News Summary
Vanguard University celebrated the graduation of 514 students during a commencement ceremony at Mariners Church, marking Orange County’s first local graduation event of the season. The ceremonies highlighted the achievements of undergraduate and graduate students, featuring speeches that emphasized resilience and personal growth. The event also acknowledged the Class of 2020, providing closure for those who missed their ceremony due to COVID-19. This gathering underscored the university’s commitment to fostering community and supporting students as they transition to their next endeavors.
Irvine, California – On May 5, 2022, Vanguard University celebrated the graduation of 514 students during its commencement ceremony held at Mariners Church. This event marked the first local graduation ceremony of the season in Orange County, bringing together a sense of accomplishment and new beginnings for the graduates and their families.
The morning and afternoon ceremonies commemorated different groups of graduates. In the morning, a total of 361 members of the Class of 2022 received their diplomas, while the afternoon session honored 100 graduate students and 53 professional education undergraduates. University President Michael Beals presented diplomas, signifying the graduates’ transition from their studies into the professional world.
The morning ceremony featured Amberly Gourlay as the student speaker. Gourlay graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science, complemented by minors in theology and public policy. Over her time at Vanguard, she took on multiple leadership roles, including serving as the student body president, a College Corps resident and fellow, and a resident assistant in Newport Hall. Originally from Alaska and raised in Durban, South Africa, Gourlay has spent the past four years at Vanguard and in Southern California. Following her graduation, she plans to attend graduate school at Northeastern University on the East Coast.
During her speech, Gourlay described her bittersweet feelings about leaving Vanguard, highlighting the university as a nurturing environment that offered her numerous personal and spiritual growth opportunities. Her reflections resonated with many graduates as they prepared to embark on their next chapters beyond the campus.
In addition to the student speeches, the commencement address was delivered by Howard Booker, a Vanguard alumnus who earned his MBA in 2008. Booker currently serves as the executive director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation. His message to graduates centered around the theme of resilience, encouraging graduates to recognize that their challenges and hardships do not define who they are. This focus on overcoming obstacles served to inspire the graduating class as they faced an uncertain future.
The ceremony also recognized members of the Class of 2020, who had not been able to walk at their graduation due to social distancing requirements brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their inclusion in the ceremony allowed for a sense of closure for those graduates who had previously missed the opportunity to celebrate their achievements. This gesture underscored Vanguard University’s commitment to recognizing and honoring all its students and their hard work.
The gathering was an important milestone for graduates, their families, and the university community. As the students prepare to enter various professional fields or continue their education, the commencement ceremony served as a reminder of the accomplishments they have achieved and the potential waiting ahead. With a diverse group of graduates ready to make their mark in the world, Vanguard University remains dedicated to fostering growth and leadership among its students.
The commencement ceremony not only honored the achievements of the graduating classes of 2022 and 2020 but also reinforced the importance of community and support that defines the Vanguard experience.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Celebrates Class of 2025
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- ABC7: Kamala Harris at Graduation
- Google Search: Kamala Harris Graduation
- OC Register: In-N-Out’s Donation to Vanguard
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- Spectrum News: Vanguard University Dress for Success
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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