Graduation from Brigham Young University- Idaho

After walking up and down ‘the hill’ in the dead of winter, living with roommates, watching the construction of the Rexburg temple, bridge jumping, finals weeks and clean checks- we are finally DONE. Brea made it in 9 semesters (only one longer than planned) and Ben made it in…well, he made it. We are both now officially college graduates- Ben has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Brea has a Bachelor of Science in Health Science.

Neither of us were thrilled about the idea of walking (we did it once) but we decided to do it anyway, for the experience. So the day finally arrived- finals were over, family arrived and cap and gowns were in place.

The first thing that was really special was the entrance into the graduation commencement. The faculty of the entire University lined the hallway and congratulated and applauded the graduates as we walked towards the auditorium- it was amazing to see everyone who helped up get to this point and who contributed to our education. Then as we got to the main entrance the President of the University, President Kim B Clark said “Smile, You’re on TV.” We looked up and there we were on the large screen marching into the auditorium as the graduation march played. It was an overwhelming feeling and was the first time that it felt real that we were actually graduating.

During commencement we heard talks from President Clark and from the guest speaker, President Dieter F Uchtdorf (2nd Counselor of the First Presidency). They spoke about not fearing the future and going forward in faith.

After commencement everyone split into different buildings into their individual colleges for convocation (and to get their diplomas). Because we were graduating in different colleges, I decided not to graduate with my college and to walk with Ben in his college, so that we could be together. Ben and I were in the choir so we got to sit up on the stand for the majority of commencement and then our names were read toward the beginning of the names to get the diplomas. They read our names at the same time, so we got to walk across and get our diplomas together, it was really cool.

It was a great experience to know that we accomplished such a great thing. We are so proud of each other and are so grateful for everyone who helped us to succeed and excel in our education. Thank you!!












































With Brea's grandma, Grandma Baker.













Stones Parents













Newson Parents

















Here we are standing with our diplomas...















Here we are standing with Eva, the Secretary of the College of Business and Communication, who works with Ben.













This is Brother Bair (adjunct faculty of the Communication Department) and Sister Bergstrom, the Dean of the College of Business and Communication. Ben also worked closely with both of them.