[ THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 ]  Due to the continued regulations surrounding COVID-19, in lieu of a traditional Commencement ceremony, Hope International University’s Student Government Association (SGA) coordinated a special “Senior Appreciation Drive Thru.” HIU Class of 2021 (and 2020) graduates were invited to participate in this unique drive-thru celebration, which consisted of photo ops with President Paul Alexander, faculty and staff, a special video message, and graduation gifts courtesy of SGA and the Advancement Department. 

"During more than a year of dealing with COVID, there was a lot we missed out on,” SGA President Kylee Olaivar shared. “Our hearts went out to our 2020/2021 graduates, and we wanted to plan something special for them as they entered into their post-college years. We HOPE our drive-by event gave everyone a little spark of joy as we did our best to celebrate each senior and all their hard work. HIU is a big family, and we appreciate all staff and faculty who were involved and helped celebrate our students’ accomplishment."

“Congratulations to all our graduates!” declared Dr. Mark Comeaux, Vice President of Student Affairs. “With the pandemic still lingering, we could not host a proper graduation. But with the ingenuity and servant leadership of our Student Government Association, led by President Kylee Olaivar and Vice President Jeremiah Craig, we were able to honor our graduates in this unprecedented drive-by appreciation experience. It was great to be able to bless the classes of 2020 and 2021 in this truly memorable way.”

“It was really great to see our graduates, along with their family and friends, able to celebrate completion of their degrees, to be congratulated by administration and faculty, and to take some commemorate this great occasion,” stated Dr. Steve Edgington, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

May God bless, keep, and shine upon each and every HIU graduate and their loved ones. May He be gracious to them, and give them His peace as they go on to serve the Church and impact the world for Christ!