The newly renamed Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts at Biola University broke ground in La Mirada, California on campus for its new 45,000-square-foot facility earlier this month.
In May 2023, Biola University announced its benefactor, Lynsi Snyder-Ellington, president and owner of In-N-Out Burger, was opening up the family coffers to revolutionize the 116-year-old university’s film school.
The $92 million, three-story building will be named in tribute to Snyder-Ellington’s grandmother, Esther, who was co-founder of the franchise in 1948.
Although Biola University is not disclosing the amount of the gift, they did confirm that it is the largest donation in the college’s history.
Biola University and Its Double-Double Blessing
According to the official news release, “the new building will rival some of the best educational facilities in the nation for media training.” California is already home to some of the top film schools in the country, including Cal State Northridge northwest of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount central to the City of Angels, and the Los Angeles Film School in the middle of Hollywood.
Adding to Biola University’s existing and award-winning production facilities, the new cutting-edge studio center boasts the following features:
- 3,000-square-foot soundstage
- 285-seat theater
- Eight private editing suites
- Progressive, dynamic classrooms and computer labs
- Green room, make-up and costume rooms, and color-grading suites
- Emerging technology motion-capture stage
- Game design lab
“This groundbreaking ceremony is more than just the first step of a new building — it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts. Thanks to the incredible generosity of many individuals and families, this studio facility will enhance our commitment to shaping the next generation of media storytellers by promoting excellence in both craft and character,” said Tom Halleen, television industry veteran and founding dean of the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts.
When the school received its name, it was said the accompanying “Scholars Fund” from In-N-Out Burger will “help make it possible for foster and at-risk youth to study film in the Snyder School.”
The Witnessing of In-N-Out Burger
To some patrons, this commitment of faith may be surprising, but In-N-Out Burger has maintained a sterling reputation in the communities its locations serve, as well as a visible faith in Christ. If you have never noticed, there are a few reminders of the Gospel with each location and order.
Although evangelism wasn’t a part of the original vision of the California-based franchisor, Snyder-Ellington’s uncle, Rich Snyder, is credited with beginning the Bible verses on wrappers and cups in 1987. One story shares about the origin, “He told me, ‘It’s just something I want to do,’” a company spokesman recalled of the decision in a 2005 interview, “and that was that.”
If you are someone who enjoys In-N-Out’s “animal fries,” loaded with cheese, grilled onions, and that sauce, you may see Proverbs 24:16 hidden underneath each order of regular french fries, which reads:
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”
Look at the cheeseburger or hamburger wrappers next time, near the bottom of the fold. You will note Revelation 3:20:
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Do you enjoy the Double-Double? On the bottom fold of that wrapper is Nahum 1:7:
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.
On the bottom rim of the soda cups, you’ll see John 3:16:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life
Naturally, the groundbreaking featured free In-N-Out burgers, fries, and refreshments at a community picnic. Seating was full within mintues of the groundbreaking ceremony news.
Here’s an update about the Biola University Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts construction, which involves zero tuition revenue.
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