Dear alumni and friends,
As I finish my time in the dean's office, I'm reminded of my first temple trip, when we drove hours to the nearest temple. No one had checked whether the temple was open. It wasn't. Knowing how far we had come, the temple president rallied a dedicated group of temple workers to open the baptistry. Ever since, I've made it a point to notice temple workers — both their reverence fro their cause and calling and the joy in their countenances as they complete not only sacred but sometimes mundane work.
One of the greatest pleasures of working in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences has been gaining a deeper understanding of Brigham Young University as a temple of learning while getting to know the people who work in this temple. Like other temple workers, our faculty and staff stretch themselves to grow in ways that make them worthy of these holy spaces. They exhibit a deep commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to learning more about it through understanding the world around us. Their countenances radiate joy as they guide our students and produce scholarly breakthroughs that alleviate suffering and contribute to human flourishing. Our wonderful students are like temple patrons, devoting their time and energy to learning and serving others. I see us following the same pattern described in the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer — seeking learning by study and faith from the best books and words of wisdom an then teaching one another.
I will be grateful to return to typical faculty duties and to spend more time with our amazing students, who push and inspire me, but I will miss regular contact with our inspiring faculty and staff laboring in all parts of the college. I invite you to reach out to a faculty of staff member who made a difference in your life, reconnect with them, and allow the Spirit to fill that connection with testimony of this special university and college. We are grateful for everything you do to help our students thrive and grow in this space, and we hope you will continue to cherish our temple of learning.
Sincerely,
Mikaela Dufur
Associate Dean