How Ensign College is bringing light to many Utah prison inmates

SALT LAKE CITY — Prison is a place typically defined by its limits — literally and symbolically.

There are high walls, guarded fences, limited mobility and few independent choices. And for many on the inside, it's a place where life is placed on hold.

But for dozens of inmates at the Utah State Correctional Facility, Wednesday was all about expanded mobility, new beginnings and the skill-building opportunities offered only by education.

Ensign College awarded dozens of career-ready certificates to inmates participating in its first commencement ceremony for graduates of the Ensign College Prison Education Program.

Wednesday's ceremony marked the first time in its 140-year history that Ensign College hosted commencement exercises outside a school property. Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ensign College is a key component of the Church Educational System.

The Prison Education Program, according to the school, represents "an important step in Ensign College's mission to expand access to education and opportunity to all God's children."

The program was launched through a partnership between Ensign College and the Utah Department of Corrections — helping students "develop faith, discipline, integrity, renewed sense of purpose, and a path forward, grounded in purpose and personal responsibility."

Since the program's launch in 2024, nearly 500 students at the prison have participated in courses.

Ensign College awarded certificates in both project management or small business and entrepreneurship to 47 men and seven women.

Wednesday morning's ceremony, which was open to the media, was for the male graduates. A commencement event for female graduates was held later in the day.

Elder James R. Rasband: Find light in dark places

Wednesday's event boasted all the traditional elements of a graduation ceremony.

There were speeches from students and administrators touting the importance of education and personal transformation, a graduate procession, caps and gowns — and plenty of photos with family and instructors.

Elder James R. Rasband, a general authority seventy and the recently appointed CES commissioner, delivered Wednesday's commencement speech.

He saluted the graduates for "the effort, the tenacity, the perseverance" that went into completing their studies.

"I would have driven hundreds of miles today just to see the looks on the faces of the family members who are here," he said.

And for those without relatives in attendance, he added, "I know how much it means for them that you have done this — and how much it will mean in the future."

Correction facilities, said Elder Rasband, can be places of darkness, regret, discouragement and uncertainty. But light, he promised, can be produced at even life's darkest moments.

"The most important light in the world is that which comes from Jesus Christ," said Elder Rasband, "As (Jesus) once said, 'I am the light of the world. He that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'"

The education and learning represented by each of Wednesday's Ensign College certificates are also sources of light in the mind, heart and soul.

"The Lord once said that the glory of God is intelligence — or, in other words, light and truth," he added. "As you gain knowledge, you are gaining light. I hope that through your studies at Ensign College, you felt that light, both intellectually and spiritually, enter your life."

He concluded by assuring each graduate that they are known by God.

Knowledge is empowering, said Elder Rasband. Education expands agency.

"What you have done through your hard work will bring you significant light. And I believe it will bring light and hope to your family — and to those who you love."

A student's path to confidence and character

A student speaker named Dennis W. saw his mother Wednesday for the first time in nine years. "I didn't tell her I was speaking today," he said, "because I wanted it to be a surprise."

Dennis has spent more of his life inside a prison than outside. Violence and fear have often been his unwanted companions.

He "found the Lord" almost nine years ago — "or, I should say, 'the Lord found me.'"

The new college graduate said he's learned to be accountable for his own actions. "I love Ensign College … it's the Lord's program," said Dennis — adding the institution's educational program has built his confidence, character and faith.

Dennis spoke of discovering a relationship with Christ that offers him freedom, renewal and opportunity. "He found me when I was lost. Fixed me when I was broken. And changed me when I was incapable of changing myself."

He plans to one day earn an engineering degree from Brigham Young University.

President Kusch: 'There are no limits'

Ensign College President Bruce Kusch called Wednesday's event a day "never to be forgotten."

He highlighted his remarks Wednesday by announcing that the school will soon offer both an associate and a bachelor's degree to students at the Utah State Correctional Facility.

Kusch noted that life's key accomplishments are rarely realized alone. In his own life, he has drawn upon the help of others. "I learned that I could do things that I thought were impossible."

Now, he told the graduates, earning a college degree is within their grasp. It's possible.

"There are no limits and there are no boundaries," thanks to the opportunities at the prison found via Ensign College.

Ensign College 'history makers'

Sgt. J. Robert Lee, a corrections officer at the prison, called Wednesday's Ensign College graduates "history makers."

"You're the pioneers," he said. "When people look back at the success of Ensign College within these walls years from now, they will look at your names first," he said.

Education, Lee added, is one possession that cannot be taken from any of Wednesday's graduates. Challenges await each man, but they've shown they can adapt.

"You've proven you can stay focused on a goal when everything around you is chaotic. You've proven that you can start with a pathway — and turn it into a destination."

The world, said Lee, might only see inmates dressed in prison whites. "But I want you to see a professional, a scholar and a graduate that you have become. You've earned the right to be proud.

"You've earned the right to look forward to a future where you are the one in charge."

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