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Welcome to the Recent Speeches podcast presented by BYU Speeches, featuring inspiring new devotionals and forums given each week on BYU Campus. Be sure to check out our other podcasts by searching BYU Speeches wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting Speeches BYU Edu Podcasts.
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This devotional address entitled what Are youe becoming at BYU? Was given on May 5, 2026 by Brian W. Radford, Vice President of BYU Office of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer for the Church Educational System.
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Good morning brothers and sisters, faculty, staff, friends and family, and students of Brigham Young University. It's a privilege to stand before you today in a spirit of learning, growth and inspiration. We gather here not only as scholars and seekers of knowledge, but as disciples of Jesus Christ committed to the principles that undergird this great institution. Just a few weeks ago here in this room, I joined some of the BYU graduation ceremonies. I felt humbled as I looked out at the graduates and their families. I saw excitement in their faces and some understandable uncertainty about what comes next. As I reflected on the talents and the knowledge these wonderful women and men had gained, my heart swelled at the thought of the good they'll do in most every discipline all around the world. What an amazing institution this is. What remarkable students you are and will continue to be. What an astonishing force for good you are. My wife and I met here at BYU and we married before we graduated. We graduated around the same time as my sister and her husband and my brother in law and his wife. It's a wonderful memory. I even had the blessing to walk with my wife in convocation. We've had two of our children graduate from here as well. One my daughter who just gave the prayer just a couple weeks ago as she shared the opening prayer just now and I was blessed to be able to join her convocation and give her a hug as she crossed the stage. After that I hugged many, many more people because my daughter had asked a couple of her friends to give me a hug and everybody in the line just thought that was the thing to do. Luckily there was a break after a few and I was able to stop. I have worked along so many students over the years and they have changed my life and impacted me for good. I love the energy and curiosity that you bring to what you do. In my role, I've spent time on each of the CES campuses. Experiences on each of the campuses have changed my life. The importance of education and the Church's commitment to provide educational experiences through universities, through seminaries and institutes is humbling and I love to interact with students in all those settings, you are part of something bigger than we often realize and at an unprecedented time in the world and in the church. In President Oaks BYU devotional on February 10th of this year, while referencing President Spencer W. Kimball's historic address, the second century of Brigham Young University, he asked two questions. First, what has BYU become as it seeks to meet those prophetic challenges that were shared in that talk? Second, what have you become with the added experience of your portion of the second century? It is the second question I want to focus on. What are you and me and each of us becoming at byu, and what will you do with what you are learning here today? I hope to invite you to do 2 decide now what you will do with what you are learning and becoming while here at byu. As you go forth to serve and influence the world, keep your focus on the Lord. Much of what we see in the world seems to be pointing us inward. We hope that what happens here at BYU points you outward. As you often hear, we are invited to enter to learn, go forth to serve. The Aims of a BYU Education Teach BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives. These are the common aims of all education at byu. Both of those who teach in the classroom and those who direct activities outside the classroom are responsible for contributing to this complete educational vision. A BYU education should spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, character building, leading to lifelong learning and service. A few years ago, I was not working for byu. At the time, I was invited to attend President Reese's inauguration. The excitement of BYU and the love of students that returned to me was intangible, as you well know. In his inaugural address Becoming byu, President Reese outlined a vision for Brigham Young University that integrates spiritual and secular learning and seeks to fulfill BYU's prophetic destiny as the fully anointed University of the Lord. He emphasized strengthening the student experience, honoring BYU's double heritage, developing the courage to be different, and building a covenant community together. The aims of a BYU education and President Reese's invitation to become the BYU of Prophecy unite education with consecration, learning with service and preparation, with the courage to stand apart in a world increasingly filled with voices that clamor for conformity. I invite you to consider the power of principled distinctiveness. As students at byu, you have come here to learn not only academically, but spiritually, emotionally and socially. And as you go forth, you will serve in ways that only you can. That journey requires courage, faith and A willingness to stand apart when needed. President Reese reminded us of the sacred mission of this Our uniqueness is not in our difference differences from other universities and our devotion to the Savior and His teachings. To truly become byu, we must integrate faith, character and academic excellence in every facet of our lives. This integration requires us to stand apart just as Daniel did in Babylon. Taken captive to a foreign land, Daniel purposed in heart that he would not defile himself. Daniel had resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's meat and wine. His decision to live according to his faith not only preserved his integrity, but also set him apart as a man of wisdom and understanding. Like Daniel, we are called to live our lives by our values, even when it is difficult or countercultural. When I think about the story of Daniel and his example of integrity, I can't imagine that he made that decision in the moment. I think that he made that decision well ahead of time, and so when the decision presented itself, he knew how he would respond. Are you deciding now how you will use the knowledge and experiences you are gaining here at BYU before decisions arrive? Another example and invitation of making a decision ahead of time is in Joshua 24. Joshua gathered the people to share his farewell message. He reminds them of what the Lord has already done for them. He called Abraham, delivered Israel from Egypt, brought them through the wilderness, helped them cross Jordan, gave them victory in Canaan, and placed them in a land they had not earned by their own strength. After reminding them of what the Lord had done for them, Joshua invited them to choose or make a clear decision. Not someday, not when life became easier, not after every question was answered. But this day we cannot drift into discipleship. We must choose whom we will serve. A key point that Joshua is not only asking Israel to believe something, he is asking them to decide something. He makes his own decision public. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Faithful living is not only shaped by big moments in the future. It is shaped by decisions we make now. We decide now what kind of home we want to build. We decide now what voices we will trust. We decide now what habits will guide us when life becomes difficult. We decide now whether the Lord will be at the center of all of our choices. Joshua did not say, as for me and my house, we will see how things go. He said, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord that teaches us that we do not have to wait till every challenge arrives before choosing where we will stand. We can decide now to pray with real intent to repent, to keep covenants, to forgive, to worship, to be honest, to serve and to make our homes places where the Lord is welcome. The future is shaped by today's discipleship. Joshua's invitation is still our invitation today. Choose you this day, whom you will serve. You live in an incredible time. You have access to knowledge and tools that have never been available to the world before. What will you do with them? As a technologist, let me share one timely example. These tools are powerful, familiar, and increasingly accessible. But the deeper question is not just what they can do, it's what kind of people we will be as we use them in our lives, our study and our work. Artificial intelligence tools can help us understand complicated topics such as quantum computing and help us to understand and explain that concept to others. It can generate personal lessons materials to help us understand or share with others. If the response still doesn't help us, we can continue to ask questions and generate additional helps at the level of the understanding that we need. The responses can be tailored to us individually, or it can help us generate images that used to require a painstaking process to create fake images. Where people would paint photographs with specialized photochemical compatible paints, then re photograph the original and develop a new print or later in time spend many hours in Photoshop editing an original photo. And now it's become remarkably easy. Let me show you a few side by side photos and see if you can tell which ones are real. Which of these BYU students is real or not? We can do it with cougars right here, Something dear to each of us. Which of these cougars is real? Or we can do active action. So these are student experiences. Which are these student experiences real? Or one more set of experiences of BYU students? So how did you do? Were some of these easy to spot? As some of you may have guessed, all of these photos were AI generated. You know that we can easily generate and modify images and anyone can do it. Even with extremely limited access to computers and software and Internet connections, we can do so much more with these technologies. We can create videos from still images. So we take those still images you just saw and just turn them into videos. We can write applications, write books, analyze data. We can even train models with any voice to speak in any language, and so much more. Why do I show these examples to you? It's not merely for a moment of entertainment. I show these examples because powerful tools make it easier than ever to blur truth, to cut corners or avoid the very growth that the Lord is trying to make each of make available to each of us as you gain knowledge and skills here at byu. How will you use that knowledge and those skills in ways that are meaningful, honest, and responsible? How will you ensure that you improve your areas of expertise? As the church started to expand their use of machine learning and artificial intelligence more deliberately, leaders established guiding principles. Why did they do that? Because when a tool is powerful, principles should come before pressure. That is why they emphasize principles such as the church will use artificial intelligence in positive, helpful, and uplifting ways that maintain the honesty, integrity, ethics, values and standards of the church. Or the church will be measured and deliberate in its use of artificial intelligence by regularly testing and reviewing outputs to help ensure accuracy, truthfulness, and compliance. Elder Pengry, who was also at this event, shared the guiding principles are intended to support the responsible use of AI by the church workforce. Note this he also said these principles may also be helpful for members and friends of the church as they navigate a world changing due to AI. Just as Daniel did, the church defined these principles to govern use of such powerful tools before the pressures emerged. Our pursuit of knowledge is not merely for personal gain, president Russell M. Nelson taught. The Lord loves effort because effort brings rewards that cannot come without it. As students at byu, you have been blessed with the opportunity to study an environment where faith, reason, and effort belong together. Your learning is not just for your benefit it is a preparation to serve others in your families, communities, professions, and beyond. Throughout history, fields of study have established guiding principles that illuminate the path for ethical and impactful work. For example, in the 1920s, Hollywood was shaken by many scandals and the film industry was receiving political pressure. The Hays Code, or Motion Picture Production Code, was applied from 1934 to 1968 and was created to ensure that films promoted positive moral values and avoided content that could harm society. Although this code is no longer in use, its principles remind us of the responsibility to use creative platforms for good. Some content creators differentiate themselves by creating their own codes and holding fast to it. Similarly, the legal profession has a strict code of conduct that emphasizes integrity, confidentiality, and pursuit of justice. Lawyers are charged with upholding the law while advocating for their clients in a way that serves society as a whole. The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, or mpre, is required in almost all states for bar admission. In medicine, the Hippocratic Oath reminds physicians to prioritize the well being of their patients above all else. Although the Hippocratic Oath is rarely required, nearly all graduating physicians take some form of oath or pledge at their graduation ceremony. These guiding principles serve as a compass, helping professionals navigate complex and often morally ambiguous situations. Let us also remember the example of Esther, who faced a moment of profound decision when her people are in peril. Mordecai reminded her, who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom? For such a time as this, Esther has courage to stand alone and speak out saved her people. Her preparation, both in her unique position and her spiritual strength, made her service possible. You too are being prepared for such a time as this. Your studies, your experiences, and your faith are all part of the Lord's plan to make you instruments in his hands. History is replete with examples of individuals who dared to be different and in doing so changed the world. Think of Marie Curie, who pursued scientific discovery in an era when women were often excluded from academic pursuits. Her groundbreaking work in radioactivity not only earned her two Nobel Prizes, but also paved the way for advancements in medicine and science. She once said, we must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be obtained. Or consider George Washington Carver, who, despite being born into slavery, transformed agriculture and improved the lives of countless farmers through his innovative work with peanuts and crop rotation. Carver's humility and faith were evident in his words, it is not the style of clothes one wears, neither the kind of automobile one drives nor the amount of money one has in the bank that counts. These mean nothing. It is simply service that measures success. We have so many modern examples from BYU students and faculty on this campus. You can find out many examples in our Y news or other news sources. You will find examples like we heard from the student speaker at Commitments Commencement just a few weeks ago who encouraged fellow graduates to be peacemakers by consecrating their intellect and encouraging and engaging in productive disagreement. She and her husband founded the Peacemaker Project to aid this mission on college campuses. We're our BYU Animation students and faculty who discuss faith and the inspiration that has helped them to create award winning animated films that share positivity and delight with the world audiences. There are so many examples that we could share. I do not think that these individuals made the decision in the moment to be unique and to stand true to their principles. Whether you're a new student, a student ready to graduate, or faculty and staff listening today, what will you do with the added experience of your portion of the second century of becoming byu? As President, Reese encouraged us in becoming byu. Our uniqueness lies in our commitment to becoming disciples of Christ in every field of study and profession. This means standing for truth and excellence in all that we do. Whether you're an engineer adhering to safety and innovative standards, an artist using their talents to uplift, or an educator shaping young minds, your work is consecrated when guided by principles that reflect your faith. The Savior is the perfect example of serving others. His love and humility lead us to lift, bless and comfort those around us. Christ's ministry was defined by his willingness to reach out to the One, to heal, to teach, and to uplift. As his disciples, we are called to follow his example. One of the greatest gifts of being part of this university is the opportunity to study in an environment that values the integration of gospel principles and academic excellence. The knowledge you gain here is not an end to itself. It is a mean to bless the lives of others. As you commit to excellence, you are preparing to serve in profound ways. This is a season of large and consequential decisions. I know that can feel overwhelming. As you learn and prepare for careers and other big decisions, he our Savior is there for you and always has been. Sometimes you may feel lost or wonder whether you are receiving answers to your prayers. I know that our Savior suffered all things so that he can understand what you are feeling and help you. Doctrine and Covenants 8867 teaches and if your eye be single to my glory, your whole body shall be filled with light and there shall be no darkness in you. And that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. So a body filled with light can comprehend all things. As you keep your eye on the Savior, he will help you see with spiritual clarity and eternal perspective as you continue your learning journey, choosing your career, taking an internship, starting a family or applying for jobs. Stay true to the commitments you are making now and keep your eye on the Savior as you continue to walk toward Him. You will receive the help that you need. In Matthew 14, we read about Peter walking on the water. Peter left the safety of the boat and walked toward Jesus. He did not step out and go another direction. He stepped out to go toward the Savior. When the wind became boisterous and Peter became afraid and he began to sink, he was walking toward Christ. In the last General Conference, Sister Emily Bel Freeman said, the story of Peter teaches us that strength comes as we walk with Christ and hold fast to his eternal truths, she later said. But notice where Jesus was when Peter accepted the invitation. That seemed too big. He wasn't shouting instructions from the shore or offering advice from the safety of the boat. He was in the water with Peter within reaching distance. Jesus was in the water right there to reach out and Help. As you step out of your figurative vote to leave school and enter the world, walk towards Christ. He is there with you. And when you begin to feel the winds of the world, just as he has blessed you throughout your life, he will continue to help you. Keep your eye on him and keep walking towards Him. Brothers and sisters, as you enter to learn, I invite you to make your learning intentional. Seek not only to master your chosen field of study, but also to understand how your knowledge can bless others. Ask yourself, how can I use what I'm learning to build the Kingdom of God? How can my unique talents and insights bring light and truth to a world that so desperately needs it? And as you go forth to serve, do so with confidence that the Lord will guide your efforts. But be like Nephi who declared, I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded. Trust that the Lord will open the doors for you as you walk in faith. My invitation is not to create some elaborate plan, but to commit to some simple principles. It may be something like, as I go into business leadership, I will do all with integrity. Or as I become a nurse, I will show empathy and patience with those I serve. Simple goals are not always easy to fulfill. Our Savior invited the rich young man to sell all that he had and to follow Him. That was easy to remember, but not necessarily easy to do. To the woman accused of adultery in John 8:11, Jesus invited her to go and sin no more. In John 5, the Savior invites a man to rise, take up thy bed and walk. These invitations are easy to remember, but not always easy to live. But the Savior will help you because he knows you, he loves you, and he wants you to succeed. BYU is a sacred place set apart to prepare for disciples who have blessed the world. You are here because the Lord has a specific purpose for you as you embrace the motto, Enter to learn, go forth to serve. Take courage and be different. Our dual heritage is a strength, not a weakness. Dare to be different. Dare to stand alone when necessary, and dare to serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength. In the words of President Thomas S. We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth with a mandate to serve and to lift his children. He is dependent on each of us. May we rise to that calling and leave this campus, whether in a few weeks or a few years. Not just better educated, but better prepared to bless the world as disciples of Jesus Christ. Let us decide today what will we become with the added experience of our portion of the second century here at byu. Let us use what we are learning to bless others, and let us keep our eye on the Savior as we continue in this journey. May the Lord bless you in your efforts to learn, growing, and serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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You've been listening to the recent Speeches podcast presented by BYU Speeches. Please check out our other podcasts, including classic speeches taken from our vast audio library, as well as other BYU Speeches compilations on love and marriage, overcoming Adversity by Study and by faith. Come follow me the Prophet Jose Smith and Jesus Christ Our Savior and Redeemer. Go to Speeches byu Edu and click on Podcasts for more information. You can also find all BYU Speeches podcasts at your preferred podcast provider.