I want to thank my supportive colleagues on the Board, who could serve equally well, and Flo, my esteemed mentor and friend. I have no hesitation in saying this is one of the most important and exciting events of my life. I will wear the mantle Flo has lent me, with joy and respect for all that Humanism means, and hope to be worthy of this office. In that challenge I will try to listen well to others, recognize common ground and build consensus, and work actively to reach Humanist ends in Utah.

Many of you know that my father, Justin Stewart, was an activist and freethinker. In 1990 he received a plaque naming him "Utah Hell-Raiser of the Year." My mother, too, is known to give breakfasts where dangerous ideas are discussed, and I have no doubt some hint of this radicalism is going to manifest itself in my leadership style. From my experience on the board I can promise you we will keep reminding religious groups that they don't have a corner on doing moral works in the community. (Sorry, Wayne, I stole that last line from you)

I want to share some words that express something of my philosophy, by the Humanist writer, Arnold Walker: "I marvel at the miracle of my existence. I have no idea why I am here or whether I have some purpose in being here. I have the ability to encompass thousands of years of human history. The world into which I was born has been built by millions of predecessors, unknown and known. I am a beneficiary of their work, and I have an obligation to contribute in whatever way I can."

This passage celebrates existence joyfully, without fear, and insists on ethical responsibility without promise of a gold medal in an afterlife. The Olympics has shown us Utah is capable of much more diversity than it has ever shown before. Now that we have lit "the fire within," let's light the fire up here, and think of rational, responsible ways to enhance human dignity, addressing social problems such as homelessness, hunger and prisons. I look forward to the coming year, and to the possibility, with your help, of increasing our membership.

--Heather Stewart Dorrell