Fall grads encouraged to forge lives of purpose, intentionality

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2016)—Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, encouraged fall commencement candidates to “live their purpose” beyond graduation.

“All who are graduating this evening share a special kinship with those who have gone before. With it comes the responsibility to take what you have learned and put it to good use in service to others,” Ellis said. “What we have seen in so many of you during these years gives us great confidence that you will do just that.”

Ellis delivered the commencement address to undergraduate and graduate students during fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 15 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.

Ellis challenged students to think about their life’s narrative beyond CBU, including developing a plan for their life.

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. The key, then, is figuring out where you want to go. It also means being prepared to pay the cost,” Ellis said.  

Ellis encouraged members of the graduating class not to forget about their Great Commission training.

“One thing I have observed over the years as I have served in ministry and ministered in higher education: people in every walk of life are hungry for spiritual food. What could be more significant than helping them find it?” Ellis said.

Ellis conferred degrees on 208 graduate students and 461 undergraduate students for a total of 669 graduates.   

The December graduates will be numbered among the CBU Class of 2016, which will include graduates in commencement services next May. The spring 2017 ceremonies are scheduled as the first ever to be held in the CBU Events Center that is currently under construction.