As we prepare to ring in the new year, here’s a look at some of the top 2024 moments at Biola University.

Mock Rock
The tradition goes on! Biola’s favorite lip-sync battle rocked the campus with creative performances, lively dancing and colorful costumes that left students, alumni and families cheering for more. Legacy teams BroPoc and Men of Honor took the stage once again, as well as Heroes, Encore and Hawt Pocketz. Men of Honor took home the trophy!

Commencement featuring Zach King
Real graduation magic happened when alumnus Zach King (’12) returned to inspire the class of 2024. King, social media mogul, YouTube filmmaker and Biola Cinema & Media Arts class of 2012 graduate, delivered the keynote address titled “Three Step Guide to World Domination.” To top off the evening, King and President Barry H. Corey performed an epic lightsaber battle on Saturday, May 4 in honor of “Star Wars” Day. Talk about a reel dream come to life!

Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts Groundbreaking
Biola broke ground on the future of creativity with the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts studio facility on September 6, 2024 with special guest Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, president and owner of In-N-Out Burger®. Record-high temperatures did not stop Biola from turning the soil of the foundation of the new $73 million studio facility that is set to be completed in 2026. The state-of-the-art, three-story, 45,463 square-foot studio facility will feature a 3,000-square-foot soundstage, 285-seat theater, collaborative editing spaces, specialized classrooms and much more. The building is made possible by the generous donation made by Snyder-Ellingson, in honor of her grandmother, Esther L. Snyder, for which the school has been named.

Ethel Lee Auditorium Rededication
Previously known as Sutherland Auditorium, the doors reopened to the newly renovated Ethel Lee Auditorium, named after one of Biola’s original Bible Women, Ethel Maude Lee. The auditorium, housed in Biola’s oldest building on its campus, which is still named Sutherland Hall, offers a refreshed space for classes and events. A timeless venue with a modern twist!

Artificial Intelligence Lab Launch
Innovation took center stage as Biola introduced its cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence Lab (AI Lab), equipping students to lead in the growing world of AI with wisdom and integrity. First of its kind, the lab is serving as a central hub for faculty from all disciplines and students from all majors with an emphasis on collaboration and theological integration to better understand AI and its impact on society and the Christian faith. The lab offers training and opportunities to learn and collaborate for students, faculty and staff. With the hopes of becoming a valuable resource within the Christian community, the AI Lab at Biola is also extending training to local businesses and church leaders.

Those are the top Biola moments, wrapped. Here’s to a new year of community, creativity and courage. Let’s make 2025 even brighter!

Interested in enrolling in one of Biola’s 250 undergraduate and graduate programs to be a part of the flourishing campus life? Visit Biola’s website to learn more. The early application deadline for undergraduate applications is January 15, 2025.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.