SALT LAKE CITY -- President Gordon B. Hinckley asked students to pray to the Lord for blessings and guidance as they pursue their academic careers, as he spoke to approximately 450 people at the LDS Business College dedication at the amphitheater on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006.

He said he chose to go to the dedication because the college has special meaning to him. His father, Brian S. Hinckley, came to Salt Lake City from Provo years ago to preside over the school in its early years. He met his wife at LDSBC, who taught English and shorthand.

"Nothing could be better than what we will have here," President Hinckley said. "This facility is even better [than the old campus]."

In his dedicatory prayer, President Hinckley thanked God for the restoration of the gospel and for Joseph Smith. He prayed the LDSBC would grow in structure among its sister colleges.

LDSBC was founded 120 years ago. For 44 years, the school was located at a site on downtown South Temple. The new college is in a 10-story building with over 150,000 square feet and houses a larger library, testing center and commons area. The classrooms are deliberately small and contain about 30 students to ensure a high level of interaction between faculty and students.

"[It helps] maintain a family feeling," said Stephen K. Woodhouse, president of LDSBC.

Another advantage of the move is the location itself.

"The best prominent view out of the windows to the east is the beautiful Salt Lake Temple," Woodhouse said.

After the ceremony, Woodhouse said the dedication was a phenomenal moment in the history of LDSBC.

"We are looking forward to a great future," he said.

Students at the dedication appreciated President Hinckley's presence.

"As President Hinckley walked in, I felt the spirit like I never have," said Kendra Ridge, a student at LDSBC who sang in the choir at the dedication. "Although I didn't get to talk to him, I know he is a prophet of God."

College officials later gave tours of the new building and placed a 50-year time capsule in the new building.

"I've been looking at the artifacts in the capsule," President Hinckley said, "and I wonder if I should plan on being here when it's opened up."

Copyright Brigham Young University 14 Sep 2006