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The Founding Story of BYU: How did Brigham Young conceive of the school?
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a well-known private research university located in Provo, Utah, USA. It was founded in 1875 and is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The founding soul of the school was religious leader Brigham Young, who was committed to establishing a school that would provide high-quality education without the influence of atheism. There are many interesting and thought-provoking stories throughout the university's history that reveal Brigham Young's vision and persistence.
Early History
BYU's origins can be traced to 1862, when Warren Dusenberry founded a school in Provo. Although it experienced several financial crises, in 1875, Brigham Young officially signed the deed establishing Brigham Young Academy, marking the birth of the school. Young's vision for the school was to provide Latter-day Saint children with a sound education, away from the "pernicious atheistic influences" present in many colleges and universities at the time. As he said: "I hope to build a college in Provo where Latter-day Saint children can receive a good education."
School Development
The school opened in 1876, when Brigham Young selected German immigrant Carl Mazer as principal. Under Mazer's leadership, the school produced many successful graduates, including future U.S. Supreme Court Justice George Sutherland and U.S. Senator Reed Smoot.
"I hope their minds are mature enough so that the hat on their head is not too small."
Although the school experienced administrative changes during Clough's tenure, at the end of his tenure he proposed that the college be renamed Brigham Young University. Although there was considerable opposition to the initial proposal, the final decision was passed.
Expansion and Debate
Over time, BYU has gradually developed into a true research university. Harris' leadership, BYU transformed from an unaccredited school to an institution recognized by multiple major accrediting agencies. In the 1940s, the school's student population almost quintupled, and significant campus expansion began in the 1960s.
“We have a responsibility to steward the earth and its resources wisely.”
As the school grew, BYU faced many challenges, including how to balance the tension between religious belief and scientific education. As the school grew, however, teachers and students gradually found a way to reconcile scientific facts with the teachings of the Church.
BYU Today
Today BYU has 186 undergraduate majors, 64 master's majors and 26 doctoral majors, and has a 560-acre campus with 295 buildings. There are many museums and cultural facilities on campus, including the Museum of Art and the Museum of Living Sciences, both open to students and the public, providing educational and research opportunities to the wider community.
"The greatest strength of this school is its religious nature, and this should be fully exploited."
In terms of academic rankings, BYU performs well and has been rated as the most cost-effective school many times. It is also committed to sustainable development, actively promoting environmental protection measures and reducing energy consumption.
Future Outlook
With the upcoming medical school, BYU will further enhance its academic influence. While the school continues to expand, it also adheres to the combination of religious belief and scientific exploration. Facing the future, how will BYU lead a new generation of students to find a balance between academics and faith?
