On Saturday, December 14, the HIU community celebrated as more than 100 graduates received their diplomas at the Fall 2013 Commencement ceremony. The graduating class came from a student body of over one thousand and was drawn from 27 states and more than 40 countries.

The 96th Commencement marked a first for the University with the ceremony streamed live on the HIU website. This allowed graduates’ family and friends to watch from around the world.

Dr. LeRoy Lawson, former president of HIU, was the commencement speaker and reminded graduates of their calling to take the message of Christ into the nations. He was a particularly fitting speaker as 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of the Lawson-Fulton Student Center. The building, where commencement and other events are regularly held, was named in part by the former president for his father.

During his speech, Lawson illustrated how HIU “is in the hope giving business,” saying that Hopegraduates go on to be servant leaders and spread the gospel in communities and nations around the world.

“What the world needs is what this University is sending out,” he said. “Men and women like you who have found hope in Christ and who want to give hope in the name of Christ.”

To see photos from Fall 2013 Commencement, please visit www.flickr.com/hopeinternational.