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ST. GEORGE, Utah — President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed the largest graduating class in Dixie State College history Friday and told them that as they go through life, they should build three bridges: the bridge of attitude, the bridge of integrity and the bridge of service.
"Attitude is all important and can make your life the best that it can be....Nothing takes more strength than swimming against the current," he said. "...There are opportunities to serve that are open to everyone. These cannot be served by reaching for a checkbook...May God bless you as you journey across your bridges."
The commencement ceremony marks the centennial year for Dixie State College, and Stephen Nadauld, the school's president, said that since the college was started by the LDS Church, it was only fitting that the current president of the church should address the graduating class.
Related:
Pres. Monson joins graduates to celebrate 100 years of Dixie State College
Friday was a milestone for Dixie State College. The school celebrated it's 100th anniversary with its largest graduating class and special commencement speaker President Thomas S. Monson.The audience listened intently as President Monson joked and encouraged them.
"Dixie College had only existed 16 years when I was born," he said.
Then on a more serious note he said, "I honor you and admire you. You are a very special graduating class."
He also received an honorary doctorate degree in humanities as part of the commencement ceremony.
President Monson, who also spoke at Dixie College's commencement ceremony in 1975, has long championed education in Utah. For many years, he served as a member of the Utah State Board of Regents, the body that governs higher education in the state.
He currently serves as a trustee of BYU and the Church Board of Education. He also served as an officer in the alumni association of the University of Utah.
The centennial commencement marks the anniversary of the college, while breaking records for the number of degrees awarded with 1,559, including 409 bachelor's degrees, 1,150 associate degrees (a record) as well as 335 vocational and technical certificates.
The ceremony will be rebroadcast on KUEN-TV on Saturday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. and can also be seen anytime after May 9 at noon at voddov.com.
Dave Harris is a communication professor who makes his home in southern Utah.
