News Summary
On May 4, 2025, Vanguard University honored its Class of 2025 with a graduation ceremony at Mariners Church, celebrating 514 graduates, including undergraduate and graduate students. University President Michael Beals awarded diplomas, while student speaker Amberly Gourlay shared her heartfelt reflections on her academic journey. The commencement address by alum Howard Booker inspired graduates to embrace resilience in their future endeavors. This event not only marked the culmination of their educational achievements but also the beginning of new opportunities as they step into their careers and further studies.
Irvine, California – Graduation season commenced with the first ceremony for Vanguard University’s Class of 2025, held on May 4, 2025, at Mariners Church. This significant event marked a milestone for the 514 graduates of the university, which included 361 undergraduate students in the morning ceremony.
University President Michael Beals presided over the proceedings, awarding diplomas and officially welcoming graduates into the next chapter of their lives. Alongside the undergraduate ceremony, an additional 53 professional education undergraduates and 100 graduate students participated in an afternoon ceremony, bringing the total graduating class to 514.
Among the graduates, Amberly Gourlay served as the student speaker for the morning ceremony. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, along with a minor in Theology and Public Policy. Gourlay, who has spent four years at Vanguard after relocating from Alaska and growing up in Durban, South Africa, has been actively involved on campus. She held leadership roles such as student body president, a College Corps resident, and a resident assistant at Newport Hall.
Gourlay shared her experiences of the past years at Vanguard, expressing a blend of emotions about graduating, describing it as a bittersweet moment. Post-graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies at Northeastern University located on the East Coast.
The commencement address was given by Howard Booker, a Vanguard alumnus who earned his MBA in 2008. As the executive director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, Booker has a wealth of experience working with youth in foster care and those facing homelessness. His message to graduates highlighted the resilience required to navigate challenging circumstances, emphasizing that overcoming these hardships makes their achievements more rewarding.
The ceremony unfolded without any significant issues, showcasing a moment of accomplishment for the graduates and the Vanguard University community. This commencement marked not just the end of an academic journey but also the beginning of new opportunities for these individuals as they move forward in their careers and educational pursuits.
Vanguard University, known for its commitment to providing a supportive educational environment, continues to produce graduates equipped to face the challenges of the modern world. The Class of 2025 represents diverse backgrounds and aspirations, reflecting the university’s mission to nurture not only academic growth but personal and community-oriented development.
The upcoming graduation ceremonies for Vanguard University promise to celebrate the hard work and dedication of all its graduates, positioning them to make significant contributions to society. As the university community looks forward to more ceremonies, the excitement and pride in the achievements of these students remain palpable.
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Additional Resources
- LA Times: Vanguard University Kicks Off Graduation Season Celebrating Class of 2025
- OC Register: Vanguard University Celebrates Its Class of 2022 Graduation
- Fortune: What Is a Master’s Degree in Psychology Practicum and Internship
- Wikipedia: Graduation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College
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