ON CAMPUS AT VANGUARD UNIVERSITY:Celebrating the class of 2007

Vanguard University’s class of 2007 celebrated the completion of their degrees at the university’s 85th commencement on May 5 at 5 p.m. at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa.

Graduates and guests were addressed by Laurie Beth Jones, an internationally recognized author, motivational speaker and coach. Her works include, “Jesus, CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership,” “The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and for Life,” and “The Four Elements of Success: A Simple Personality Profile That Will Transform Your Team.” Each of these publications has been highly successful, leading Jones to be invited to present to presidents of companies, business teams, government and judicial systems, churches and ministries, service organizations, and educators.

The personal mission that has led Jones to such success is that of her goal to empower and challenge individuals with a strong sense of who they are and who they are intended to be — this is the message that she delivered to Vanguard’s graduating class.

“The opportunity to hear from best-selling author Laurie Beth Jones added fuel to the venture,” Vanguard University Provost Russ Spittler said of Jones’ effect on the graduates.

Approximately 415 undergraduate students and 75 master’s degree candidates walked across the stage at this year’s commencement, following in the footsteps of thousands who have gone before them since Vanguard’s founding as Southern California Bible School in 1920.

According to Spittler, the hope for this class is that they leave Vanguard ready to make an impact wherever their education may take them.

“My full expectation is that this year’s graduating glass will thrust world-changers into the workplace, just like 25,000 alumni before them,” Spittler said.

From the boardroom, to the classroom, to the home, the mission field, and everywhere else, Vanguard alumni have been taking an active role in shaping their world.

The celebration also included performances by Vanguard University’s nationally recognized music ensembles, along with student speeches from John Aguilar and Matt Jones.

“Believe me when I say that the Vanguard learning experience has been positively life-altering,” said Aguilar, the school for professional studies student speaker at the event. “I, along with my graduating class, recognize that as a result of our time at Vanguard, we are more than prepared to meet the challenges that await us after graduation.”

Now that the members of the class of 2007 are official alumni, Matt Jones, the undergraduate college student speaker, summarized his end as a new beginning. “This graduation is not really an end but the beginning of a new phase. We have received many gifts here, which we need to cherish. Now it is time to take the leap into the next stage of life. This may be unsettling as uncertain as the future may seem; however, we can trust in the solid foundation we have acquired here.”

Commencement was the final step in several days of graduation celebrations for the university.

The graduate hooding ceremony took place at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach on May 3 and baccalaureate was held at St. Andrew’s on May 4.

For more information, go to www.vanguard.edu/commencement .