LA MIRADA, CALIF. --- The newly completed Olive Grove at Biola University will be dedicated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Wednesday, February 25, 2009 as part of Biola’s “50 Years in La Mirada” celebration. The historical site has been transformed into a student haven for studying, prayer and ultimately an environment of peace and solitude — a rarity on busy university campuses.

Funded entirely by parent donations and friends of the university, the Olive Grove is connected to campus by a new 95-foot bridge and has been cleared of overgrowth and replaced by new benches and lighting. For the past three years, parents in conjunction with Biola have aggressively worked towards raising thousands of dollars for completion of the project. The Olive Grove contains 60 olive trees originating from the orchard Andrew McNally planted in the 1880s. 

When Biola moved from downtown Los Angeles, La Mirada was one of the world’s leading olive oil producers. The combination of pollution and city congestion in Los Angeles pushed Biola to move towards a calmer, cleaner suburban city. In 1957, when Biola broke ground for the new campus, the rolling hills were dotted with olive trees. This refurbished Olive Grove landmark serves as a reminder of Biola’s heritage in La Mirada.

In partnership with the City of La Mirada, Biola celebrates “50 Years in La Mirada” with the Olive Grove Dedication ribbon cutting ceremony on February 25, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. The Olive Grove Park is located on the eastern edge of campus. This free event is open to everyone. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony with a time to wander through the new sanctuary.