La Sierra to celebrate presidency of Dr. Christon Arthur with a year of inaugural events

 

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Beginning this fall quarter, La Sierra University will embark on a year-long celebration of the arrival of its sixth president, Dr. Christon Arthur, with a series of specially-themed events leading to his inauguration on May 20, 2025.

<p> Dr. Christon Arthur, La Sierra's sixth president since its inception as a university, will celebrate an official inauguration on May 20, 2025. </p>

Dr. Christon Arthur, La Sierra's sixth president since its inception as a university, will celebrate an official inauguration on May 20, 2025.

As part of the celebration of its new leader, the university will host a series of select events including musical performances, art exhibits, holiday activities, an Archeology Discovery Weekend, and a Christmas Tree lighting. Further special occasions will include a Black History Month celebration in February that will feature guest musical artists. A key focus of these events and celebrations is to provide opportunities for the university’s stakeholders to become acquainted with President Arthur and his vision for the future, and for the university to increase engagement within the local Inland Empire community.

A primary objective of the inauguration year slate of activities will be to raise funds for student scholarships.

“I am honored to serve La Sierra University, a place known for nurturing students’ curiosity in their quest to discover truth, understand their calling, deepen their search for meaning and purpose, and discover who they are as humans,” notes Arthur. “At La Sierra, we embark on a journey to be better humans. So during this inaugural year, we invite our communities to join us in our journey. We encourage all to participate in these events that will feed your curiosity and nourish your soul. It is my hope that at each of these inaugural events, all will experience the richness of the La Sierra community where there is a place for all.”

The inaugural year officially kicked off with the university’s annual convocation on Sept. 24, the second day of classes, at the La Sierra University Church during which Arthur gave his first convocation address to the campus community.

Additional inauguration-themed events and activities planned for the academic year are as follows, with some dates to be determined:

Archaeology Discovery Weekend – Petra: Ancient World of Wonder, Nov. 16 – 17

• Campus Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 5

• January Prayer Service, Glory of God’s Grace Sculpture Plaza

• February Black History Month celebrations

• February tour of select Seventh-day Adventist churches

• Brandstater Gallery, Film Poster Exhibit – Feb. 23

• Special Musical Concert – March 15

• Alumni Weekend – April 25 – 27

• Presidential Inauguration– May 20

For further information about the inauguration of La Sierra University President Christon Arthur, please contact Inaugural Planning Committee Co-Chairs:

Adria Chea, Director of Operations, Advancement
achea@lasierra.edu

Traci Spedden, Senior Executive Assistant and Board Liaison
tspedden@lasierra.edu