BYU Commencement

BYU Commencement from BYUtv is a heartfelt, formal event series that captures the essence of closure, transition, and exciting beginnings for thousands of students graduating from Brigham Young University in 2017. As a prestigious, private university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and located in Provo, Utah, the sense of community, service, and uniqueness of BYU is strongly reflected in this televised event—making for a tradition-rich and heartfelt viewing experience.

Over the broadcast's duration, each episode focuses on different parts of the commencement ceremony, transporting viewers right in the middle of the action. Whether it’s the moving speeches of keynote speakers, the pride-filled introduction of different majors, the ceremonial conferring of degrees, or the iconic throwing of mortarboards, every aspect of graduation is beautifully portrayed, eliciting a whirlwind of emotions.

One of the series' striking aspects is its in-depth coverage of the speeches delivered by influential keynote speakers. The 2017 Commencement ceremony features renowned figures from various professions, providing inspirational and motivational speeches that not only resonate with the graduating students but also the viewers at home. It is intriguing to observe how these speeches often blend personal stories of the speakers' own journey and struggles with instrumental advice for the young graduates, preparing them to face real-world challenges.

In addition to keynote speeches, the program includes segments from selected graduating students addressing their graduating class. These speeches often depict a raw, honest reflection and celebration of their transformational journey through the academic years, showcasing the diverse experiences of a BYU student. Watching these students articulate their dreams, passions, hardships, and triumphs serves as a touchstone of relatability for many viewers.

Aside from the speeches, another highlight of the program is the conferral of degrees. The camera pans across rows of graduating students from diverse departments and majors, capturing the anticipation, joy, and sense of accomplishment visible in their expressions—a culmination of years of rigorous study and hard work. Notably, family members of the graduates are often interviewed, sharing their pride and sentiments, thus adding a deeply personal and emotional layer to the program.

The series’ production quality is top-notch, doing justice to the grandeur and import of the occasion. Enhanced by splendid shots of the picturesque BYU campus as backdrop and the original score that adds a sense of gravitas, the production implies a clear respect for the tradition of commencement.

One notable characteristic of the BYU Commencement broadcast is how it encapsulates the BYU tradition's uniqueness. The viewer gets a sense of the strong undercurrent of spirituality, service, and character-building that BYU infuses into its education system. There is also an evident focus on the tightly-knit community that the university is known for.

The telecast also includes a segment chronicling the Baccalaureate Service—a religious, reflective service held for the graduating students. This service exemplifies the strong faith-based ethos of BYU, building a bridge between the students’ academic journey and their spiritual growth.

Beyond just honoring the students' scholarly achievement, the broadcast underlines BYU's core mission—'Enter to learn, go forth to serve.' It's this undercurrent of service and the focus on using one's academic knowledge to contribute positively to society that makes BYU Commencement more than just a celebration of academic achievement.

While primarily targeted at the BYU community of students, faculty, alumni, and families, BYU Commencement has a broader appeal to any viewer interested in drawn-out life transitions, endearing moments of achievement, and intriguing speeches by both novices and accomplished individuals. Overall, the program is a powerful testament to the strength of education, the value of community, and the optimism of the future.