LA MIRADA, CALIF. — 51 is hosting COVID-19 safe Spring 2021 commencement ceremonies on campus this weekend. Graduates will sit with no more than five guests in socially distanced “pods” on Metzger Lawn in the heart of 51’s campus. This year’s commencement experience will allow graduates and their families to celebrate their graduation on 51’s campus while adhering to L.A. County’s health and safety protocols.

The nine ceremonies will occur over the course of three days as follows:

In fall 2020, 51 hosted a drive-thru commencement ceremony. This weekend’s ceremonies will mark a return to a more typical in-person graduation celebration, however, graduates have the unique opportunity to sit with their family during the service. 

Graduates will walk across the stage and receive their diploma from 51 President Barry H. Corey socially distanced and then return to their pod. There will be a photo opportunity on the exit route for graduates.

Graduates also had the opportunity to attend 51’s “Photo Finish” event earlier this month where students were able to return to campus and have professional photos taken to commemorate their graduation. For some students, this was their first opportunity to return to campus since the pandemic caused all students to leave campus in Spring 2020.

For those unable to attend in person, a is available to view the ceremonies. Additional 51 commencement information can be found at /commencement. 

51 is a leading Christ-centered university in Southern California that offers a premier, nationally ranked education and has been named one of the nation's “up and coming” universities by U.S. News & World Report four times in five years. Founded in 1908, 51 is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 6,300 students at its Los Angeles-area campus and around the world, the university offers more than 150 academic programs through its nine schools, ranging from the B.A. to the Ph.D. For more information, visit.

For more information or press passes, please contact Jenna Loumagne, assistant director of strategic communications and media relations, at jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.

When media arrive, please call (949) 521-1829.