The August 2016 convocation ceremony honored the graduates of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences by encouraging them to build up the kingdom of God, remember what they stand for, and strive to serve others.
Graduates were pleased to hear from Associate Dean Bart J. Kowallis and students Derek Sorensen, graduating cum laude in mathematics, and Shane McQuarrie, graduating magna cum laude in mathematics with minors in music and computer science, and a Spanish language certificate.
Kowallis discussed the challenges graduates of BYU will face in the real world after leaving BYU.
“Life can and will be a great adventure, but don’t forget, even with your brilliant minds and exceptional talents, to remain true to the founding and guiding principles of this institution.” Quoting from the BYU mission statement, Kowallis said, “The mission of Brigham Young University, founded and supported and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.” He then added, “All that we learn here and all that we make of our careers after we leave here should be secondary to that quest.”
Reminding the graduates to always seek the guidance of God, Kowallis told of a time as a young boy when he prayed for a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. The powerful spiritual manifestation that Kowallis felt confirmed to him that not only was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints God’s true church, but also that Heavenly Father answers prayers.
“I can always rely on God, and so can you,” Kowallis said. “You can and will receive answers and comfort from your Heavenly Father. He will not take away all of the challenges or all the pain, all the sorrow or all the afflictions of this life, but He will never ever desert you. It is only us, who at times, desert Him.”
Finally, Kowallis urged graduates to continue to work hard and be faithful as they pursue their dreams.
“Remember, remember that you are first and foremost sons and daughters of God,” Kowallis said. “A real, living, and true God, whose eternal promises to those who remain faithful far outweigh any success in any other area in this life.”
Like Kowallis, Sorensen advised his fellow graduates to remember God as they strive for excellence, and excellence does not mean perfection.
“The Lord is most excellent, and He wants us to all be like Him,” Sorensen said. “Our excellence doesn’t mean perfection, but it means to be traveling toward perfection at full speed. Striving for excellence is aided by the attributes of self-discipline, faith, knowledge, and dependence on God.”
Joseph Scott Lawrence, graduating magna cum laude in physics with minors in music and mathematics, favored graduates with a piano performance of the 18th Variation from “Rhapsody on a Theme” of Paganini, Op. 43 by Sergei Rachmaninoff in between speakers and prior to the graduates receiving their diplomas.
McQuarrie recalled a scary experience during a Boy Scout campout in Southern Utah when he climbed a giant rock and became stuck. He said if he tripped while trying to stand up, he would’ve tumbled down the rock for about 100 yards. McQuarrie called out for his leader, Brother Brett Francis, who pulled him up to his feet. Brother Francis told him that the first rule of climbing is to “always stay on your feet.” When times are hard, graduates must also remember to “always stay on your feet” and be ready to help others.
“As college graduates, you will have countless opportunities to use skills, knowledge, and education to lift and serve others who are in need of help,” Sorensen said. “In fact, to do so is our solemn responsibility: to go forth and serve.”