California Baptist University honored a record number of graduates this year between fall, spring and summer commencement ceremonies. The final ceremonies on Aug. 22 brought the number of the Class of 2019 graduates to 2,721.
“The past academic year produced CBU’s largest graduating class ever — 2,721 graduates with fall, spring and summer commencement ceremonies,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, in his 2019 State of the University address. “I look forward to the day that I congratulate each one of you personally for your academic achievements.”
As the eighth-fastest growing college in the nation, CBU is experiencing major student growth, as well as new campus additions such as the East Parking Structure, Dennis and Carol Troesch Engineering Building, changes to Lancer Plaza and new dining options.
Commencement ceremonies have been held in the Events Center on campus since it opened in 2017. According to a press release, this year’s ceremonies attracted approximately 5,400 spectators to campus.
Savannah Flom, 2019 graduate, said she was amazed by CBU’s growth in recent years.
“It’s growing so much because of the quality of a school it is, from education to spiritual life to events,” Flom said.
Kimberly Gledhill, 2019 graduate, said graduating was an exciting step for her.
“I truly didn’t know if I would make it to graduation and I did. It was an exciting bridge into graduate school and symbolized me being closer to my dream,” Gledhill said.
The university continues to accommodate the increasing number of graduates, celebrating each student’s achievements.
