Friday, October 29, 2021, marked Hope International University’s long-awaited return of our annual Spirit of Hope 音乐会 & 颁奖晚会 (after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19). More than 400 HIU alumni 和 friends gathered in the Gr和 Ballroom of the Disneyl和 Resort Hotel for an elegant evening of celebration, 灵感, 和 philanthropy. 今年, the University’s signature event raised more than $220,000 for student scholarships, shattering previous Gala records. The 2021 program highlighted HIU’s rich legacy of ministry 和 Restoration Movement roots, 和 honored individuals 和 organizations that embody 和 exemplify the “Spirit of Hope.”

HIU President, Dr. 保罗H. 亚历山大 (‘84, ‘88), delivered his “State of the University” address, citing God’s blessings 和 provision throughout the p和emic. President 亚历山大 also presented HIU’s highest honor, The Spirit of Hope 奖, Doug Crozier, CEO of the Solomon Foundation, for his advocacy 和 financial support of HIU 和 its mission. Christ’s Church of the Valley (凤凰城, AZ) received the Supporting Church Award for their exceptional generosity 和 financial commitment to HIU.

Current HIU students Siera Pedroza 和 Logan 施耐德 each shared their poignant personal journeys to Hope, 和 how attending HIU has impacted their lives 和 shaped their futures. Pedroza, 一位高级, is Captain of the HIU Royals Women’s Soccer Team 和 is on the cusp of becoming a first-generation college graduate. 施耐德, 一个初级, shared a glimpse into his traumatic childhood, 和 his resulting battles with major depression. Both students thanked donors helping to underwrite scholarships that made it possible for them to afford HIU.

A panel of notable alumni in ministry – Steve Carter (’02), Pete Contreras (’88), Rudy Hagood (‘06, ‘19), Ashley Wooldridge (’99) – fielded questions from current Ministry Honors Program students, reflecting on HIU’s continuing impact on their personal lives 和 their public ministries. Distinguished 校友 Awards were presented to Kevin Mo Wong ( ‘02) for his servant leadership through his role of Executive Director at 团结，以及 Vonda 汉密尔顿 (BA ‘01) for her lifelong commitment 和 ministry to the deaf community. 

校友 拜伦烧伤 (BA ’94) sang several songs throughout the program 和 shared how his HIU education 和 experience prepared him for a lifetime of worship ministry. Guests also enjoyed musical performances from the HIU Worship Team, directed by Matt Thompson教授, & Chair of Worship Arts.

Prior to the program 和 dinner, guests gathered for a pre-event reception, enjoying hors d’oeuvres, 现场音乐, student ambassadors, 和 a special photo op with Mickey Mouse.

A heartfelt thank you to all of HIU’s faithful 和 generous supporters whose donations make it possible for students to attend 和 earn their degree at Hope. The impact of your investment reverberates around the globe, through the lives of our students 和 alumni!

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