Posted: May 16, 2015
FULLERTON, CA :: On Saturday, May 16, Hope International University proudly conferred degrees upon 141 undergraduate and graduate students who successfully completely their chosen course of study. The Class of 2015 represents a student body of more than 2,000 students from 43 states and more than 20 countries. These new HIU alumni will personify the university’s mission as both professional and volunteer servant leaders to impact the world for Christ. This class joins the group of over 9,000 alumni who carry HIU’s legacy of service and ministry to locations all over the globe.
Commencement speaker Assemblywoman Young Kim admonished the graduates to “Blaze new trails. Open up new opportunities for generations that follow. Don’t settle for just doing what others have done before you. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!”
Kim herself has blazed many new trails in her own life and career. She grew up in a modest home as the youngest of 5 siblings. She worked for years in the private sector before pursuing her dream of public service. Kim then made history as the first Asian American to represent the 65th Assembly District. In her current position, she embodies the advice she shared with the graduates, “Serve your community. Give back by making your world a better place for yourself and for others.”
Drawing from her personal experience, Kim encouraged the Class of 2015 to, “Continue to trust that God has a plan for your life. When my daughter was first diagnosed with a brain tumor, I felt powerless and hopeless. By God’s grace and the support and prayers of my family and community, we’ve persevered through years of uncertainty and 2 agonizing brain surgeries -- and now my daughter is totally free of cancer and is living a healthy, productive life!”
Kim concluded her address with this charge: “Pray. Seek God and His guidance. Use your degree, your skills, and your faith to impact the world -- one person at a time, one state at a time, one nation at a time.”
This was HIU’s 99th Commencement Ceremony and marks Hope International University’s 41st 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 2015 Commencement live online. A video archive of the ceremony is now available on demand at http://portal.stretchinternet.com/hiuadmin/portal.htm?eventId=189090&streamType=video