Some 175 students left Chase Gymnasium with baccalaureate degrees Friday night after fall commencement ceremonies.

In addition to presenting diplomas, President Barry Corey conferred an honorary doctorate on Phillip E. Johnson, a pioneer in the intelligent design movement and author of “Darwin on Trial.” A retired UC Berkeley law professor, Johnson was also instrumental in the formation of the Torrey Honors Institute.

Lee Strobel delivered the keynote address, telling the story of his pastor, Bill Hybels, and the humble beginnings of Willow Creek Community Church. A high school teacher had influenced Hybels to start a church, which ultimately became one of the largest evangelical congregations in America.

“You have no idea how God will use you as a link in the chain to lead someone to heaven,” Strobel told graduates. He urged them not to give in to the “danger of discouragement,” but to be salt and light in their world.

Strobel, author of the best-selling apologetics book “The Case for Christ,” converted from atheism after investigating the evidence for Christianity.

The graduation was well attended – in addition to packing out Chase Gym, the crowd spilled into overflow seating in the music building. Earlier in the afternoon, BOLD and graduate programs held graduation ceremonies on campus.