In a recent devotional, Elder Kyle S. McKay offers a hypothetical thought experiment similar to George Bailey’s experience in It’s a Wonderful Life: What if Christ had never lived? Elder McKay then makes the case for why, in an increasingly anti-Christ world, our need for a Savior has never been more apparent.

At BYU’s annual University Conference, President Kevin J Worthen announced the formation of a new Office of Belonging and shared a newly created “Statement on Belonging” as a guide for creating a campus environment where all feel loved and included. In his address, Worthen described the impact of President Spencer W. Kimball’s prophetic vision for BYU in its second century, then shared a new video excerpting President Kimball’s words from 1975. The conference wrapped up with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland asking the BYU campus community to embrace its uniqueness.

BYU students and faculty are masking up as needed, but everyone is breathing a little easier this week as classes began in person on campus. Enjoy a gallery of photos taken on the first day back at school.

After a pandemic pause, the tradition of forming a human Y is back—albeit in a different location due to ongoing stadium construction and with a mask handed to every student to wear during the event. Find your favorite freshman as you recall your own BYU first-semester memories.

The Cougars are on the road to kick off their 2021 college football season against Arizona. But instead of traveling to Tucson, BYU will be playing in Allegiant Stadium—the new home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. The Deseret News reports that more than 57,000 tickets have already been purchased. Peruse ESPN broadcast details on the 2021 football schedule, see which QB will start, and learn more about Kalani Sitake’s recent contract extension.

“Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?” BYU Vocal Point takes to the mountains to perform their cover of “I Can Only Imagine” by the contemporary Christian band MercyMe.

Darren Campbell is BYU’s head doctor—in two ways: he leads the physicians supporting Cougar athletics, and he’s an expert in concussions. Learn more about head-injury treatment and prevention in this quick Q&A.

Learn how two BYU alums banded together with friends to form a Salt Lake City–based Scout troop for refugee girls, who come from seven different countries. As they teach skills like swimming, rock climbing, and kayaking, these grads build troop unity and are blessed.

Score two free tickets to BYU Spectacular! in the Marriott Center on Oct. 7 and 8. To enter, go “like” the BYU Alumni Facebook page, “like” the contest post, and tag whom you would bring to the show. The contest closes Sept. 9. BYU Spectacular! features award-winning Brian Stokes Mitchell and renowned BYU performing groups. You can also purchase tickets online.

Summer is about to end, but there is still time to try these delicious drinks. Choose from horchata or agua de jamaica, mixed up by alumni bloggers Jade and Michael Jones.