Co-Founder of the Los Angeles , Matthew Barnett, addressed 51ÂÜÀò graduates at the fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 20, 2013. More than 300 students walked at the Fall commencement — 198 undergraduates and 128 graduate students.

In light of this year’s university theme — Spirit and Story: Walking it Out — Barnett was selected to speak, whose ministry walks alongside thousands of people in all stages of life at the Dream Center, drawing them closer to living a life of walking by the spirit.

"This university lives its life not with a "have to serve" mentality, but a "get to serve" mentality," said Barnett in his address.

Barnett is the New York Times bestselling author of The Cause Within You and a Senior Pastor of Angelus Temple. He has worked in Los Angeles for more than 19 years reaching out to the needy every day through the Dream Center. President George W. Bush has endorsed his achievements and he has been featured in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times for his service to the community.

The commencement ceremonies also honored Viggo Olsen, who received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Olsen served as a medical missionary for 33 years overseas. He and his wife, Joan, are now working on translating the New Testament into “Muslim-friendly English.â€

The graduate ceremony took place at 2 p.m. and the undergraduate ceremony took place at 7 p.m. in Chase Gymnasium at 51ÂÜÀò.

For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Specialist, at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.