Congrats to the Class of 2026!

FULLERTON, CA :: On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Hope International University celebrated its 118th Commencement Ceremony in the Darling Pavilion of the Lawson-Fulton Student Center. Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees were conferred on students who successfully completed their course of study. An enthusiastic crowd of loved ones and supporters joined with HIU faculty, staff, administration, and trustees to celebrate the new graduates on their momentous achievement.

Dr. Steve Edginton , HIU's retiring Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered an inspiring keynote Commencement Address. Dr. Edgington (BA '73) began teaching at Pacific Christian College in 1980 and has served the University with distinction as a professor, administrator, and coach over the past 45 years. He taught World History, U.S. History, American Government, California History & Government, and Social Science Theories, among other upper-division history and political science courses. Dr. Edginton was appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2021 and is retiring this summer.

Three graduating students shared reflections on their HIU journey: Hugo Gonzalez (traditional undergraduate), Brode Alava (online undergraduate), and Danny Helou (graduate studies). The annual Medford B. Jones Servant Leader Award was presented to Kaylin Hurley, Brandi Valdez, and Daunte Ferguson for exceptional service and leadership outside the classroom.

Founded in 1928, the University moved to the Fullerton campus in 1973. This commencement marks HIU's 53rd academic year in Fullerton. As it did earlier in Long Beach and Los Angeles, HIU maintains a diligent commitment to its mission of empowering students through Christian Higher Education to serve the Church and impact the world for Christ. The Spring 2026 graduates join thousands of HIU alumni around the globe who embody our ongoing legacy of servant leadership and the priesthood of all believers.

// HIU streamed the event live via Facebook.

// ViewPhoto Gallery (Flickr)