On behalf of the University of Utah community, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to President Thomas S. Monson’s family and to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Monson was a remarkable man. He lived a life of service and dedication to the community and the church he loved so dearly.

LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson

As a graduate and one-time faculty member of our David Eccles School of Business, President Monson was proud to call himself a Utah Man. And we, as a university, are pleased to call him an alumnus.

In 2016, the university opened the Thomas S. Monson Center in downtown Salt Lake City, named in his honor. This iconic mansion is a gathering place for people, ideas and a “source of enlightenment for the citizens of Utah the world.”

As Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the first presidency of the LDS church, said at the opening of the building, “Just as President Monson has reached out to people from every background and walk of life, this center will draw individuals and organizations from the local and global community to engage their minds and hearts in creating ideas and programs that change lives, communities, and nations for the better.”

It is fitting that the building carries his name.

In 2007, President Monson spoke at the university’s commencement ceremony and said, “Vision without work is daydreaming. Work without vision is drudgery. Vision, coupled with work, will ensure your success.”

Wise counsel earned over a lifetime of service.

In memory of his passing, we are pleased to repost his remarks from that day.

Sincerely,
President David W. Pershing

To read remarks from President Thomas S. Monson delivered at the University of Utah Commencement Ceremony in 2007, visit: https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/passing-of-lds-church-president/