In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

“Take it Outside II” attracts thousands of wrestling fans

California Baptist University’s “Take It Outside II” drew 2,082 avid wrestling fans on Nov.14.  The second annual event was held on the CBU Front Lawn, where a temporary wrestling venue was erected to host the match between the NCAA Division II Lancers and D-I opponent California State University, Bakersfield.

The event also featured Stephen Neal, a two-time D-I individual champion wrestler for the Bakersfield Roadrunners. Neal, who also was a guard for the NFL New England Patriots and was part of three Super Bowl championship teams, signed autographs and posed for photos before the wrestling began.

Although CBU lost the event 28-12, several Lancer wrestlers won individual matches.

Anthony Racobaldo, a 133-pound wrestler, won in dramatic fashion pinning his opponent in the last second of the match. Brady Bersano, a 149-pound wrestler, won by a score of 10-4. Additionally, in the heavyweight division Joe Fagiano had a narrow 7-6 win.

“You don’t get to watch wrestling outdoors every day,” said Andrew Carrion, a health science sophomore. “Even though it was hot, it was fun. It was great because all my friends came, too.”

The enthusiasm of the CBU’s crowd was evident throughout the event. “I made it [to the event] just in time to see the last match and I’m glad I did. The wrestling was great and the crowd got wild. I could hear the crowd across campus as I arrived,” said Nolan Falconieri, a criminal justice sophomore.

The event also attracted future collegiate grapplers.

“It is great to come out and see college wrestling,” said Julien Rivera, a wrestler for Hillcrest High School in Riverside. “It is different from what I see everyday and I would love to compete at such a competitive level someday.”

 

CBU packs shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

Hundreds of California Baptist University students, staff, faculty and their families worked diligently to pack more than 550 gift shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) on Nov. 12.

OCC is a project of Samaritan’s Purse that has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to more than 124 million children affected by war, poverty, natural disasters and other crises.  The gift boxes have reached approximately 150 countries and territories since 1993.  Some of the gifts items include hygiene products, clothes, school supplies and toys.

More than 750 participants packed the CBU Recreation Center gym to fill boxes with donations that were spread out on tables.

Planning and organizing the event was a months-long effort that included help from many departments on campus, said Julie Dobbins, assistant director of chapel and compassion ministries and event organizer. Schools and departments provided donations for the shoeboxes as well, she said.

Volunteers also had the opportunity to write a special message on a card for the child who receives the box.

“My favorite part was filling out the card and sharing [a note] with the child,” said Victoria Neal, an early childhood studies junior. “I also like knowing that the boxes are going to such a great cause.”

Dobbins said the turnout for OCC has nearly tripled in size since its introduction four years ago.

“Operation Christmas Child is Gospel-centered, so we are giving a gift that is tangible but it also allows those who deliver the boxes a chance to share the Gospel,” she added. “Getting involved with this is a great opportunity for students.”

 

CBU brings Bradbury’s cautionary “Fahrenheit 451” to life

Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” comes to life in the Wallace Theatre this weekend as the second production of the fall semester at California Baptist University.

Bradbury’s play, published in 1979, is based on his 1953 book with the same title, which refers to the temperature at which paper ignites. Fahrenheit 451 is a story of a futuristic dystopian society where books are illegal. Ironically, in Bradbury’s classic tale the job of firemen is not to put out fires, but to burn books.

Fireman Guy Montag befriends Clarisse, a teenager who is a reader and is part of the resistance. As a result, Montag becomes increasingly skeptical of what he is doing.

Frank Mihelich, assistant professor of theatre and the play’s director, made a few changes to the storyline. Instead of taking place in the future, the play’s setting is in modern times where reading and possessing books is illegal and the laws against such acts are strictly enforced. Mihelich said he wants the audience to consider that modern society could be only a few choices away from producing such a reality.

“At its heart, ‘Fahrenheit 451’ is a cautionary tale,” Mihelich said.

Katie Kostecka, a sophomore journalism and theatre double major, plays Clarisse. Clarisse never sways on her beliefs, despite the suppression happening around her, Kostecka said.

“I think political correctness is a big topic in society today,” she said. “People would rather avoid topics, eliminating them completely, rather than have the tough conversations.

“Clarisse is not afraid of those topics, and she is not afraid to stand out rather than fit the mold society wishes to place her in,” Kostecka said.

Performances are Thursday, Nov. 19, through Saturday, Nov. 21, with performances each evening at 7:30 p.m. and a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. General admission tickets are $15, with discounts offered for senior citizens and CBU students, faculty, staff and alumni.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Wallace Theatre box office at 951-343-4319.

 

CBU professor views artistic pursuits as “co-creating with God”

Artistic pursuits amount to being a “co-creator” with God, Dirk Dallas, assistant professor of graphic arts at California Baptist University, told the Harvest Christian Fellowship Creative Collective on Nov. 10.

The Harvest Creative Collective is a gathering of Christians who seek to use their creative endeavors to bring glory to God. Speaking to the Collective, Dallas introduced himself as a “professor, space nerd, photographer and a father.”

Dallas said he originally sought to be a teacher but discovered that was not his passion. After a conversation with his girlfriend (now wife), Alicia, he began pursuing creative work—first at a design school and then at Harvest as a graphic designer. Mike Berger, assistant professor of graphic design, offered Dallas an opportunity to teach a graphic design course at CBU after learning about his work at Harvest. Dallas accepted, then began to teach more classes and eventually was offered a full-time faculty position.

Included in his creative portfolio is an impressive photography resume. Dallas has shot advertising photos for clients including Nike, Ford Fusion and football star Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks.

Yet, even with such outstanding professional accomplishments, Dallas said his ultimate satisfaction is found in Christ and his artistic aim is to create with Him.

“For me, as I started thinking about creation and being a creator, I really see myself as a co-creator with God,” he said.

 

CBU professor receives prestigious education award

Dr. Heather Williams, California Baptist University adjunct professor of education, was awarded the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) 2015 Professor of Education of the Year award for her work in training the next generation of educational leaders. Williams received the award at the ACSA’s Leadership Summit on Nov. 5-7 in Sacramento.

Williams came to CBU five years ago. “I specifically wanted to teach at CBU because I appreciate the opportunity to connect my faith with the instruction,” she said. “It is important for me to help students see the gifts that God has given them and how they can use those gifts to bless others.”

Williams said she notices that CBU students aspire to make a positive impact on the students they serve.

“I so appreciate the students’ pure desire to make a difference,” she said. “They have a commitment to impacting children’s lives for the better and they take that commitment seriously.”

Williams also serves as director of human resources for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Previously she worked as director of human resources, director of special education and principal in the Chino Valley Unified School District.

“Dr. Williams is as committed to the growth of her college students as she is to the growth of the students she serves in the K-12 public school system,” wrote Dawn Nishanian, human resource manager at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, who nominated Williams for the award.

 

CBU Flying Lancers compete in regional aviation event

Twenty aviation science students from California Baptist University took to the skies of La Verne to compete in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Region II competition on Nov. 2-6. This was the second year the Flying Lancers competed in this event.

The students participated in numerous ground and flight competitive events such as Power-Off Landing, Navigation, Message Drop, Aircraft Preflight Inspection and Crew Resource Management.

Flying Lancers Phil Marlin, dropmaster and Cole Lanphere, pilot, placed third in the Message Drop competition; and Hannah Guajardo, pilot flying, and Lacey Schimming, pilot not flying, finished fifth place in the Crew Resource Management competition.

“We are proud of the Flying Lancers’ efforts,” said Dr. Daniel Prather, chair of the Department of Aviation Science. “These students always inspire their competitors during the competition, and as we look forward to the 2016 competition, we’ll learn from our experience and set our sights even higher.”

 

Homecoming events attract large crowds to campus

Homecoming activities at California Baptist University drew an estimated 7,500 alumni and friends to campus on Nov. 7-8.

Friday evening, the annual Alumni Awards Dinner hosted a sold-out event to recognize several alumni who span decades of achievements: Bill Pierpoint (’68), recipient of the Lancer Medal for Lifetime Achievement Award; Todd Knowles (’85), Alumnus of the Year Award; Daniel Bishop (‘06), recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award; and Randy McWhorter (’78), recipient of the Distinguished Service in Christian Ministry Award.

“While it has been a great honor and encouragement for me to be selected as an honoree for 2015, it’s even more encouraging to see the blessing being poured out by the Lord as He leads and guides the vast number of faculty, staff, students and benefactors of CBU,” said Knowles, who was unable to attend, in a letter that was read to the audience.

Bishop reflected on his time at CBU. “I’m thankful that in the Lord’s sovereignty. He brought me to California Baptist University to learn from professors like Dr. Chris Morgan and Dr. Dan Wilson. I can’t imagine learning from people who I respect and trust more than them.”

On Saturday, the festivities shifted outside with a Block Party featuring games, activities, live music, food and academic displays for the whole family.

“I had so much fun out there,” said Mitchell Collard, freshman, who played the drums for CBU’s Jazz group that performed at the Block Party. “I love playing jazz and I also love church music. At CBU I get to put these two loves together and seek to glorify God. That’s just awesome.”

Senior Brittany Ferrier volunteered at the Associated Students’ display, handing out free T-shirts to students who voted for Mr. and Ms. CBU.

“This was the event that made me want to come to CBU,” Ferrier said. “The event really shows CBU has a lot of school spirit and a strong sense of community.”

At 3 p.m., hundreds of Homecoming attendees filled Stamps Courtyard for the inaugural “Zest”ival music event, featuring Christian recording artist Danny Gokey.

The annual Fortuna Bowl championship games on Saturday evening drew an estimated 4,500 spectators. Bombshell won the women’s game and Goon Squad came out on top on the men’s side after five overtime periods. Katelynn Liddell was crowned Ms. CBU and Luke Henderson was crowned Mr. CBU during the evening’s festivities. The night also featured a firework show during a break in the men’s overtime thriller.

 

Christian artist Danny Gokey sings of hope at CBU Homecoming

Stamps Courtyard at California Baptist University was filled with stomping, hand swaying and singing Nov. 7 as Christian artist Danny Gokey promoted the theme of hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.

Gokey, an “American Idol” alumnus, performed at the inaugural “Zest”ival music event as part of Homecoming weekend.

“Zest”ival combined music with Riverside County’s rich citrus heritage, featuring the free concert along with lemon and orange flavored ice cream treats. In the true music festival spirit, students and families spread out blankets and set up lawn chairs to enjoy Gokey’s performance.

Gokey gained public attention in season eight of “American Idol,” when he auditioned for the show just four weeks after the death of his first wife, Sophia. His talent and story of loss captivated viewers as he advanced to place third in the vocal competition.

Since his “American Idol” days, Gokey has released two albums and a Christmas album is on the way. Now remarried, he is also involved in children’s outreach in Nashville and Milwaukee through his foundation Sophia’s Heart, which he founded in memory of his late wife.

Gokey shared his testimony of grief and subsequent healing through Christ, telling the crowd at one point, “I believe God wants to do something supernatural, even on this lawn outside.”

He performed several songs from his latest album including his lead single, “Hope in Front of Me.” The music carried a message of restoration and hope in Jesus Christ and energized the crowd with upbeat tempos and rhythms.

Gokey also led the crowd in worship as students and families sang along to the songs of hope. He reminded the audience members to “take every moment as it comes and live for the now.”

“He [came across] very relatable despite his fame,” said Morgan Jones, a sophomore and political science major. “He engaged with the people and related to all age groups.”

 

CBU crowns intramural flag football champions at Fortuna Bowl

Out of the 28 California Baptist University intramural flag football teams that started at the beginning of the year, the last four standing faced off on Nov 7. Bombshell captured the Fortuna Bowl championship trophy on the women’s side and Goon Squad on the men’s side. An estimated 4,500 spectators turned out for the two games.

In the women’s game, Bombshell, a first-year squad, defeated The Bus Drivers, 6-0, denying The Bus Drivers back-to-back championships.

“The desire to play our best brings us together,” said Monica Overton, a freshman applied theology major and a team captain for Bombshell. Overton was named most valuable player of the game as she scored the only touchdown.

Overton said her team set out to build community, work together and also keep their hearts on glorifying God on and off the field.

“That has brought us close and kept us close, as not just a team, but as a family,” Overton said.

The men’s match-up pitted Goon Squad, a third-year team, against Fruit of the Boom, which lost in last year’s championship game.

The game turned into a marathon with five overtime periods. A break midway through the final overtime period allowed the fireworks show to take place as the game had gone longer than anticipated. When play resumed, Goon Squad scored the last touchdown and came out on top, 18-12.

“I think we have bonded very well (this season). It has been difficult for us because most of the team are commuters and transfer students so we all have very different schedules. But when we are together, it’s always been a good time,” said Michael Castillo, a senior healthcare administration major and Goon Squad team captain.

 

Homecoming activities start with dynamic chapel service

California Baptist University students and staff began the Homecoming weekend with a chapel service featuring a pair of talented Christian communicators. Danny Gokey, Christian recording artist, led worship and Daniel Bishop (’06), lead pastor at The Grove Community Church and recipient of the 2015 Young Alumni of the Year Award, delivered the message.

While singing the song “How He Loves,” Gokey spoke about God’s deep love that can overcome any obstacle. He also offered a passionate prayer over the students, asking God to bless their endeavors.

Bishop said while college students are trying to figure out what their dreams are for their lives, they should remember that God’s dream for their lives is to partner with Him.

“It’s very easy to think about all of your dreams, your dream job and what you want to do with your life,” Bishop said. “God wants you to think about His dreams and the dreams He has for your life, and the things that He has planned out for you.”

Bishop said a passage from Philippians 1 shows a partnership between the Apostle Paul and the church at Philippi. He said both believed in Jesus and both wanted to advance the gospel. Bishop encouraged students to embrace the same goals.

“It’s not bad to want a great job and pursue your dreams,” he said. “Just realize that God cares more about His saving work in your life than any other work that you could do for Him.”

Bishop told the students they were at CBU for a reason, and it is more than just preparing them for a job.

“God is saying, ‘As you’re planning out your life, as you’re making all these dreams, don’t forget about Me,’” Bishop said.

There are ways to determine if a dream or plan is from God, Bishop said. First, ask God, and then know that his dreams will always line up with scripture and that He will also use others to affirm your choices, Bishop said.

“When the Lord gets hold of your life, there is no greater cause for you to be a part of than spreading the gospel and being a part of His plan and His dream for all nations to know who He is,” Bishop said. “That’s His dream, that’s His plan, that’s what He wants us to be a part of. His dream is not to make our dreams come true.”

 

Alumni prep CBU students for life after graduation

California Baptist University students received advice from alumni about the workforce and how to land their first job after college at the Career Center’s “Footstep to Follow” event, on Nov. 5.

The event consisted of a panel of seven alumni who represented a diverse workforce. The panelists were engineer Michael Sampson (’11), teacher Jackie Gray (’08), pastor Daniel Bishop (’06), nurse Whitney Jarboe (’14), developer Mike Turrell (’13), non-profit director Jennifer O’Farrell (’00), and police officer Nick Cantino (’11). The panel was moderated by Makenna Lammons, president of the Associated Students of CBU.

In discussing what students can do to prepare for the workforce, O’Farrell encouraged students to graduate with a diverse skillset.

“Because most of the individuals I’m hiring are coming right out of college, I’m looking for someone well-rounded,” said O’Farrell, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire. “What I’m looking for is problem-solving and critical thinking, and internships are our way of assessing [potential candidates].”

Other panelists also described what they look for in a recent graduate.

“I want to see how you interact with people,” said Bishop, lead pastor at The Grove Community Church. “If you can’t have a conversation with me and engage me, then I’m not going to be interested in you working with other people or people at our church.”

Freshman Stephanie Gonzales attended the event to learn about landing a job after graduation.

“I found this event really beneficial because it helped me realize the real world out there,” she said. “In college you’re learning about how to prepare yourself for that job, but it’s great to hear from people who are actually in it.”

 

Yosemite excursion a popular CBU Community Life adventure

California Baptist University’s Community Life is scheduled to embark on its latest outdoor adventure with another excursion to the Yosemite National Park on Nov. 21-24. Students will camp, hike and enjoy God’s creation as well as form new friendships along the way.

Community Life’s Outdoor Adventures program helps students take advantage of natural wonders such as Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Mountain and the beaches of the Pacific coast. The program provides transportation, gear and most of the food for a small fee.

In Yosemite, the group will camp, learn how to cook outdoors, and hike to places such as Artist Point, and Vernal and Nevada Falls, said Sam Cannon, program coordinator for Outdoor Adventures.

“Yosemite is an iconic national park with magnificent views, awesome hikes, waterfalls, open meadows, great campsites and is super popular with our student population,” Cannon said. “For a lot of people, Yosemite is a bucket-list item.”

Last month, Tyler Cox, director of recreation programs, and two graduate assistants led 21 students on a camp and hike excursion to Zion National Park in Utah.

Lauren Davis, a sophomore business major who went on the trip to Zion and also hikedYosemite last year, said, “You can show up and not know anybody and then after the trip, they’re my best friends.”

Zion was the first Community Life trip for Tessa Cannon, a junior business and graphic design major. She reached the summit of Angels Landing, a 2.5-mile hike that ends on a peak towering 1,500 feet above the canyon floor.

“It was such an incredible experience getting to meet new people and trying new things together,” she said. “There were points where I had to rely on others to help me or I was able to help other people. It brought me out of my comfort zone and that made the trip really great!”

Cox said students have time to bond while traveling as well as in camp and on the trail.

“It’s fun to see students who didn’t know each other connect on these trips,” he said.

The Community Life staff seeks to accommodate the various interests of CBU students. Events includeintramural sports, a variety of clubs, cultural awareness programs, commuter welcoming activities and other social events.

Also included are CBU traditions such as TWIRP Week (The Woman Is Required to Pay), where women invite men for fun activities; Midnight Madness, the kickoff to basketball season; and Yule, a formal dinner and evening of entertainment at a popular Southern California venue.

“We have such a diverse student population, and each student has their own likes and interests and hobbies that we have to cast a wider net,” said Chris Hofschroer, assistant dean of students. “We have to evolve just like our student body has and that means offering a more diverse program calendar.”

Using the analogy of a river, Hofschroer said the goal of Community Life is to have students make a personal connection and come to know the Lord or grow deeper in their faith.

“Our goal is to simply get them in the river of community on campus, making connections, (and) making them feel like they belong, that they understand their purpose,” he said.

 

Family Updates

Dr. Ogbochi McKinney, assistant professor of Public Health for Online and Professional Studies, presented a paper at the 149^th Annual American Public Health Association Conference held in Chicago Oct. 31-Nov. 4.  The presentation of Determinants of Antiretroviral Adherence Behavior among Reproductive Age Malawian Women resulted from her work with women living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi, southern Africa.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Geneva Oaks, dean of the School of Nursing, went to Washington, D.C., as part of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Advocacy Day on Oct. 26. She went with the California delegation of deans and directors, which visited 10 congressional offices advocating for education and research funding for nursing.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences, presented at the NAFSA Association of International Educators Conference in Honolulu on Oct. 29.  Her workshop was titled Internationalizing the Undergraduate Psychology Curriculum.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Gayne Anacker, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was assistant director of the C.S. Lewis Retreat at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas, on Oct. 30-Nov 1.  He also presented a paper in the conference’s Academic Roundtable titled Traces of Joy in C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, associate professor of public relations for Online and Professional Studies, spoke to CBU’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) club on Oct. 27 and CSSB’s PRSSA club on Nov. 5 on Strategies for Success after Commencement. She also presented a paper at the Public Relations Society of American (PRSA) Educator’s Academy Pedagogical Session at the International PRSA conference in Atlanta on Nov. 6-9. Her paper was Online Mentoring to Facilitate Internships.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Andrew Herrity, professor of business and entrepreneurship, won the award for best academic paper at the Christian Business Faculty Association Annual Conference at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., on Oct. 31.  Herrity’s paper, presented earlier that day, was titled Flourishing in Christ and Business: Conceptualizing a Resource for Helping New Graduates Go From Crisis to Excellence.

 

 

 

Dr. David Pearson, interim dean of the College of Health Science, presented at the Faculty Athletics Representative Association annual meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Nov. 7.  The presentation was titled Missed class time: challenges, opportunities, and a changing educational landscape.

 

 

 

 

Shawn Wilhite, assistant professor of Christian Studies with Online and Professional Studies, gave a talk at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Housh Talk on Nov. 11 in Louisville, Kentucky. The talk was titled The Day of Atonement Remains for Us Until the Sun Sets: Origen of Alexandria’s Reading of Hebrews and the Perpetual Heavenly Day of Atonement.

 

 

 

Dr. Tim Luther, professor of political science, presented a paper at the Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association Annual Conference on Nov. 8 in Portland, Oregon. The paper was titled The Unfinished Project of the Enlightenment: Habermas’s Reconstruction of Democracy.

 

 

 

 

Dr. James Lu, professor of English, Dr. Owen Staley, lecturer in modern languages and literature, Jennifer Tronti, assistant professor of English, and Dr. Derek Updegraff, assistant professor of English and creative writing, presented papers at the 113th annual conference of the Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association, held Nov. 6-8 in Portland, Oregon. Lu’s paper was titled Revisiting Roman Jakobson’s Translation Theory: From Linguistics to Cultural Contact, and Lu chaired a session on Rethinking the Enlightenment and Democracy. Staley’s paper was titled Liberté, égalité, diversité: mondialisation dans l’époque de Charlie Hebdo. Tronti’s paper was titled To Be Continued: Memory and Cinematic Ritual in Wim Wender’s Wings of Desire. Updegraff’s paper was titled The Poetics of Listing in the Old English Catalogue Poems.

 

Dr. Carol Minton, professor of sociology, co-authored a study, Voices from Behind Prison Walls: The Impact of Training Service Dogs on Women in Prison, that was recently published in Society and Animals, Vol. 23.

 

 

 

 

Karen Shade, lecturer in the department of electrical and computer engineering, presented a paper, Maker Faires as Postmodern Curricular Events, at the 16th Annual Curriculum and Pedagogy Conference in Cleveland, on Nov 6.

 

Members of the Financial Aid Office sport Mustaches for “Movember” as part of a fundraiser for men’s health awareness. The men in the office grow out their mustaches until they meet a financial goal and then they shave.

 

 

 

 

CBU has a Staff Advisory Council that meets monthly and consists of staff representatives from multiple departments. The purpose of the council is to collect information regarding staff concerns and requests dealing with campus-wide issues and prepare those items for presentation to the Executive Council.  Any staff member with a question or concern should contact a Staff Advisory Council member or e-mail staffadvisory@calbaptist.edu. The representatives are: Brian Bunnell, University Advancement; Taylor Neece, Enrollment Services; Julie Fresquez, Human Resources; Anthony Francis, Athletics; Brenda Flores, Facilities & Planning Services; Edgar Garcia, Marketing & Communication; Katrina Garcia, Online & Professional Services; Christina Sanders, School of Christian Ministries; Teresa Sheets, Online and Professional Services; and Robert Shields, Online and Professional Services. For additional information about the Staff Advisory Council please see the our Inside CBU page under the HR tab.

 

Christopher Bates, strength and conditioning coach, and his wife, Chantel, welcomed their third child on Oct. 26. Corban Duke Bates weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 21 inches long. He joins older siblings, Christopher II, 7, and Clarity, 4.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates