“My brothers have many colors. My brother embraces my differences. My brother stands with me, not against me.” Sharing a message of hope and solidarity, BYU football players are championing the message “Don’t wish for change; be the change.”

At the request of President Kevin J Worthen, a BYU committee was appointed recently to examine issues of race and inequality. The committee meets this week, eager to reach out and listen to students and members of the BYU community. The committee will then recommend ways to make campus safer and more welcoming for people of color.

Elder David A. Bednar shares what we can learn from COVID-19 and other widespread disruptions in this timely talk from BYU’s 2020 Religious Freedom Annual Review yesterday. Hear his thoughts on the pandemic, on gathering as religious communities, and on the fundamental nature and fragility of religious freedom.

A group of BYU advertising students developed a multimedia campaign to both highlight the experiences of Black students and promote diversity awareness among all BYU students and faculty. “Blindspot” was launched during Black History Month in February to spark conversations and inspire those seeking solutions.

In a time when getting close to a sick patient can be deadly, two BYU professors—ER nurse Craig Nuttall and IT associate professor Chia-Chi Teng—have created some space. Their low-cost 3D printed digital stethoscope connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing health-care workers to interact safely with patients in isolation and in telemedicine applications. The 3D parts cost less than $20 to print using the professors’ open-source plans.

Enjoy this hopeful medley of “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again” performed by BYU Noteworthy, the latest in their series of live sessions.

In this video Joel Griffitts, a BYU professor of microbiology and molecular biology, explains in detail the science behind COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing.

As a tribute to 2020’s graduating seniors, Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT) shared Vanish, a video with themes of isolation, connection, support, separation, leaving, and moving on. The video is the latest in a collaboration between CDT and Jesse Obremski, a NYC-based choreographer.

Navigating through homeschool for the first time? Or maybe just being with your family 24/7? Sticky notes come in clutch for Paul Caldarella, BYU professor of counseling psychology and special education, who has learned praise is one of the best tools for keeping kids on task.

Walk into James Gaskin’s office in the Tanner Building, and you may be at a loss for words. Don’t worry—he’s got one for you: awe. From the information-systems professor’s self-made chainmail to his iridescent titanium, he hopes “to create awe and expand what the students see as possible.” Step inside to find Baby Yoda, a Y Mountain diorama, and a Zimbabwean trillion-dollar bill.

While social distancing has presented plenty of challenges, it has also opened the door for exploring and expressing creativity in unexpected ways. For BYU School of Music professor Darren Bastian, it meant recording a traditional Latter-day Saint hymn on a less-traditional instrument: the marimba. Enjoy Bastian’s rendition of “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer,” based on a guitar arrangement by Michael Dowdle.

Do you know someone who wants to be a Cougar in the near future? Have them take a minute to sign up for regular email updates from BYU Admissions. High school students can stay in the loop with campus happenings and find out what BYU looks for in admissions.