News Summary
Vanguard University held its commencement ceremony, celebrating 514 graduates from diverse programs. University President Michael Beals presented diplomas and student speaker Amberly Gourlay shared her journey. The event highlighted the university’s academic community and its commitment to empowering students through education. Additionally, Vanguard introduced a new initiative focused on preventing human trafficking in partnership with local schools, further emphasizing the institution’s role in community service.
Irvine, California – Vanguard University celebrated the graduation of 514 students during its commencement ceremony on Thursday, held at Mariners Church. The event marked an important milestone for the local academic community as students from various programs received their diplomas, signaling the start of the graduation season in the area.
The ceremony featured two segments, with the morning session highlighting the achievements of 361 undergraduates from the Class of 2025. In the afternoon, 53 professional education undergraduates and 100 graduate students took part, reflecting the university’s diverse offerings.
During the morning ceremony, University President Michael Beals presented diplomas to the graduates. The student speaker, Amberly Gourlay, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science, including minors in theology and public policy. Gourlay, who served as the student body president, shared her experiences of transitioning from life in Alaska and South Africa to studying in Southern California, expressing a mix of excitement and nostalgia as she prepares to attend graduate school at Northeastern University.
The commencement address was delivered by Howard Booker, a Vanguard alumnus with an MBA from 2008. Booker shared his experiences working with youth in foster care and emphasized the importance of resilience when overcoming life’s challenges. His message resonated with graduates, reminding them that while challenges are a part of their personal narratives, they do not define who they are.
Vanguard University, founded in 1920, is a private Christian institution located in Southern California. The university serves approximately 2,200 students and employs nearly 100 full-time faculty members, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. To further enhance its educational impact, the university recently introduced the “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” program, funded by an $825,000 grant aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking.
The Safe Communities, Safe Kids initiative focuses on prevention education within public schools, utilizing Vanguard peer educators to present curriculum regarding human trafficking. Through this program, the educators provide high school students with insight into identifying red flags in relationships and potentially exploitative situations. Each peer educator underwent a rigorous 40-hour training program to equip them for effective delivery of the content.
Vanguard’s commitment to combating human trafficking extends through collaboration with local school districts, such as the Huntington Beach Union High School District. This partnership fosters an engaging environment for students, encouraging them to inquire about unsafe scenarios and to give feedback on their learning experiences.
As Vanguard University concludes its latest academic year, the graduation ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the institution’s dedication to equipping students with the tools they need for success in their future endeavors. This year’s graduates are poised to enter various fields, contributing positively to their communities and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Kicks Off Graduation Season
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- Orange County Register: In-N-Out Gives $900,000 to Vanguard U
- Google Search: Vanguard University Graduation 2025
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard Peer Educators Teach About Human Trafficking
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University Human Trafficking
- Spectrum News 1: Vanguard University Helps Students Dress for Success
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University California
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
