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Commencement 2021
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, congratulated hundreds of graduating students during spring commencement ceremonies held on the Front Lawn.
From May 3-10, 2021, CBU held eight commencement ceremonies to honor 2021 graduates and another four ceremonies to honor the 2020 graduates who were previously celebrated with virtual commencements. The ceremonies were held outdoors to comply with health guidelines due to COVID-19. Each ceremony featured approximately 200 graduates and limited guests.
During 2020, the total number of CBU graduates was 3,449, the largest graduating class to date. Graduation applications for spring 2021 commencement ceremonies included four candidates for doctoral, 624 for masters, and 1,169 for bachelor’s degrees, totaling 1,797 applicants. During summer commencement, 1,001 graduates celebrated graduation in CBU’s Events Center, and the university will celebrate its third and final 2021 commencement ceremony in December.
Ellis said the graduates had navigated the various requirements necessary to receive their diplomas. They also adapted to changes and interruptions caused by a global pandemic.
“Each of these graduating students has arrived at this point because of a shared commitment to the challenging yet rewarding endeavor of higher education. Each one has overcome obstacles to achieve this goal,” Ellis said. “The Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty and staff members join in celebrating and honoring the exceptional efforts each of you has made to earn your degree.”
Dr. Anthony Dockery, chair of the CBU Board of Trustees, recognized how special it was to celebrate in person.
“Indeed, this is the day that the Lord has made, and we are already rejoicing and being glad in it, and I know we want to celebrate,” Dockery said.
Ellis reminded the graduates they were leaving with the qualities embodied in the university student outcomes, known as the Core Four — Academically Prepared, Biblically Rooted, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve.
“I hope these outcomes will continue to inspire you going forward and that from time to time, you will reflect on how they influence you as you live your lives and serve others,” Ellis said.
