Changing of the Guard

It was with mixed emotions that we learned yesterday that Cecil O. Samuelson will be released as Brigham Young University’s twelfth president on May 1. President Samuelson has served admirably for the last eleven years. At his inauguration LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled President Samuelson (a University of Utah graduate and supporter) to “put on a blue coat.” President Samuelson has done so. He has endeared himself to students and university employees alike. His quiet determination to make Brigham Young University the best institution that it can be resonated with all of us. He will be missed. His service is deeply appreciated. His successor, Kevin J. Worthen, has large shoes to fill.

The University Archives has two collections documenting President Samuelson’s inauguration. They are:

• BX 8647 .B76 2003-2004 no.1-32 Inaugural address / Cecil O. Samuelson.
• UA 1060 Brigham Young University. Public Affairs Office. Cecil O. Samuelson inauguration files, 2003.

If you would like to know more about the history of Brigham Young University, please contact the University Archivist at (801) 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu.