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Student Alumni

Brimhall Essay Contest

The BYU Student Alumni Association and descendants of former BYU president George H. Brimhall honor the founders of Brigham Young University each year at Homecoming with the Brimhall Essay Contest. The competition is designed to encourage high levels of scholarship among BYU students and promote understanding and appreciation of BYU’s mission and legacy and the challenges of its great founders.

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THIS YEAR'S HONORED FOUNDERS:

Jeffrey R. & Patricia T. Holland

HOMECOMING THEME:

The Reach of Divine Love

The Brimhall Essay Contest is honored to celebrate the extraordinary lives and enduring legacy of President Jeffrey R. Holland and Sister Patricia T. Holland. Together, they exemplified a lifelong commitment to faith, education, service, and the uplifting of others.

As leaders, educators, authors, and devoted disciples of Jesus Christ, President and Sister Holland inspired generations of students and communities through their compassion, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the divine potential of every individual. During President Holland's tenure as the ninth president of Brigham Young University and through Sister Holland's devoted service to students, youth, and families, they fostered a culture of learning, faith, and personal growth that continues to bless lives today.

This year's contest pays tribute to their remarkable example and invites participants to reflect on the values they championed: intellectual curiosity, spiritual strength, perseverance, kindness, and a commitment to serving others. Their shared legacy reminds us that education and faith, when pursued together, have the power to transform lives and strengthen communities for generations to come.

  • President Jeffrey R. Holland is widely recognized as an influential educator, religious leader, and advocate for faith and learning. A graduate of Brigham Young University, he earned advanced degrees from Yale University before beginning a distinguished career in higher education and Church service. He served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University from 1980 to 1989, where he strengthened the university's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth.

    In 1994, President Holland was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his ministry, he became known for his powerful teachings on faith, discipleship, hope, and the Savior Jesus Christ. His heartfelt messages, compassionate leadership, and unwavering testimony have inspired millions throughout the world. President Holland's legacy reflects a lifelong dedication to education, service, and helping individuals recognize their divine worth and potential.

    From the Church’s Website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/jeffrey-r-holland?lang=eng

  • Sister Patricia Terry Holland was a beloved educator, author, speaker, and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. A graduate of Dixie College and Brigham Young University, she dedicated her life to teaching, mentoring, and strengthening individuals through faith and compassion. She served alongside her husband, Jeffrey R. Holland, throughout their many assignments in education and Church leadership, including at Brigham Young University and in international Church service.

    Known for her warmth, wisdom, and profound spiritual insight, Sister Holland touched countless lives through her writings and addresses. Her messages often focused on hope, resilience, family, and trusting in God's love during life's challenges. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and leader, she exemplified Christlike service and a deep commitment to lifting and encouraging others. Her legacy continues to inspire generations to live with faith, courage, and compassion.

    From the Church’s website:

    https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/jeffrey-r-and-patricia-t-holland/

“The school depends not on man, or any set of men. God planted it, and we are but gardeners to take care of it.” –George H. Brimhall

PRIZES

1st Place: $5,000 and published in Y Magazine

2nd Place: $3,000

3rd Place: $2,000

Honorable Mention (3 awarded): $1,000

GUIDELINES

The essay must establish a connection between:

  • The honored founder
  • The 2026 Homecoming theme
  • Personal reflections

RULES

  1. The contest is open to all full-time BYU undergraduate (12+ credits) and graduate students (8+ credits) enrolled in Fall Semester 2026.
  2. Essays should be approximately 750 words.
  3. Your name must not appear anywhere on your essay. It will be thrown out if it includes your name.
  4. This year, all essay submissions for the Brimhall Essay Contest will be handled through a Canvas course. To submit your essay, simply click the course link, which will automatically enroll you in a non-credit Canvas course created solely for this purpose. Once enrolled, you will upload your paper through the designated assignment page by the submission deadline. Please upload your essay as a readable PDF file. Access the course and submit your essay online here.
  5. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is limited to basic spell-check only. Essays that show evidence of AI-generated or AI-assisted content beyond spell-check may be disqualified. For more information, please review our full AI Use Policy.
  6. Essay submission deadline: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, by 11:59 pm MDT. NO EXCEPTIONS!

HELP

SUBMIT ESSAY

FAQs

  • No. Your essay should be approximately 750 words long. This is about the length that Y Magazine will allow for publishing. Be aware that Y Magazine will likely edit the winning essay for publishing.

  • Because this is an essay, you may choose any accepted formatting citation style you like. Citations of the winning essays will be checked. However, the citations for the winning essay will not be printed in BYU Magazine.

  • No. The submission deadline is firm.

  • Full-time for undergraduate students is 12+ credits and for graduate students is 8.5+ credits.

  • The winners will be called on October 2, 2026. All other entrants will be notified by email on the same day.

  • Unfortunately, due to the large number of entrants, this is not possible.

  • Essays must be submitted online as a readable PDF.

  • In past years, this has been the case. However, entrants may now be full-time online-only students.