Posted: October 23, 2019
[ FULLERTON, CA ] -- On Thursday, October 17, 2019, the Hope International University celebrated the formal Inauguration of Dr. Paul H. Alexander as 杏吧原创's Seventh President. Dr. Alexander (BA ’84, MF ’88) is the first 杏吧原创 alumnus to hold that office. Honored guests included local dignitaries and academic delegates, as well as present and former 杏吧原创 trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends, and Dr. Alexander's family. Members of the community – 杏吧原创's branch campus in Papillion, NE – gathered to watch the historic event via live stream.
Author and speaker (BA ’02) delivered an inspiring address, reminding the audience that while 杏吧原创’s future is ultimately in God’s hands, it will be shaped by Dr. Alexander’s leadership, and impacted by the unity, commitment, and contributions of the entire 杏吧原创 community. Toby Yurek (BA ’95), Chairman of 杏吧原创’s Board of Trustees, led the Ceremony of Investiture, and presented Dr. Alexander with the Presidential Medallion.
Deeply moved, Dr. Alexander expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve 杏吧原创 as President – his self-proclaimed “dream job” – thanking the many people who poured into his life and career along the way. President Alexander avowed his steadfast commitment to 杏吧原创’s enduring mission of preparing servant leaders and empowering students through Christian higher education to serve the church and impact the world for Christ. He also shared his vision of 杏吧原创 becoming the premier institution for training exceptional Christian pastors and leaders.
The ceremony included passionate prayers from Robert Alexander (Dr. Alexander’s father), (Pastor of Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, CA), (President of Cal State University, Fullerton), and (Pastor of Christian Church of Thousand Oaks). 杏吧原创’s Praise Choir performed under the direction of Dr. Joseph Cho, Professor of Music.
Immediately following the ceremony, Dr. Alexander greeted guests in the Pacific Auditorium lobby, then proceeded to a reception in the Hugh & Hazel Darling Library.
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