On August 14, graduates were given sage advice as they accepted their diplomas and started the newest chapter of their lives.
The August 2015 convocation ceremony honored 144 graduates from the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, with 8 receiving doctoral degrees, 19 receiving master’s degrees, and 117 receiving bachelor’s degrees.
The graduates had the opportunity to hear from Dean Scott Sommerfeldt; Douglas Gardner, graduating magna cum laude in physics; Alden Pack, graduating magna cum laude in physics; and Cindy Snow of the Alumni Board.
Sommerfeldt began his remarks by instructing the graduates to think of graduation in terms of “commencement.”
“Graduation is not so much a termination as it is a beginning,” Sommerfeldt said.
Sommerfeldt also discussed the ways in which the graduates can impact the world for the better.
“Can you really change the world? The answer is a resounding ‘yes,’” Sommerfeldt said. “Much of the real impact in this world occurs one person at a time.”
Sommerfeldt concluded by advising the graduates to continue to seek out knowledge throughout their lives.
Gardner encouraged his fellow graduates to have conversations with people who have differing views than their own. He referred to a recent speech Michelle Obama gave where she recommended that Democrats and Republicans get exposure to new viewpoints by talking with members of different political parties.
“And, I would add, if you’re a Mormon, talk to a Buddhist, an atheist, or a Catholic,“ Gardner said.
Gardner advised his fellow graduates to pursue knowledge from multiple areas of study.
“A disciple of Christ should seek truth from all sources, not just religious,” Gardner said.
Pack examined the benefits of earning a college degree from BYU, as opposed to schools without a gospel influence.
“Graduating from BYU requires moral self restraint,” Pack said. “The good work ethic and healthy habits you learned here at BYU will carry on for the rest of your life.”
Pack concluded by advising his fellow graduates to be diligent in whatever career or life path they choose.
Snow encouraged the new graduates to stay involved at BYU in her remarks.
“What will happen to BYU without you? I hope we never know,” Snow said. “You know the African proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child?’ Well, it takes a community to raise BYU, and you are part of that community.”
Biochemistry graduate Elise Wilson performed a vocal solo, “Savior, Redeemer of My Soul,” accompanied on the piano by Kyler Haskell.
Computer science graduate Jillian Koontz expressed her appreciation for BYU’s distinctive spiritual environment.
“The atmosphere is really great here,” Koontz said. “It’s been a very positive, enriching atmosphere. It’s very conducive to learning.”
See a slideshow of the ceremony here.