features CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, TRAVEL AND THE WORLD INFOGRAPHIC INTERNATIONAL LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS CHURCH BOOK REVIEWS NEWS ISP + NAFSA VALERIE HUDSON INTERVIEW student perspectives CLOSE THE TEXTBOOKS— LEARNING THROUGH LIVING LANGUAGE OPENS WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY DETERMINATION TURNS DREAMS TO REALITY AMBASSADOR PAVES THE WAY TO PANAMA GAINING A WIDER PERSPECTIVE A PUBLICATION OF BYU’S DAVID M. KENNEDY CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Letter from the Director BRIDGES Alumni Magazine SPRING 2011 The great comparative advantage of BYU is the language and cultural An expression of research, opinions, and ability of our students. As we all recognize, that ability derives, in interests for the internationally involved. large part, from their faithful missionary service. As a result we have capabilities on this campus that are unmatched anywhere else and for which we are justifiably proud and well known. But that is just the start. The job of the university is to take that comparative advan- tage and add value to it—to help develop men and women of faith PUBLISHER Jeffrey F. Ringer and competence. MANAGING EDITOR Across campus, the mission is the same: to develop the best engi- Cory W. Leonard neers, the best accountants, the best nurses, and the best teachers. EDITOR Our focus is to help students develop skills to solve global problems, J. Lee Simons to help create a peaceful and just world, and to live lives that are a ASSISTANT EDITOR testament to their professional competence and personal faith. Lizzie Fotheringham CREATIVE DIRECTOR For more than a quarter-century, the Kennedy Center has worked Seth Taylor to improve global understanding through interdisciplinary aca- demic programs, insightful events and symposia, research, notable DESIGNERS Robert Boden publications and films, and as a nationally recognized leader in Ashley Polinski international study programs. We can do more with your help. Our faith has never promoted the idea we should remove ourselves from the challenges of the world and retire to the cloister for a life of quiet contemplation. We have a responsibility to be actively en- gaged in making the world a better place. We challenge our alumni and friends to reconnect with us in supporting our ongoing efforts. We need your help to mentor, advise, support, and sustain the next generation—and to create new opportunities for them. Published by the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. Copyright 2011 by Brigham Young University. All rights reserved. All communications should be sent to Bridges, 237 HRCB, Jeffrey Ringer Brigham Young University Director Provo, Utah 84602. (801) 422-2652 [email protected] kennedy.byu.edu Calendar 5 November 2010 9 February 2011 Utah International Higher Education Summit Kennedy Center Lecture: Donna Lee Bowen, Joshua Barbara Hill, American Council for Education, Gubler, John Hughes, Dil Parkinson keynote with presentation on study abroad, “What’s Next? Tunisia, Egypt, and the Future of the international studies, and campus programs. Middle East” 12 November 2010 17 March 2011 Gabrielle Roy Symposium Africa’s Ambiguous Adventure Yvon LeBras, professor of French studies, BYU. A Colloquium Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Cheikh Hamidou Kane’s L’aventure ambiguë 13 January 2011 19 March 2011 Kennedy Center/Wheatley Institution Forum Hunger Banquet Condoleezza Rice Peace by Piece 1 Features *OHSSLUNLZ 6WWVY[\UP[PLZHUK[OL0U[LYUH[PVUHS*O\YJO Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, emeritus General Authority, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Challenges, Opportunities, must say whenever I hear the phrase: “going through the 9,79,:,5;;/,*/<9*/>0;/05;,.90;@ know,” he asked me, “what we need in order to establish the time before the Church fi nally gained offi cial recognition front door” or some variation of it in connection with The reputation of the Church is created and shaped by the Church?” I answered in the negative and asked his opinion. in Latvia. Of course, it is well established there now, but I the expansion of the Church, I ask myself why the Lord, behavior of those who belong to it or represent it in some “We must understand the system” was his reply. have often wondered how much that $500 would have cost or His Church would ever go through any other than the offi cial capacity. The gospel itself is synonymous with integ- the Church in its integrity and reputation had we accepted 0front door. Be that as it may, I hope that my remarks and rity—so must be its representatives. We are morally bound This was a very logical approach at that time. In the late it. Fortunately, we never had to fi nd out. observations will complement the overall discussion of the to act in accordance with the principles we espouse. Each of seventies, the Communist Party was still very much in conference relating to the ethical, legal, and political chal- us must certainly know that a dishonest act can never lead power. One made his way in such a society on the basis I know very well the desire to see important things are lenges that confront you who are working so diligently to to an honorable end, no matter how important or inevitable, of connection, barter, manipulation, and “understanding done “on my watch.” This can easily lead to impatience. establish the Church in the international arena. that end might be. the system.” I felt discomfort with his comment but didn’t In the Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevsky gives a fi ctional know exactly how to respond to it. After a moment, I was account of the Grand Inquisitor’s confrontation with 20 There is no expert quite so qualifi ed to speak on a topic as the There are no shortcuts leading to the front door of establishing given an idea that helped me beyond measure in years to Christ. At least twice, the inquisitor tells Christ, “We have one who no longer has any responsibility for it. As I no longer the Church. The road we must follow is the one Jacob describes. come. “Brother Borshchow,” I said, have any responsibility for Church matters in Europe—or “Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for “what the Church needs in Poland anywhere else for that matter, I qualify as such an expert. I man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him” (2 are not men who understand the “This is the Lord’s work; hope you will forgive me if I forbear speaking of the current Nephi 9:41). system but men who understand the challenges in Europe, there are many here much more quali- priesthood.” As it turned out, this why don’t you let him fi ed and current than I to address them. However, I would like President Kimball dedicated Poland in August 1977. Part of was a very wise answer that came as to direct some remarks to the fi rst part of my assignment and the agreement that allowed limited Church activity required a stroke of inspiration, and I certainly do a little of it.” speak of some fundamental principles that defi ne what “going a local presidency that would be responsible for the actions take no credit for it. Within a few and the International through the front door” means to me. I base my comments of the Church. The only three holders of the Melchizedek short years, the system collapsed. Elder Dallin H. Oaks on the assignments I enjoyed for over a quarter of a century Priesthood in Poland at the time formed this presidency. One There was nothing left to “under- working with a front-door policy in helping to establish the of them lived in Poznan, Poland, where the Genealogical stand.” Where would the Church Church in Eastern Europe. These principles guided me to the Department had a microfi lming project. I met with Brother then have been in Poland if it had been established on such very end of my active service as a General Authority. As you Borschow each time I was in the city. In one of our meet- an unstable foundation, even if at the time that founda- consider them in light of your current responsibilities, and ings, he presented me with a question. He was righteously tion appeared indestructible? If individuals must build in the context of the conditions in which you must currently anxious to establish the Church, even though there were just their own foundation on the rock of Christ to work, I hope you can benefi t from them. I would like to speak a small handful of members in the entire country. “Do you avoid misery, as Helaman taught (Helaman about each of these principles, illustrating them with personal 5:12), then it only follows that the Church stories and examples. must be established on the same foundation. There are no shortcuts I would like to begin by identifying fi ve fundamental prin- leading to the front door of A corollary to following the path that places ciples I have found central to the process of expanding and establishing the Church. The the Church on a sure foundation is the knowledge establishing the Church: that we cannot establish that path by diverging from it. road we must follow is the one After the collapse of the Soviet Union, negotiations began 1. Represent the Church with integrity. Jacob describes. “Remember for Church recognition in Latvia. Our attorneys conducted 2. Respect and keep the laws of the land. time-consuming and frustrating negotiations in what seemed 3. Work with government officials who have that his paths are righteous. an endless search for registration. As it turned out, the direc- responsibility for religious matters.