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BYU Marks 150th Commencement as Survey Shows Record Gains in Student Faith

Elder Ulisses Soares urged graduates to be 'keepers of the light' to advance BYU's 'Becoming BYU' mission.

Overview

  • BYU’s single annual commencement, held Thursday, marked the university’s 150th year and drew the Class of 2026 and their families to a full Marriott Center in Provo.
  • President C. Shane Reese said a record 91% of seniors reported BYU strengthened their faith in Jesus Christ, up from 78% in 2023.
  • He also reported 85% said their faith in living prophets and apostles grew during their time at BYU, rising from 71% three years ago.
  • Elder Ulisses Soares called graduates to act as stewards of the university’s prophetic vision and to live the 'Becoming BYU' ideals in civic and professional life.
  • BYU conferred 6,864 degrees at the ceremony out of 7,174 graduates this year, with the class drawn from all 50 U.S. states and 69 countries.