RIVERSIDE (May 4, 2013)— Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, congratulated 1,117 graduating students May 3 and 4 during commencement ceremonies at California Baptist University (CBU). The graduates included 308 candidates for master's degrees and 210 undergraduates completing degrees in Online and Professional Studies programs during May 3 exercises. Another 599 traditional undergraduates received diplomas on May 4.

"Remember that the path you take largely will be determined by the choices you make," Ellis said in his commencement address. "Not just directional choices, but spiritual choices, relationship choices, occupational choices and even recreational choices. The key is to make sure you demonstrate integrity in those choices as a fundamental expression of your character."

Ellis reminded graduates that they needed to live the purpose for which God intended them.

"The challenge that confronts all of us in life offers limitless possibilities that are as unique as each individual member of the Class of 2013," he said. "It involves continually determining what it means to ‘Live Your Purpose.'… Whatever you determine that to be, the challenge is to use who you are — your unique character — and what you have — your talents and gifts — to serve others."

Awards for student achievement were presented at both ceremonies. Donald Stolan, a nationally recognized loan officer, was honored as the Outstanding Online and Professional Studies Student. Leyi Ling, a music education major from Hangzhou, China received the Min Sung Kim International Student Award, and Gabriel Muhire Gihana, a biochemistry and molecular biology major from Kigali, Rwanda, received CBU's Outstanding Senior Award.

Combined with the 285 students who graduated last December, the Class of 2013 included 1,402 degree applications, the largest number of candidates for graduation for a single year in CBU's history. It is the fifth consecutive year that the annual total exceeded 1,000.

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