In this issue…
Current News
Christmas story, tons of snow featured at CBU Christmas party
Students, faculty and staff enjoyed snowball fights and sledding at ASCBU’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Attendees enjoyed refreshments during the festivities.
California Baptist University kicked off the Christmas season Dec. 6 with a tree lighting ceremony and party that featured 50 tons of snow that had been trucked in.
Sponsored by the Associated Students of California Baptist University, the party began at 7 p.m. on the Front Lawn with a reading of the Christmas story by Dr. Ronald Ellis, university president, and the lighting of the tree.
The event also featured a cookie decorating station, jazz band performance, eggnog, Christmas cupcakes and a staged holiday scene for group photos. Students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to have snowball fights and sled during the event.
“I was taking a picture of the tree and nearly got hit by a snowball,” said Grace Ferrell, senior journalism major. “I just wasn’t paying attention.”
With temperatures in the 50s, most of the snow was gone by the next morning, However, the goodwill generated by the event remained.
“The party was a great chance for the student body to come together to celebrate the Christmas season,” Ferrell said.
CBU celebrates grand opening of Temecula Education Center
Dr. Ronald Ellis cuts the ribbon for the new Temecula Education Center on Nov. 30.
California Baptist University dedicated its new Temecula Education Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 30. More than 100 faculty, staff and members of the community attended the ceremony held at the Promenade Temecula.
“Today marks a milestone for California Baptist University and the adult education learner in the Temecula Valley,” said David Poole, CBU Online and Professional Studies Division vice president, at the grand opening. “This center was established by CBU to respond to the very different needs of the ‘new normal’ generation of students – the non-traditional student that balances professional and family responsibilities while advancing their education. By opening a state-of-the-art, full service-learning center right in the center of the community, we can offer bachelor and master degree programs in an online or hybrid format. Given the convenience of our new location, our administration, faculty and staff at California Baptist University also become an integral part of this wonderful community.”
CBU President Ronald L. Ellis said the growth is part of the university’s response to changes in the local, regional and global job market. He noted that CBU has grown from six students in 1950 to more than 6,000 this fall, seven times the enrollment when he became president in 1994.
“All indicators point toward continued growth in enrollment in the coming years, in particular the adult student market,” Ellis said.
The new education center in Temecula is part of more than $200 million CBU has invested since 2001 to improve its main campus facilities and extend learning off campus in the online and hybrid environment.
The new location features state-of-the-art classrooms, a WebEx conference room, staff and faculty offices, a student Internet café and lounge area and staff and student break room.
Ted Meyer, dean of enrollment services for CBU online, said “the Temecula education center provides access to local students and business leaders as a one stop shop for enrollment services, hybrid courses close to work or home and a welcoming location for online student study groups or meetings with faculty.”
Ellis and Poole thanked those who have supported the university’s expansion into the Temecula Valley.
For more information contact CBU Online & Professional Studies – Temecula Education Center at 951-343-5220 or cbuonline@calbaptist.edu. The center is located at 40764 Winchester Rd., Suite 590, Temecula, CA 92591.
CBU opens art gallery in downtown Riverside
The College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design hosted a reception Nov. 27 to mark the official opening of the art gallery, located at 3737 Main Street.
The College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design at California Baptist University celebrated the opening of its downtown Riverside gallery Nov. 27.
Dr. Ronald Ellis, university president, and Dr. Mark Roberson, dean of the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD), welcomed about 30 guests, including Riverside Mayor-elect William Bailey. Dr. Mark Wyatt, vice president for Marketing and Communication, offered a prayer of dedication.
“We look forward to the new gallery being a bridge between the university in general and CAVAD in particular, and the thriving arts community of Riverside,” Roberson said. “For the first time, the creative efforts of both CBU students and faculty will be on view to the general public. We hope to express to our community who we are as Christians and as artists and thereby create dialogue about the greater purpose of our creative expressions.”
Located in Suite 101 at 3737 Main Street, the gallery officially opened Oct. 4. However, the November reception marked the formal dedication of the space, Roberson said.
A new exhibit featuring the work of CBU seniors will be on display at the gallery beginning Dec. 5. The gallery is open Wednesday evenings from 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SBC president advises CBU chapel audience ‘what to do when trouble comes’
The Rev. Fred Luter
RIVERSIDE (Nov. 26, 2012)—“It doesn’t matter what age you are or what your vocation is, sooner or later tough times will come into your life,” the Rev. Fred Luter Jr. said during a chapel service at California Baptist University. “One of these days when you least expect it, your life will be turned upside down.”
Luter, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, spoke Nov. 26 to an audience that included area pastors about his experiences during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He has served as senior pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans for 26 years.
“I lost my church, lost my salary, our 8,000 church members were scattered,” he said. “I could look on television and see that everything I knew—my home, my church—was all under water. I asked God ‘why would you let this happen? If you wanted Bourbon Street to be destroyed, why didn’t you just destroy Bourbon Street?’ But Bourbon Street stayed dry on high ground.”
Luter said he sat in his daughter’s home in Birmingham and watched as his city struggled with the aftermath of the hurricane.
“For the first time in my life, my faith was shaken,” he said. “Faith is the first area that the enemy works on, and fear is the opposite of faith. Anybody can preach about faith, but every once in awhile, something happens to where God asks ‘do you believe what you preach.’?”
Luter pointed out that in Mark 4:35-41, the disciples of Jesus were in a boat when a storm came up, and they were afraid.
“Don’t you know those disciples were asking ‘Why doesn’t He do something? Doesn’t He care about us?’” he said. “But Jesus was right in the boat with the disciples. He could have chosen otherwise. He could have told them He would meet them on the other side.”
Luter said we need to remember that no matter what we’re going through, Jesus is going through it, too, because He’s living in us.
“He’s right there with you,” he said. “He will give you peace in whatever the circumstance.”
Luter recalled that as a boy growing up in New Orleans he looked to television for role models in his life, instead of the drug dealers and pimps that surrounded him. He chose Superman, because Clark Kent could go into a phone booth and transform himself into someone who could handle anything.
“When trouble comes, we don’t have a phone booth but we do have a prayer closet,” he said. “When you come out of that closet, you have an S on your chest—You’re saved, and you’re a soldier in the army of God.”
He told the audience that in times of trouble, they need to remember the three P’s: the promises of Jesus, the presence of Jesus and the power of Jesus to overcome anything.
“If God brings you to it,” he said, “He will bring you through it.”
CBU Iron Chef competition focuses on culinary talent in ADC
Gomez’s dish, Pork Loin Two Ways, won the competition after more than 250 students, faculty and staff voted for their favorites.
Chef Ismael Gomez won CBU’s Top Chef competition Nov. 8.
Chef Ismael Gomez was crowned CBU’s Iron Chef in stiff competition that unfolded in the ADC Nov. 8. His dish, Pork Loin Two Ways, proved to be the favorite among those who sampled the dishes and then registered their votes.
The other creations included Beef Adobo Wrapped in a Banana Leaf, prepared by Chef Sergio SantaMaria; Cioppino on a Bed of Linguine, by Chef Giuseppe Pitruzzello; and Chicken, Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza, prepared by Chef Lisa Cabrera.
“The Iron Chef Competition was designed as an opportunity to showcase the culinary talents of our Provider Contract Food Service team on the CBU campus,” stated Provider’s Owner Rodney Couch. “The buzz of excitement was unmistakable in the ADC, with everyone so excited to sample the specially-prepared entrees. The comments were tremendously positive, and the Provider chefs were thrilled to hear such wonderful praise for their creations. We will be adding this competition as an annual event!”
More than 250 students, faculty and staff participated in the vote after tasting all four dishes. In addition, students could enter a drawing for a $25 gift card. The winner was Delaia Fedrico.
Family Updates
Stealthy Imitator–Brett Barker, son of CBU student Jordan and Kristen Barker, mimics the courtside stance of Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, during a recent athletics event in the Van Dyne Gymnasium. Observers noted that, unbeknown to Ellis, the youngster stealthily copied the president’s movements and actions for several minutes.
Russell Thompson, Candice Ulibarri (formerly Candice Thomas) and Vera Willis were inducted into the CBU Hall of Fame Nov. 2.Alumni inducted into Hall of Fame
Russell Thompson, Candice Ulibarri (formerly Candice Thomas) and Vera Willis were inducted in the CBU Hall of Fame Nov. 2
Thompson swam his way to 28 All-American honors at CBU from 2004-2007 and helped the Lancers in back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007. Thompson won seven individual national championships in his years at the Lancer Aquatic Center. He was also named the National Outstanding Swimmer as a junior in 2006.
Ulibarri is one of the most successful pitchers in CBU history, a three-time All-American first team and a two-time Scholar-Athlete. She was named to the all-conference team all four years and was conference Pitcher of the Year twice.
Willis was a dominant volleyball player who was named to the all-tournament team three times. She was also named to the All-American first team three straight years. Willis led the Lancers to a national championship in 2005, their second straight. She was named the National Player of the Year that season.
Eighteen CBU athletic teams helped raise 5,640 canned food items to be donated to Set Free Ministries.
The combined efforts of 18 California Baptist University athletic teams helped them contribute 5,640 canned food items to be donated to Set Free Ministries.
The canned food drive was also a competition to see which team could donate the most cans per athlete. The cheer team won the competition by donating 1,866 cans or 50.43 per athlete.
Men’s golf also donated a high number of cans, totaling 487 or 37.46 per athlete.
Rachel Joy Kish
Stephan Kish, mathematics lecturer in the Department of Natural & Math Sciences, welcomed a 6-pound, 14-ounce baby girl Dec. 12 at 9:22 a.m. The family has named its newest addition Rachel Joy Kish.
The son of Troy Hinrichs, professor of history and government, is currently appearing in an AT&T nationwide TV ad. Zachary Hinrichs, 7, began appearing in the ad over Thanksgiving and can be seen wearing a grey sweater. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R-rtWPyJY
Dr. Ronald Ellis reported on CBU’s progress to messengers at the annual California Southern Baptist Convention meeting in October.
The University Choir’s performance at the annual meeting of the California Southern Baptist Convention was called a “highlight.”
Dr. Daniel Prather, founding chair and professor of the Department of Aviation Science, authored a report in partnership with the Transportation Research Board entitled “Expediting Aircraft Recovery at Airports.”
Prather traveled to Washington, D.C. Dec. 3-4 to participate as a representative of the University Aviation Association in the annual meeting of the National Business Aviation Association’s Professional Development Program Review Committee.
Prather also taught a two-day airport operations course on Nov. 3 and 4 for employees of Salt Lake City International Airport on behalf of the American Association of Airport Executives.
Dr. Jeff Cate
Dr. Jeff Cate, professor of New Testament, presented a paper titled The Curious Case of P43: Another New Testament Opisthograph? at the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature on Nov. 18 in Chicago. P43 is a tiny, sixth-century, papyrus fragment from Wadi Sarga in Egypt with Greek text of Revelations 2: 15-16 on opposite sides which Dr. Cate examined at the British Library a year ago. It is one of only 125 papyrus manuscripts of the New Testament and one of only seven of the Apocalypse of John.
Dr. Daniel Skubik
Dr. Daniel Skubik, professor of law, ethics and humanities, is working on legal issues surrounding the use of drones by the U.S. to target enemies overseas. The national English-daily newspaper, Today’s Zaman, just published an interview with him, after he presented a seminar paper at Zirve University in Turkey.
Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson
Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson, assistant professor of Christian studies, presented a paper titled Intertextuality between 1 Chronicles 21:1-17 and Genesis 13 and the Problem of David’s Census on Nov.14 at the 2012 annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in Milwaukee, Wis.
Dr. Matthew Barrett, assistant professor of Christian studies in OPS, published papers in Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal and the Mid-America Journal of Theology entitled, respectively, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people.’ Are Acts 2 and 10 proof-texts for Inclusivism and Does Regeneration Precede Faith in 1 John? He also presented a paper entitled Should Evangelicals Embrace the Doctrine of Purgatory at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in November. Barrett co-edited Whomever He Wills: A Surprising Display of Sovereign Mercy, a book recently published by Founders Press.
Kristi Lippire worked with CBU art students in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Kristi Lippire, assistant professor of visual art, worked with CBU art students to create a number of works for the Day of the Dead Festival, in cooperation with the University of Guanajuato, Mexico. Several of these pieces were on public display in Guanajuato on Nov 1 & 2.
Duncan Simcoe’s “One or the Other”
Duncan Simcoe, professor of visual arts, has a piece in a traveling exhibit with the theme Touch, Anoint and Heal. God With Us. through Christians in the Visual Arts. The title of Simcoe’s contribution is “One or the Other,” alkyd on tar paper. The show is currently on exhibit at the Apostles Anglican Church, KY. Another print of Simcoe’s was included in an exhibit at the Ecclesia church in Hollywood, concurrent with a conference on Preaching in the Digital Age, organized by Fuller Seminary.
Nancy Ward conducted the 19th Artistic License Fair in Costa Mesa.
Nancy Ward, instructor in art, organized and conducted the 19th annual installment of the Creative License Fair in Costa Mesa, CA in November. The fair features 50 artists and jewelry makers and includes glass, ceramics, photography, metal and textile art.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith, director of facilities and planning services, has been appointed to the City of Riverside’s Green Accountability Performance committee. The mayor, mayor protem and the chair of the utility services/land use/energy development committee approved his selection for a two-year term that begins in January.
Dr. Chris Morgan
Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries, co-edited a book titled The Kingdom of God, which was recently published by Crossway. The book features a collection of essays by leading theologians that examine the biblical perspective of kingdom
Personnel Updates
| DATE | DEPARTMENT | POSITION | NAME | STATUS |
| 11/12/2012 | Office of Mobilization | Financial Coordinator | Kerri Horton | New Hire |
| 11/12/2012 | Information and Technology | ITS Customer Support Analyst I | Tyler Sullins | New Hire |
| 11/26/2012 | Information and Technology | ITS Application Support Analyst I | Steve Davis | New Hire |
| 11/6/2012 | School of Nursing | Adjunct Professor | Jennifer Cooper (Formerly: Ewell) | Name Change |
| 11/8/2012 | Tahquitz Pines | Head of Housekeeping | Lori Juarez (Formerly: Cooke) | Name Change |
| 10/16/2012 | Office of Mobilization | Mobilization Coordinator | Courtney Watson | Title Correction |
| 11/12/2012 | Tahquitz Pines | Office Manager | Natalie Harber | No Longer Employed |
| 11/12/2012 | Tahquitz Pines | Head Chef | Nathaniel “Nate” Romero | No Longer Employed |
| 11/30/2012 | Annie Gabriel Library | Library Access Services Manager | Patricia Palmer | No Longer Employed |
| 12/7/2012 | Institutional Advancement | Administrative Assistant I | Patricia Gunn | No Longer Employed |