Elder Bednar Returns to BYU–Idaho for Its 25th Anniversary

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Susan, returned to Rexburg, Idaho, this month to take part in celebrations marking 25 years since Ricks College became Brigham Young University–Idaho. The Bednars led the school through that transition as president and first lady of Ricks College. The Church Newsroom reports that the anniversary events began in June 2025, on the 25th anniversary of President Gordon B. Hinckley's announcement of the change.

Torch lighting and a look ahead

At the Spirit Week torch lighting on Friday, October 9, which included a drone and fireworks show, Elder Bednar told the crowd he would rather look to the future than the past. He said the Lord expects those blessed by their education to use their talents in building His kingdom. The week's other activities included service projects, a rodeo, a night parade and a foam slide.

The student devotional

On Thursday, October 8, the Bednars joined university president Alvin F. Meredith III and his wife, Jennifer, at the I-Center for a student devotional. The Newsroom's account highlights three themes.

• Leadership as legacy. Elder Bednar described a disciple leader as someone focused on meeting other people's needs and seeking spiritual gifts so that he or she can serve them.
• Gifts that pass through you. He taught that spiritual gifts are given so that they flow on to bless others, not to benefit oneself.
• "One by one." The BYU–Idaho concert choirs sang "One by One," with lyrics written by Elder Bednar. He said the phrase is more than a catchy line: the Savior works individually, and each person is one of those "ones." Sister Bednar added her testimony that the Savior is a source of strength.

He also told students that the Atonement is personal, and he encouraged them not to be too hard on themselves.

Ice cream

Sister Bednar recalled that soon after they arrived 25 years ago, she told students she wished she could feed them all ice cream. The next Monday, students came to the Bednars' porch with ice cream and cookies, and the weekly gathering grew. In honor of that story, the university served ice cream to thousands of attendees after the devotional, and Elder Bednar helped scoop it.

Takeaway

The story is a warm portrait of a leader returning to a campus he helped reshape, with a message aimed at students: serve others, stay humble and trust that the Savior knows each of them personally. Everything above is drawn from the Church Newsroom report, which also carries photos courtesy of BYU–Idaho.