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The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

“Rooted” reframes the first-gen label

"Rooted", a short film documentary by students Gabrielle Hannah Cruz and Christian Sanchez premiered at Biola on Feb. 20th.
First-gen students Gabrielle Hannah Cruz and Christian Sanchez premiered their short film documentary “Rooted”. The film highlights the journeys of six individual first-generation students at Biola, aiming to bring awareness of the first-gen community on campus and the unique experiences and challenges they go through.
Alivia Woolard, Staff Writer March 9, 2026

On Friday, Feb. 20th, Biola students premiered a new documentary entitled “Rooted”, a short film following the journeys of six different first-generation college students at Biola. The film draws its title from Jeremiah 17:7-8, comparing the experiences of first-gen students to the tree planted by...

From overseas to La Mirada

From overseas to La Mirada
International student-athletes continue to play a significant role in Biola University’s community , influencing both how the team recruits and how it functions on and off the field.
Ava Saputo, Staff Writer February 2, 2026

SCOUTING TALENT OVERSEAS Identifying international talent requires extensive evaluation and strong global connections, head soccer coach for the men’s team, Joey O'Keefe, gives insight to what goes on when recruiting international athletes.  “We watch countless hours of full game film, season...

United in spirit

United in spirit
Known for hyping up the crowd, the Biola Spirit Team is building their team in members and in faith.
Ava Saputo, Staff Writer December 8, 2025

While it may be unknown to some, Biola University has its own cheerleading team – the Biola Spirit Team - that performs their hearts out at athletics events to help boost our school’s team spirit. Their bountiful energy and skilled performances are the result of countless hours of practice, dedication...

Is the Biola Bubble too good to be true?

Students gather and socialize on the Student Union Building (SUB) lawn.
Born out of Biola’s unique Christian community, the “Biola Bubble” has positive and negative connotations.
Madison Tucker, Staff Writer October 31, 2025

Biola is a place of robust community and hot takes. Soft serve ice cream is a delicacy and electric scooters are either effective or terrifying modes of transportation. When you begin at Biola, you join what students and staff deem the “Biola Bubble.” A 2017 Student Life Blog post described this...

Lamenting with community: how grief is shaped in Christian settings

Lamenting with community: how grief is shaped in Christian settings
What does grief look like in the context of a Christian campus, and how does it differ from that of secular settings?
Connor Do, Staff Writer September 25, 2025

The 2025-26 academic year has been marked by profound instances of tragedy and suffering both inside Biola and out. Students were faced with the abrupt passing of our beloved officer of campus safety, Chief O, the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, and the murder of a Ukrainian refugee,...

Biola and Immigration

Biola and Immigration
Mass Deportations have been rampant, affecting many communities, including those at Biola.
Jamileh Lopez, News Editor March 31, 2025

Victoria García, a freshman sociology major, shared that the increasing traction of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and deportations brings worries for family members, though they have done their best to live peacefully for years.  “There is a small fear that I have for family...

Biola community stories during LA fires

The sun shines bright red through the smoke-filled sky in Pasadena, California due to the devastating wildfires on Jan. 7, 2025.
Students and an alumnus share their experiences with the fires, as some even evacuated
Olivia Kam, Clarissa Jocelyn, and Hope Li January 19, 2025

Many within the Biola community are local to the Los Angeles and Pasadena area and suffered because of the fires ravaging the region over the past two weeks. Students affected shared their experiences, feelings and stories about the fires. STUDENT STORIES Hillary Ramirez, a junior cinema and media...

Biola’s Annual Christmas Concert is just around the corner

Biola’s Annual Christmas Concert is just around the corner
A time of music and celebration for the birth of Christ.
Shelby LaPorte, Entertainment Editor December 5, 2024

As the semester nears its end, students may be looking for something that will put them in the holiday spirit. On Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., Biola’s Conservatory of Music will be hosting their annual Christmas concert, “Let the Nations Rejoice!,” filling the La Mirada Theatre for Performing Arts with music...

A Way to Give

A Way to Give
The Biola community has the unique opportunity to help Biola Athletics in this week’s Athletics Week of Giving
Peter Koontz, Sports Editor October 30, 2024

The Biola Athletics community is bold. This is how the program seeks to define itself in all its endeavors. Athletes and staff stand firm in their Christian beliefs, constantly seeking to grow through their competition, relationships with others, and in their spiritual walks. This mindset is on full...

Joy and community in “The Game’s Afoot”

The cast of “The Game’s Afoot,” Biola Theatre October 2024
Two lead actors in Biola Theatre’s 2024 mainstage production explore themes of darkness and joy
Patricia Yang, Editor-in-Chief October 29, 2024

On Thursday evening, Oct. 17, Mayers Auditorium grew lively with chatter as people began taking their seats, clutching red playbills in their hands. The stage before them was decorated with the theater performance’s set pieces, furniture and props harkening back to the early 1900s aesthetic. As the...

A way to get away

Intramural Basketball Champions April 2024
From new freshmen to seasoned athletes, countless Biolans find escape, comfort and community in intramural sports.
Peter Koontz, Sports Editor October 2, 2024

Everyone needs to escape. In an age of screens, distraction and endless scrolling, the outdoors and physical activities are a thrilling break and a return to a simpler way of life. Many Biola students find solace in this through intramural sports. FRESHMAN SOLACE Everyone comes to Biola with a different...

Biola’s Martial Arts Club

Biola’s Martial Arts Club
Learning lessons through martial arts.
Shelby LaPorte, Entertainment Editor April 29, 2024

If you are interested in getting active and learning some self-defense, check out the Martial Arts Club, run by senior psychology major Joy Phillipps. A LOVE FOR THE ART Phillipps started the club in Fall 2023. As president and founder of the club, she is in charge of leading all the meetings, which...