On Saturday, April 29, nearly 400 HIU alumni and friends gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Resort Hotel for an elegant evening of celebration, inspiration, and philanthropy. The 2023 program highlighted HIU’s global impact, and honored individuals and organizations that fulfill HIU's mission to impact the world for Christ.

HIU President, Dr. Paul H. Alexander (‘84, ‘88), delivered the keynote address and presented HIU’s highest honor, The Spirit of Hope Award, to Gene Appel, Senior Pastor of Eastside Christian Church based in Anaheim, CA. Appel shared a moving and poignant message of the importance and urgency of HIU's mission.

Current HIU seniors Daunte Ferguson ('23) and Surie Camacho ('23) each shared personal stories of how God led them to Hope, provided the financial assistance necessary for them to attend, and how HIU has impacted their faith and prepared them for life. Ferguson, who is from the Omaha area, started his college career at Nebraska Christian College. He is a Worship Arts major and plans to pursue a graduate degree in Spiritual Formation while serving in full-time ministry. Camacho, whose family is from Nicaragua, is a Business Management major. She has been accepted into an MBA program in Europe and plans to start her own business-as-mission. Both students thanked donors for giving to support student scholarships, making it possible for them to afford HIU. Student emcees for the 2023 gala included Brannan Williams ('23, '25), who grew up in China, and Lisanne Siebrecht ('23), and native of Germany. 

Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to Roger Fletcher ('77 NCC), Jed ('99) & Renee Gourley ('99), Doug Kallestad ('87), Chris ('84, 86)  & Carole McKinney ('83, '12), and Jessica Vance ('14). Fletcher and the McKinneys were joined by Dr. Joe Grana ('88) on an "Alumni in Missions" panel. Each took turns sharing insights and reflections on their commitment to God's call on their lives, and how their Christian college experience perpared and compelled them to serve overseas.

A 6-member female vocal ensemble sang "America the Beautiful" and "The Star Spangled Banner" a capella, and guests also enjoyed musical performances from the HIU Worship Team, directed by alumnus and professor Matt Thompson, Chair of Worship Arts at Hope.

Three individuals were inducted into the HIU Royals Athletics Hall of Fame: Jeremy Kilgore ('14), Brittany Bauman ('15), and Dr. Mark Comeaux (2005-2022).

Prior to the program and dinner, guests gathered for a pre-event reception, enjoying hors d’oeuvres, live music, student ambassadors, and a special photo op with Mickey Mouse.

THANK YOU to all of our faithful and generous supporters whose donations make it possible for students to attend HIU. The impact of your investment reverberates around the globe, through the lives of our alumni and future alumni!

// VIEW PHOTO ALBUM (Flickr)