On Saturday, December 13, Hope International University proudly conferred degrees upon 61 undergraduate and 63 graduate students who successfully completed their chosen course of study. The Fall 2014 class represents a student body of more than 2,000 students from 43 states and more than 20 countries. These graduates embody the University’s mission of preparing both professional and volunteer servant leaders to impact the world for Christ, and demonstrate HIU’s expanding commitment to adult learners and international students. The Fall 2014 class joins over 9,000 alumni who carry Hope International University’s legacy of service and ministry to the church and society.

This was HIU’s 98th Commencement Ceremony and marks Hope International University’s 41st academic year in Fullerton where the University has maintained a diligent commitment to advance the mission of Christ around the world.

Graduates were encouraged to take their education and training from Hope and use it to live out HIU’s mission in real and practical ways in the world. As student speaker Russ Hargrove put it, “Why me? Why us? Because we are called by God to change the world…through the way we do business and the way we live our lives.”

Commencement speaker and HIU Trustee Jim Taylor, a former President of the Lockheed Aircraft Argentina, shared some key insights he’s gained through business, military, and life experience. “Next to the power of God, your imagination is the most powerful thing in the universe. It must be guided, but not constrained,” Taylor said. Taylor also encouraged the graduates to stay motivated in all of their future endeavors saying, “Motivation separates the winners from the losers. The will to win and the fear of failure are two equally powerful sides of the same motivational coin.” As HIU’s graduates leave campus and move on to new things, Taylor reminded them about the importance of community: “A dream shared is a dream doubled. Sharing your dreams will amplify your desire to succeed and your fear of failure. You need true friends and a support team to share your dreams with, who will mourn the loss of dreams unrealized, and who will celebrate when your dreams are achieved.”

HIU’s Fall 2014 Commencement was streamed live online. A video archive of the ceremony is now available on demand at www.hiu.edu.