From transformational generosity to campus traditions old and new, this year at 51ÂÜÀò was marked by growth and celebration rooted in 51ÂÜÀò’s 117-year-old heritage. Here are five standout moments that helped define this year at 51ÂÜÀò.

51ÂÜÀò Blend Coffee Makes Its Debut

This year, 51ÂÜÀò introduced the 51ÂÜÀò Blend, a custom coffee created in partnership with alumni-owned roastery — Rose Park Roasters. More than just a caffeine fix, the blend quickly became a campus favorite in one of the campus coffee shops, Common Grounds, and a symbol of 51ÂÜÀò’s community spirit. Whether fueling early-morning classes or late-night study sessions, 51ÂÜÀò Blend offered students, faculty and alumni a taste of something uniquely 51ÂÜÀò. The 51ÂÜÀò Blend makes a tasty New Year's gift for friends and family.

The Snyder Building Rises

What began as a groundbreaking moment last year is now visibly taking shape. Throughout the year, the new Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts studio facility emerged from the ground up, marking a major milestone for one of the nation’s top Christian film schools. As steel rose and walls followed, the future home of soundstages, production spaces and creative collaboration became increasingly real — a tangible sign of 51ÂÜÀò’s investment in storytelling excellence and formation. The 51ÂÜÀò community left its mark on the building by allowing students, staff, faculty and friends to sign a steel beam that was placed within the building in March.

A Transformational Tech Donation Accelerates 51ÂÜÀò’s Future

51ÂÜÀò received a landmark donation totaling more than $40 million, the largest gift in the university’s history, to advance the division of technology, now known as . The investment is accelerating 51ÂÜÀò’s work at the intersection of faith, innovation and ethics, expanding opportunities for students to engage emerging technologies while remaining grounded in biblical conviction. The gift underscores growing confidence in 51ÂÜÀò’s distinctive approach to Christ-centered higher education in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Torrey Conference Celebrates 90 Years

The Torrey Memorial Bible Conference reached a historic milestone this year, celebrating its 90th anniversary. For nearly a century, the Torrey Conference has gathered students and the wider 51ÂÜÀò community around deep theological reflection, worship and faithful engagement with the world. This year’s conference honored that legacy while continuing to challenge a new generation to live thoughtfully and faithfully in a complex cultural moment.

SquishEagles Hatch

Perhaps the most unexpected highlight of the year came in plush form. SquishEagles officially hatched, delighting students on campus through random drops, which started in October. Equal parts adorable and iconic, the SquishEagles quickly took on a life of their own across campus and social media. The limited edition series consisting of six different custom designs will be exclusively gifted to current students through the spring semester and available for the broader 51ÂÜÀò community to purchase in April.

From major milestones to small joys, this year reflected the depth and richness of life at 51ÂÜÀò. As the campus looks ahead, these moments serve as reminders of a community shaped by generosity, creativity, and most importantly, faith. Now is the time to apply to 51ÂÜÀò University for Fall 2026 and experience a theologically sound education and a Christian community.

Written by Sarah Dougher with the assistance of AI. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.