FULLERTON, CA :: On December 17 & 18, 2021, Hope International University proudly held its 109th Commencement Ceremonies in the Darling Pavilion of the Lawson-Fulton Student Center. Over the past two years, the prior three Commencement ceremonies had to be canceled due to the pandemic, so graduates from Spring 2020, Fall 2020, and Spring 2021 were invited to participate with the Fall 2021 class.

In all, 140 undergraduate and graduate degrees were conferred, plus 14 Arabic Masters Certificates in Biblical Theology and 16 Hispanic Ministry Certificates. These new graduates join more than 14,000 alumni who carry HIU’s legacy of exceptional servant leadership to locations across the globe.

For the first time in HIU’s 93-year history, Commencement was divided into two events to help reduce crowding and allow ample room for social distancing. Online and Graduate Studies students commenced on Friday evening, Traditional Undergraduate on Saturday morning. 

The main Commencement Address for the Online Undergraduate and Graduate Studies ceremony was delivered by Dr. Doug Domene, Dean of the College of Education. He reminded the graduates that “the little decisions you and I make are of such infinite importance,” a quote from C.S. Lewis that has encouraged him throughout his career. At the ceremony for Traditional Undergraduates, CSU Fullerton President, Dr. Fram Virjee shared his personal journey from focusing on success to pursuing significance and the joy that is found in a life of service. Student speakers included Sarah Wickstrom (Online Undergraduate), Drew Moore (Graduate), Vanessa Sandoval, Sean Palena, and Brooke Beresford (Traditional Undergraduates).

The Fall 2021 Commencement Ceremony marks HIU’s 48th year in Fullerton, where the University diligently maintains its commitment to empowering students through Christian higher education to serve the church and impact the world for Christ. 

// HIU streamed the events live. Access/watch the videos on our YouTube channel.

// View our online photo album.