Posted: October 3, 2018
On Saturday, September 29, 2018, Hope International University presented the 2018 Spirit of Hope Concert & Awards Gala, hosting nearly 500 alumni and friends in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel for a memorable evening of celebration, inspiration, and philanthropy. This year, the University’s annual signature event raised over $170,000 toward student scholarships, highlighting HIU’s 90th Anniversary, and honoring individuals and organizations that embody and exemplify the “Spirit of Hope.”
Two Spirit of Hope Awards were presented: to former University Presidents Knofel Staton and LeRoy Lawson. Ashley (BA ‘99) & Jaime Wooldridge (BA ‘99) both received the Distinguished Alumni Award for their service in ministry at Christ’s Church of the Valley based in Peoria, AZ. Alumni Gerry (BA ’14) and Kristi Salmeron-Meneses (BA ’13), and JC Lugo (BA ’13) were awarded HIU’s Young Alumni Award.
In addition to President John Derry’s “State of the University Address," guests enjoyed the musical performance of songwriter and recording artist Tyrone Wells (BA ’98), who over his career has had over 60 million Spotify streams, 55,000 albums sold independently, and has had songs featured on American Idol, Grey’s Anatomy, and One Tree Hill. Student speaker, Alexio Gomes shared of his personal testimony of how God has lead him and a group of his peers to start a grassroots outreach -- which they call Messy Church -- ministering weekly at a local homeless encampment. An "all-star" alumni worship team performed, and HIU's Praise Team concluded the evening with an inspirational finale.
A deep and sincere thank you goes out to all of HIU’s faithful and generous supporters who make it possible for students to attend and earn their degree at Hope. The impact of your investment cannot truly be measured this side of eternity!
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