BYU Alumni

Cougs You Should Know: Elizabeth Ann Takasaki (BA ’75 Dance; BA ’79 English)

From her time as a BYU Cougarette and movement therapist to her service in Japan and leadership roles uplifting women and communities, Ann’s life reflects her motto: “If it is God’s work, I’ll do it.”

🔥Earned bachelor’s degrees in Dance and English from BYU and performed as a BYU Cougarette
🔥Completed graduate work in movement therapy at UCLA and worked with veterans and mental health patients
🔥Served as a missionary in Sendai, Japan
🔥Held leadership roles on organizations including the Intermountain Healthcare Women’s Advisory Board, American Medical Association Alliance, and LDS Young Women’s General Board
🔥Dedicated her life to service, volunteer leadership, and empowering women through education and self-reliance


Photo Credit: Big Ocean Woman

Physical sight may shape how we see the world, but spiritual sight shapes how we see the Savior. Thank you, Dr. Brooks, for your witness of Christ’s boundless love.🔦✨

"I clearly see my Savior in the center of my spiritual visual field. Could He one day restore my physical sight? Undoubtedly. [...] But even then, I should testify even more boldly of the greater way in which the works of God have been made manifest in my life, in the restoration of my spiritual vision.
I testify that He loves us with a depth and intensity for which there are no words." - Dr. Brooks

Then: a rugged trailhead for the legendary Timpanogos Hike, powered by mountain air and a vision for family connection. 🏔️

Now: over 50 seasons later, BYU Aspen Grove welcomes more than 20,000 guests each year with cabins, campfires, traditions, and generations of memories tucked beneath the pines. From a three-man crew and a dinner bell from a steam engine to one of BYU’s favorite summer escapes, Aspen Grove has always been a place where families gather and stories grow. 🌲✨

Cougs You Should Know: Dr. Derwin L. Gray BS ’96

From the NFL field to the pulpit, Dr. Derwin L. Gray’s journey is rooted in faith, leadership, and transforming lives through Christ. 🏈✨

🔥Co-founded and serves as Lead Pastor of Transformation Church
🔥Built a multiethnic, multi-generational church community focused on healing, faith, and service
🔥Played football at Brigham Young University where he met his wife, Vicki
🔥Competed professionally in the National Football League for six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers
🔥Earned both a Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry
🔥Became an award-winning author and speaker
🔥Received the John M. Perkins Justice Award for visionary leadership and commitment to biblical justice
🔥Dedicated his ministry to helping people know Jesus, restore identities, and transform communities through Christ’s love


Photo credit: Derwin L. Gray