It is a new era for the 189 undergraduates who received their degrees during the college’s 59th Commencement ceremony, May 7.

Before conferring degrees on Western Baptist College’s final graduating class, President Reno Hoff delivered the commencement address, saying, “As you enter this new era in life, don’t limit yourselves.”

He challenged graduates to rise above detractors and negative thoughts and gave three examples of people who overcame obstacles to succeed in life: President Ronald Reagan, Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, and Caleb, from the Bible’s Old Testament.

Hoff said some people want things to be perfect before they are willing to commit themselves to anything. “But, commitment always precedes achievement. Ronald Reagan believed in the American dream and was committed to that dream in his heart.

“Caleb never lost his vision or enthusiasm. He wandered in the wilderness for 40 years with all the people who had no vision until they all died,” Hoff added. “And with the spiritual encouragement of her parents, Condoleezza Rice developed a mindset to never have thoughts about limitations. She never limited her ambitions.”

Before the commencement ended, Hoff was joined on the dais by former student body president Ben Morris and newly elected ASB president, Joe Greenwood. Morris wore a vest displaying the WB logo, which he removed and Hoff placed on Greenwood, revealing the new ‘C’ logo. The college’s 71st year then officially began as Corban College.

The majority of undergraduate degrees presented through the traditional school came from the Teacher Education Department, with 27. Other degrees awarded include: Ministry (Bible-Theology), 22; Business, 17; Interdisciplinary Studies, 16; Psychology, 12; English, 11; Human Performance, four, and Music, four.
The Adult Studies Division's Degree Completion Program graduated 56 students including 32 with Family Studies (Psychology) and 24 Management and Communication (Business) degrees.

Last October, the College’s Board of Trustees approved the new name choosing Corban--a biblical word meaning “a gift dedicated to God.”  As Corban College, the institution will continue to stand as an organization whose people and purpose remain dedicated to God.