News Summary
Vanguard University commenced its graduation season with a vibrant ceremony at Mariners Church, honoring 514 graduates. The event featured two sessions, with undergraduate and graduate students showcasing their diverse achievements. Notable speeches included those from a student leader and a distinguished alumnus, emphasizing resilience and personal growth. The ceremony celebrated the commitment and determination of the graduates as they prepare to make meaningful contributions in their careers and communities.
Irvine – Vanguard University marked the start of its graduation season with a vibrant commencement ceremony held at Mariners Church on Thursday, celebrating a significant milestone for 514 graduates. This event comprised two distinct ceremonies, highlighting the achievements of the Class of 2025 alongside other graduate and professional education students.
The morning ceremony featured 361 undergraduates from the Class of 2025, where University President Michael Beals conferred diplomas. Amberly Gourlay, who graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science and minors in theology and public policy, served as the student speaker during this session. Gourlay’s journey to graduation included her roles as the student body president, a College Corps resident and fellow, and a resident assistant, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to her university community.
The afternoon ceremony saw a total of 153 graduates comprising 53 professional education undergraduates and 100 graduate students. The day underscored the diversity of accomplishments at Vanguard University, with participants representing various fields of study and career aspirations.
Amberly Gourlay expressed that her graduation experience was “bittersweet,” highlighting the emotional challenge of leaving a place that had become a cornerstone for her personal and professional development over the past four years. Having moved to Vanguard and Southern California from Alaska, where she was born, and Durban, South Africa, Gourlay reflected on the profound impact that the university has had on her journey. Following her graduation, she plans to further her education by attending graduate school at Northeastern University on the East Coast.
Howard Booker, a Vanguard alumnus with a master’s in business administration from 2008, delivered the commencement address. As the executive director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, Booker is deeply engaged in philanthropic efforts focusing on youth in foster care and those experiencing homelessness. His address focused on resilience, encouraging graduates to view their struggles as integral chapters of their life stories, rather than definitions of their identities.
This commencement marked a historic moment for Vanguard University, intertwining the aspirations of graduates with the institution’s mission to foster personal growth and professional success in a supportive environment. It served not only as a celebration of academic achievements but also as a poignant reminder of the transformative experiences that occur within the walls of the university.
Overall, the event showcased the dedication and determination of the graduates as they embark on new journeys, carrying forward the values instilled in them during their time at Vanguard University. This commencement sets a promising tone for the graduation season, highlighting the achievements of students eager to make a difference in their fields and communities.
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Additional Resources
- Irvine Standard
- OC Register
- ABC7
- LA Times
- People
- Wikipedia: Graduation
- Google Search: Graduation ceremony
- Google Scholar: Graduation success
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Commencement
- Google News: Graduation ceremonies
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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