Combine work, principles BYU grads are told

PROVO — Brigham Young University graduates were counseled to combine

their education and hard work with simple principles to succeed in life.

"You will confirm that your education is a key to help you open the

doors of opportunity," commencement speaker Elder Richard G. Scott, of

the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, told 2,559 students receiving degrees Thursday.

"You will likewise prove that it is not, however, a guarantee for

success. It must be coupled with hard work, consistency and devotion to

duty."

Elder Scott also gave graduates and their families and friends in

attendance a list of simple things drawn from the doctrine of Jesus

Christ that he said has brought him and his family success throughout

the years. The list included using correct principles, exercising

faith, discipline, work, prayer and the power of a smile.

"Everyone has problems but no one wants to know about yours," he joked.

"Smile a lot. It is a beautiful way to bring sunshine into your life

and to spread it to the joy and benefit of others."

Before his remarks, Elder Scott received an honorary doctorate degree,

a recognition that caused him to tear up as he thanked the university.

BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson also addressed the graduates, whose

ages ranged from 19 to 82, telling them they will look back at their

days on campus as some of the happiest of their lives.

Bruce L. Olsen, president of the BYU Alumni Association, reminded