CBU marks fall commencement with 303 graduates

RIVERSIDE (December 16, 2011) –California Baptist University celebrated the mid-year commencement of 303 undergraduate and graduate students during two ceremonies December 16, 2011. The fall commencement events were held at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside for the sixth consecutive year.

During the ceremonies, CBU awarded degrees to 211 undergraduate students and 92 graduate students representing:  College of Allied Health; College of Arts and Sciences; School of Behavioral Sciences; School of Business; School of Christian Ministries; School of Education; School of Music; School of Nursing; and Online and Professional Studies Division.

President Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D., welcomed the graduates with a reminder of CBU's vision of "a University Committed to the Great Commission," and their responsibility to take what they have learned and put it to use in service to others.

The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Montia Setzler, pastor of Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church in Riverside, CA since 1998.  Previously, he was director of the California Southern Baptist Convention Church Growth Division in Fresno, CA; served as president of the California Southern Baptist Convention for two one-year terms; and taught as an adjunct professor at CBU from 2000 to 2007.

Dr. Setzler's comments to the graduating class were based on God's direction to Joshua prior to entering the land of Canaan, as recorded in Joshua 1:1-9. He urged the graduates to be strong and courageous in living their purpose by following their spiritual and moral compass, and by overcoming fear and setbacks.

During the morning ceremony, President Ellis conferred on Dr. Setzler an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for an exemplary life of service.

Brittany O'Connell, from Temecula, CA, delivered the morning student address before receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  In the afternoon ceremony, Kathryn Geppert from Jamul, CA, spoke to her classmates.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies.