James “JB” Brown of CBS News Charges CCU’s Class of 2025 to Change the Culture
LAKEWOOD, CO – Colorado Christian University (CCU) marked its 111th Commencement ceremonies on May 9, honoring the academic achievements of one of its largest graduating classes to date.
Friends and family filled Blue Arena in Loveland, Colorado, for two ceremonies to celebrate 1,459 students earning 4 doctoral degrees, 408 master’s degrees, 785 bachelor’s degrees, and 262 associate degrees.
In addition to earned degrees, CCU awarded Honorary Doctorates to James “JB” Brown and Hal Krause in recognition of their distinguished service and enduring commitment to Christ-centered leadership.
James “JB” Brown is best known as the longtime host of The NFL Today on CBS, a five-time Emmy Award–winning sportscaster and news correspondent, and an author whose work emphasizes faith and character.
Hal Krause, a former CCU trustee and visionary businessman, seeded the $1 million endowment that made the new CCU Leadership Award possible and has championed campus initiatives to expand Christ-centered educational access for future leaders. The CCU Leadership Award is a prestigious annual honor recognizing one outstanding junior or senior in the College of Undergraduate Studies who exemplifies the University’s core values of Christian leadership, character, and service. In addition to the recognition, the award included a $25,000 cash prize, generously underwritten to celebrate and support the continued impact of CCU’s most exemplary student leader.
The inaugural award was presented to senior Anna Sconyers, who graduated with a double major in Biblical Studies and Business Administration. As student director of CCU’s Women’s Ministry, Sconyers led a team that served over 900 women each semester and organized a 1,000-attendee conference. She founded “Just Anna” — a handcrafted clay jewelry business that donates a portion of its proceeds each month to community needs.
Keynote speaker James “JB” Brown charged the new graduates with a clear mandate:
“We’ve got reinforcements coming from CCU, going out into culture. You have been developed to be leaders in culture — so go out, do your job. We all belong on the same team, and I praise God that you’re coming to the rescue just-in-time. To God be the glory.”
CCU President Eric K. Hogue provided a final charge to the graduates, encouraging them to impact their spheres of influence with grace and truth.
About Colorado Christian University
CCU is a leading Christ-centered institution in the Rocky Mountain region, committed to academic rigor, spiritual formation, and community impact. Through initiatives like the CCU Leadership Award, the university prepares world-changers for Christ who will lead with integrity, humility, and compassion. For more information, visit ccu.edu.