Deseret News | Jamaican's dream soon to come true at BYU

Reader comments
Jamaican's dream soon to come true at BYU

Anonymous | 1:56 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

What a terrific story. With all the negative press and the constant tirade of mis-information regarding the LDS faith and practices, it is nice to hear a testimonial like this one. Straight from a convert family we see how their faith has blessed them for generations and how it will continue to make an eternal difference in their lives. God bless this family and all of those who are dedicated to trying to follow the commandments and stay true to the faith.

Carole Knowles | 4:44 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Congratulations Spencer! What a privilege for BYU to have such a student, what a blessing for the LDS church to have such members.

Camille | 5:07 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Now this is the kind of story I like to read!!All positive for once! What an awesome family and super examples of how to raise children and to help guide them to do good and be productive.

Comments continue below

Great job! | 7:29 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

I'm the first in my family to graduate from BYU...or any college. I pray my children can also attend school there. Great job to this family.

Marky | 7:46 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Good family. High ideals and strong values. I'm glad they could be part of the BYU family.

Anonymous | 8:27 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Congratulations to the Nugent family. This was a great story.

Negative Press | 8:30 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

This is a good story; inspiring in a plethora of ways. However to say that there is a constant tirade of mis-information regarding the LDS church is a bit ambitious. No one can ascertain the truth, especially regarding the historical components of the truth. When it comes to Desnews, I would say a majority of the stories concerning the church are staged in a positive light- I could be wrong, but I think your comment may be a little over board

Washingtonian | 8:52 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Fantastic, uplifting story. A breath of fresh air after all the sniping and anti-Mormon bias of many in the media.

Donna | 9:24 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

I don't always read every word in the articles, but I did in this one. I'm impressed with the values and hard work of the Nugent family. What an example this family is to all of us. Congratulations, Spencer! Keep up the good work!

Jamaican RM | 9:35 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Wha'gwan?! The Nugents are studs! They used to feed us every 2nd Sunday in the Linstead branch... Chicken, Rice 'n Peas. Mmm good! Victor was such a good influence for other Jamaicans to join the church, and his testimony is powerful. He used to go on TV and talk about the church in Jamaica, kind of like a talk show format. They really are a good family, even better than what this article portrays.

Spencer was only a kid when I was there, about 9. Good family. All of them.

Anonymous | 9:45 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

The Nugents are wonderful, humble, sincere people. Congratulations are definitely in order!

WOW | 9:57 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

What a superstar! I am taking this article home to read to my kids. I hope they'll be as inspired as I have been. This article made my day.

Latoya | 10:27 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

CONGRATULATIONS SPENCER!!! I am sooooo proud of you!!!! Keep on SHINING!!!

Another JA RM | 10:46 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Knowing the Nugent family as a missionary was a highlight of my time in Jamaica. Victor and his family were always examples of what is best in people. Congratulations to them for succeeding against overwhelming economic odds in a very impoverished country. Spencer might have been a baby when I was there...but it sounds like he has the same attributes of his older siblings.

Rob | 10:48 a.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Spencer and his family are wonderful. I've been lucky to work with him and get to know him at BYU.

A Proud Jamaican | 12:01 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

I am a proud Jamaican. The Nugent family is just fabulous, as all Jamicans are. Congratulation Spencer

Beth Robertson | 12:03 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Spencer you are one of the most talented and hard working people I know. Congratulations to you and your family!

Anna | 12:28 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

This is a refreshing story about the Jamaican family and Victor Nugent's conversion. Congrats to Spencer. I bet you were named after President KIMBALL as well!
The negative press comment is most likely about in a general sense and is true. The media is the culprit here, you only have to look at what the press and media are doing with Mitt Romney!! I didn't think the comment was overboard at all-- but true! Not to dwell on it though. God bless you Spencer in your new job and all that you have accomplished. Hard work never hurt anyone and you have the drive, example and encouragement from parents that knew from the beginning and found the truth. Spencer, You carry a legacy you know and much like your parents did for you. Life will only get better. Good job!!This is a story of faith and perseverance and the Secret. WhawHOO!!!

Tim Huntzinger | 1:02 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Spencer you ARE awesome, a good friend and a great example. Your family sounds great too. Keep it up. You make us all proud.

Great Dane | 2:11 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Congrats to Spencer and the Nugent family. I, too, will be the first from my family to graduate from college, and it will be a great blessing in the future. This is wonderful story, and hope to read more like it in the future.

little | 2:19 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Way to go Spencer! We knew you would go far!

Big D | 2:19 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Congrats, Spencer! It was always a pleasure to work with you at the Y. Best of luck conquering the industrial design world!

Jamaicans rock | 2:48 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Jamaicans Rock!

Former mission president | 2:48 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

I too was thrilled to read this article about the Nugent family, a family I love very much. My wife and I opened the Jamaica Kingston Mission in 1985 and the Nugent's were the heart of the mission. They are a first class family and we are so very pleased with what they have accomplished. Proves again that faith, hard work, and commitment can do most anything. We wish them even greater success for the future.

Former MIssion President | 3:49 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Yes, everything that was said about the Nugent family is true and not overstated in the least. In fact, if anything, much more can be said about their wonderful Christlike attributes. Jamaica's loss is Utah's gain. They did so much to serve and love the people of Jamaica and to be examples to all. They were held in high esteem by all who knew the family, both LDS and non LDS. I know the family very well and they are wonderful! Much could be said about their talents, but most of all their deep and abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jamaica will never be the same without Victor, Verna and their wonderful family.

Good story, but.... | 3:59 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

What's with the beard?

Cristian I | 4:54 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Spencer, you are great! Congratulations. Keep on keepen on! ;)

A LOST SHEEP YOU HELPED | 6:49 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Congrats to the Nugent family - this proves that good things happens to good people.
You might have forgotten, but i'll never forget what you did for me, Pres. Nugent. Thank you and I hope God continue to bless you and your family; because you care about people and their family. I can guarantee that your grandchildren will be graduates of BYU. Will always remember your act of kindness, Pres. Nugent.

John M | 7:43 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

THATS MY BUDDY! Congrats Spencer...good to see you are being publicly appreciated for your hard work and good example!

Ivor Nugent M.D. | 9:07 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Heartiest Congratulations to Victor and Verna! Spencer, you are a fine example of that universal truth held by the Nugent family....."Success follows hard work"

ap | 12:00 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Wow, what a heart warming story! I really enjoyed reading about the Nugent family and especially the faith of the parents. I'm sure the sacrifices they made for their children were great. It really puts the value of my college education in perspective.

Jean Allen | 4:03 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

There's NOTHING surprising about this story! Absolutely nothing! The Nugents were our neighbours for years while Victor and my Dad were co-workers and very good friends. He was later to become my General Manager, with a style that has left an indelible impression up to this day (only last week I was, once again, making reference to him). So, the achievements of his children? Of course...only natural.
Congratulations to all of you!!! Another great Jamaican product. A so we stay!!!
Jean

Chris | 7:11 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I grew up with spencer, we're actually born 3 days apart. He's always been a stud muffin. He's always doing well but this time man, he really out did it. Congratulations bro. keep it up. I'm so happy for you.

Shirlette Kelly-Ferrari | 8:30 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Congratulations Spencer from the Linstead Branch in Jamaica W.I. We are so proud of you! Your family has blessed our branch so much and today the name of your family is still held in high esteem. We look forward to hearing even greater things in the near future. God Bless you all--you have continued to make us proud LDS as well as proud JAMAICANS!

Shane Guymon | 9:20 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Great Story, I met Spencer while he was serving in my ward in San antonio, and have managed to keep in touch with him since. It's good to hear stories like these.

Peta-Gaye Klenk | 12:23 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Hi Spencer,

Congrats! I don't know if you remember me but I am Shelliann Powell's sister.

You've done really well and I'm so happy for you! I wish you well and hope this is just the beginning of many great things to come!

Peta

Jeanne Schmeil Tanner | 5:47 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

What a cool article! It's so great to hear about the whole family! We go back a long way! I still remember helping teach Spencer to knit! Remember? Love to all of you!
Jeanne

trinity prep peep | 7:00 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I'm a former classmate on camille and the Nugents kids were always studious and gifted back in prep school in Linstead. So we aren't surprised by their acheivements. Best of luck to the family and keep striving for excellence.

Ernel | 7:49 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Naturally I had to read all the comments before I add mine. Yes, mi faus!! What a great story this is!! No surprises though, the Nugents' are great achievers both on and off stage. Imagine the countless more unreported achievements only Jamaicans close to the family can talk about. Congrats Spencer! You are a super child, a product of super parents. What a legacy you hold! You all have much to give thanks for. Keep up the good work of inspiring others with your faith, works and testimony as you have always done for me.

Jared | 1:47 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Congrats Spence! Ya know I still haven't seen an image of your GM concept.

Showalter's | 10:36 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007

My husband and I served a mission in Jamaica in 2002 and 2003. The name of the Nugents was mentioned often and with great respect even though they had left the island two years before we arrived. Jamaica has some great Latter-Day-Saints and can be proud of their strength in the Gospel there! Nugents are a great reminder of the possibilities that lie in your own lives!

Queed and Jean Weiler | 10:40 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

We send our love and congratulation to your whole family. We were SO pleased to read of all of your achievements. Your story is truly one of inspiration and hard work along with the blessing of the Lord. One of the great blessings of our mission was getting to know you. It was wonderful to see you last summer. May the Lord continue to bless you and your sweet family with every good thing. We have been out of town so we really appreciated hearing from you as we would have otherwise missed it. Please stop by and see us when you are close to Bountiful. Much love, The Weilers

Auntie Jo | 3:31 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Congrats Spencer and the rest of the Nugent family. We are so proud of you all. We are ever thankful for Vic & Verna who shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with our family almost thirty years ago. They were the only LDS family in Jamaica and Mandeville in particular back then. Thank you for your great example and for adopting us into the family. Love you and keep up the great work. God bless you all. Tuckers

Simone Sherwood-Mlady | 9:49 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Congrats SPencer, when I read all the cool things you had come up with, it made me proud to be a Jamaican. We are such a small country, but it's people like you that continue to keep up on the map.

Good luck(you won't need luck though, you have the Lord) with all your endeavors.

Michael Nugent | 2:00 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

The article said it will be unlikely that we will be able to attain this feat again. Of course we will! My brothers, sister, and I are all going to graduate from BYU when we are older.

Good job Spencer!

Gil and Elaine Jarvie | 7:43 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Our lives were enriched when we met all of you such a short time ago. We miss you and wish we still lived close!

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