Biola Broadcasts America’s Historic Moment
LA Times quotes Biola Inauguration Event Attendees
Biola University broadcast the inauguration today, Tuesday, January 20 in Mayers Auditorium, where Biola students, staff and faculty members watched the historical inauguration of President-elect Barack H. Obama together. Employees requested personal time to view the special historic significance swearing-in ceremony since it took place during the work hours.
Biola University President Barry H. Corey said he was overwhelmed with the inauguration and how America modeled democracy at its best today.
“Just a few days ago I was talking with an elderly African-American preacher from Los Angeles, and he told me he never thought this day would come in his lifetime. It has. Regardless of our political positions, what an opportunity for us to demonstrate unity as God’s people as we love and respect one another in all of our diversity,” Corey said. “We heard in President Obama’s speech words of hope and unity for the United States of America as a global leader and global servant as we head with resolve into the uncertainty of the future. As I listened, I thought of how we, as Christians, must stand squarely behind him as our conscience allows and to pray earnestly for him as God’s Word instructs. Here in the midst of a staggering economic recession and the emotional weight in brings, the country is looking for strong, just, discerning and hope-inducing leadership in the President. May that be so for President Obama.”
Obama’s election represented a nation that stands for equality. Biola University was eager to take part in the hope that the election of a first African-American president brings as well as to support the new President of the United States of America.
Steve Smith, Director of the Annual Fund and Development Communications, attended today’s broadcast.
“I feel proud of our country and excited about what the future holds,” said Smith. “I believe his inauguration is the fulfillment of our country’s best ideals.”
Corey noted the significance of the Bible in Obama’s swearing-in noting that the Bible has been a symbol of Truth for America, for God’s people throughout generations and that more than ever the world needs leaders who have the foundation rooting from the only source of Truth – God.
“It’s what we talk about at Biola University in preparing students with biblical conviction and with courage to take on the challenges of our world,” said Corey. “May we, as God’s people, pray that President Obama and those surrounding him will—over these coming years—understand more of God’s Truth.”
Andre Stephens, director of undergraduate admissions at Biola and an African American, when interviewed by the LA Times said, "We need to support him in transition on either side, whether you were a strong Barack supporter or a McCain supporter.”
An LA Times reporter attended today’s event at Biola to witness how the campus came together to view the historic event. Read the article featuring Biola students and employees.
Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.