Brimhall Essay Contest
Date: Submissions due Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 11:59 P.M.
Tradition Challenge: Write and submit an essay on "The Reach of Divine Love," honoring President Jeffrey R. and Sister Patricia T. Holland for this year's Brimhall Essay Contest.
Honoring the Founders of BYU
"The school depends not on man, or any set of men. God planted it, and we are but gardeners to take care of it." Those are the words of George H. Brimhall, BYU's fourth president, and they've been the foundation of this contest since the Brimhall family established it in 1993. Each year, students write a roughly 750-word essay honoring that year's chosen founder or past president, connecting their story to BYU's Homecoming theme and the writer's personal reflections.
This year's honorees are President Jeffrey R. and Sister Patricia T. Holland. The essay theme, "The Reach of Divine Love," draws from President Holland's own testimony: that no matter how far a person feels they've traveled, they have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It echoes the university's own theme of Seeking and Sharing His Light. This writing contest is a chance to connect with BYU founders, the Homecoming theme, and share your own story.
How To Participate:
Tradition Challenge: Write and submit an essay on "The Reach of Divine Love," honoring President Jeffrey R. and Sister Patricia T. Holland for this year's Brimhall Essay Contest.
Honoring the Founders of BYU
"The school depends not on man, or any set of men. God planted it, and we are but gardeners to take care of it." Those are the words of George H. Brimhall, BYU's fourth president, and they've been the foundation of this contest since the Brimhall family established it in 1993. Each year, students write a roughly 750-word essay honoring that year's chosen founder or past president, connecting their story to BYU's Homecoming theme and the writer's personal reflections.
This year's honorees are President Jeffrey R. and Sister Patricia T. Holland. The essay theme, "The Reach of Divine Love," draws from President Holland's own testimony: that no matter how far a person feels they've traveled, they have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It echoes the university's own theme of Seeking and Sharing His Light. This writing contest is a chance to connect with BYU founders, the Homecoming theme, and share your own story.
How To Participate:
- Review this year's essay theme and honorees, AI policies, and submission guidelines
- Write an original essay (about 750 words) connecting the Hollands, "The Reach of Divine Love," and your own experience
- Submit your essay by the deadline through the official Canvas submission course
- Submit your participation on Traditions Keeper to complete the challenge and consider sharing a photo with us!