Chase Gymnasium at Biola University saw standing room only for the Fall 2026 Convocation chapel on August 31, 2026. During the chapel, first-year students and 21 new faculty members received special welcomes, including new faculty from Talbot Seminary Phoenix. Hailing from 41 countries and 45 states and territories, more than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students started classes at Biola this semester.

image shows students in the Gym
1,900 students attended the annual Convocation chapel on August 31, 2026

“You artists, musicians, debaters, student scholars, techies, global students, FirstGens, club organizers. You make Biola a bountiful and beautiful community,” said President Barry H. Corey during his welcoming remarks to students. “I couldn’t imagine a better job than what I have in this Biola community.”

Corey shared a message about how the work of Jesus in the world and church has been and will be enduring, alluding to the 2026-2027 chapel theme, “Unstoppable,” which will explore themes of power, courage, conviction and zeal revealed in the book of Acts. Corey dove into the story in Acts 3 of the man unable to walk since birth who was healed at the hand of Peter and by the power of God, emphasizing God's unstoppable work in any circumstance, surpassing human expectations and wants, and providing what they actually need.

“That man, crippled from birth, knew what he wanted: some money to change his day. But what he received was what he needed: Jesus to transform his life. He had no idea he was about to get what he needed. He just knew what he wanted. But when he received that which he needed, in Jesus’ name, it far exceeded what he wanted,” said Corey. “The lame stood and walked and jumped, and as he did, he praised God, not Peter and John, because he knew the source of his healing was in the name of Jesus. And Peter and John were just the people God used. Receiving what we want is often motivational. But when we receive what we need, that’s transformational!”

President Corey, entering his 20th year of his tenure at Biola, stands before the community
President Corey, entering his 20th year of his tenure at Biola, stands before the community

Corey applied the transformational work of Jesus to what God can do and is doing at Biola.

“New students, welcome to Biola. Returning students, welcome back. You’ve come to Biola for a lot of reasons. Maybe you wanted to run cross country or to play water polo. Maybe you wanted a college close to home, or far from home. Maybe you wanted to study film in our new studios or engineering in our new high-tech hangar. Maybe you wanted to go where your youth pastor went. Maybe you wanted a college in Southern California where it shines more than rains. Maybe you wanted a Christian atmosphere to make friends with those who share your faith,” said Corey. “These are all great reasons why you may have wanted to come to Biola. But lately I’ve been thinking that students often come to Biola for what they want, and they discover here what they need.”

Corey concluded with a charge to students.

“We need a generation that rises and walks and praises and tells the story of what has happened to them in Jesus’ name,” said Corey. “Biola, you are that generation.Do not miss what the power of Jesus can do in you and through you over your years at Biola, and even today as we begin the year.”

Students can view the full chapel schedule and read more about chapel opportunities on campus by visiting the Chapel Schedule. The Convocation chapel can be watched on Biola’s YouTube channel.

Before the first week of classes, students enjoyed a fun-filled move-in day, followed by a warm Biola welcome ceremony, and concluded with the special tradition of communion for families. Looking ahead, on October 15, Biola will dedicate its 45,463-square-foot studio facility, home to the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts, which opened its doors to students for classes last week. Paired with the public unveiling of Streams of Influence: The Campaign for Biola University, the historic evening will bring together Biola’s community of students, alumni, supporters, friends and leaders to celebrate God’s faithfulness and look toward the future He is calling us to build together. Register to join the celebration.

Written by Sarah Dougher, strategic communication manager. For more information, contact beacon@biola.edu.