Biola University Names Film School After In-N-Out Co-Founder

A rendering of upcoming Biola University Snyder Building. (Courtesy of Biola University)

Biola University in La Mirada, California, recently announced that it will be naming its film school after an In-N-Out co-founder after an unspecified but “significant” amount was donated to the school by the burger chain.

Biola announced their film school will be renamed the Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts as a tribute to chain co-founder Esther Snyder, in whose name the award was made.

Founded in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California, In-N-Out—like Biola—is known for its Christian values.

“Our family values the distinctly Christian education Biola University offers and [we] are honored to play a part in continuing to offer students opportunities to make really impactful film pieces that change people’s lives,” granddaughter and current In-N-Out owner and president Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson said in a recent statement from the school.

“God is a huge part of the In-N-Out story, and I have no doubt my grandmother would be grateful to know her name is associated with a school recognized for excellence in craft and character.”

An In-N-Out restaurant in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Jan. 26, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

According to Biola, the unspecified donation amount is the largest in the school’s 115-year history and will be allocated toward the construction of a 52,100-square-foot studio facility for the film school.

The school did not respond to a request for more information on the amount by press time.

A portion of the funds will also be used to establish a new scholarship, the “In-N-Out Burger Scholars Fund,” for foster and at-risk youth to study at the Snyder School.

The new construction is part of a $92 million project and promises to be a state-of-the-art addition to the school’s existing production facilities, with additional edit suites, production offices, music scoring stages, mixing rooms, a color correction lab, classrooms, a theater, and more, according to the university.

The school plans to break ground on the new building in October, aligning with In-N-Out’s 75th anniversary.

“This naming of the Snyder School and the inspirational vision of Mrs. Esther Snyder will be a testimony to students and alumni for generations that humility in leadership, Christ-like love of others, entrepreneurial tenacity and upright business principles are virtues worth living,” Biola President Barry H. Corey said in a statement.