A Century of Giving
1910s
The Start of Something Big
In 1890, Lyman Stewart discovered oil in California and co-founded The Union Oil Company. Together with T.C. Horton, a local pastor, they leveraged their resources to create the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, bringing Christ’s hope to people of all walks of life, social classes and backgrounds.
What began as a small institute grew into what is today Biola University—a thriving Christian university with over 5,800 students. God used the talents and treasures of two men a century ago to begin His work at Biola.
1930s
Diamond Ring Saves Biola
Biola experienced extreme financial hardship as the country went through the Great Depression in the early 1930s. To avoid bank foreclosure on the campus property, radio pastor Louis Talbot challenged supporters to raise $25,000—a huge amount in that day.
God’s people responded. One woman wrote, “I have limited strength and small salary and cannot give any money but I am sending my engagement ring which was given to me twenty-nine years ago.” What a generous offer!
Through gifts large and small, the debt was paid, foreclosure was prevented and the Bible Institute celebrated God’s provision!
1950s
More Than Enough
As the 1950s dawned, America enjoyed the “happy days” of post-WW2 growth and prosperity. Biola saw this time as an opportunity to expand the work of the school—but the downtown Los Angeles facility would not accommodate the envisioned growth. La Mirada were identified as the right location for Biola’s future home.
Following the school’s “no debt” policy, the project cost would have to be raised in advance. To help fund the purchase, Biola planned to sell a small downtown parcel near its building at 6th and Hope. The Superior Oil Company offered $200, 000, but Biola’s board of directors countered with $300,000. Superior Oil was “aghast”, and declined. Biola’s leaders stated the offer was good for only 24 hours…and they began praying.
At 2:00 pm the next day, the real estate agent called. “You must be on good terms with the Lord. Superior Oil just called…they will buy the lot for $350,000!”
1970s
A Legacy of Love
In 1973 Virginia Moats was advised to purchase 200 shares of stock in a new company with an unknown product called “WD-40”.
Following the death in 2001 of her beloved husband, Wendell Moats, Virginia wanted to honor his memory in a meaningful way. After learning Biola planned a new building for the School of Business, Virginia felt she could best honor Wendell’s life and successful business career by helping this project. She wondered, “What should I give?”
Virginia remembered the WD-40 stock, forgotten in a safe deposit box for over thirty years. During that time, the stock had grown to which had grown to 17,800 shares worth a significant amount, Virginia offered it for the School of Business project to construct the Moats Lecture Hall.
From the beginning, God had a plan to use Virginia and her 200 shares of stock purchased on a “whim” to impact the world through Biola University!
1980
Standing Together
In 1980, Joel Camp enrolled at Biola College. On Parent’s Day his dad and mom, Harold and Doris Camp, were introduced to Biola’s then-president, Richard Chase. Dr. Chase confided that his burden to meet the financial needs of Biola students was sometimes overwhelming.
This conversation motivated the Camps to start the President’s Circle—seven Biola families who covenanted to donate $1,000 per year to the Biola Scholarship Fund. Members also met with President Chase to regularly pray for the Biola community.
Today, the President’s Circle has grown to hundreds of faithful members committed to supporting Biola University. Over the last twenty-five years, the President’s Circle has contributed over $12 million to help Biola students!
1980s
The McNally Miracle
During the 1980s enrollment at Biola University grew rapidly, and classroom space was desperately needed. At the same time, the La Mirada School District decided to sell some unneeded properties, including McNally Junior High, adjacent to Biola.
In 1986, the La Mirada School Board offered the property to the University at a great price. Just weeks before the first payment was due, Biola did not have the money—and it appeared the deal was off.
But…God had a plan to use Inez Kaartinen. A 1926 Biola graduate, she had retired from a satisfying career as a schoolteacher. She was a godly woman and a good steward of her small income, designating in her estate that Biola receive her home. When she died in 1986, Biola inherited exactly what was needed to make the first payment on the McNally property!
Over the next few years, God used others too for subsequent payments—and the McNally property became part of Biola University in 1991.
2000s
Caring for Students
Marjorie Fluor was a significant donor to Biola’s new library, and it thrilled her to know she had helped make a difference for future students of the University.
After the library’s completion, Marjorie’s sensed Biola students also needed a pleasant place to relax and experience community fellowship. At the same time, the Associated Students were raising money to build a new fountain, but had come up short. Marjorie joined the effort and her gift finished what is now known as the “Fluor Fountain of Faith”, a favorite spot on campus.
2002
The Impact of One Life
Dorothy English graduated from Biola in 1936 with a degree in Christian Education. She was passionate about Biola and the excellent “life training” she received. Dorothy was a down-to-earth woman in love with God’s word, and she lived a simple and fulfilled life. Her time at Biola was a highlight for he, and she planned one day to give back in gratitude for those wonderful, formative years.
Sixty-six years after leaving Biola, her dedication to biblical stewardship and generosity allowed her to donate $8.5 million to the University. By storing up treasure in heaven, God allowed her to give the largest one-time gift in Biola’s 100-year history.
