On Saturday, May 7, Biola University hosted the tenth stop of the Campaign National Tour in Seattle, Wash.

More than 120 local alumni, parents and friends gathered with President Barry H. Corey at the iconic Edgewater Hotel to learn more about, “A Soul of Conviction, A Voice of Courage: The Campaign for Biola University,” the $180 million comprehensive fundraising campaign to raise support for student scholarships, facilities, academic centers and online learning.

Rick Bee, senior director of alumni and parent relations, welcomed guests to the event and thanked them for joining for the final tour stop of the spring. Bee also highlighted the strong regional connections Biola has with the Seattle area, as hundreds of current students call the Seattle area home.

Tim Muehlhoff, professor of communication studies, joined attendees as the keynote speaker for the evening. Muehlhoff highlighted the importance of being ambassadors for Christ in our communication, drawing from the current political climate as an example of why this is so needed in culture.

“Because the world has gotten so hostile, sometimes we don’t believe that God can make a difference, but what a difference it makes to be ambassadors who, when we are attacked, choose instead to respond with kindness,” said Muehlhoff.

Muehlhoff connected the importance of being ambassadors for Christ with the work that he does at Biola.

“Biola is about making ambassadors for Christ, who we send out into this argument culture to live out biblical communication, regardless of what field they work in after Biola,” said Muehlhoff.

Following Muehlhoff’s keynote address, Corey briefly introduced guests to the details of the comprehensive fundraising campaign, including the focus on both student affordability and the Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health.

“For 108 years Biola has produced graduates of faithfulness, men and women seeking to impact the world for the cause of Christ,” said Corey. “This campaign will build on that legacy, helping Biola to realize its vision to be identified among the world’s foremost Christ-centered universities — a community abiding in truth, abounding with grace, and compelled by Christ’s love to be a relevant and redemptive voice in a changing world.”

Corey also shared that The Campaign for Biola University had just crossed the $170 million mark toward the campaign goal.

“We are seeing a lot of momentum, and we are on a good track to reach the finish line,” said Corey.

At the close of the event, guests were invited to support The Campaign for Biola University. More than $92,000 was given at the event to support Biola’s bold vision for the future. To date, the Campaign National Tour has raised more than $700,000 from events and subsequent gifts by attendees.

The Campaign National Tour continues in the fall with five events across the country, including stops in Dallas, Portland, Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago. For more information about the tour and future events, visit the campaign’s website.

Written by Cambria Aviles, campaign communications coordinator. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.