RIVERSIDE (Dec. 11, 2014)—Dr. Paul Corts, retired president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, urged fall commencement candidates at California Baptist University to maximize the education they received at CBU by serving others.

"You can't help make the world a better place if you don't connect with it and actively work to change society for the better," Corts said. "A Christian worldview accepts responsibility to be salt and light—spicing up life and brightening the dark places."

Corts delivered the commencement address to undergraduate and graduate students during fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 11 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.

During his remarks, Corts used examples of CBU graduating students and alumni who have found their purpose and are living in service to others. He charged the graduates to do the same.

"Seek God's will and make it yours," he said. "True happiness comes as we find joy in living our purpose, serving others, stewarding well our gifts to leave more and better rather than less and worse."

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, reminded graduates that they share a special kinship with those who have gone before.

"All of you came to CBU to prepare to ‘live your purpose'," he said. "What we have seen in so many of you during these years gives us great confidence that you will do just that."

Michael Poma, chair of CBU's board of trustees, brought greetings from the board and congratulated the graduates on their achievements.

"No one can foresee what lies ahead as a result of what you—and others in many cases—have invested to earn the degrees you will receive," Poma said. "My hope is that for each of you, the return on that investment will be great through the blessings that you experience, and as you bless others throughout your lives."

Ellis conferred degrees on 162 graduate students and 388 undergraduate students for a total of 550 graduates. 

He also presented an honorary Doctor of Higher Education Leadership degree to Corts in recognition of his contributions to higher education.

The December graduates will be numbered among the CBU Class of 2015, which will also include graduates in commencement services next May.