Institute provides break for LDS students
Alisha Tolman
staff writer
Across the street from the Taggart Student Center lies the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Institute of Religion, where young adults in the Cache Valley area have the opportunity to take religion classes.
The Institute of Religion also gives young adults the opportunity to attend dances, socials and join organizations like the Institute Men’s Association or the Institute Choir.
Most of the students who attend the Institute are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but registration is open to anyone, said Richard Gordon, the Institute Director
Students of various faiths who are curious about the LDS religion often take classes, Gordon said.
“I’ve had many students who are not LDS in my classes. It helps them understand the [LDS] church and helps the class by providing a different viewpoint.
The Institute offers classes on many subjects from the Bible (Old and New Testament) and LDS Gospel Doctrine to courses on world religions and family history, said Utah State University student Matt Hillier, who is also the second counselor of the Institute Men’s Association.
“There are probably 30 different class selections,” Gordon said.
In addition to classes, the Institute also sponsors a number of organizations and activities.
“There is an activity every Friday night sponsored by the Latter-day Saint Student Association (LDSSA) and a speaker every Tuesday,” Gordon said.
LDSSA is like the student government of the Institute.
“The Married Student Association also sponsors activities and firesides,” Gordon said.
“My favorite activity was when they did “Star Search,” like the old 80s style,” Hillier said. Other activities include service projects, free meals, comedy nights and talent shows, Hillier said.
Organizations include the Institute Men’s Association, Institute Women’s Association, Married Students’ Association, LDSSA, the Institute Choir and the New Horizons Show Choir, Hillier said.
“I enjoy [Institute] because I learn more about the scriptures – the Old and New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price – and the things I’ve learned help me to become a better person,” Hillier said.
Institute classes give students a “change of direction,” Gordon said. “It allows students to take courses more directed at spiritual welfare.”
Institute courses cost $12 a semester.
This initial fee covers all classes.
Married students pay $12 per couple to take classes. Registration can be acomplished by going to the front office. Students are welcome to register all semester long, Gordon said.