BYU Homecoming’s 2015 theme is Make Your Mark, and Spectacular’s featured performer has been making his mark since childhood.
Courtesy David Archuleta
Singer David Archuleta, an American Idol runner-up in 2008, will perform Oct. 9 and 10 at the annual showcase, which will also highlight the best of BYU’s performing groups. Archuleta won the children’s division of a Utah talent competition when he was 10, and at 12, he won the Junior Vocal Champion Award on Star Search 2. After appearing on Idol when he was 16, he released an album that sold nearly a million copies worldwide. He has since released multiple albums, performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and served a mission in Chile.
Spectacular is one of many Homecoming activities, which will begin with opening ceremonies Oct. 6 and culminate Oct. 10, when the Cougars take on the East Carolina Pirates in LaVell Edwards Stadium. Other Homecoming events will include a hike to light the Y, reunions, the Cougar Run, and a parade.
Photo courtesy BYU Photo
All activities will support the Make Your Mark theme, inspired by this year’s honored founder, BYU benefactor Abraham O. Smoot (see story on pp. 54–55). This year marks the 200th anniversary of Smoot’s birth, and his great-grandson L. Douglas Smoot (BS ’57) will serve as the Homecoming parade’s grand marshal.
“Smoot sacrificed his material possessions to ensure the continuation of Brigham Young Academy,” says John C. Lewis (BA ’77, MBA ’79), former associate advancement vice president. “Hopefully, each of us will seize the opportunities we have to make our marks in life and employ our God-given resources to further the works of goodness.”
To buy Spectacular tickets or get a detailed schedule of events, visit homecoming.byu.edu.
Coming home for Homecoming? Catch BYU’s premier performing groups at Spectacular, take a dive into blue foam, or check out myriad other campus and local events. Photo by Savanna Sorensen/BYU.
Brimhall Essay Call for Entries
For more than 20 years, descendants of former BYU president George H. Brimhall have added to Homecoming by hosting an essay contest. The competition gives students an opportunity to learn more about BYU founders who have made significant contributions to the university.
The Brimhall family, which endows the Brimhall Memorial Essay Contest, has increased the prize money for 2015, says family representative Joseph H. Groberg (BA ’67).
The first-, second-, and third-place winners will receive $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000, respectively, and three honorable mentions will receive $500 each.
This year participants will be evaluated for their insights on Abraham O. Smoot, Homecoming 2015’s honored founder; their use of the Homecoming theme, Make Your Mark; and their personal reflections. The contest winner will present his or her essay at Homecoming’s opening ceremonies Oct. 6 in the Marriott Center.
Students interested in entering the contest may attend a workshop in 1060 HBLL on Sept. 9 or 10. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 24 at noon.
