Acknowledgments
The invitation to publish these talks came at about the time I learned that I would be leaving Brigham Young University to serve as president of BYU–Hawaii. Hence, I have come to regard this book as a departing gift to a beloved alma mater, or “nourishing mother.” I gratefully acknowledge BYU’s role in providing an institutional home that has encouraged and inspired me all my adult life to seek to learn in the light.
I selected these talks from among those delivered from written texts. They are more formal than the many talks I gave from notes or no notes at all. Generally, my written talks were read and copyedited by my office staff. I express appreciation for all those who originally helped me prepare these talks.
I am especially grateful to James T. Summerhays and his colleagues at BYU Studies for their editorial help in preparing the manuscript for publication. They have been professional, patient, and pleasant to work with during this process.
I am also delighted to acknowledge the Education in Zion Gallery at BYU for permission to use the stunning paintings that grace the cover of this book as well as the photos from the gallery that illustrate each section in the book. Much of the artwork in the Education in Zion Exhibition, including even the carpet design, was executed by a student who chooses to remain anonymous. I know this only because I was involved when the Education in Zion Gallery was being developed. I love his work and, even more, his heart. Many of my talks speak of the importance of purity of heart. This student’s anonymously given creative work exemplifies the spirit of consecration that has characterized education in Zion at its best.
I also thank Bruce C. Hafen for writing a foreword for the book. Bruce is one of many like-minded mentors and friends who blessed my days at BYU. As Sir Francis Bacon writes of friendship, my BYU friends have multiplied my joys and divided my griefs. I acknowledge all those who have helped me learn in the light at BYU, including students, teachers, colleagues, mentors, friends, and family.
No one has done this more than my wife, Susan, to whom this book is gratefully dedicated. As in our life together, so in this book: its weaknesses and flaws are mine; its strengths are ours.
