When Elder John A. Widtsoe wrote, “Education is and must be carried onward fully and abundantly in the Church of Christ,” he likely did not fully envision the growth Brigham Young University would undergo during the 20th century—nor the cost associated with sustaining such growth.
His statement, nonetheless, is as true today as it was in 1915, and BYU remains solidly committed to supporting this essential aspect of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To strengthen the university as it moves into the next century—and to extend its reach to as many students as possible—BYU has been involved for the past two years in the silent phase of a major capital campaign, which was transformed into a very public campaign the evening of April 4, 1996.
LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, together with BYU President Merrill J. Bateman, BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway, and campaign co-chair Hyrum W. Smith, made the public announcement in the Harris Fine Arts Center to over 800 Church leaders, government officials, campaign volunteers, prospective donors, and BYU deans and administrators.
In addition, over the course of the campaign, Brigham Young Magazine will provide ongoing coverage of relevant aspects of this ambitious—and essential—undertaking.