Yawn. Once again, you're stuck in a boring math class. Luckily, the class lasts only half an hour. In fact, all classes are only half an hour.

You are in Provo, but you're not at BYU. And although half-hour classes sound good, other aspects of this new learning environment might not be so appealing.

For example, at this time of year, everyone is packing luggage because there is no such thing as summer semester. Your tuition bill is due soon, and there are no student loans to bail you out. Although you love playing basketball, intercollegiate sports are nonexistent. There is no college newspaper. And you won't begin your classes with prayer because, after all, the school is not owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Imagine Brigham Young Academy without Benjamin Cluff, Jr.

Cluff was the third principal of Brigham Young Academy, and the first president of Brigham Young University. Cluff made many decisions during his 12-year tenure that laid the foundation of BYU as we know it today.

Cluff was born to parents Benjamin and Mary Ella on 7 February 1858. As a 19-year-old librarian in Coalville, Cluff heard about Brigham Young Academy, an institution then still in its infancy.

Not deterred by the 65-mile distance between himself and campus, Cluff set out for BYA on foot. After getting a ride just outside of Park City, Cluff arrived at the Academy and was greeted by Karl Maeser. The principal of BYA supposedly shook Cluff's hand and, according to Ernest L. Wilkinson's book "Brigham Young University, A School of Destiny," gave him a warm greeting.

"It is an honor and a pleasure to meet and welcome into our school a young man with an ambition to fit himself for service in God's kingdom," Maeser said. "You will be happy here."

Although by today's standards this journey would be considered heroic, Cluff's achievements were just beginning. After spending a year at BYA, Cluff traveled to the University of Michigan, where he bought a coal oil lamp and began to study. He received his bachelor's and master's degree from this university, in addition to serving a mission to Hawaii as a young man.

Cluff returned to BYA and, according to his biography, was critical of the academy. He wanted to introduce new studies, institute modern teaching methods, and incorporate faith with scientific learning.

Cluff got a chance to make these changes when he succeeded Maeser as principal of BYA on the 4 January 1892. In perhaps his most far-reaching decision, Cluff convinced the Church of Jesus Christ to incorporate Brigham Young Academy on 18 July 1896, thereby rescuing BYA from financial ruin.

By the time Cluff retired on 23 December 1903, BYA had become BYU, and resembled the university students attend today. Cluff had changed class from half an hour to an hour long, adopted blue and white as the official university colors, encouraged the first student newspaper, established summer school, created the Alumni Association, provided the first student loans and developed an intercollegiate sports system.

According to an article written by Charleen Winters last year, Cluff was admired by his students.

"Benjamin Cluff was a strong and resourceful leader who ranks among the leading educators of Utah," said Bryant Hinckley, one of Cluff's former students. "In his prime he was a man to be reckoned with - a good organizer, fearless, and aggressive."

Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Apr 2003