E M P LOY E E N E W S L E T T E R | S P E C I A L I N AU G U R AT I O N E D I T I O N
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Attendees listen to Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, at the inauguration of President Henry J. Eyring.
Henry J. Eyring is installed as president of BYU-Idaho On September 19, Henry J. Eyring was installed as BYU-Idaho’s 17th president by his father, President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor of the First Presidency.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, who serves as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of BYU-Idaho, conducted the inaugural proceedings.
Other apostles in attendance included Elder David A. Bednar and Elder Dale G. Renlund and their wives. Also in attendance were the past eight presidents CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
President Henry B. Eyring’s art on public display President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, harbors artistic talent that has remained largely unknown, until now. The Jacob Spori Art Gallery is the first to ever feature President Eyring’s artwork, in an exhibit titled “A Visual Journal.” The gallery featured a myriad of his art pieces, containing only a fraction of the many watercolor paintings, drawings, and wood carvings that he has created. The true magnitude of the pieces that President Eyring has created is extraordinary. At least 700 pieces had to be narrowed down to the 195 displayed in the exhibit, a daunting task for the curator, Kyoung DaBell. A strategy for choosing which pieces to display had to be established. “When I was sorting through the hundreds of paintings, I started to organize them based on the different subject matters,” DaBell said. “Figures, seascapes,
landscapes, family, foreign places, people, horses – all of these subject matters needed to be represented. I wanted to make sure that President Eyring’s incredible versatility could be seen in the exhibit. Not only is he versatile with his subject matter, but also his painting styles. He can render his subject matter as tight as he wants, or he can be as expressive as he wants in his painting.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
IN THIS ISSUE CONSTRUC TION PROJEC T UPDATES.........................................5 CHANGES TO THE SCROLL AID IN STUDENT PREPARATION................6 STUDENTS COMPE TE IN MARKE TING E VENT........................7 GROUNDS CRE W KEEPS CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL......................................8 O C T O B E R 2 017
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Continued: Inauguration of President Henry J. Eyring of BYU-Idaho/Ricks College and their wives: Henry B. Eyring (1971-1977), Bruce C. and Marie Hafen (19781985), Joe J. and Barbara Christensen (1985-1989), Steven D. and Marjorie Bennion (1989-1997), David A. and Susan Bednar (1997-2004), Robert M. and Estella Wilkes (2004-2005), Kim B. and Sue Clark (2005-2015), and Clark and Christine Gilbert (2015-2017). The proceedings began with greetings from representatives of the Faculty Association, Student Representative Council, and Alumni Association; each pledging their support on behalf of their organizations and offering confidence in Eyring’s ability to preside over BYU-Idaho. J. David Pulsipher, a faculty member in the Department of History, Geography and
Political Science, offered the first welcome on behalf of the Faculty Association.
your impact will be felt for many generations to come,” Pennington said.
“We were drawn here because this is a Student Life Vice President Amy community in all the best senses of that R. LaBaugh offered the welcome on word,” Pulsipher said. “Where genuine behalf of the Alumni Association. learning is the focus rather than worldly ambition. A community where scholarly “As BYU-Idaho’s President, you have inquiry can be pursued by both students an alumni membership, exceeding and professors simply for the love of truth, 200,000, which enthusiastically rather than for professional advancement.” supports you,” LaBaugh said. Pulsipher was followed by Joseph S. Pennington, student representative council director, who offered the welcome on behalf of the Student Representative Council.
Elder Kim B. Clark, Commissioner of Education and former BYU-Idaho president, offered remarks following LaBaugh, sharing how the Lord is in every detail at BYU-Idaho.
“We trust in your capacity to guide us and this university, that we may fulfill prophecy and become like our Savior Jesus Christ...we anticipate
“The Lord has raised up BYU-Idaho to educate growing numbers of young people who will do important work in their families, in their communities, and in His Kingdom,” Clark said. President Henry B. Eyring explained the purpose of the inaugural proceedings while officially installing Henry J. Eyring as President.
Previous Ricks College and BYU-Idaho Presidents and their wives gather for a picture prior to the Inauguration of President Henry J. Eyring.
President Henry B. Eyring and his son Henry J. Eyring embrace after the inaugural proceedings. 2
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“These exercises are designed to mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Brigham Young UniversityIdaho,” Eyring said. “I install you, Henry Johnson Eyring, as president of Brigham Young University-Idaho and confer upon you the authority, the rights, the responsibilities, and the challenges associated with this office.”
President Henry J. Eyring addresses attendees at September’s Inauguration.
Music Department opens submissions for Hymn Festival Brigham Young University-Idaho faculty, students, and community members are invited to submit original hymn texts for use in the Thirteenth Annual BYU-Idaho Hymn Festival, which will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Those who are interested have an opportunity to submit text for an entire hymn, or submit additional verses to an existing LDS hymn. The authors that are selected for the festival will retain the copyright for their creations. New hymn text that is chosen will be forwarded to BYU-Idaho music students,
President Henry B. Eyring charged Henry J. Eyring with several responsibilities to be fulfilled as the president of BYU-Idaho. First, he is to place Jesus Christ at the heart of everything he does. Second, every person at BYU-Idaho should be treated as Heavenly Father’s child and must be helped in their journey back to Him. Third, the Spirit of God should be incorporated into the experiences of all at this university. Fourth, the president must remain faithful so that the Lord can direct his path. Fifth, he is to demonstrate gratitude for previous presidents and for the Lord. Finally, the way he lives his life should exemplify Christ-like love and fidelity. In his response, the newly installed president, Henry J. Eyring, followed his charge by expressing gratitude to the past eight presidents of BYU-Idaho/Ricks College. “They have led the transformation of an inspired but obscure junior college which is now a worldrenowned university,” Eyring said. “All brought unique capabilities but looked to the Savior for guidance.” Henry J. Eyring spoke of his appreciation for BYU-Idaho faculty, sharing how they are improving courses for students. “A wonderful example is a new bachelor’s degree in Data Science,
who will create a new hymn tune and harmonization for the submitted text. At the author’s request, the new hymn text can be paired with an existing LDS hymn tune. With this in mind, all submitted texts need to follow a common poetic meter for hymns.
as well, including those related to baptism, covenants, and tithing.
Any gospel topic can be addressed in the text, with potential ideas relating to temples, the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Restoration of the gospel, and the sacrament and Sabbath Day. Topics that have not been widely covered in current hymns are encouraged
Submissions are due by Monday, November 13, to the BYU-Idaho Music Department office, located in room 246 in the Eliza R. Snow Building. Submissions can also be entered via email at hymnfestival@byui.edu. &
Each submission requires the name of the author, their phone number, address, email, and two scripture references that support the text.
From left to right: Sister Bednar, Sister Kelly Eyring, President Henry J. Eyring, President Henry B. Eyring, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, and Sister Oaks look out over the attendees at the inauguration of President Henry J. Eyring.
designed by faculty members from three departments with help from colleagues across the university as well as outside advisors,” Eyring said. Henry J. Eyring also shared impactful experiences he had as a child growing up in Rexburg. “I was providentially introduced to my college major, geology, when I was just eight years old,” Eyring said. “Ricks College professors Ed Williams, Glenn Embree, and Roger Hoggan took me into the field. These mentors gave me a hammer and rocks to split… They taught me as the Savior did and as BYU-Idaho teachers do: with scenes by the wayside, and an emphasis on Heavenly Father’s power and love.” Throughout his address, Eyring spoke of his vision for students at BYU-Idaho.
“A particular hallmark of this institution has been an anxious concern for students who doubt their place here,” Eyring said. “We have been blessed with innovative approaches to helping all students, especially newcomers.” The inaugural proceedings ended with remarks from President Henry B. Eyring, who spoke of the love that the Lord has for BYU-Idaho. He mentioned the “Spirit of Ricks,” the spirit that dwells in the hearts of the people here. “That spirit will continue to draw people here as it has in the past,” Eyring said. “You will not have to recruit faculty or advertise for students if you continue to build and nurture the spirit of BYU-Idaho. If you build it, they will come. And, they will come because in their hearts they want to be part of this community.” &
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Continued: President Eyring’s Art Prior to the exhibit, President Eyring’s artwork had never been revealed to the public, with the majority of his artwork kept in storage and a few select pieces on display in his home and office.
President Eyring’s artwork is truly reminiscent of the exhibit’s title, “A Visual Journal.” Each painting is a representation of places that he has been and people that he has seen. Some of the artwork in the exhibit was accompanied by the journal entry that inspired it, giving a chance for attendees to have insight into his perspective.
“President Eyring probably had half a dozen pieces that he framed in his home and in his office, but the rest of the art pieces were filed away in binders,” DaBell said. “These gems were all hiding. They “President Eyring has painted scenes have never been on display before, so from all throughout the world, and this has been a great privilege to be they’re all beautiful,” DaBell able to see his art with our own eyes.” said. “There’s a beauty all around in everyday life if we want to see it, and Not only was the exhibit unique I think that President Eyring sees it.” because of its novelty, but also because of the nature of the art. President DaBell says those who were able to attend Eyring never had any formal artistic the exhibit shared a sense of surprise. training, and his talent is derived from a pure instinct to create and “After viewing President Eyring’s art, portray that which is special to him. most people expressed how surprised 4
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they were at the quality of his work, and they also expressed that they feel the love that he has for people and for the world,” DaBell said. This is one of the reactions that DaBell had after viewing the artwork, and a reaction that she hoped attendees would share with her. “President Eyring paints what he sees and what he loves, and through those paintings, I feel God’s love,” DaBell said. “I would love for people to see these same things beyond just beautiful paintings. I hope that they see President Eyring’s love for all of us, and through that, they see the love God has for all of His children.” &
Recently Completed Construction Projects FAN REPLACEMENT PROJEC T Fans in the Austin, Snow, and Clarke buildings were replaced during the summer session and airflow has been restored to the buildings. These projects replaced the large cooling fans in each building with multiple, smaller fans. This project allows for greater control of airflow throughout buildings.
CLARKE INTERIOR REMODEL PROJEC T This project, which expanded nursing rooms and other classrooms on the third floor of the building, has been completed. The remodel will also allow more wards to meet in the Clarke Building as needs dictate.
TAYLOR RE-ROOF PROJEC T During the summer session, the roof of the Taylor Building was replaced with a white material as opposed to a copper material (as previously reported) that is expected to perform better under extreme weather conditions and increase energy efficiency.
STEAM AND CONDENSATE LINE PROJEC TS Steam and condensate lines throughout campus have been replaced and crews are underway pouring cement to replace the affected sidewalks. All sidewalks should be repaired by the last week of October.
TR ACK AND FIELD REPLACEMENT PROJEC T Over the summer, crews replaced the turf on the stadium field and replaced the track with updated material. While the track still needs lines and numbers painted on it, the field opened last week for use by intramural sports. Opening of the track for public use is pending.
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The Scroll makes changes to better prepare students The Scroll, BYU-Idaho’s studentrun newspaper, is changing how it presents its content to reflect changes in the news industry. These changes are preparing students within the Scroll organization for their careers once their time at BYU-Idaho has concluded. “We have changed how Scroll works by focusing on online first and the printed paper second,” said Cinthya Rubio, editor in chief for the Scroll. “We realized that the news industry is focusing on online content first and our focus in Scroll for the last few semesters was on the printed version and then publishing on the website after. So the changes we are making switch the focus.” In addition to the increased emphasis on their online publication, the Scroll has also simplified their print edition to four sections—news, campus, feature, and opinion. A projects team also gathers exclusive Scroll content. This shift comes at a time when audiences who were previously loyal to their Sunday paper are now finding their news from alternative sources. Rubio believes the Scroll’s new focus will give its students a leg up after graduation.
“We are thinking the way that journalists think now. Today people are not looking to newspapers for their news, but are looking at their phones or computers,” Rubio said.
“Today people are not looking to newspapers for their news, but are looking at their phones or computers.” —CINTHYA RUBIO, EDITOR IN CHIEF
The Scroll organization is overseen by a handful of faculty members, including Lane Williams, but they do their best to let the students make the decisions. “As much as we can, we try to make the Scroll the students’ product,” Williams said. Faculty advisors for the Scroll fulfill their role in teaching students about the organization, but Williams notes that it’s really the students who shape each other along the way. “We teach teamwork, dealing with deadlines, and difficult situations. We teach writing, editing, and clear thinking.
The Scroll’s new website offers students a modern, clean look. 6
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Largely, this is done by students teaching students,” Williams said. “I tell people the Scroll implemented much of the Learning Model long before there was a Learning Model.” Students at the Scroll realize they are receiving more than college credit for their work. They’re receiving valuable, real-world experience. “While working for Scroll I’ve been able to talk to real people, attend court cases, talk to the police department, etc.,” said Victoria Owens, content manager at the Scroll. “I’ve been able to learn to write stories and have my work published.” Moving forward, Williams hopes the Scroll and the changes they are making can reflect its past innovations and pave a course for each student’s future. “The Scroll is the oldest student institution on campus, going back more than 100 years. We believe it serves a valuable function on campus through its news and opinions on topics such as the campus, local news and religious freedom...but its most important function has always been training students for professional careers.” &
Students gain real-world experience through competition BYU-Idaho communication students recognized their individual potential as they competed in the Washington Media Scholars Case Competition, a program that pushes students to practice reallife skills in the marketing industry. Beth Hendricks, a faculty member in the Department of Communication, encourages her students to get involved in programs like this that get them outside of the classroom, networking with professionals, and enhancing the skills they have learned in their studies. This particular case competition requires students to put together a competitive media plan. The top 24 submissions are invited to further participate in the competition, and the final six teams are invited to Washington, D.C. to present their media plans to a panel of judges. Since BYU-Idaho students began participating in this competition three years ago, the university has had five teams make it to the final six, including this year’s participants: Callie Sprenkle and Shannon Doxey. One of the benefits to competing in programs like this is a novel recognition of individual aptitude for students. Participants begin to witness what they are capable of. According to Sprenkle, competing in the program gave her greater confidence. “I never dreamed I was good enough to be a finalist, but I surprised myself,” Sprenkle said. “It gave me a lot of confidence in myself and the quality of education I got as a communication major at BYU-Idaho.” Among the many advantages to competing, networking proves to be one of the most significant benefits. “Even if you are not specifically interested in media buying, it is an amazing opportunity to rub shoulders with professionals in advertising and business,” Doxey said. “It is also fun to get to know the other students competing, who are all so smart and just extraordinary people.”
BYU-Idaho students Callie Sprenkle and Shannon Doxey were two of the WMS finalists.
Hendricks affirms networking as one of the best reasons to participate in competitions like the Media Plan Case Competition. “It’s really the networking,” Hendricks said. “That’s what the students gain access to when they go. They don’t just meet the intern at Google, or the intern at Washington Post. They meet the president or the vice president. They meet executives.” According to Hendricks, companies look to hire students that participate in competitions and get involved outside of the classroom. It gives students an advantage when they are moving forward with their careers after college. “Companies want to get students involved because they get the cream of the crop,” Hendricks said. “They’re getting a proven commodity when they hire these students because they see that they’ve already gone through this vetting process as they progress in these competitions.” Sprenkle agrees participation in extracurricular activities is not an effort that goes unnoticed by future employers, and these competitions give participants a unique advantage.
“While we were in D.C. for the competition, some of the most competitive companies in the world gave us tips to acing an interview and starting a new job,” Sprenkle said. “That week helped me land my first job after I graduated. I’m now a marketing director for a student apartment complex, and during my interviews I was asked about my participation as a Washington Media Scholar. My experience with the program really helped me during the interview process.” Above all, competing in programs like the Washington Media Scholars Case Competition enables students to recognize what they are capable of, as well as the resources that they have access to. Doxey said this is something she learned from her experience participating. “I realized that you never know what you are capable of until you give it everything you have, lay everything on the table,” Doxey said. “When you do that, it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about not having regrets. I also learned that there are literally hundreds of people who are willing to help you fulfill your dreams. If you have the courage to ask, to try, to do something, you’ll find someone who is willing to help.” &
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More than 60 student employees and 15 full-time employees maintain the BYU-Idaho campus throughout the year.
Crews plant and maintain flowers all across campus every year, keeping it beautiful for employees, students, and visitors.
How the BYU-Idaho grounds crew keeps campus beautiful Throughout each season, the BYU-Idaho grounds crew works hard to fulfill their mission “to support the university mission statement by maintaining a wholesome, academic, cultural, and spiritual environment.” The grounds crew is responsible for the maintenance of all BYU-Idaho property with the exception of the Ricks Garden. The property is divided into nine geographical areas with a team of students and a full-time employee covering each area. BYU-Idaho Grounds Supervisor Jeff Wynn has a team of 15 full-time employees he manages. During the summer months he employs more than 80 student employees. (Only about 60 students work during the winter months.) Each student employee is assigned to a team. Each team maintains their assigned geographical area, unless there is a large project due that requires them to all work together. A big project they did earlier this year included redoing the landscape around Chapman and Lamprecht Halls. “It is a whole team effort,” Wynn said. “Right now, it works great. Everybody gets along and they work well together.” Employees can be found at all hours throughout the day working to maintain the grounds. During the summer months they are out early 8
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mowing lawns before most student employees have arrived on campus. “They come in a little earlier, because they can get around campus easier when there is not a lot of traffic,” Wynn said. During the winter months, crews stay out late, ensuring the streets and sidewalks are safe for both pedestrians and drivers.
“They come to work and they just do a fabulous job. They make it happen.” —JEFF WYNN, GROUNDS SUPER VISOR
“Last winter we hauled 5,500 truckloads of snow off campus,” Wynn said. “It was a big year last year. We spent a lot of late nights doing that.” The teams cover everything from snow removal in the winter, to landscaping in the summer, to recycling and garbage pickup year round. One team maintains the landscaping at the BYU-Idaho president’s house and the Rexburg Temple president’s house. Other teams sweep the streets and maintain the greenhouse. “We do a lot that goes unnoticed,” Wynn said. “I need to give grounds employees their kudos because they are going to school and most of them are married
and they are trying to make ends meet. They come to work and they just do a fabulous job. They make it happen.” Jon Baker, a grounds student employee, was unaware of all the work required to maintain the campus until he became a groundskeeper. “I didn’t realize how much work went into keeping it looking nice,” Baker said. “It always looked nice. We have to cut up the grass every day and trim the lawn. It is fun to do this job because you get to see the work you do.” Wynn says it is their goal to provide a beautiful and safe environment for all who step foot onto BYU-Idaho property. “We want it to look beautiful in the summer and to be safe in the winter,” Wynn said. “Parents trust the campus will be a safe environment. That is a huge responsibility.” Geleta Arlo, another student groundskeeper, believes the beauty of the campus is important for the health of employees and students. “When you are stressed out with school and you walk around and see so much greenery and a clean campus, it helps you relax,” Arlo said. &
Make Note BYU-Idaho employees share their experiences and ideas To inspire sharing and learning among employees at BYU-Idaho, employees are asked a question in the Employee Advisory each month. A selection of your responses are featured in this employee newsletter. If you have ideas to share, please respond to the Qualtrics survey link found in the Employee Advisory. This month’s question: How can you enable students to better recognize their individual potential? “I think one important way to help students recognize their individual potential is to be honest with them about what they are doing well and how they can improve. This is what teaching and learning is all about and why faculty must provide honest assessment and feedback....True self-confidence is built by overcoming challenges, trials, and even failure. Effective learning occurs in an environment of challenge that includes the needed resources and encouragement to overcome those challenges along with expressed belief that they can actually do it.” —Michael Abel, Associate Dean of Faculty Development
“I think this starts by gaining a personal relationship with them. Once you are able to be on a personal level with the students, a couple of things start to happen. One, they will begin to share with you their fears, dreams, passions, and goals. This will foster an environment where advice and ideas can be given to help students recognize their potential. Two, as you get to know them better you will be able to see glimpses of their true potential. This will be greatly due to keeping the Spirit with us at all times. When our goals are aligned with Heavenly Father’s, then miracles will happen.” —Derek Rawson, Custodian
“I have found that students and student employees remember how they feel while talking to you more than what you say. If you are often too rushed in your work, they will not open up to you specific to their future vision. Asking questions is helpful. Helping them discover their vision as you listen patiently can invite the influence of the Spirit. The Spirit can open their minds and hearts to their possibilities and they can discern what will be of most worth to them with an eternal perspective.” —Jacob Adams, Student Outcome and Planning Analyst
Employees and families invited to Disciple-Leader Conference This semester, the Disciple-Leader Conference is opening its doors to employees and their families. The Disciple-Leader Conference is a studentled conference geared towards helping attendees deepen their discipleship and strengthen their leadership. Student Support Promotions Director Katie Rex said Student Support, who puts on the event, has heeded feedback from past attendees. “Our vision with opening it up to employees and faculty is to bring the university together,” Rex said. “Faculty, employees, and family members expressed interest in the conference as they began attending. The reaction was so positive we thought it would be a great opportunity to share the conference with the campus wide community.”
Student Support Coordinator Brandie Miguel shared her thoughts on the conference. “The power and Spirit at the DLC is almost tangible, and has been a great Disciple-Leader Conference Schedule November 4, 2017 Check-In....................................8:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker........................9:00 a.m. Workshop Rotation #1.............10:00 a.m. Workshop Rotation #3.............11:30 a.m. Peer-led Session.....................12:10 p.m. Closing Session.....................12:45 p.m. Lunch...................................1:10 p.m.
blessing in my life, and other lives of the students who lead, participate, and attend the conference,” Miguel said. “I know there are people on this campus and in our lives that would be blessed by the power and spirit of this conference.” Speakers at this semester’s conference include; President Henry J. Eyring (keynote speaker), Home & Family faculty member Cole Ratcliffe, Sociology and Social Work faculty member Grover Wray, Student Honor Office Director Kristie Lords, Student Development Managing Director Jill Evans, and History, Geography, and Political Science faculty member David Pulsipher. Tickets are $3 pre-sale and $5 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the BYU-Idaho ticket office or online at www.byui.edu/tickets. & O C T O B E R 2 017
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Health & Wellness We are officially in the season where the weather is starting to cool off and summer is fading away. Don’t let the autumn chill keep you from enjoying all of the healthy activities that come with this new season. Here are four different healthy activities that will help you enjoy fall to the fullest:* 1. Enjoy an afternoon of apple picking at the BYU-Idaho campus orchard. Not only is this a fun activity for the whole family, but apples are also an excellent source of fiber. So you can have fun while enjoying a healthy treat!
3. Manage stress. We all deal with stress in one form or another. Prepare yourself now with ways to relax or unwind when the stressful times come your way. Start a journal, exercise, get a day planner, find a friend to talk to, etc.
2. Take in the beautiful fall foliage by going on a hike. Autumn will be over before you know it and it will be a little harder to enjoy the outdoors in the cold winter season. So take advantage of this time to get some exercise in Mother Nature.
4. Start a gratitude journal. It is never too early to start appreciating all the wonderful blessings in your life. Take some time to write down some of the things you are grateful for, from now until Thanksgiving, and share them with someone you love!
*Information provided by Human Resources
DEVOTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
News & Notes A monthly publication of University Relations A D V I S O R Brett Crandall W R I T E R S Dain Knudson, Emma Drake, & Noelle Helm PH OTO G R A PHERS Michael Lewis, Courtney Thomas, & Garrett Blanchard 10
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