On 12 May 2026, Deborah Wright was honored by BYU with The President’s Appreciation Award. This is awarded annually to ten full-time staff employees with at least three years of service. The award recognizes individuals for their overall contribution to the university, providing legendary service, and demonstrating the following values in their work at BYU.
1. Spiritually Strengthening – Strengthens faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel within the BYU community.
2. Student-Centered Focus – Prioritizes student growth and success.
3. Excellence and Professionalism – Excels in professional work and behavior.
4. Unity and Respect – Promotes a culture of love and belonging.
5. Integrity – Exemplifies BYU’s values of honesty, ethical conduct, and personal integrity.
Deborah has served the Center since its founding in 2000. As ICLRS coordinator and administrative assistant, she has been the primary logistical organizer of thousands of law-and-religion conferences and trainings worldwide, involving tens of thousands of religious leaders, government officials, academics, students, NGO and civil society leaders, and others. For many, Deborah is the first representative of BYU and the Church they have ever encountered, and her thoughtful, professional, Christ-like watch-care over travel arrangements, housing, transportation, and other needs ensures their impressions are not just favorable but glowing. Deborah regularly works around the clock, helping delegates resolve last- minute flight delays/cancellations or other travel issues abroad. Indeed, it is not uncommon for dignitaries arriving at a conference to eagerly seek out Deborah, give her an enthusiastic hug, and bestow her with a heartfelt gift from their home country because they’ve felt her sincere care and concern for them.
Simultaneously, Deborah is known as “the heart and soul of the Center” because of her care for coworkers, team-centered approach, and gracious interactions with ICLRS contacts. She respects coworkers’ spheres of responsibility but generously shares wisdom and expertise when sought. Her sense of humor brightens the Center, and she has created a beautiful office environment that blesses staff and visitors alike.
Lutforahman Saeed, a guest researcher at BYU Law. beautifully captured the spirit of Deborah’s service.
“After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, my family and I found a new home in Salt Lake City, arriving on March 29, 2022, with the support of a scholarship from BYU Law School’s International Center for Law and Religion Studies. Just a week after I arrived, I was invited to an event where I met Deborah, a kind woman with a gentle voice and a warm smile. When I introduced myself, she welcomed me graciously and said, “We have some things at the center if you need anything at all.” Her immediate kindness made me feel certain that I had come to the right place and was surrounded by the right people. Since that first day, Deborah has been the first person I turn to whenever I have a question or need help, and she always responds with that same smile and kind voice. I am so grateful for her. God bless you, Deborah.”
We, at the Center, are so grateful for Deborah and happy to see her honored by the university she serves.
