BYU-Idaho Magazine: Fall 2010
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BYU-Idaho Magazine: Fall 2010 “A New Approach in Education” President’s Welcome Dear Alumni and Friends, In June of this year, BYU-Idaho quietly passed a milestone—the 10-year anniversary of President Hinckley’s announce- ment that Ricks College would become Brigham Young University-Idaho. Though we did not stop to formally celebrate, it is remarkable to see all that has been accomplished since that original announcement. I believe President Hinckley would be pleased by the rate at which innovation and individual sacrifice have allowed BYU-Idaho to grow. We are truly striving to achieve all the Lord would have us do to fulfill the university’s special mission and bless the lives of students. While present and future opportunities fill our view, looking back on the prophetic vision and consecrated effort that have brought us this far is inspiring. We are blessed to have in our midst modern-day pioneers who laid the foundation on which we build the university today. They include many of our current employees, members of the Rexburg commu- nity, and former students of Ricks College and BYU-Idaho. These pioneers appreciate the many miracles, large and small, that make our present opportunities possible. Among our pioneering forebears are five living past-presidents of Ricks College and BYU-Idaho: Henry B. Eyring, Bruce C. Hafen, Joe J. Christensen, Steven D. Bennion, and David A. Bednar. Each of these brethren has generously shared their thoughts and feelings about this marvelous institution. A compilation of their inspiring testimonies, which you will see in this issue of BYU-Idaho magazine, offers glimpses into the often subtle but always strong spiritual forces that have been at work here for generations. In addition, I invite you to take a few moments and review the other features, videos, and news updates that reveal many of the important innovations taking place on campus. I hope you will share my sense of wonder and gratitude for all the Lord has done and continues to do at this great university. As always, thank you for your continued support of BYU-Idaho. Kim B. Clark President, Brigham Young University-Idaho A NEW APPROACH IN EDUCATION www.byui.edu/magazine | B Y U – IDAHO F A L L 2 0 1 0 1 News of Note New majors introduced to meet student needs Humanities Two new classes have been created for this major: critical think- Across campus, departments are continually looking for ways to ing and analysis in arts, and the classical heritage. Courses from more effectively meet the needs of a diverse student body. New other disciplines will supplement the rest of the degree’s cur- degrees are being created, and some are being refocused to better riculum. These disciplines include psychology, art, English, and aid students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Following are political science. There are three different emphases available some new degrees that have recently been introduced. for the new degree, two of which are designed as preparation for graduate school and the other to give students a solid liberal arts Welding education. According to Department Chair Garth Miller, a welding degree has been requested for some time. This degree, Miller said, is Web Design and Development designed for students looking to work in welding, manufacturing, The Web design and development major includes courses from or fabrication fields. the computer science, computer information technology, art, communication, and business departments. “This degree opens Vet Tech students to the entire Web,” said Eric Karl, chair of the Depart- Fifteen classes have been created to furnish the new veterinary ment of Computer Science and Engineering. “You can program technology degree. Some of these classes include large animal something, but unless you understand how to effectively commu- nursing, veterinary office management, and veterinary pharma- nicate your message, you won’t really hit the mark. The same with cology and hospital supplies. BYU-Idaho is the only Church uni- the artistic side: the best Web sites are those that are functional versity offering this degree. and visually appealing.” Industrial/Organizational Psychology The Department of Psychology has introduced an industrial/ Students given hope during hard economic times organizational psychology emphasis that will better prepare stu- dents to enter the workforce, or go on to receive higher education, Elder Richard G. Hinckley, a member of the First Quorum of according to Samuel Clay, department chair. the Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed 1,305 graduates at the Brigham Young University- “Although this degree falls under psychology, it represents a col- Idaho Spring Commencement July 23. laboration of the psychology, business, health science, and com- munication departments,” said Yohan Delton of the Department “I have decided to talk to you about these times in which we live,” of Psychology. “This partnership gives students a more applied Elder Hinckley said, “which are both difficult economically and education as they are trained in main areas that have an impact morally, and how you might approach them, and to give you on the world of work.” hope that things will work out for you if you plan and pray and work.” International Studies With this major, students choose an emphasis, and a wide range Hinckley encouraged students to do four things: be optimistic, of language courses will augment their studies. The emphases apply themselves, deny themselves and eliminate shortcuts. include business, economics, history, political science, geography, and health science. He related some of the trials that his father, former Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, faced as a recent graduate. His According to Scott Galer, chair of the Department of Languages father was in charge of the family farm and the home and was and Letters, this degree will help students become more market- trying to make ends meet on an income of $100 each month. able in their respective fields. The language skills and cultural knowledge that this degree provides will set students apart from “We have no such trials today,” Hinckley said. “And there is no others. “Even though, for some graduates, their language may not reason for pessimism; but there is every reason for optimism become the tool they use every day, they are showing employers and hope. Remember, that in a country of 10 percent unemploy- that they are willing to step outside themselves,” he said. ment, there is 90 percent employment. Most indicators point A NEW APPROACH IN EDUCATION www.byui.edu/magazine | B Y U – IDAHO F A L L 2 0 1 0 2 to economic recovery and job creation. The question is: What gives students the experience of building a radio station from values will you take away from today’s recession? Just determine the ground up,” said Jess Cannon, previous student station man- to make the best of every circumstance. Be optimistic.” ager. “We don’t just have to stand back and watch others run the day-to-day operations—we get to do it ourselves. It’s a great learning opportunity.” New administrative area provides added focus for key programs Listeners can tune-in to a live stream that runs in three-hour segments or can listen on-demand to one-time downloads. Ad- Brigham Young University-Idaho has created a new administra- ditionally, individuals or can subscribe to podcasts, making it tive area. Aptly named, the Foundations and Interdisciplinary easy to stay connected to favorite programming. Studies area will provide strategic oversight to both Founda- tions courses and interdisciplinary degrees. New online community connects alumni, students The Foundations Program is BYU-Idaho’s unique blend of general education courses, which emphasizes critical thinking Brigham Young University-Idaho alumni and students have a and study. The courses provide a more focused approach than new tool to connect with one another—BYUI Connect, a new traditional general education, allowing students to go into more online career and social network found at www.byuiconnect.org. detail as they learn about specific aspects of subject matter. In- terdisciplinary degrees draw upon resources and faculty from The purposes of the site, according to Alumni and Community several departments to provide students a diversified learning Connections Director Steve Davis, are to help current students experience. The university currently has three interdisciplinary form networks with alumni in their chosen fields, to help degrees in web design and development, international studies, alumni reconnect with old classmates, and to provide a place for and humanities. news of the Alumni Association. “We have launched the Foundations Program and put the basic “BYUI Connect assists alumni and students as they seek to build structures in place, but now we have the opportunity to really their networks and associate with others who love the univer- focus on how to make it better,” said Bruce Kusch, associate aca- sity and wish to share the Spirit of Ricks,” Davis said. Primarily, demic vice president over curriculum. “We also want to be sure BYUI Connect will serve as a tool for the BYUI Mentoring Net- we’re giving the faculty all the support they need as they prepare work, a group of current students, alumni, campus employees, to teach classes for interdisciplinary degrees.” and friends of the university who provide career, academic, and personal support. Volunteers in the Mentoring Network con- nect with students to provide career advice, compare notes, and New radio station goes online point the way to job opportunities. Brigham Young University-Idaho has unveiled a new online A directory on the site includes all alumni and students and radio station, bringing the university to a worldwide audience displays basic contact information, making it easy for alumni through podcasts and a live stream.