Nearly 475 guests gathered in the Manwaring Center West Ballroom on September 16 for the annual President’s Club Banquet hosted by President Kim B. Clark and his wife, Sue.

Following the meal and entertainment, President Clark addressed the gathering by first noting the great legacy of BYU–Idaho, built by pioneering men and women of faith and consecration. “But, we must not take too much satisfaction in the past. We are poised on the cusp of a great season of revelation, innovation, and change in this university. We must be prepared to grasp the opportunity.”

That opportunity, according to President Clark, unfolds in the pursuit of three great imperatives: (1) substantially improve every aspect of the students’ experience; (2) lower the relative cost of education; and (3) make a BYU–Idaho education available to many more young people of the Church. “These imperatives give us a tremendous agenda. They serve as a marvelous focusing device to keep us clear on where we are headed,” he said. Initiatives underway within the three imperatives include the new academic calendar, the BYU–Idaho learning model, the new general education program, and the use of technology in new and expanded ways.

Regarding the participation of alumni and friends of BYU–Idaho, President Clark said: “We are so grateful for the support you give us, for your willingness to invest in the university. I want you to know how important it is not only to us here, but the board of trustees and particularly the chairman of the board, President Hinckley.”

President Clark concluded by emphasizing the sacred nature of the work entrusted to BYU–Idaho—to help prepare generations of young people who will receive a great education and then help build the kingdom wherever they go. For this reason, he explained, the university had received a mandate from the Lord to build Zion. And, he emphasized, BYU–Idaho needed “those whose hearts are with the university” to participate in the work. “You have an opportunity to play a role in helping this university move forward on its steady, upward course. . . . Ask the Lord what you can do to help us, and then do it in faith.”

The President’s Club Banquet is an annual event giving members an opportunity to be on campus and learn about current university initiatives and priorities.

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