To my fellow graduates...

I was invited as a candidate to speak at my college graduation last month. Yes, you read that right! Although I began my university education in 1991, I didn't complete my Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science until 2025. In the end, I was not selected to speak, but the experience led me to write out what I would have said to my fellow graduates and attendees. I decided to share that and hope you get something out the four-minute read...

If you noticed me sitting up here as you entered, you may have thought I was a professor or visitor. I don’t know how often the student convocation speakers have grey hair, but I’m excited and honored to be here.

And although I’ve had students say (kindly), “Have a nice weekend, Professor” or offer to help me find my son or daughter on campus, like you, I am here today as a BYU Computer Science graduate!

I know today is a big day, and you won’t remember much of what is said, but I hope to leave you with two key messages from our BYU experience…

My journey here began before my classmates were born. Thirty-four years ago, I came to BYU to study pre-dentistry, but my love for technology ultimately led me to the Computer Science program. Here, I was blessed with great professors, made lifelong friends, and learned so many critical skills that have helped me throughout my career, but also in life. I had too many experiences with great people to mention, which brings me to my first point - be the answer to someone’s prayer! The prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, taught: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.” I know you have each seen this - in study groups, a professor or TA who took extra time, an advisor or mentor that helped you, your family, or a friend. And I’m sure many of you have been the answer to someone else’s prayer.

I had so many great experiences as a student, and just before my final semester, I accepted a full-time job at BYU. But the dot-com craze quickly hit, and jobs for software developers were plentiful. I soon landed with a small startup in Provo, which took me on a whirlwind journey from startup to a successful IPO. Adobe acquired us in 2009 and I spent 15 years as a technology executive before ‘temporarily retiring’ in 2024. I enjoyed my time off, but just kept thinking about the opportunity the Lord had given me to return to school.

When I reached out last fall, the professors, advisors, BYU admissions staff, everyone was so supportive and helpful. I had missed the enrollment deadline, but they helped me navigate the process, approved my final two classes, I officially enrolled on Jan 3, and here I am, graduating like all of you! I want to thank all those in the CS dept, BYU admissions, and Math & Physical Sciences dept for their help. I know they truly care; I’ve seen it throughout my return to BYU and it’s another testimony that God hears and answers our prayers, but it is usually through someone else.

I hope my journey can be an example to anyone who thinks, “it’s too late for me [to accomplish whatever].” It’s never too late! Not just to graduate, but anything in life….learning new skills, building a new relationship, mending an old one, changing careers. Whatever it is, it’s never too late - certainly, it’s never too late to try. This is my second point!

The scriptures teach us to endure to the end. If I can endure 26 years of heckling from my family and friends, and my Mother’s desire to see me finish my degree, I know you can endure whatever challenges lie ahead for you.

So, whatever your dreams are - it’s not too late! The atonement allows us to continue to learn from our mistakes, grow, and try again.

Life gives us lots of second chances - but PLEASE don’t waste them and don’t delay! We never know what tomorrow will bring. A little over 3 years ago, I found out I had Melanoma skin cancer. It was scary. I didn’t know how many tomorrows I would have. I was blessed with great doctors who removed the cancer from neck (also why BYU allowed me to have my beard – I did not just decide to show up to graduation with this and see what happened). I’m cancer-free for more than three years!

As a student here 30 years ago, I enjoyed my classes (well, let’s be honest—most of them), made great memories, even met my best friend and the love of my life. But with some life experience and a little more perspective, I’ve been able to truly see how special a place BYU is, over these past 4 months. I’m so grateful I chose to return.

This university is like no other. It is sacred place where we have the opportunity to learn and to grow, not just in Computer Science, but in life’s journey. Don’t take that for granted!

The spirit here is real and it is strong. The Gospel is true and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to study at and now graduate from this great university with you.

Now, as you go forth, look for those opportunities to be the answer to someone’s prayer, and don’t let them pass. I wish you all the best wherever your journey takes you. And remember…it’s never too late!