CBU fall commencements are first for Class of 2020

Riverside, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2019) - Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, congratulated hundreds of fall graduates during two commencement ceremonies at the CBU Events Center on Dec. 11.

Eight hundred and nine students were eligible to participate in the ceremonies. Ellis, who recently marked a quarter century as president of the institution, noted that the two ceremonies increased CBU’s total graduate count to 30,728 since the founding of the school in 1950.

“More than 86 percent of all CBU graduates to date—26,540—have completed their degrees in the 25 years and counting that it has been my pleasure to serve as president of California Baptist University. To God be the glory, great things he is doing at CBU,” Ellis said.  

Ellis said graduates honored in the dual fall ceremonies are the first in the CBU Class of 2020. The Class of 2019 made up the institution’s largest graduating class to date with 2,904 graduates.

Dr. Jairy C. Hunter Jr., president emeritus and professor of business at Charleston Southern University, was the commencement speaker. Hunter was elected as the second president of the Baptist College of Charleston in 1984. He served until 2018 and led the college’s development as Charleston Southern University. Today, CSU is the largest accredited independent university in South Carolina.

Hunter focused his message on living a fulfilling and purposeful life.

“Our purpose in life must begin with a personal relationship with God. Knowing that our thoughts, plans and actions are God-inspired makes life meaningful and will create an honorable legacy of joy and fulfillment,” Hunter said. 

Hunter said that one’s purpose should motivate one’s passions.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle for anything less. As with matters of the heart, you’ll know it when you find it,” Hunter said.

Hunter said Colossians 3:23 gives insight on pursuing one’s passion. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (NASB)

“Finding our passion through work is ideal because we spend a huge amount of our life working,” Hunter said. “Let me encourage you to seek a career you are passionate about that challenges you to use your knowledge and skills.”