Brimhall Essay Contest

Each year the descendants of former Brigham Young University president George H. Brimhall honor the founders of the university by sponsoring the Brimhall Essay Contest. Held in conjunction with the university’s Homecoming celebrations, the contest is designed to introduce students to the individuals who have helped to shape Brigham Young University’s unique institutional character. This year the contest will be honoring early Brigham Young University trustee A. O. Smoot.

Known as the foster father of Brigham Young Academy, Abraham Owen Smoot was made the president of the Board of Trustees in November 1875 and remained on the board until his death twenty years later. During his time on the board, Smoot advocated for the Academy with Church authorities, recruited Karl G. Maeser to serve as principal, provided and constructed facilities, and helped maintain public support for the institution.

The L. Tom Perry Special Collections preserves and makes available a range of manuscript and archival resources documenting the contributions of A. O. Smoot to the Church and to the university. A list of initial sources may be found among the popular search topics. If you would like to learn more about the resources available for Smoot, contact the University Archivist at (801) 422-5821 or cory_nimer@byu.edu.