Ensign College will hold its 137th Commencement exercises in the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square, Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. For more than 13 decades, the College has honored students who are prepared to enter the workforce with job-ready skills and experience. More certificates and degrees will be awarded than ever before in the history of Ensign College with 2,540 awards conferred upon 2,078 graduates—1,666 of which are online students through a partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide.
Speaking to this year's graduates will be Elder Gary E. Stevenson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Clark G. Gilbert, Commissioner of the Church Educational System; President Bruce C. Kusch, 13th president of Ensign College; and graduates Afokwalam Ugochukwu and Rebekah McHenry.
Gary E. Stevenson was sustained to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 3, 2015. At the time of his call to the Twelve, he had been serving as the Presiding Bishop of the Church. Elder Stevenson received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Utah State University. He cofounded an exercise equipment manufacturing company, where he served as president and chief operating officer. Elder Stevenson and his wife Lesa served as mission leaders of the Japan Nagoya Mission from 2004-2007.
Ugochukwu, an online student living in Nigeria, completed a Technical Support Engineer Certificate. His educational experience was enriched through the diverse backgrounds of his online classmates and the support of his missionary mentors. He will invite graduates to stay focused on their goals, remain resilient in the face of obstacles, and never underestimate the power of perseverance, stating, “every challenge. . . is an opportunity for growth and learning.”
McHenry, a non-traditional student and mother of six, initially enrolled at Ensign College following a prompting to “go learn about accounting.” Upon completing her accounting certificate, she felt impressed to continue and pursue a bachelor’s degree. Graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Accounting, McHenry has served as the IMA student chapter president and will receive the Leadership Award in that program. She will encourage graduates to “trust in the Lord’s timing, in the Lord’s process, and in his plan for [your] life.”
Audience members are asked to be seated in the Tabernacle by 9:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. Additionally, a live broadcast will be streamed for those who are not able to attend in person. The broadcast will be translated into Spanish and Portuguese.
A link to view the broadcast of the Commencement exercises will be posted on the Ensign College homepage on Wednesday, April 10. An email will also be sent to graduates containing the link, which can then be forwarded to loved ones for viewing.