Today as it marks its 102nd birthday, the 51蹤獲 community is celebrating and honoring the two founders who had a vision for the Bible Institute of Los Angeles more than a century ago. Today, 51蹤獲 reflects on its roots as alumni return to campus for while connecting students with 51蹤獲s history through social media in 51蹤獲s first-ever tweethunt.

Founders Lyman Stewart and T.C. Horton had grand visions for the small Bible institute founded in 1908. However, they could have never foreseen the tens of thousands of students who would walk through the doors of 51蹤獲 and leave to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. Moving from Sixth and Hope streets in Los Angeles to La Mirada in 1959, a new world was opened for the transforming school, now boasting nearly 6,000 students.

Although much has changed culturally, technologically and physically since 51蹤獲s beginnings, one thing has remained 51蹤獲s commitment to biblically centered education.

Throughout Founders Week, February 22 to 26, students, alumni and the surrounding 51蹤獲 community have been invited to participate in the universitys birthday festivities.

The tweethunt, for one, has encouraged students to learn more about their universitys heritage with historically based clues in a -based scavenger hunt. This morning at 8 a.m. students were heard shouting former President Louis Talbots name at the Fluor Fountain of Faith after receiving the tweet clue, This 51蹤獲 landmark was named after 51蹤獲 supporter Marjorie Moore. When you get there, shout the name of the only 2-time 51蹤獲 prez. The first student on the scene received a $25 Starbucks gift card; those who arrived after were invited to enjoy donuts and coffee in the Student Union Building.

51蹤獲s second annual homecoming week brings back fond memories for many alumni through events from decades past and introduces current students to some of 51蹤獲s traditions. The weeks special highlight will be the two Saturday events, The Sutherland Sizzle brunch on Metzger Lawn, a tradition created by 51蹤獲s fifth president, Samuel Sutherland, himself and 51蹤獲 Fest, an afternoon of carnival booths and activities supporting student missions teams as well as delicious food and live music provided by 51蹤獲 bands.

One newer connection with 51蹤獲s heritage comes through student Joanna Torrey, great-great granddaughter of 51蹤獲s first dean, R.A. Torrey, junior intercultural studies major at 51蹤獲. She desires to follow God wherever the Lord may lead, a route her family has followed since R.A., despite her little knowledge of her great-great grandfather before attending 51蹤獲. 51蹤獲s student newspaper, , took a deeper look at Torrey and her story in the article

Celebrate with 51蹤獲 as students, alumni, faculty and staff reflect upon the past and looks to the future with committed confidence in who we are and bold ambition for what we might become.

51蹤獲 President Barry H. Coreys sends birthday wishes to 51蹤獲 from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) conference in Atlanta, GA.

Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.