Inspiring Learning Medallion
Explanation of the INSPIRING LEARNING Medallion Elements
President Kevin J. Worthen first coined the phrase Inspiring Learning

Y Mountain
All proceeds from each medallion will be donated to the James E. Talmage Endowment to provide mentored learning opportunities to BYU students. Each medallion has a proof finish and is made 999 fine silver with a reeded edge.
Why Silver?

BYU was built on proceeds from silver mining. Jesse Knight was a prospector in the southern part of Utah County in the late 1800s. One day while prospecting he heard a voice say “This country is here for the Mormons.” He followed that prompting and staked his claim on that spot and discovered silver ore that stretched for almost two miles in length. After that he bought other prominent silver mines in Utah – the Emma Mine in Little Cottonwood Canyon and mines in the Bingham district (Utah was the leading silver producing state from 1920-1932).
Jesse was always generous and giving – particularly to BYU. He felt that his wealth was given to him strictly “for purpose of doing good and building up the Church.” He built several of the first buildings on campus and helped with financing of others. He donated 540 acres of land to BYU (which now sits on 560 acres). He was Chairman of the BYU Board of Trustees for many years. He was affectionately known to all as “Uncle Jesse.” BYU is here, in part, because of Uncle Jesse’s kindness and generosity.