LA MIRADA, CALIF. --- Biola University’s spring commencement will be the largest in Biola’s history the weekend of Saturday, May 23, 2009. George Verwer, founder and former International Director of Operation Mobilisation will give the commencement address to the graduates who have completed a Biblically-centered education, all finishing a minor in Biblical Studies in addition to their chosen major.

Two hundred and seventy-four graduate and BOLD students and 606 undergraduate students will begin a new journey as they graduate from their respective schools and make their way across the stage on Metzger lawn at Biola — Graduate and Bold students on Friday, May 22, 2009 at 6 p.m. and undergraduate students on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 9 a.m.

Biola University President Barry H. Corey will be handing out diplomas to each graduate as they leave the school with a biblically-centered education. As a new tradition, Corey will be charging graduates to uphold biblical truths and make a difference for the Kingdom of God in response to overturn the downfall of morality in our country.

Verwer, will be receiving an Honorary Doctor of Divinity for his work as a leader in global missions at this spring’s Commencement ceremony as well as speaking. Verwer started Operation Mobilisation (OM) in 1961 while he and his wife, Drena, were in Spain. OM focuses on evangelism, discipleship training and church planting around the world. What started as one man’s passion for Christ to be the center of his life and the center of the lives of all those he meets has certainly grown into a ministry of monumental proportions. OM now has two ships and over 4,000 people working in over 80 countries to share the gospel message.

Honorary degrees are awarded to recognize individuals who have a clear evangelical Christian testimony and have demonstrated significant service and achievement over an extended period of time, which is national or international in nature and is relevant to the mission of Biola University. Verwer represents the above and therefore, was an excellent choice for the commencement speaker.