Biola University’s Campaign National Tour hosted its second event at the Mission Inn in Riverside, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 9. Approximately 70 alumni, parents and friends gathered to learn more about Biola’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, “A Soul of Conviction, A Voice of Courage: The Campaign for Biola University.”
 

The campaign, a $180 million comprehensive campaign to raise support for student scholarships, facilities, academic centers and online learning is the largest and first comprehensive campaign in university history. To date, more than $158 million has been raised towards these goals, including an additional $19,590 generously given by guests in Riverside this weekend.

The landmark Mission Inn served as the backdrop for Friday’s event. Guests were treated to student artwork, live music by alumnus Caleb Parker (’13) and a vignette of artifacts and photos from Biola’s history.

Alumnus and assistant professor of apologetics Sean McDowell (’98) gave the keynote message for the evening. Pulling from his background and what he has learned from his father, noted apologist Josh McDowell, he discussed the importance of schools like Biola it today’s cultural climate.

“More than ever, we need a generation of young people with conviction,” said McDowell. “We cannot compromise truth but we must have a posture of truth with grace.”

McDowell concluded his talk by encouraging guests to partner with Biola in this endeavor.

“There has never been a time when the world needs a place like Biola more, and there has never been a time when Biola has been more ready to step up and be a voice of influence in our culture,” said McDowell.

Biola University President Barry H. Corey gave guests a brief update on the state of the university, highlighting recent changes like the addition of Blackstone Hall and the Heritage Café. Dr. Corey also introduced guests to the details of the campaign, emphasizing the four priorities, including student affordability and funding for the Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health.

“With these four campaign priorities, we build for a bold future,” said Corey. “Not because we are something great, but because the God we serve is. Our goals are ambitious, but our God is faithful.”

The Campaign National Tour continues, with its final southern California stop for the fall, in San Diego, Calif. at the San Diego Natural History Museum on Friday, Oct. 16.

For more information about The Campaign for Biola University, visit biola.edu/campaign.