Source: Utah Daily Herald

Wire Service: AP

http://www.harktheherald.com/print.php?sid=31367

On August 10, 2004 Utah Daily Herald reported that, "a direct descendent of Brigham Young and the former dean of the George Washington School of Law is settling into his new position as the University of Utah president. Michael Young, 54, began his duties as the school's 14th president Aug 2. The California native has strong Utah ties, he's Mormon and a Brigham Young University graduate. That's not even mentioning his direct bloodline to Brigham Young, the revered LDS Church leader and architect of the state of Utah. Michael Young says he is well aware of the perception that practicing Mormons face a bias from secular-minded staff and students. He spent much of the past decade as a champion of religious tolerance and freedom on a global and national scale. Young said the things that bring people together are much more important than 'silly and counterproductive' ones used to foster divisiveness... Young says his No. 1 priority is strengthening the university's core mission, teaching and research."