LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Biola University will honor the legacy of the late Charles W. Colson by awarding him the inaugural Charles W. Colson Conviction and Courage Award at the university’s commencement today. Colson’s son, Christian Colson, will receive the award on his behalf at the commencement ceremonies.

“My father was extremely uncomfortable accepting accolades,” Christian Colson said. “And if he were standing here today, he would immediately give all the honor to Jesus Christ, and to the thousands of men and women whom he inspired to bring the gospel to the least, the last and the lost. In that spirit, I and the Colson family gladly accept this inaugural award on his behalf.”

Colson lived a life of biblical conviction with the courage to advocate for truth even when it was difficult or unfashionable. His life’s calling was to serve and lead others to Christ, and to challenge Christians to understand biblical faith as an entire worldview that informs all areas of life.

Biola University — in consultation with the Colson family — has established the Charles W. Colson Conviction and Courage Award to honor the legacy of this heroic Christian leader. Future recipients of the award will be individuals who demonstrate commitment to the unshakable truths of a biblical worldview, as well as a willingness to act on biblical convictions, however risky or challenging it may be.

“Clearly, the leadership at Biola knew Chuck very well,” said Alan Terwilleger, president of

The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview. “The criteria they have established for this award so exemplify everything Chuck wanted to be as servant of Jesus Christ: Someone with the conviction of his biblical worldview, someone with courage to face and overcome resistance; someone who pours himself out for religious freedom, for the least, the last and the lost. Someone who sees the need for visionary leadership in the church. An evangelist. A disciple. A commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God.”

Christian Colson will receive the award at both the graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies, which will take place on McNally Lawn at Biola University at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Please contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Specialist, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu, for more information.  

There will also be a live video stream of both ceremonies online at Biola’s website: www.biola.edu.

Biola University is a leading Christ-centered university in Southern California that offers a premier, nationally ranked education within the setting of an all-Christian community. Founded in 1908, Biola is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 6,300 students at its Los Angeles-area campus and around the world, the university offers 145 academic programs through its six schools, ranging from the B.A. to the Ph.D. For more information, visit www.biola.edu.