Biola University didn’t just hit the century mark. It blew it away.

Explosions of light, a blizzard of confetti and a concert from one of the world’s top Christian bands catapulted the University into its second century on Feb. 24 at the much-anticipated Biola Birthday Bash.

More than 1,500 people packed into Chase Gymnasium for the late-night event, which featured hours of live music and a New Years Eve-style countdown to the University’s 100th anniversary.

Donning party hats and red beads, the crowd of students, alumni and friends rocked out to the music of the chart-topping band Switchfoot and opening acts The Myriad and Tyrone Wells.

The highlight of the night came as the clock neared midnight.

As the crowd counted down from 10, Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman hoisted a birthday cake in front of University President Barry H. Corey, candles blazing. Corey extinguished them with one big breath, drawing a roar from the crowd.