First graduates from Class of 2019 honored at CBU fall commencement

Riverside, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2018) – Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, congratulated hundreds of graduates during two commencement ceremonies at the Events Center on Dec. 12

A total of 774 students were eligible to participate in the ceremonies. Combined applications for graduation included nine candidates for doctoral degrees, 242 for master’s degrees and 523 candidates for undergraduate degrees.

“Graduation marks the completion of a program of study. Commencement signals a new beginning,” Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, told a fall commencement audience on Dec. 12. “My earnest hope and prayer is that each of you will lean into this new beginning with genuine Lancer zeal. May you ‘Live Your Purpose’ with passion and with the same determination that has guided you to this joyful day of celebration.”

Ellis noted that these students make up the first graduates for the Class of 2019. The Class of 2018 made up a historic class with 2,846 graduates.

Ellis said CBU has prepared students to tell a unique story.

“All of you have a story to tell. Many involve personal examples of service and transformation that you experienced or witnessed as you seized the opportunity to put your faith into practice,” Ellis said. “The details vary from one story to the next; but in virtually every instance, your participation demonstrates some or all of CBU’s University Student Outcomes, known as the Core Four. These are qualities that every graduate of CBU should embody—to be Biblically Rooted, Academically Prepared, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve.”

As students enter into the next phase of their life, Ellis encouraged them to remember the foundation CBU has laid out for them.

“Past experience indicates many of you will remain in the Inland Southern California region. I encourage you to take advantage of that proximity. Come back often for alumni activities and Lancer athletic events,” Ellis said. “Other members of this graduating class will scatter to the four corners of the earth in pursuit of their calling. For them, attending campus activities as alumni may not be so easy. But wherever you are, we want you to stay in touch. Keep us posted on your progress. And as you step into the future beyond CBU, be sure you let us know where and how you are continuing to ‘Live Your Purpose.’”