FULLERTON, CA :: On Saturday, May 13, 2017, Hope International University proudly conferred degrees upon 170 undergraduate and graduate students who successfully completed their chosen course of study. Drawn from the student body of over 2,000 students representing 31 states and more than 25 countries, these graduates now join over 13,000 alumni who carry HIU’s legacy of servant leadership to locations across the globe.

Undergraduate student speaker Johannah Wade spoke of the many meaningful relationships she fostered at HIU, and reminded the audience to continue building upon that support system. April Congdon, graduate of HIU’s online program, celebrated the success of graduates with this charge: “Here’s to overcoming and to transforming the world, bringing God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven today and every day.” Graduate student speaker Julie White reminisced that during her Master’s program she was “challenged to question what I believe and why I believe it.” White concluded her address, saying, “Learning has been an adventure, living it is the next adventure.”

Commencement speaker Glen Elliot (BA ’77, MA ’82) spoke of allowing God to work in and through one’s life to write “a better story,” reminding the audience that “we can’t change our past but we can choose to grow and learn from it.” He encouraged graduates to consult God with every decision, because “decisions today determine our destination tomorrow and the stories of our life. Yes, you are graduating, but you’re certainly not done. Keep writing your story while looking to God -- the author and perfector of our faith -- for guidance.” 

Mr. Elliot earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University). He is currently the Lead Pastor at Pantano Christian Church in Tucson, AZ, where he’s been for 19 years. He has helped establish church planting partnerships in Tucson, Vail and Sierra Vista, and internationally in countries such as Kosova, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Cuba and India. Glen and his wife, Jolene, have been married over 37 years. They have two adult children, Wendy and Brad, and one grandchild, Lillian.

This was HIU’s 103rd Commencement Ceremony and marks Hope International University’s 43rd academic year in Fullerton, where the University diligently maintains its commitment to advance the mission of Christ by empowering students through Christian higher education.

HIU streamed the Spring 2017 Commencement ceremony live online. To view the video archive on demand, click here.