "I'm a bit nervous I might not find what I'm looking for out there."

With degrees now to add to their resumes, UVU Interim President Elizabeth Hitch told graduates to continue a life of learning, to "lead with integrity" and "serve as good stewards of the places in which you live."

"You have the tools, but the future is in your hands," she said. "Never stop learning, reaching for new ideas and stretching yourself by using fully the capabilities developed during your college years."

President Monson and his wife, Frances, were awarded honorary doctorate degrees for their years of service to both the church and the community. President Monson was recognized for his previous work with the Deseret News and the former Newspaper Agency.

Also presented with an honorary doctorate was Phyllis J. Christensen, a Heber City resident who has donated numerous scholarships to UVU students and devoted much of her resources to helping grow the university community.

In attendance were President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and President Henry B. Eyring of the LDS Church's First Presidency, members of the State Board of Regents and UVU Board of Trustees, as well as a packed auditorium of family members and friends of the graduates.

"Life is like a candid camera: It does not wait for you to pose," President Monson said. He urged the class of 2009 to understand the meaning of commencement.

"Here and now, with diploma in hand, you commence the next stage of your lives," he said. "Continue learning after you leave today, for to cease learning is to cease existing."

E-MAIL: wleonard@desnews.com