News Summary
Vanguard University held its first local commencement ceremony, celebrating the graduation of 514 students at Mariners Church in Irvine. The event featured two sessions for undergraduates and graduates, with addresses highlighting resilience and personal growth. University President Michael Beals conferred diplomas, emphasizing the significance of this milestone amid a post-pandemic landscape. Graduates expressed gratitude for their formative experiences and the inclusive environment that shaped their educational journeys.
Irvine – Vanguard University celebrated the graduation of a total of 514 students at its first local commencement ceremony on May 5th, hosted at Mariners Church in Irvine.
The ceremony was divided into two parts: a morning session for 361 undergraduates from the Class of 2025 and an afternoon session for 153 professional and graduate students, including 53 professional education undergraduates and 100 graduate students. University President Michael Beals presided over the event, handing out diplomas to all graduates.
Amberly Gourlay, serving as the student speaker for the morning ceremony, highlighted her experiences as a history and political science major, along with minors in theology and public policy. Gourlay, who has lived in Southern California for four years, was born in Alaska and raised in Durban, South Africa. Throughout her time at the university, she engaged with campus life as both a College Corps resident and a resident assistant in Newport Hall. In her reflections, she expressed a mix of emotions about graduating and leaving what she described as a safe and supportive environment where she learned to navigate a new culture.
As she looks forward, Gourlay plans to further her education by attending graduate school at Northeastern University on the East Coast.
The commencement address was delivered by Howard Booker, an alumnus of Vanguard University and executive director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation. In his speech, Booker underscored the significance of resilience in overcoming personal adversities. He encouraged the graduates to acknowledge their struggles as part of their unique narratives while asserting that one’s challenges should never define them.
This year’s ceremony marks a significant milestone for Vanguard University as it is the first time the institution has conducted a local commencement since the pandemic began, allowing graduates, their families, and faculty to gather and celebrate in person. The event was characterized by a sense of community and shared accomplishment among graduates, faculty, and supporters.
Vanguard University has a long-standing commitment to providing a transformative education rooted in Christian values. Established in 1920, the institution aims to equip students with knowledge, skills, and ethics necessary to serve in a diverse society. The graduation ceremony serves as a culmination of years of academic dedication, personal growth, and community building.
With an increasingly diverse student body, Vanguard continues to foster an inclusive environment, encouraging student leadership and engagement in various extracurricular activities. The institution’s values focus on holistic development, preparing students not only academically but also spiritually and socially for their roles in the world.
As the graduates of the Class of 2025 embark on new journeys, Vanguard University reaffirms its mission to support its alumni as they contribute positively to their communities and professions. The success of these graduates reflects the strength and resilience of Vanguard’s educational philosophy amidst a rapidly changing world.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Celebrates Class of 2025
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- ABC7: Kamala Harris Makes Surprise Appearance at Graduation
- Google Search: Vanguard University Graduation Ceremony
- OC Register: Vanguard University Celebrates Class of 2022 Graduation
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Dual Ceremony
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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