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Centennial

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Centennial Gala — October 3, 2022

The summer of 1922 was a hot one—Riverside recorded 112 degrees Fahrenheit on September 17. But despite the blistering heat, La Sierra Academy officially opened on the evening of October 3, with an enrollment of 84 students. We often remember this date as Founders' Day. And this October 3rd, we are commemorating our 100th Founders' Day with a once-in-a-lifetime Centennial Gala at the Riverside Convention Center. In addition to a spectacular dinner and musical entertainment with creative powerhouse and classical pianist Alpin Hong, we will be marking this memorable milestone by awarding 100 people with a special President's Centennial Award. Nominations for this honor are now closed, and we will announce the awardees soon. 

Alpin Hong

From the Walt Disney Concert Hall to the White House and beyond, pianist Alpin Hong has been delighting audiences both young and old as a modern day Pied Piper, thanks to his unique combination of stunning technique, emotional range, and rare humor. Recent performance highlights include his triumphant return to the Gilmore Piano Festival, featuring his all-new program "Alpin Hong and the Multiverse of Music"-an extraordinary concert which celebrates every corner of the musical universe from classical to video games. Mr. Hong's visionary approach to arts education makes him a sought-after clinician and Artist-in-Residence worldwide. In addition to his musical talents, Mr. Hong is an internationally renowned speaker and host. Mr. Hong's recent TEDx talk "Transform Yourself Into a Performer" at La Sierra University showcased his ability to inspire excellence in everyone, and has been viewed over 350,000 times. In 2016 he was the founding Music Director of the Riverside Arts Academy, which continues to provide high quality arts and music education to thousands of Inland Empire students. Mr. Hong is regularly featured as a keynote speaker for a variety of philanthropic and educational events, including the Council for Korean Americans Empower Summit, Olive Crest Child Abuse Prevention 2020, and the Michigan Music Teachers Association annual conference.

Past Events Relive the experience

Centennial Launch & Sculpture Dedication
February 15—11 am to 1 pm

We kicked off La Sierra's 100th anniversary with a special dedication of the third sculpture on our campus. This installment, in keeping with our other two meaningful sculptures, tells the story of the parable of the lost sheep and reminds us that God's kingdom is for everyone—even the one sheep who has gone astray. 

We were pleased to be joined by former La Sierra University presidents Dr. Fritz Guy, Dr. Larry Geraty, and Dr. Randal Wisbey, as well as sculptor Victor Issa and the Hwang and Toh family who generously gave this gift in loving memory of Paul Hwang, Thelma Hwang, and Brandon Toh. 

If you were unable to join us on the 15th, we invite you to watch the recording of the event here (coverage starts at the 3:15 minute mark).

Or, you can read a coverage article about the event here.

You can also experience the day by viewing photos here. 

Alumni Weekend (Homecoming 2022)
April 29 & 30

 We welcomed our former students and their families back to campus for Homecoming 2022 on April 29 and 30. There were activities for everyone to enjoy, including traditional favorites such as the Recognition Banquet, Sabbath Services, class reunions, and the Concerto Concert. You can learn more about the amazing alumni who were honored at the Recognition Banquet here. 

We were also excited to create new memories during the first-ever Centennial Campus Walk—an event that showcased the best of La Sierra's past and present with over 20 different stations on Founders' Green—and a special Art & Music Reception in the Brandstater Gallery. The highlight of the weekend was a massive fireworks display that lit up Riverside's night sky.

If you were unable to join us during Homecoming, please enjoy the following recordings: 

You can also relive the weekend by viewing the Recognition Banquet & Awards Ceremony @ Homecoming 2022 and Day Two | Homecoming 2022 photo albums.

For an overview of Homecoming 2022, a news article is available here.

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