In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CAVAD faculty, students take learning to the desert

California Baptist University faculty and students recently headed to the desert to get a different view for their camera lenses.

Forty students from the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design along with eight faculty took a road trip to the Salton Sea and the Glamis Sand Dunes Oct. 16-18. This is the third trip the students in the photography, graphic design and digital media programs have visited the desert.

The trip helps the students get out of the classroom and build their portfolios, said Michael Berger, assistant professor of graphic design.

“They have to learn how to create their own shot,” Berger said. “It’s a challenge for them. It’s a beautiful space, but it’s a different landscape.”

That landscape included sand dunes, dilapidated buildings, a lake and a dry lake bed. The students photographed a sunrise, a sunset, a distant lightning storm and the stars.

Colton von Pertz, a graphic design and digital media major, was part of the group that took photographs of the sun rising over the sand dunes.

“After getting out there before dawn, setting up our cameras in the perfect spot, we could do nothing but marvel at God’s creation as the sun came over the horizon,” he said. “Getting the opportunity to spend a weekend in nature, exploring and taking photos was amazing.”

Spencer Findlay, a sophomore majoring in graphic design and digital media, said he looked forward to obtaining more hands-on experiences.

“I learned how to be more independent with my photography,” Findlay said. “This trip taught me to challenge myself and try to get the shot that others did not.”

Trever Hoehne, assistant professor of graphic design, said the experience is priceless for the students.

“The portfolios that the students make from this trip are quite impressive,” Hoehne said. “Portfolios are key in this industry and we put a lot of work into making sure the students graduate with powerful images.”

 

CBU basketball teams forecast to finish high this season

After a historic season that ended in a NCAA Division II championship appearance, California Baptist University women’s basketball team is gaining national respect by earning a No. 4 ranking in the Women’s DII Bulletin Preseason Top 25 poll.

CBU will tip off its season on the road on Nov. 11 against Billings, Montana.

Read more here.

The men’s basketball team has gone to back-to-back postseason appearances, including a Sweet 16 finish last year, in its two years as a fully fledged member of the NCAA Division II.

This year, expectations are high for the team and that is reflected by the fact CBU was picked as the favorite to win its conference in a near-unanimous decision (13 of 14 possible first-place votes) by a preseason coaches’ poll.

CBU’s first game this season is against Minnesota State-Moorhead on Oct. 30 at 6:15 p.m. at the CCA Tip-off Classic at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Read more here.

 

Chapel speaker challenges students to be a people of love

A chapel speaker at California Baptist University shared her experience working in a hospital in Togo, Africa and challenged students to be people of love.

Sarah Thebarge is a Christian speaker, writer and has a postgraduate degree in medical science. She also has a passion for people in need. Thebarge spoke at CBU Oct. 14 about her experience on a recent trip to Africa, to volunteer at the Hospital of Hope. The hospital opened in March and was funded by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian international humanitarian organization.

Hospital of Hope is a 60-bed medical, surgical, acute care facility and regional trauma center.

Thebarge recalled her experience of working 28-hour shifts and witnessing a lot of death— including children—from tuberculosis, malaria, meningitis, accidents and more.

“I was physically exhausted. I was emotionally and spiritually spent,” Thebarge said. “I kept going back anyway because I felt so bad for these people who are suffering and dying.”

During off time, Thebarge listened to a podcast about Sisyphus, a Greek mythological character, who angered the “gods.” His punishment was to carry a rock on his back up a hill, but before he reached the top it rolled back down and he had to do it again.

“This is what the hospital felt like to me,” Thebarge said. “I kept trying to do something and no matter how hard I tried, every shift I was starting back at the beginning.”

As Thebarge kept researching the Sisyphus story, she soon discovered that a few authors interpreted the story from the viewpoint that Sisyphus eventually fell in love with the rock and it was not a burden anymore to carry it up the hill. This commentary on a service mindset reminded her of Christian principles and caused her to think about what motivates people to do what they do.

“Love does not give up, love keeps on working and it keeps moving that rock up the hill.  This is what Jesus did for us,” Thebarge said.

Thebarge cited World Bank statistics on poverty, noting that a billion people live in extreme poverty—defined as less than $1.25 a day.

Since 1990 that number has dropped, Thebarge said, noting the World Bank has a goal to end extreme poverty by 2030. She said that means today’s college students can be the generation to end it and urged students to work toward achieving that goal.

“You have the opportunity to be a person of love, to put it into practice. Fall in love with the rock on your back and because you see it with love it is not drudgery, it is not a burden, it doesn’t make you feel guilty or depressed or in despair,” Thebarge said. “It gives you hope that you can carry this rock up the hill, just like Jesus carried all of us up the hill and loved us enough to die for us.”

 

Emmy-award winning film and TV art director speaks at CBU

An Emmy Award-winning art director and production designer in film and television advised California Baptist University students to direct their own careers during a lecture Oct. 13.

Dan Bishop’s address was part of a lecture series for the CBU College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD). Bishop is known for his work on TV series such as “Minority Report” (2015) and “Mad Men” (2007-2015). He also has done work in movies such as “A Single Man” (2009) and “The Replacements” (2000).

Art directors and production designers are responsible for the overall look of a filmed event. They work closely with the director and producer to tell the visual elements of a story.

Bishop, who spoke about his experience designing scenes and sets, geared his remarks toward architects and their relation to production design.  He said a variety of skills are needed to become successful in production design.

“Visually, the product is a photograph,” he explained.  “The visual artists and the (performing) artists must work with each other.”

Bishop also offered advice for student’s career pursuits.

“You have to steer your own career. Some of it is luck, some of it are the choices you make,” he said.

Mark A. Roberson, dean of CAVAD , said the lecture series offers students a chance to be exposed to the work of professionals and expand on their career goals.

“What we love to do is to get people to talk to our students about non-traditional career paths that might be available to them that they never thought of before,” Roberson said. “In production design, for example, there is an opportunity for architects, graphic designers, artists and other people who may not have thought ‘That’s a direction I’d like to pursue with my life.’”

 

Legalization of marijuana addressed at Lecture Series

Colorado’s top public health officer reflected on a variety of implications from the legalization of recreational marijuana use during a lecture at California Baptist University.

Colorado became the first state to legalize recreational pot use in 2014. Currently, Washington is the only other state where recreational marijuana use is legal. Voters in California, where medical marijuana has been legal since 1996, could decide as soon as next year whether to legalize recreational use of marijuana.

Dr. Larry Wolk, executive director and chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, spoke as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series. He discussed some of the impacts of the Colorado law’s passage, such as an increase in emergency calls.

“In 2013 there were 136 calls to the poison control center for marijuana. In 2014, there were 238,” Wolk said. “So those who are against legalization would say, ‘Wow a 100% increase in the number of calls for poisoning as it relates to the legalization of marijuana,’” he continued. “The people [on the other side of the argument] would say, ‘but look at the scale.’ That is (only about) 100 more in a state of five and a half million people. This is something that bears watching.”

Wolk also discussed efforts to educate the Colorado public on the “safe use” of marijuana.

“We have to ensure that all our residents and visitors understand the parameters of safe, legal and responsible use of marijuana…and that they understand the rules and what the potential effects are,” Wolk said.

Among the potential effects are marijuana serving as a gateway drug for teenagers, increase of marijuana-related hospital visits and increase marijuana-related DUI arrests since its legalization.

Wolk said by creating educational campaigns, his department aims to keep Colorado citizens informed on the safe use of marijuana, while also helping to prevent use in populations such as youths and pregnant women, for whom marijuana use is deemed unsafe.

Wolk also discussed the perceived positive consequences of marijuana legalization, such as the availability of a pain relief drug, an increase in tax revenue and statistics that so far indicate no significant increase in the number of marijuana users.

 

Faculty and students shine at Long Night of Arts & Innovation

California Baptist University faculty and students showcased some of their innovative work at the Long Night of Arts & Innovation in downtown Riverside on Oct. 8.

The event stretched over several blocks, allowing event-goers an opportunity to browse through the latest developments in arts, science and education.

CBU’s Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering presented several exhibits, including a high-speed camera, the electronic design of the Pong video game, a NAO robot and a 3-D printing device.

A team of students programmed movements for the NAO robot by utilizing coding software. They operated a pair of robots programmed to perform gestures and movements, including waving and push-ups.

“We use a program called Choregraphe and then drag and drop the movements together to make a sequence [with the robot],” said David Guiza, freshman biomedical engineer. “After that we plugged it into the robot…the robot does what we tell it to do.”

At another display, CBU engineering students demonstrated 3-D printing. Joshua Park, a sophomore biomedical engineer, said he wanted to create images that would be popular enough so that individuals would know what they were.

Among printed items were a 3-D image of Riverside’s historic Fox Performing Arts Center, a nostalgic 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System controller and wrenches with CBU logos printed on them.

Dr. Seung-Jae Kim, associate professor of bioengineering, presented a display about balance in the human body.

“Parents were aware that we came from the CBU College of Engineering,” he said. “Hopefully they can get impressions about the fun part of engineering.”
CBU School of Nursing students demonstrated how to use a stethoscope. Their booth included a life-like doll that breathed and blinked its eyes. While using the doll, attendees could listen to the heartbeat through a plastic stethoscope handed out as individuals approached the table.

A presentation by Dr. Jong-Wha Bai, civil engineering chair, featured a sensor network used on structures to measure seismic forces during earthquakes. Bai said the Long Night event provided “a really great opportunity” to highlight CBU’s involvement in the activity and in the greater Riverside community.

“I think for us as faculty members to communicate with other people in Riverside is important. We can expose our projects to students, peers from other universities and educate small kids,” Bai said.

 

‘The Apple Tree’ opens CBU’s 2015-16 theatre season

California Baptist University’s theater program opened the 2015-16 season with “The Apple Tree” on Oct. 9.

“The Apple Tree” is a series of three musical plays in one by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, the songwriting team behind “Fiddler on the Roof.” Each act has its storyline, but all three take a lighthearted look at the choices one has to make.

“We all have choices,” said Lisa Lyons, a theatre adjunct and director of the production. “You make a choice; you face the consequences. Some of them are harder to face than others.”

The first act is “The Diary of Adam and Eve,” a quirky, touching spin on the tale of the world’s first couple adapted from Mark Twain’s “Extracts from Adam’s Diary.” The second act is “The Lady or the Tiger?”, a fable set in a mythical kingdom that explores the fickleness of love. The final act, “Passionella,” is based on Jules Feiffer’s offbeat Cinderella-story about a chimney sweep whose dreams of being a “glamorous movie star” nearly sabotage her one chance for true love.

Melanie Overton, a Christian behavioral science senior, plays Ella, the chimney sweep. She hopes the audience leaves feeling entertained, she said.

“There are little lessons here and there about making wise choices and dreams not always being what they seem, but the show is full of humor,” Overton said. “If someone leaves having been able to forget about their stresses and cares for a little while, I think the zany show will have fulfilled its purpose.”

Gabrielle Green, a senior theatre major, plays Eve. She also designed and helped to get 36 costumes ready in a matter of weeks while memorizing her lines. She has enjoyed both roles, she said.

“Performing and designing together is difficult, but wonderfully rewarding,” Green said.  “I love making Eve grow, because the audience gets to follow this character from her birth all the way through her life, and as an actor that is so much fun.”

Productions scheduled later in the season include “Fahrenheit 451;” “The 39 Steps” and “Pirated.”

 

CBU’s dean of engineering named Mayor’s Innovation Honoree

Dr. Anthony Donaldson, dean of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering, has been named this month’s Mayor’s Innovation Honoree.

The Mayor’s Innovation Honoree Program is designed to recognize people or groups in the City of Riverside that exemplify its motto as a “city of arts and innovation.”

“Your leadership and focus on academic excellence has created a world-class, accredited engineering school which delivers critical-thinking graduates to our community,” Mayor Rusty Bailey wrote to Donaldson to notify him of the award. “The commitment you’ve shown toward city initiatives…continues to be an inspiration for improved collaboration among government, education and private industry stakeholders.”

Donaldson received the award at the city council meeting Oct. 6. He briefly addressed the council and thanked his wife and staff and faculty for their support.

Donaldson came to CBU in 2006 as the founding dean of a new school of engineering. The program has grown from 53 students in the fall of 2007 to more than 575 students by the fall of 2015. The College of Engineering now offers 10 majors along with two graduate level programs.

Donaldson has made a career of innovation and creativity. He moved his family to Bangalore, India, the “Silicon Valley of Asia,” in 1994-96, where he raised venture capital for a native Indian’s vision and started a consulting business in telecommunications.

In graduate school at Texas Tech, Donaldson worked on the “Star Wars” pulsed power project. His research in modeling electrode erosion in high-energy pulsed switches won critical acclaim and resulted in more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and conference presentations as well as a patent for a new type of material.

“All creativity comes at the intersection of who we are and who we meet,” Donaldson said.

Bailey voiced admiration for Donaldson at the meeting.

“God bless you and your family,” said Bailey. “Thank you for the inspiration you and CBU bring to our community.”

Renowned Baptist theologian speaks at CBU about evangelicals

Acclaimed author, educator and theologian, Dr. David Dockery, talked about evangelicals—who they are, their history and his hopes for them—during a visit to California Baptist University on Oct. 6. Dockery, president of Trinity International University, spoke to CBU students, faculty, and area pastors as part of the School of Christian Ministries Lecture Series.

Dockery is the author or editor of more than 35 books and has served on the board of directors for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Christianity Today International and Prison Fellowship.

In a nod to the current U.S. presidential election campaign, Dockery said despite all the attention given to evangelicals in the political arena, “Evangelicalism is not a political identity but a confessional identity.”

“Evangelicals are men and women who love the Lord Jesus Christ, who love the Bible and love the gospel message,” he said. “A hallmark of the movement is a willingness to cooperate together in evangelism, missions and educational efforts. Evangelicalism is a cross-denominational movement.”

Dockery said Lutherans first used the term evangelical in the 16^th century to describe the churches that believed in salvation by grace through faith alone and held the Bible to be their supreme authority. At that time, people came to equate evangelicals with Protestants, often using the terms interchangeably, he said.

Over the centuries, evangelicalism evolved. In the 17^th century, the movement recognized the need for heartfelt, life-transforming faith, and stressed conversion and grace, Dockery explained. After the Civil War, evangelicals wrestled with changes taking place all around them, including Darwinian naturalism, a post-slavery society and urbanization.

Dockery said by the end of the 19^th century, evangelicals saw churches losing their connection with the truth of the gospel message. As the 20^th century began, movements were launched to revive, renew and correct the mainline Protestant churches. In the 1960s, some mainline denominations shifted their focus away from the gospel and toward social issues such as the Vietnam War and civil rights, he said.

Dockery added that in the 21^st century, changes are seen in technology, the economy, globalization and government. Evangelicalism is not exempt, he said, because changes in the church never take place in a vacuum.

“We must realize that our struggles are not with or against fellow Christ-followers but against the expansion of unbelief in our secularized culture,” Dockery declared. “What is at stake is the unity and mission of the Christian movement as well as the bedrock issues of the Christian faith.”

Dockery called for evangelicals to have a new spirit of mutual respect and humility to serve together with those whom they have differences of conviction and opinion.

“Let us together trust God to bring … renewal to our theology of evangelism, missions, worship, education and service,” he said. “Let us recommit to relate to one another in love, humility, as agents of grace and reconciliation in a broken and fragmented world.”

 

Panel discusses gender, generational differences in workplace

A panel discussion at California Baptist University explored the topic of “Leading Gender and Generational Differences” in the workforce on Oct. 5. The panelists discussed their experiences on these topics.

The Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education Graduate Leadership Program hosted the event as part of the Leadership Seminar Series. Panel members included Dr. DawnEllen Jacobs, vice provost, Dr. Natalie Winter, associate professor of marketing, and Dr. Esmirna Valencia, executive director of Early Childhood Programs at Riverside County. Dr. John Shoup, dean of the School of Education, moderated the discussion.

The panelists began the discussion by recalling past work related experiences they have faced.

Winter said for the first time, four generations may coexist in a single workplace. Each generation can tend to think their ways are “right,” and that can produce conflict in the workplace, she said.

The four generations are: The Silent Generation (those born from 1925-1942); The Baby Boomer Generation (those born from 1943-1960); Generation X (those born from 1961-1981); and the Millennial Generation (those born from 1982-2000).

Also discussed were generational and gender-related origins and how women’s confidence and upbringing may affect their pursuit of leadership.

“Ambition for me was being the first person in my family to get an education and get a doctorate,” Valencia said. “Many asked me ‘why would you want to do that?’ And [for me] it was always my goal.”

Jacobs added, “My dad would have never dreamed I would have a PhD, growing up.”

The discussion concluded with the panelists’ recommendations for leading in the workplace.

“I believe most of my frustration has come from trying to lead like a man. Be who you are; I am a woman,” Jacobs said.

 

Counseling Center encourages students to “Choose Healing”

Colorful signs posted around California Baptist University over the past couple of weeks are designed to promote Mental Health Awareness Week (Oct. 5-9) as an opportunity to talk about issues that can fly under the radar for some students.

This year’s theme, Choose Healing, is featured in presentations throughout the week by counselors from the CBU Counseling Center on issues that can cause mental distress.

Dr. Natalie Rios, assistant director of the Counseling Center, said it is important for people to talk about mental health issues. Because there is a stigma surrounding mental health concerns, people can end up feeling isolated and alone, she said.

“Having events like this is important because it helps to reduce some of that stigma and gets people talking about these things to normalize their experiences,” Rios said.

This week’s events can help people describe what they are going through and realize that they’re not alone, she said.

“We’re multi-dimensional as human beings, and so mental health is a really important part of that,” Rios said. “If we’re not taking care of that and trying to be healthy within ourselves and our relationships, it can create a lot of chaos and stress in our lives.”

“If we can find ways to help individuals address some of that brokenness … to find ways to find healing and support and God in all of that, it can really influence their lives in a positive way,” she added.

Promoting Mental Health Awareness Week also creates visibility for the Counseling Center.

“We want people to know that we’re here and that we’re wanting to support them and help them in any way that we can,” Rios said.

Family Updates

Dr. Susan Jetton, assistant professor nursing, and students Annette Evangelista and Taylor Bagby attended the National League for Nursing Conference in Las Vegas on Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Jetton is a member of the Office of Minority Health’s advisory board for preconception health. The office is a federal agency and preconception health is the goal of improving birth outcomes. The office sponsored the students to promote preconception peer education clubs at the conference. The goal of the clubs is to promote healthy living.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Veola Vazquez, associate professor of psychology, participated in a book signing of her faith-based middle-grade novel, The Nickel Nuisance, at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival on Oct. 4. She also gave a presentation and provided bullying prevention tips for children and parents and talked to children about how to develop a love of writing.

 

 

 

Elisabeth Murillo, assistant professor of aviation science, Creighton Goodman, assistant professor of aviation flight, and Dr. Daniel Prather, professor of aviation science, presented a session titled Operational Risk Management at the University Aviation Association Fall Education Conference. Murillo and Prather also presented a session titled Industry Fellowships for Aviation Faculty. Prather presented a research proposal, Specialized Aviation Accreditation: Gauging the Needs of Non-AABI Accredited Programs, and chaired the Graduated Education Committee of the University Aviation Association at the event in Salt Lake City Oct. 7-9. Prather also has been elected president-elect of the University Aviation Association.  He will serve a one-year term as president beginning October 2016.

 

Dr. Jong-Wha Bai, associate professor of civil engineering, was elected as vice president of Student Activities by the American Society for Civil Engineers (ASCE) Los Angeles Section in October. During his two-year appointment, he will help coordinate activities of the ASCE student chapters at 11 universities within the LA section, and ensure that section scholarships are managed and implemented in accordance with the board-adopted procedure.

 

 

 

Jennifer Zamora, assistant professor in physician assistant studies, spoke at the USC Keck School of Medicine Symposium, held in Los Angeles on Sept. 26. The symposium was an interprofessional collaboration of medical students, pharmacy students, physical therapy students, physician assistant students and pre-health professional students. Her topic was Taking Medicine to the Streets and Abroad, discussing the ways physician assistants can do medicine in other countries on medical mission trips, volunteering and their role as team members with other professions.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Namhee Kim, assistant professor of communication disorders, Margaret Appenzeller, visiting professor of communication disorders, and 10 students in the communication disorders program volunteered at Reach Out Annual Community Health Fair in Ontario on Oct. 12. They conducted a hearing screening for the community.

 

 

 

Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, co-authored a peer-reviewed paper titled Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis producing endochitinase ChiA74Δsp inclusions and its improved activity against Aedes aegypti, that was published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology (Oct. 5).

 

 

 

 

Rachel Meenan, English adjunct, had a book, The Stolen Guardian (The Zyearth Chronicles Book 1), a contemporary military fantasy story, published Oct. 3.

 

 

 

Dr. Candace Vickers, associate professor of communication disorders, co-authored an article, Are Life Participation Goals Reimbursable?, that was published in The ASHA Leader, an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association newsmagazine, October 2015.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Tae Sung, assistant professor of English in Online and Professional Studies, presented his paper The Rhetoric of Divine Grace and Dynamic Gifts in American Pragmatism at the Sacred Literature, Secular Religion conference. The Le Moyne College Religion and Literature Forum hosted the event Oct. 1-3 in Syracuse, New York.

 

 

 

CBU’s campus newspaper, The Banner, earned a College Media Association (CMA) Pinnacle Award nomination for Best Newspaper in the Four-Year, Less Than Weekly category for issues published during the 2014-15 academic year. Two 2015 graduates earned recognition for their work last year. In CMA’s Best of Collegiate Design category, Katey Lee, former Angelos yearbook photo editor, earned an individual nomination for an Angelos spread she photographed and designed. In the Association Collegiate Press (ACP) Pacemaker Awards, Raine Paul earned a Design of the Year nomination for a Pursuit magazine spread that she wrote, photographed and designed. Paul is the former managing editor of Pursuit and the current graduate assistant in the Journalism & New Media and PR program. Both the Pacemaker and Pinnacle awards will be announced at the ACP/CMA National College Media Convention in Austin, Texas, at the end of October

 

 

Dr. Charles Sands, provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented Global Health Engagement at CBU at the annual meeting of the Consortium for Global Education on Sept. 18 in Charleston, South Carolina.

 

 

 

 

Dr. John Sandy, an adjunct professor for the Online and Professional Studies, was a leader of the Ethics, Advocacy and Public Policy track for the 2015 World Conference of the American Association of Christian Counselors. The event, held in Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 23-26, was attended by about 7,000 professional, pastoral and lay counselors from every state and 40 countries. John co-presented a preconference workshop titled The New AACC 2014 Code of Ethics: The Top Ethical Issues, Challenges and Trends for Today’s Counselors, and presented a workshop titled Church Spiritual Care Ministries Best Practices Guidelines.

 

Michael Berger, assistant professor of graphic design, spoke at California State University, Fullerton, about Graphic Design in a Global Market: An American-Danish Perspective Program on Sept. 21. He spoke to about 25 Danish designers. Berger also participated in an exhibition at Norco College titled Art Empire featuring art and design faculty from Inland Empire universities, Sept. 16-Oct. 16. He showed a brochure for Fred Jordan Missions that he designed and photographed. He also participated in a panel discussion with the exhibiting artists on Oct. 6.

 

 

Randal Murphey, audio visual technician with Conference and Events, and his wife, Sarah, welcomed a son on Sept. 29. Britton Ryker Murphey weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Britton’s older sister is Addison Renee, 1 year and 11 months.

 

 

 

Dr. Nathanael Heyman, associate professor of biology, and his wife, Tracey, welcomed a son on Oct. 9. Judah Ari Heyman weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces. His older sister is Natania, 2.

 

 

 

Dr. Joseph Pelletier, assistant professor of psychology, and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed their third child on Oct. 10. Zelda Grace Pelletier weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Her older siblings are Zooey, 3, and Ford, 20 months.

 

 

 

Elizabeth Veilkind was promoted to corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on Sept. 12. She is based out of Miramar as an Operations Operator. She is the daughter of Janet Crate, special events and volunteer coordinator in University Advancement.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Record 2015 enrollment at CBU continues upward trend

Fall 2015 enrollment at California Baptist University set another record with 8,541 students—a 7.3 percent increase above the fall 2014 enrollment figure, President Ronald L. Ellis announced today.

Additionally, this year’s record enrollment marks a significant milestone, surpassing the university’s “8080 by 2020” enrollment goal—five years earlier than scheduled. The goal was set in 2005 to reach 10 times the number of students enrolled (808) when Dr. Ellis began his tenure as president in 1994. The new figure represents a 1057 percent increase over 1994 enrollment.

“By shattering the 8,080 by 2020 goal, fall 2015 is an historic enrollment increase on top of a sustained two decades of significant increases,” Ellis said.

This year’s triple digit increase follows three years of 600-plus increases of 610, 698, and 618; a one-year, four digit increase of 1,113; and last year’s three digit increase of 813. With the latest year-to-year increase of 584, CBU enrollment over the past six years has grown 4,436 students on a base of 4,105 in fall 2009—a 108% increase in six years.

CBU currently offers more than 150 majors, minors and concentrations as well as more than 40 graduate programs. And this year for the first time, CBU will offer two new doctorate programs—in Nursing Practice and Public Administration.

Founded in 1950, CBU is a private comprehensive institution located in Riverside, Calif. and affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. CBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities and the Consortium for Global Education.

 

CBU President delivers 2015 State of the University Address

CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis shared his 2015 State of the University video address at chapel services the week of September 21. The address reported on key accomplishments at CBU over the past year and also highlighted significant upcoming events.

Play full video.

 

 

 

 

CBU alum Kris Johnson – high-flying U.S. Men’s Volleyball Player

Most people need a ladder to reach 12 feet. But for California Baptist University graduate Kristopher Johnson (’14), that height is where his profession takes him regularly—and without any vertical support.

At 6 feet 11 inches and 200-pounds, Johnson is an up-and-coming middle blocker for the USA Men’s Volleyball squad. His soaring jumping ability and long-arm span makes him part of the team’s front line defense against opponent’s attacks.

Johnson’s vertical reach tips the 12 feet mark—two feet higher than a standard professional basketball rim.

“I remember the first time I jumped that high, I felt like I was flying,” he said. “It’s taken me a lot of practice and preparation to be able to jump that high.”

Johnson spent the summer of 2015 competing in the Pan American Games (Pan Am) in Toronto, Canada, for Team USA. The Pan Am Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport competition. Forty-one nations sent athletes to compete in this year’s games.

In five matches, Johnson had an attack percentage of .529 and he compiled 27 kills, eight blocks and four digs. The United States took sixth place, with Argentina taking gold, Brazil silver and Canada bronze. It was a lot of exposure for Johnson and the sport of indoor volleyball in general, as ESPN broadcast all of the U.S. matches through WatchESPN.

“I had butterflies in my stomach the first time I stepped on the court,” Johnson said. “However, once the ball started to fly around I said to myself, ‘Let’s play.’”

Johnson is also entering into his second year with Leka Volley Club, a professional volleyball team in Finland.

“I would say volleyball is the third most popular sport in Finland,” He said. “I have great coaches over there and I play to get better.”

 

Bible college president speaks on lessons from Bonhoeffer’s life

Dr. Steve Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College, talked about the­ impact of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer during a visit to California Baptist University on Sept. 24.

As part of the School of Christian Ministries Lecture Series, Nichols, the author of several books, addressed faculty, students and area pastors.

Nichols said while Christians need to get their confidence and reassurance from the Bible, they also can look back in church history and see how other faithful disciples lived their Christian lives and responded to the challenges they faced.

“One of the reason I appreciate church history so much is that we get perspective from ages before us,” Nichols said. “If all we have is our moment in time as our perspective that is a rather slim horizon from which we can understand things.”

Nichols spoke about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor and anti-Nazi dissident who was sent to a Gestapo prison and eventually killed at age 39. During his 10 years of ministry, Bonhoeffer wrote “Cost of Discipleship.” For him, the challenges to a Christian life came from both outside and within the church, Nichols said.

“He knew he would have issues to deal with outside of the church,” Nichols said. “I think Bonhoeffer was caught off guard by was how ignorant of the gospel the church itself was.”

Bonhoeffer told his congregations that they turn church into a playground for their feelings instead of a place where “God’s word is obediently received and believed,” Nichols said. Bonhoeffer wrote, “We keep thinking we have God in our power instead of recognizing God’s power over us.”

Nichols said for Bonhoeffer, the key doctrines were God is holy, man is sinful and the cross is the answer. Bonhoeffer’s writings help today’s church have a cross-centered approach, Nichols said. At the cross, Christians portray the weakness of Christ to the world that is in need, he explained.

“This is where Bonhoeffer, I think, helps us. The cross, Good Friday – these are moments in the life of Christ that we don’t always like to linger on,” he said. “We want to jump ahead to resurrection Sunday…but we also need to linger over Good Friday and the cross, because sometimes that’s exactly where we find ourselves.”

 

Ceremony marks progress for CBU nursing students

While many students at California Baptist University are just beginning their first semester, a group of entry level (EL) graduate nursing students took another step closer to becoming registered nurses during a dedication/pinning ceremony on Sept. 23.

Thirty-eight students who completed their first year in the program received a pin from a School of Nursing faculty member. After completing the first year, they are now qualified to take the licensure exam.

Additionally, 40 students who finished their first semester in the EL Master of Science in nursing program walked across the stage at the Van Dyne Gym to receive a Gideon pocket Bible. For them, the ceremony signifies dedicating their nursing career to the Lord.

Dr. Geneva Oaks, dean of the School of the Nursing, encouraged the students in their continuing pursuit of a master’s degree.

“Our prayer for you, no matter what happens in your career and as you move forward, that you stay steadfast to the Lord,” she said. “The opportunities before you are innumerable … and we encourage you to remain fully engaged through the process of expanding your heads, your hands, and your hearts.”

Gayle Cloud, a board member for Riverside Unified School District, also spoke during the event. She told the students that encounters are never random and that God will bring people into their lives for a reason.

“You are entering your front-line mission in medicine,” she said. “You will have opportunities to pray, to show mercy, to serve, to offer relief and hope.”

Student Sarah Jacques said the start of the semester was a whirlwind of things to learn and do and becoming a nurse did not seem real. The dedication made it feel more than just a job, she said.

“This cemented the fact that we’re doing this nursing program and dedicating our lives to the service of others,” Jacques said.

Student Jonathan Lu said he is looking forward to learning more in the program.

“It’s the end of a journey and beginning of another,” he said of the pinning. “It’s when you start your actual nursing journey and career. It means a lot.”

 

CBU Aviation Science program, flight school reach new heights

California Baptist University’s department of aviation science took off in the fall of 2013, with 25 students and two majors. This fall, it is flying even higher with 70 students and three majors.

Dr. Daniel Prather, chair of aviation science, said he credits the growth to the faculty and staff, the administration’s support and the industry’s demand for pilots.

“I think God has blessed our efforts here,” Prather said. “He honors our hard work and commitment and devotion to develop a top-notch collegiate aviation program.”

Growth can be seen in various ways. The CBU Flight School has 11 aircraft used for flight training and 10 flight instructors. More than two years ago FedEx donated a Boeing 727 that is being incorporated into the aircraft systems course for the first time this fall. The school also now has an approved FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Center located in the Flight Operations Center.

The CBU Flight School also has developed agreements with five regional carriers, including passenger airlines Express Jet, SkyWest and CommutAir, and cargo carriers Empire Airlines and Ameriflight. Three of those agreements were signed this summer. Students who meet certain requirements are guaranteed an interview or, in the case of Express Jet Airlines, a job if the company is hiring at the time. Without such agreements, students are on their own to find a job, Prather said.

“I tell students, as you graduate, as you move on and enter your career that’s a mission field no matter where you are,” Prather said.

Hannah Guajardo, an aviation flight junior and the first student to enroll in the CBU Aviation Science program, said she chose the program because it offered a bachelor’s degree in aviation flight.

Guajardo became the first student to earn an instrument rating and the first female in the program to earn a multi-engine rating.

“It is a huge honor to be a part of the inaugural class. It makes me feel like I was part of the start of something big,” she said.

Michael S. Lloyd (’16) is starting his first year at CBU. He spent 20 years as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force.

Lloyd said he chose CBU for a number of reasons, including CBU’s support of veterans and his desire to remain in the aviation industry.

“The aviation management degree seemed to be a good transition career tool as I prepare for another career in civilian life,” Lloyd said. “I looked at a few other colleges, but I really felt CBU is where God wanted me to be.”

 

The quest for the Fortuna Bowl trophy begins at CBU

Are you ready for some football? CBU intramural sports kicked off flag football season Sept. 21.

Flag football is the most popular intramural sports at CBU. This year 28 teams were formed –17 men and 11 women.

Each team plays a total of seven games.The top eight men’s teams and the top six women’s teams make their respective playoff tournaments. The championship game is held during Homecoming Weekend where the victors receive the much coveted Fortuna Bowl cup. Last year’s championship games drew more than 4,000 spectators.

“The Fortuna Bowl is the ultimate competitive goal for the teams,” said Tyler Cox, director of recreation programs. “It also has a mystic presence entering into the season for the freshmen.”

Last year’s Fortuna Bowl champions were the Weblos men’s team and the Bus Drivers women’s team. Both teams return this year to defend their titles.

Cox said that nearly half of the teams are legacy teams, meaning they have been continuing teams and, in some cases, have been around for more than a decade.

Cox said legacy teams usually consists of juniors and seniors. They will also pick up a few sophomores and freshmen. It is the underclassmen who will continue on the team’s legacy after the core of the team graduates.

“Football is a great team-building opportunity for us,” said Joshua Fink (’18), part of the Black Night team, which is comprised mostly of Army ROTC students.  “Last year was tough but this year we want to win that cup.”

 

CBU’s College of Health Science gets new campus

Change came this summer to California Baptist University’s College of Health Science. The college, formerly known as “Allied Health,” now has a new home to go along with the new name.

The college has relocated to the former Riverside Christian Schools campus on Monroe Street across from the Lancers Outdoor Athletic Complex.

The campus comprises of 68,919 square feet under roof and 11.07 acres.

“We’re completely blessed to get all the space that’s over here,” said Dr. David Pearson, interim dean of the College of Health Science. “I look forward to what we can do with it.”

Previously, the college was spread out throughout the main campus, with faculty in Lancer Arms and parts of the James Building. More than a 1,000 students are enrolled in programs offered by the College of Health Science.

Pearson said the biggest benefit for both faculty and students would be the opportunities for collaboration by being together in neighboring buildings.

“No matter what aspect of health science we are a part of, we all have the common goal of making people healthier,” he said. “That’s a lot easier to do when you have good proximity to one another.”

CBU purchased the property in June 2013 and Riverside Christian Schools leased most of the buildings back until this summer. Demolition and remodeling began in June and faculty started moving in Aug. 20. Walls were removed and rebuilt; exterior and interior walls were painted; carpet laid and audiovisual equipment along with furniture was installed.

A significant investment in new classrooms, laboratories and office space is transforming the campus into a modern, state-of-the-art learning center for health sciences.

“I think that every time we’ve built new facilities, smooth campus integration has always been the goal, and I think that’s been the end result,” Pearson said.

In August, the College of Allied Health became the College of Health Science. The new name more accurately reflects the scope of programs offered by the college, Pearson said. By definition, allied health professions are ones such as athletic training, communication disorders and physical therapy, he explained.

Pearson said a preschool remains on part of the property that Riverside Christian Schools continues to lease. Eventually, he expects that facility will be repurposed as clinics for athletic training and communication disorders so students in those fields can get their clinical hours.

“We are still a central part of the Great Commission and doing what everybody else does on campus. It’s just new space,” he said.

 

School of Behavioral Science hosts human trafficking lecture

California Baptist University’s School of Behavioral Sciences hosted Jeremy Vallerand, president and CEO of Rescue: Freedom International (RFI), Sept. 17 for its Culture and Justice Lecture Series.

Vallerand spoke on the global fight against human trafficking and explained his approach to help deal with this issue.

RFI began operations 18 years ago in India to help rescue and restore women and children who have suffered through human trafficking.

Vallerand grew up with two sisters. His father worked as a traveling salesman and put Vallerand in charge when he was gone. Vallerand wanted to do whatever it took to be a protector.

“I tried to look intimidating when I needed,” he said. It is a role that has grown for him.

Vallerand recalled his first trip to India, where he visited Mumbai and met David and Beth Grant, the founders of RFI. Vallerand agreed to visit the red light district with the couple.

He said his “blood began to boil’ as he looked at the sights. The couple then took Vallerand to visit the safe houses RFI operated.

“[When] we got to the first home and walked in; it was this beautiful place full of hope and life,” he said.

Upon returning to America, Vallerand was moved by what he saw. An avid outdoorsman, Vallerand rallied his friends and started what is now the Climb for Captives initiative. The idea behind the program is to use mountain climbing as a way to spark conversation about human trafficking and raise funds for its victims. The group’s first climb raised more than $20,000.

Vallerand encouraged students to approach the issue of human trafficking and all social injustice from a Micah 6:8 perspective: “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”(NASB).

He concluded his remarks with a quote that hangs on the wall at the entrance to his office: “It is not the injustice that drives us, it is the magnitude of hope.”

 

College of Health Science kicks off Distinguished Lecture Series

California Baptist University’s College of Health Science welcomed Dr. Harkeerat Dhillon on Sept. 14 to kick off its 5^th annual Distinguished Lecture Series. Dhillon is an orthopedic surgeon at Riverside Medical Clinic. He spoke of his journey across continents to become a doctor.

The lecture series provides CBU students an opportunity to hear from speakers, who are leaders in their respective disciplines.

Dhillon is a graduate of the University College of Medical Sciences, located in Delhi, India. He described the persistence and commitment involved in attaining his goal to become a surgeon.

Dhillon said his voyage westward began when his boarding school in New Delhi could not offer the biology classes he needed to become a doctor.

“This was a hurdle I had to cross. My school was affiliated with Cambridge University in the United Kingdom so I applied for special permission to study biology there and they let me [take biology courses],” Dhillon said.

He eventually returned to India and finished his medical degree, graduating with a bachelor’s of medicine and surgery.

“Now I could cut people into pieces and enjoy it,” joked Dhillon, whose sense of humor was evident throughout his speech.

Another hurdle Dhillon faced occurred during his move to the United States in 1992.

“It was an absolute culture shock,” Dhillon said.

Dhillon struggled to keep a job. After arriving in the United States, he was initially denied the opportunity to complete his fellowship due to immigration issues.

A plea from a former boss eventually open the doors for Dhillon to continue his fellowship.

Dhillon quipped that he settled down in Riverside because he could not travel any farther west without running into the ocean. Today, Dhillon works at the Riverside Medical Clinic as an orthopedic surgeon.

“This is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling profession,” Dhillon said. “You have to enjoy it, and the only way to enjoy it is to be good at it. Master your profession and you will enjoy it.”

He encouraged the students to set goals and not let challenges prevent them from attaining their goals.

“If you really want to make a success out of yourself, you need to set a goal, to stay focused and be extremely persistent,” Dhillon said. “Sometimes there may be so many hurdles it may make you doubt yourself. But if you want to be a [successful] person, then the persistence and focus needs to be there.”

 

Family Updates

Student Learning Outcome Assessment and Academic Program Review are two important processes CBU employs to promote and ensure continuing improvement in all aspects of its educational endeavors. College/School/Departmental Assessment Coordinators are the key players in completing these processes. These diligent faculty and staff members provide leadership while also serving as members of the CBU Assessment Committee. To recognize exceptional service, at the beginning of each academic year, Best Awards are presented to select Assessment Coordinators for exceptional service during the previous year.

The 2014-2015 Best Awards recipients are as follows:

• Best Program Review: Tom Ferko, professor of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
• Best Rookie Coordinator: Helen Jung, associate professor of civil engineering, College of Engineering
• Best College/School Coordinator: Elizabeth Morris, professor of education, Online and Professional Studies
• Best Department/Program Coordinator: Chris McHorney, professor of political science, College of Arts and Sciences
• Best Program Improvements: Sandra Romo, assistant professor of journalism/PR, College of Arts and Sciences
• Best Overall Coordinator: Carolyn Heine, associate librarian, Annie Gabriel Library

 

Dr. Candace Vickers, associate professor of communication disorders, coauthored an article, Communication Recovery Groups: Reciprocal Benefits for Participants and Facilitators from an Undergraduate Student Perspective, that was recently published by the Ohio Speech Language Hearing Association’s electronic journal eHearsay.

 

 

 

 

Shawn Wilhite, adjunct professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, presented a paper, Didache, Martyrdom, and Christian Identity: The Ethical Motifs and Apocalyptic Vision of Persecution and Martyrdom in the Didache as it Shapes Christian Identity, at the Andrew Fuller Center Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 16. He also recently had a book, The Letters of Ignatius, Apostolic Fathers Greek Reade, published.

 

 

 

Dr. Greg Cochran, associate professor and Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries, co-wrote a chapter in a recently published book, Ministry in the New Marriage Culture.  The chapter title is Gospel Confidence in the New Marriage Culture. Cochran also presented a paper, Persecution Perspective and the Challenge to Martyrdom from Matthew’s Gospel, at a conference sponsored by the Center for Ancient Christian Studies on Sept. 14. Cochran presented another paper, The Practical Application of a New Testament Theology of Persecution, at the annual conference of the Andrew Fuller Center on Sept. 16. Both events were in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

Dr. Daniel Prather, professor of aviation science, recently had a college-level textbook titled Airport Management published.

 

 

 

 

Faculty and staff are invited to the Knuppe Prayer Chapel each day from 3:30-4:30 p.m.  A faculty or staff member will be there Monday-Friday at that time to pray with anyone who has needs or who wants to stop by and join in lifting up the CBU community.  If people have needs they would like to have prayed for, they can forward them confidentially or by name to either Dr. DawnEllen Jacobs, vice provost, or Dr. Darla Donaldson, assistant professor of finance and social entrepreneurship.

 

 

Faculty and staff have an opportunity to take Perspectives on the World Christian Movement on Tuesdays, 5:15-7:15 p.m. in BUS 253.  There is also a group that meets noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Provost’s Conference room for a more informal gathering. If interested or have questions, contact Dr. DawnEllen Jacobs.

 

Dr. Robert Crosby, assistant professor of psychology for Online and Professional Studies, Dr. Erin Smith, assistant professor of psychology, and Dr. Thomas Frederick, assistant professor of psychology for Online and Professional Studies, recently published an article, The Kid-Friendly Church: What Makes Children Feel Loved, Valued, and Part of a Supportive Church Community, in The Journal of Family and Community Ministries.

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, associate professor of public relations for Online and Professional Studies, spoke to a group on nonprofit representatives at the 18th Annual Community Connect Nonprofit Conference at the Grove Community Church in Riverside on Sept. 25. Her presentation was on Building Effective Community Relations.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Monica O’Rourke, visiting professor of kinesiology for Online and Professional Studies, co-led the Riverside/San Bernardino county opening meeting for the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance on Sept. 15 in Redlands. Physical Education Teacher Education professors and practitioners from surrounding universities and school districts were in attendance. CBU’s kinesiology program was acknowledged by the association unit as the leading kinesiology program in Riverside County.

 

 

 

Dirk Dallas, assistant professor of graphic design, was contacted by news agencies Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal regarding the Drone Bill in Sacramento. His website FromWhereIDrone.com has positioned him as a resource in drones and drone photography.

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Crosby, assistant professor of psychology, Dr. Dirk Davis, associate vice president for academics, and Dr. Riste Simnjanovski, assistant professor of education, all for Online and Professional Studies, published an article, Evidence-Based Online Course Development Practices Using Three Years of Incoming Student Data, in the US-China Education Review journal.

 

 

Personnel Updates