President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed graduates and their friends and families in a morning commencement on the campus of Weber State University.
Inside the Dee Events Center, President Monson shared with 2,314 graduates their “mandate to make this world better.”
“Graduation is not the conclusion of an achievement but simply the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another chapter,” said President Monson as part of the school’s 135th graduation ceremonies.
From Vince Lombardi to Carl Sandburg to Ralph Waldo Emerson, President Monson drew from a reservoir of diverse thought to encourage graduates as they “step away from the Ogden campus and into the world.”
President Monson said personal attitude, belief in one’s ability and the courage to face challenges are the ABCs of “an abundant life.”
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face,” he said, quoting Eleanor Roosevelt. “The danger lies in refusing to face the fear.”
President Monson has served since February 2008 as the 16th president of the Church.