THE SPIRIT OF RICKS Your Role in the Legacy of BYU–Idaho A Training Guide for Employees (See also: www.byui.edu/HR/SpiritofRicks.htm) THE SPIRIT OF RICKS Your Role in the Legacy of BYU–Idaho © 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001, 1999 Brigham Young University–Idaho Rexburg, Idaho BYU–Idaho Human Resources 240 Kimball Building Rexburg, ID 83460-1670 (208) 496-1700 Please email comments or questions to: [email protected] TABLE OF CONTENTS PROGRAM Introduction.............................................................. Page 2 Definition of the “Spirit of Ricks”............................................. Page 3 History of BYU–Idaho...................................................... Page 9 Honor Code (and Dress and Grooming Standards). Page 18 Mission Statement........................................................ Page 23 Guiding Principles........................................................ Page 25 Personal Experiences...................................................... Page 31 Quotes about BYU–Idaho.................................................. Page 36 Looking to the Future...................................................... Page 37 KEY ADDRESSES (arranged by date) The Charted Course of the Church in Education (August 1938).. Page 38 Beware of Pride (May 1989)................................................ Page 48 I Say Unto You, Be One (February 1991)...................................... Page 54 Ten Ways to Increase Your Spirituality (January 1997). Page 65 Inaugural Response of David A. Bednar (February 1998).. Page 71 Ricks College to Become BYU–Idaho (Official Announcement) (June 2000).. Page 82 A Steady, Upward Course (September 2001). Page 84 The Only Sure and Safe Foundation (May 2002). Page 97 Remarks from the Dedication of the Gordon B. Hinckley Building (October 2002). Page 106 Contention Is Not of Me (October 2003)...................................... Page 111 Vision, Faith, and Work: From Wagonbox to University (January 2004).. Page 120 Knowing, Remembering, and Serving the Lord (July 2004). Page 129 Brigham Young University–Idaho: A Disciple Preparation Center (August 2004). Page 139 Thomas E. Ricks Building Dedication Remarks (February 2005).. Page 149 Inaugural Response of Kim B. Clark (October 2005). Page 154 Closing Remarks at Inauguration Ceremony (October 2005). Page 161 The Spirit and Purposes of Gathering (October 2006). Page 165 The Spirit of Ricks (September 2007)........................................ Page 172 APPENDIX Historical Picture........................................................ Page 183 BYU–Idaho – Who Are We?............................................... Page 184 My Daughter, My Sister, My Friend......................................... Page 188 Page 1 INTRODUCTION KEY IDEA The purpose of this program is to help you see what has made, and continues to make, BYU–Idaho a special place. We want you to understand, grow to love, and defend this unique environment and help us to preserve and enhance the “Spirit of Ricks.” PROGRAM OUTLINE < Introduction < Definition of the “Spirit of Ricks” < History of BYU–Idaho < Honor Code < Mission Statement < Guiding Principles < Personal Experiences < Quotes about BYU–Idaho PERSONAL INTRODUCTIONS Please take a few minutes to introduce yourself. Possible questions to address include: < Where were you born? <Where did you grow up? < What are some of your hobbies and interests? < What is your favorite movie? < What earthly possession do you value the most? KEY IDEA Take the time to get to know people. BYU–Idaho is legendary for its friendliness and warmth. We encourage you to be open, warm, and friendly. These characteristics are an important part of the “Spirit of Ricks.” Page 2 DEFINITION OF THE “SPIRIT OF RICKS” DISCUSSION Whether you are a former student of BYU–Idaho, BYU–Provo, or other CES institutions, chances are you are familiar with the environment at Church schools. For many years the environment at BYU–Idaho has been affectionately referred to as the “Spirit of Ricks.” What exactly is the “Spirit of Ricks”? What is it that we are trying to “preserve and enhance”? What are some threats to the “Spirit of Ricks”? What could destroy this unique culture? Page 3 KEY QUOTES What is the “Spirit of Ricks” and how do we preserve it? (STUDENT RESPONSES) <The “Spirit of Ricks” is awesome. I think that it is the spirit of the Lord. Almost everyone says “hi.” You don’t find it like this on any other campus. I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s wonderful. You don’t worry about fights breaking out, the use of drugs, etc. It’s just feeling safe, protected, and secure. The teachers are caring and helpful. How do we preserve the “Spirit of Ricks”? Keep and enforce the rules, because if there is anything that some feel like they can get away with, they’ll do it. (Lacey Payzant, Olathe, Kansas) <The “Spirit of Ricks” is the Holy Ghost that is present within the individuals that attend this university; students, faculty, administrators, etc. It is a desire to further the quality of life within people with an enthusiasm only the gospel can bring. How do we preserve the “Spirit of Ricks”? By continuing to live the gospel principles in both public and private. Never draw away from the fact that this is holy ground, dedicated for the work of the Lord. Implementing the gospel into education is essential to its preservation. (anonymous student) <BYU–Idaho is a place where school and Church are put together, where many of the world’s ideas are put aside. How do we preserve the “Spirit of Ricks”? You must keep students and professors that will keep the ideas and standards of the Church. (anonymous student) <I think that the “Spirit of Ricks” is that we (for the most part) all have the same basic morals and values and share many of the same ideas and goals. I think that it is important to stay as a unit, to work together, and to help and serve each other. (Anya Wilkes, Mission Viejo, California) <The “Spirit of Ricks” is the willingness of the staff, students, and faculty to live gospel principles and abide by the rules which govern these principles. We don’t always succeed, but we are willing. This willingness is the “Spirit of Ricks.” We maintain this spirit by enhancing personal spirituality and keeping outside influences away from the BYU–Idaho campus. (J. Eric Wisner, Royal Palm Beach, Florida) Page 4 <The “Spirit of Ricks” is gaining a doctrinally correct education. We preserve that spirit by applying what we learn in our personal lives and then conveying it to others. (David Butler, Enumclaw, Washington) <The “Spirit of Ricks” is the desire that the majority of the student body has to become better than they are. They want to learn and grow and feel the spirit of the Holy Ghost. They want to have good examples around them. How do we preserve the “Spirit of Ricks”? Continue with what we’re doing. Have religion classes, devotionals, forums, standards, etc. Maybe be a little more selective of who we admit into the university. (anonymous student) <To me, the “Spirit of Ricks” is the amazing love and concern that everyone has for each others’ welfare. So much is done for us to protect us from the ways of the world and encourage us to pursue our eternal goals. (anonymous student) <What is the “Spirit of Ricks”? I believe that the main factor is the spiritual environment here; that the lives of the students and faculty are centered in Christ and that there is an overall need or sense to make oneself better. This spirit will be preserved as long as there is a constant nourishing by the word of God, whether it be as a whole or individually. (Thomas K. Walke, Jr., Pensacola, Florida) <Obviously, the “Spirit of Ricks” is that the university is LDS. We have certain standards and rules we live by. Therefore, the spirit of the Holy Ghost is kept alive while going to school. We preserve the “Spirit of Ricks” by following the Honor Code, living according to the commandments of God, and spreading the “wealth” we gain from following the rules with other people. (Lindsay Clarke, Idaho Falls, Idaho) <The “Spirit of Ricks” is the abundance of spiritual knowledge, as well as secular knowledge. How do we preserve it? Selective choice of students, faculty, and workers. (Dennis Radford, Rigby, Idaho) <The “Spirit of Ricks” is the influence of the Spirit. It is obtained through obedience, respect, and love for others. BYU–Idaho students grow together in the gospel. We try to make the will of God our focus. We can preserve the “Spirit of Ricks” by encouraging students to incorporate the Honor Code in their daily lives, and helping others do so through our friendship. (Michelle Movey, LaHabra, California) Page 5 <BYU–Idaho is special in the sense that you are surrounded by people who uplift and make you want to be better. The students need to work at becoming better, and this is as close to the perfect environment as there is for opportunities to improve yourself. (anonymous student) <I think that the “Spirit of Ricks” is a combination of many things. One major thing is that we are all striving for the same goals; so we are unified. There has to be a team effort involved. We also have and try to uphold the same values and morals. How do we preserve the “Spirit of Ricks”? With the professors setting the example by upholding good values. I think students watch that and will follow their actions. Also, I think it helps when the teachers tie the gospel into their lessons. Students seem to realize that the gospel is as important (or more important) as worldly knowledge is. (Darci Lilya, Blackfoot, Idaho) <What makes this place special is the atmosphere. Teachers are very friendly and they want to help you to do your best. I enjoy listening to the hymns that are played outside when we come out from our classes. It also helps that we are LDS and that we have the same eternal goal. How do we preserve the “Spirit of Ricks”? Keep on having devotionals and activities that bring the spirit of the Holy Ghost to everyone.