Students filed into the bleachers and floor seats in Chase Gymnasium early Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, for fall convocation at Biola University. Convocation kicked off the start of the academic year and ceremonially welcomed the 1,820 new students, whom were joined with a portion of the 5,993 returning students to Biola.

Focusing on Biola’s mission to equip students to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ, Biola President Barry H. Corey commissioned students towards academic excellence that would include a transformation of their heart. Corey discussed the commitment Biola has to equipping students to make an impact after their college experience.

“Never has our world needed more than today the impact and the influence through courageous voices of redemption, and reason and hope and you are those voices of the future,” said Corey.

Watch President Barry H. Corey’s entire convocation message, “E Before I: Courage begins in the sanctuary,” below.

Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at 562.777.4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.