La Sierra University has experienced both growth and blessings within the last five years.

Students have traveled to Thailand, Mexico, Africa and Tanzania to share the news of Jesus’ soon return. They have actively participated in the development of their spiritual journey with the newly-formed worship choices led by faculty, staff and fellow students. Students have also led on-campus worship groups like First Service, University Worship and Student Missions.

“We understand that students have different personalities, are at different spiritual development stages and come with different levels of faith,” says Samuel Leonor, campus pastor. “We try to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to encounter Jesus, make decisions for Him, and learn to live His way.”

In the past few years, the campus has also experienced great physical change with the addition of Yin Fong Chan Hall in the School of Education, the addition of a beautiful new award-winning campus entrance that includes athletic fields. This fall, the university will hold its first classes in the brand new multi-million dollar Thaine B. Price Science Complex in the Weldon D. and Joan Schumacher Science Park. And in June 2006, a Dining Commons renovation began with plans of opening a newly-remodeled service area for the students next fall.

Another aspect to the growth of the university is enrollment. La Sierra has experienced its highest level of enrollment since 1970 with nearly 2,000 students enrolling last fall. The graduating class of 2005 had 360 — the largest graduating class since the university was established in 1990.

For three consecutive years, LSU was named the top school in the Campus Diversity: Universities-Master’s (West) category according to U.S. News & World Report America’s Best Colleges issue. La Sierra students have performed at Carnegie Hall, won Students In Free Enterprise awards, exhibited art to the Riverside Community, and gone into the community to serve others.

The University Endowed Scholarship fund has grown to more than $5 million with new scholarships awarded each year. Faculty have published books, given professional presentations and published articles. A new music technology degree has been established.

“La Sierra University will continue to offer the education necessary to prepare students to meet the ever-changing challenges of life and career within the context of their Christian faith,” says Lawrence T. Geraty, president. “We look forward to the future, even as we thank God for how He has led us so far.”