News Summary
Vanguard University held its inaugural commencement ceremony for 2025 on May 1 at Mariners Church in Irvine, honoring 514 graduates. University President Michael Beals presented diplomas, and the student speaker, Amberly Gourlay, shared her journey from Alaska to Southern California. The keynote address was delivered by MBA graduate Howard Booker, emphasizing the importance of overcoming personal challenges. This year’s diverse class reflects Vanguard’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, paving the way for future graduates to lead in their communities.
Irvine, California – Vanguard University celebrated its first commencement ceremony of the graduation season on May 1, 2025, at Mariners Church in Irvine. The event marked a significant milestone for a total of 514 graduates from the university, including 361 graduates from the Class of 2025 during the morning session. An additional 153 students, consisting of 53 professional education undergraduates and 100 graduate students, participated in the afternoon ceremony.
University President Michael Beals presented diplomas to the graduates, acknowledging their hard work and dedication throughout their studies. The morning ceremony featured Amberly Gourlay as the student speaker, a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science, minoring in theology and public policy. Gourlay hails from Alaska and spent her formative years in Durban, South Africa, but has come to regard Southern California and Vanguard as her home over the past four years.
During her time at the university, Gourlay held several leadership positions, including serving as a College Corps resident and a resident assistant in Newport Hall. As she prepared to transition to graduate school at Northeastern University on the East Coast, she shared her bittersweet feelings about leaving Vanguard and the experiences that shaped her academic journey.
The commencement address was delivered by Howard Booker, a Vanguard MBA graduate from the class of 2008, who is currently the executive director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation. Booker, whose work focuses on supporting youth in foster care and addressing homelessness, inspired graduates with his insights on overcoming personal challenges, urging them to view their struggles as integral to their life stories but not as defining moments.
Vanguard University, established over a century ago, has a mission centered on cultivating knowledge, character, faith, and leadership among its students. The university has a notable commitment to inclusivity, with a significant portion of its student body identified as first-generation college students. This year’s Class of 2025 is a diverse group, having completed various undergraduate and graduate programs at the private Christian institution.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a reflection of the transformative educational experiences fostered at Vanguard. Graduates were encouraged to carry forward the lessons and values instilled during their time at the university as they embark on new adventures in their professional and personal lives.
As Vanguard University prepares for additional commencement ceremonies later in the year, the Class of 2025 has set a hopeful tone for future graduates, embodying the institution’s legacy of empowerment and leadership in their respective communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vanguard University Celebrates Its First Commencement Ceremony of 2025
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Kicks Off Graduation Season
- Wikipedia: Commencement
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Celebrates Class of 2022 Graduation
- Google Search: Vanguard University Graduation
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Celebrates Graduates in Class of 2022 and 2020
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- PR Newswire: Vanguard University Announces Naming of School of Business and Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanguard University
- OC Sports Zone: Irvine Athletes Commit to College Careers
- Google News: Vanguard University
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.
