To kick off the weekend, Provost Dr. David Nystrom led the morning chapel, sharing with alumni, parents and students how--if Jesus could transform some lowly barley loaves to feed 5000--He can certainly transform any of us. At lunchtime in the big white tent, Dr. Erik Thoennes, Dr. Clint Arnold, Dr. Joanne Jung, and Dr. Doug Huffman shared their role reversal experiences learning from Biola students at a lunch called Dine & Dialogue. This event sold out for the second year in a row and proved to be a great opportunity for students, parents, and alumni to become better acquainted with Biola faculty. Additionally, students took their turn sharing about how Bible professors have helped shape and mold their spiritual lives as well as their overall Biola experience.
Friday afternoon allowed options to see a Cinema & Media Arts student film, check out the new Mosaic Cultural Center, or attend a large scale Torrey lecture on American independence. Adding to the festivities was everyone’s favorite, the Backward Breakfast, breakfast for dinner, complete with hot pancakes and sizzling bacon. Evening activities included the art gallery viewing of Kurt Simonson’s Northwood Journals, The Diary of Anne Frank in Theater 21, and a special Torrey convocation.
The annual Punk ‘n Pie event, held in Chase Gymnasium, was a hit with a variety of talents and a slice of pumpkin pie served to every guest. The evening was capped off with live jazz and coffee at the Fireplace Pavilion.
President Corey and Biola’s own Olympic hopeful Natasha Miller led nearly 500 students and friends of Biola in the annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning. This year’s race raised funds and awareness for Biola’s student ministries and community causes as each participant choose their donation destination. Following the 5K Run/Walk, nearly 500 guests joined President Corey for a family style picnic as he gave his version of the “State of the University” address.
The Biola Weekend Bazaar, featuring 35 arts and crafts vendors and small businesses, was the backdrop for Saturday afternoon's activities. DJ Cut, a.k.a. Biola alum and staff member Vernon Coleman, entertained the crowd as they shopped and enjoyed the rock climbing wall, bounce house, giant Jenga and checkers games, and the Transformed truck by Trinity Printing. Free popcorn and cotton candy, as well as face painting and balloon animals made for a fun and festive afternoon.
Saturday afternoon, between the Eagle women's and men's basketball scrimmages vs Cal Baptist, alumni from the 1950's to the 2000's gathered at the Alumni Reunions at the Fireplace Pavilion to connect with long-time friends and make new ones. Alumni looked through old yearbooks finding their "younger selves", chatted about life and adventures post-Biola, and recommitted to staying in touch...and meeting up again next year at Biola Weekend 2014.