CBU fall graduates encouraged to pursue their purpose in life

Riverside, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2017)— Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, encouraged fall commencement candidates to “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 said. “May your CBU experience and your CBU degree serve as rock-solid building blocks in a strong foundation for your future goals and dreams.”

Ellis delivered the fall commencement address—the first ever held in the Events Center—to a packed arena where more than 260 Online and Professional Students participated in the ceremony on Dec. 14. CBU will host two additional commencement ceremonies on Dec. 15 for traditional undergraduate and graduate students.

The 9:30 a.m. ceremony on Dec. 15 also will feature the first doctoral students graduating from CBU. Three students are scheduled to receive the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

Ellis said the graduates’ hard work at CBU was an important part of developing in life.

“Graduates, your experiences at CBU have given you an important foundation and helped to equip you to figure out where you will go from here—personally, professionally and perhaps most important, vocationally,” Ellis said. “In addition to excellent academics, the spiritual focus at CBU has been an important part of your preparation, whatever future activities you intend to pursue.”

Ellis encouraged students to stay in touch as they forge new experiences.

“Wherever you are, we want you to keep us posted on your progress. The CBU experience was designed to help all of you become Biblically Rooted, Academically Prepared, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve,” Ellis said. “So as you step into the future beyond CBU, be sure you let us know where and how you are continuing to ‘live your purpose.’”

More than 800 students were eligible to participate in the 2017 fall commencement ceremonies at CBU.