California Baptist University graduates have begun to say goodbye.
The private university in Riverside held its first commencement Monday morning, April 28, on campus.
Those earning degrees from the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design and College of Arts and Sciences were the first to receive diplomas.
Eileen Rocio Solorzano celebrates Monday, April 28, 2025, after receiving her diploma during California Baptist University’s commencement at the Fowler Events Center at the Riverside campus. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Jayden Moore carries the College of Arts and Sciences banner during California Baptist University’s graduation Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Fowler Events Center on the Riverside campus. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
California Baptist University Provost Charles D. Sands, Trustee Reggie Thomas and faculty members lead a procession Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Fowler Events Center on the Riverside campus. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Drake Lyons performs “Take My Life” on Monday, April 28, 2025, during California Baptist University’s graduation in the Fowler Events Center on the Riverside campus. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Provost Charles D. Sands and Peyton E. Bell pose for a photo after Bell receives the Outstanding Senior Award during California Baptist University’s Monday, April 28, 2025, graduation at the Fowler Events Center on the Riverside campus. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Victoria and Brandon Walker cheer Monday, April 28, 2025, as graduates enter the Fowler Events Center for California Baptist University’s graduation. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences enter the Fowler Events Center on Monday, April 28, 2025, for California Baptist University’s graduation. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
California Baptist University graduates enter the Fowler Events Center during the Riverside university’s Monday, April 28, 2025, graduation. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Hevani Feao reacts Monday, April 28, 2025, after receiving her diploma in Spanish during California Baptist University’s graduation at the Fowler Events Center on the Riverside campus. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Antwyanette Gant Gay celebrates Monday, April 28, 2025, after receiving her diploma during California Baptist University’s commencement at the Fowler Events Center on the Riverside campus. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
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Eileen Rocio Solorzano celebrates Monday, April 28, 2025, after receiving her diploma during California Baptist University’s commencement at the Fowler Events Center at the Riverside campus. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
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Four more ceremonies, including one Monday afternoon, are scheduled. The final graduation this year will be Wednesday, morning, April 30.
When all have left the stage of the Fowler Events Center, the university will have awarded 37 doctoral degrees, 606 master’s degrees and 1,140 undergraduate degrees, according to the university.