Podcast Summary: Becoming a Student of BYU

Speaker: Wendy W. Reese
Date: September 16, 2025
Podcast: BYU Speeches

Overview

In this special devotional address marking BYU’s 150th anniversary, Wendy W. Reese (wife of BYU President C. Shane Reese) warmly welcomes the student body to a new semester and inspires listeners to move beyond simply being students at BYU to consciously becoming students of BYU. She explores what this transformation entails—emphasizing service, discipleship, and wholehearted engagement with sacred and secular learning—and highlights the historic and ongoing pivotal roles of women at BYU. The talk is rooted in spirituality, community, and the enduring value of Christ-centered education.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Welcome and Celebrating 150 Years

• Reese opens by welcoming students returning from various summer experiences, expressing excitement for the historic significance of the 150th anniversary ([00:35]).
• Adds humor and relatability:
  • “150 looks really good on you. In fact, you don't look a day over 22.” ([00:35])
• Invokes President C. Shane Reese’s inaugural call to action:
  • “Our task is to become the university that prophets have foretold, to become the world's greatest institution of learning and the fully anointed University of the Lord about which so much has been spoken in the past. In order to fulfill this charge, it will require each and every one of us.” ([01:14])

2. What Does it Mean to Become a Student of BYU?

• Becoming a student of BYU is about more than routines and traditions—it’s about growth, service, study, and discipleship.
  • “Becoming a student of BYU takes more than attending classes by day and cheering on the mighty Cougars by night. It takes more than sampling every ice cream flavor at the creamery or walking up the RV stairs without passing out. We really need an escalator, don't we?” ([01:30])
• Emphasizes personal and spiritual development:
  • “Becoming a student of BYU means showing up as our best self and putting more focus and energy on things that really matter.” ([01:40])
  • Stresses the importance of Christ as the source of strength and confidence ([02:08]).
• Echoes President Russell M. Nelson’s assurance that students are not alone in their journey ([02:18]).

3. Role Models from BYU’s History—Women of Faith

• Highlights the historical significance of women in BYU’s development:
  • Martha Jane Knowlton Coray:
    • One of the original Board of Trustees members in 1875; advocated for Christ-centered education.
    • Reese quotes Elder Boyd K. Packer on the need for women with executive ability and discernment ([03:21]).
    • “Martha understood the value of a full Christ-focused education. She was a woman of vision. Martha was a woman of BYU.” ([04:06])
  • Alice Louise Reynolds:
    • Entered BYA at 12, later became faculty and head of the library committee, helping double its book collection.
    • Deeply invested in BYU’s welfare for 40+ years.
    • “She sacrificed her time and resources because she loved the school and its students. She was a woman of devotion. Alice was a woman of BYU.” ([05:20])

4. Current Leaders and Ongoing Legacy

• Recognizes contemporary women leaders on BYU’s Board of Trustees:
  • Camille Ann Johnson (Relief Society) and Emily Belle Freeman (Young Women) ([05:37]).
  • Their faith and commitment continue to shape BYU.

5. Personal Acknowledgements and Mentorship

• Expresses gratitude for past presidents and their spouses, with heartfelt mentions of President and Sister Worthen and Sister Patricia Holland ([06:08]).
• Shares a memorable, personal moment with Sister Patricia Holland:
  • “She put her hand on my arm, smiled, and said, ‘Enjoy the ride.’ It was a sweet experience. I share that simple advice with each of you today as you begin a new semester at BYU. Enjoy the ride.” ([06:44])

6. Quote from Sister Patricia Holland

• Excerpt of Sister Holland’s words to BYU students, full of compassion and encouragement:
  • “In a motherly sort of way, I plead with each one of you to understand that your opportunity to learn can greatly magnify your faith. Faith in yourself, faith in your future. Faith in a God who is your father and who loves you.” ([08:02] - Patricia Holland, audio insert)

7. A Call to Become

• Draws a distinction between merely attending BYU and becoming a true disciple and covenant-keeper within its community ([08:21]).
• Encourages students to seek eternal peace and prioritize their spiritual and academic commitments:
  • “Students who know external persuasions cannot compete with eternal peace.” ([08:45])

8. Reese's Closing Love and Testimony

• Expresses deep affection and hopes for the students:
  • “I hope you never forget how much you matter to God and also how much you matter to us.” ([08:55])
  • “I love your courage to come study at BYU, to be different, to stand for Christ. I love your enthusiasm for learning. I love your excitement at sporting events… I love your examples of faith and your desire to serve and follow Jesus Christ.” ([09:29])
  • Final charge:
    • “I hope that each of you this year will work hard to become a student of BYU, that you will shine your light for the world to see, for that light groweth brighter and brighter that all may be edified of all.” ([09:50])
• Closes with her testimony and prayer for the students ([10:10]).

Memorable Quotes with Timestamps

• On BYU’s history:
  • “150 looks really good on you. In fact, you don't look a day over 22.” ([00:35])
• On becoming:
  • “Becoming a student of BYU means showing up as our best self and putting more focus and energy on things that really matter.” ([01:40])
• On Christ-centered education:
  • “We can do all things through Christ. He is our source of strength.” ([02:08])
• On Sister Holland’s mentorship:
  • “Enjoy the ride.” ([06:44])
• Sister Patricia Holland’s message:
  • “Your opportunity to learn can greatly magnify your faith—faith in yourself, faith in your future, faith in a God who is your father and who loves you.” ([08:02])
• On student value:
  • “I hope you never forget how much you matter to God and also how much you matter to us.” ([08:55])

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Opening and Purpose – [00:35]
• What It Means to Become a Student of BYU – [01:14]
• Stories of Martha Jane Knowlton Coray & Alice Louise Reynolds – [02:50 - 05:25]
• Contemporary Women Leaders – [05:37]
• Personal Mentorship Moments – [06:08 - 06:44]
• Sister Holland’s Exhortation (audio quote) – [08:02]
• Charge to the Students and Closing Testimony – [08:21 - 10:10]

Tone and Style

Wendy W. Reese’s tone is warm, encouraging, personal, and deeply spiritual. Her address is filled with humor, storytelling, expressions of gratitude, and heartfelt testimony, aiming both to uplift and to gently challenge listeners.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Becoming a student of BYU means engaging deeply—not just academically, but spiritually and as part of a supportive, believing community.
• Follow the faithful examples of those who came before, especially women who shaped BYU’s mission.
• Rely on Christ’s strength and the companionship of others on your journey.
• Remember: “Enjoy the ride,” seek discipleship, and let your light shine ever brighter.