CBU celebrates 2023 graduates in commencement ceremonies

Riverside, Calif. (April 27, 2023) – Cheers and jubilation filled the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center as family and friends celebrated the graduates during the 2023 spring commencement ceremonies at California Baptist University.

CBU celebrated the completion of degrees for 1,795 applicants over five ceremonies held April 24-26. The combined applications for graduation consisted of 21 candidates for doctoral degrees, 600 for master’s degrees and 1,174 candidates for undergraduate degrees.

Along with CBU administrators, faculty, and staff, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, expressed his recognition of the hard work of all students and honored their efforts to earn their degrees.

“Each of these graduating students arrived at this point because of a shared commitment to the challenging yet rewarding endeavor of higher education,” Ellis said. “Through the sacrifices you made, your true character was exemplified, and the relentless pursuit of your educational goals was steadfast.”

At CBU, every student learns that they are created for a purpose, Ellis said. Graduates are challenged in every class and extracurricular activity to become individuals whose skills, principles and sense of purpose distinguish them in the workplace and the world. It is the hope of all CBU staff, faculty, administrators and alumni, that new graduates will have used their time at CBU to learn how to live their purpose and will now go out and do so.

“May you move forward with the same resolve that has guided you to this joyful day of celebration. May your CBU experience and your CBU degree serve as solid building blocks in a sturdy foundation for all your ambitions and dreams,” Ellis said. “You are ready to move on to what lies ahead in life, no doubt better prepared than you might imagine for what that may be.”           

At the commencement ceremony on April 26, Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler were honored for their gift commitment of $28.5 million, the largest in the university’s history. The Fowler Events Center, where the commencement ceremonies were held, was named in their honor. Dale and Ann Fowler each received an honorary degree – a Doctor of Letters.

“The lives and careers of Dale and Ann Fowler reflect a strong work ethic and positive commitment to faith and service consistent with the values promoted by California Baptist University,” Ellis said. “Dale and Ann's gift is a financial expression of their support for Christian education, which they have said makes a lasting impact on the lives of its students in the areas they go on to work, serve and live.”

CBU also recognized two students who achieved excellence in their academic accomplishments.

Amanda Low, an international student from Malaysia, received the Min Sung Kim International Student Award that is presented to an international student who has made outstanding contributions to the CBU community. As a chemical engineering major, Low graduated summa cum laude with a GPA of 4.0. She has been actively involved on campus and was an intern for the International Center for two years.

The recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Senior Award went to Adrian Jacobs. She graduated with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and philosophy, which she completed in three years with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society while also serving as president of CBU’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. Jacobs will remain at CBU in a new capacity, as a communication specialist in the School of Christian Studies.

California Baptist University celebrates commencement for students three times each year: Winter, Spring and Summer. This year’s spring commencements came on the heels of a record year of enrollment at CBU that totaled 11,496 students.

Enrollment is currently open for Summer and Fall courses. Visit calbaptist.edu to learn more.