Riverside, Calif. (April 29, 2019) – California Baptist University will celebrate spring commencement from April 30 –May 1 for nearly 1,500 students who are qualified to participate in four ceremonies. Tradition calls for a distinguished scholar to ring the bell prior to each ceremony.

Each toll of the bell represents one decade of the university’s existence. The bell will ring six times at each of the ceremonies to commemorate the six decades of academic excellence. CBU was established in 1950.

Michael Koval, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering candidate, will ring the bell at the April 30, 9:30 a.m. ceremony, and Owen Brown, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies candidate, was chosen for the April 30, 2 p.m. ceremony. Colin Sheahan, Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistical Analysis candidate, will ring the bell at the May 1, 9:30 a.m. ceremony, and Miranda Ortiz, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business Administration candidate from the division of Online and professional Studies, will do so at the May 1, 2p.m. ceremony.

Sheahan, who has a current 4.0 GPA, said he was surprised to be selected as a bell ringer. He plans to enroll in a graduate program in economics.

“The humanities and philosophy courses I took as general education really helped me to understand how I, as a Christian, need to spend time contemplating my own beliefs so that I can be confident in the life I'm living and what I'm accomplishing for God,” Sheahan said.

Ortiz, whose current GPA is 3.74, said professors helped her as she faced personal struggles during her studies. She is seeking a career as a neuropsychiatrist and a psychotherapist for children with special needs.

“CBU shaped me to find a way to integrate a spiritual perspective into any given situation,” Ortiz said. “It shaped my values and thoughts of how I want to be when I pursue a future career.”

Brown, a 4.0 student, said it was a tremendous honor to be selected as a bell ringer. He plans to attend seminary in the fall.

“My professors had a profound impact on my development as an individual, both through the lectures and the personal relationships I developed with them outside of class. My ability to dissect and interact with ideas has been greatly developed during my time at CBU,” Brown said.

Koval, whose current GPA is 4.0, will work for Raytheon, a technology and innovation company. He said his time at CBU shaped him in many ways.

“It helped me to grow in my knowledge and skills as an engineer. It also helped me grow closer with Christ,” Koval said. “God was very gracious to grant me success in many areas like my school work, my job as a tutor and my friendships.”

Spring 2019 Commencement Ceremonies

Tuesday, April 30 at 9:30 a.m.
College of Engineering
College of Health Science
School of Education

Tuesday, April 30 at 2 p.m.
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
School of Christian Ministries
School of Music

Wednesday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m.
College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Nursing

Wednesday, May 1 at 2 p.m.
School of Business
Online and Professional Studies

For more information on commencement please click here.