http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10753985
BYU yanks calendar maker's diploma
By Jennifer Dobner
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 10/18/2008 01:32:20 AM MDT
The Las Vegas man behind a calendar featuring shirtless returned Mormon missionaries has had his diploma yanked by the church-owned Brigham Young University.
Chad Hardy said he finished his last four units for graduation in June. On Aug. 15, he crossed the stage with other graduates during ceremonies at the Provo school.
In between, he was excommunicated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Sept. 30 letter from BYU Executive Director of Student Academic & Advisement Services Norman B. Finlinson states that a nonacademic hold was placed on Hardy's record after the university learned of the excommunication.
''If in the future you are reinstated as a member of the church in good standing, you are invited to contact my office regarding your possible eligibility for the awarding of a degree,'' Finlinson wrote.
Hardy said he'll challenge BYU's position.
''I intend to fight this tooth-and-nail,'' the 31-year-old entrepreneur said.
Hardy was excommunicated July 13 by a council of Las Vegas-based church leaders. Officially, the loss of membership was for conduct unbecoming a church member. The charges were rooted in his failure to pay tithing, a lapse in other religious obligations and, according to a senior church elder, his involvement with the 2008 ''Men on a Mission'' calendar.