"We saw so many young members of the church living in disadvantaged places going on missions and developing great abilities and then returning to a cycle of poverty," Elder Carmack told a group of BYU emeriti at their annual September fall activity. "We need good leaders in those countries, and we need to help the people living there become those leaders."

He compared the word "emeriti" to the feeling of having matured and accomplished something, and pointed out how the following emeriti from the past contributed significantly to education and helping others:

Enoch established a city that was eventually taken to heaven where they were of one heart and mind, who dwelled in righteousness and with no poor among them.

Joseph had a dream concerning seven years of plenty and seven years of famine, and his knowledge and preparation saved many during the lean years, including his own family.

Brigham Young took charge of the Church during Joseph Smith's imprisonment in Liberty Jail and led them to Illinois. The charge is that no poor would be left behind. When they had to flee Illinois after the prophet was killed, he committed to taking all—including the poor—with him when they headed west.

"You find them everywhere," he said. Others included Moses leading in the wilderness, David O. McKay with the welfare program, Ezra Taft Benson saving people from hunger in post-World War II Europe, President Hinckley and other leaders.

"Latter-day Saints have been tremendously generous," he explained. "Money has poured in. While we have invited donations, we have not had to do fund raising. After seven years, donations this year exceed last year." About 75 couples are representing the Perpetual Education Fund worldwide, and more than 31,000 have been helped. " The recipients are doing well at repayment, which is a key to the success of the program," Elder Carmack added.