December 11, 2015

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

CBU chapel rings with the sounds and songs of Christmas

Sounds of Christmas filled the Van Dyne Gym during Wednesday’s chapel at California Baptist University.

Groups from the Collinsworth School of Music performed a mix of seasonal songs on Dec. 9.

The Jazz Band, conducted by Dr. Guy Holliday, began the festivities by playing as students walked into the chapel. Throughout the service, the Women’s Choir, New Song, Male Chorale and the Concert Band took turns performing.

The musicians brought joy and cheer to the occasion, performing songs such as “Christmastime,” “Mary, Did You Know,” “Winter Wonderland” and “You Are Worthy.”

There was also talk about Christmas traditions.

“Christmas is a time for wonderful traditions. I’m sure you have several of them in your home as I do in mine,” Holliday said. He then led the Concert Band in a musical score for Clement Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas,” while Dr. Glenn Pickett, associate professor of music, narrated.

Later, Holliday got the audience involved by having them clap and stomp a beat to accompany the Jazz Band performance of “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

Before the Women’s Choir performed “Carol of the Kings,” vocalist Sarah Bryant addressed the audience and proclaimed that while Jesus had a humble birth, nevertheless He was heralded by angels and the wise men.

“Let us not forget the Magi,” she said. “Jesus may have been born into the most humble of circumstances, but kings would come and visit and bow down before him.”

 

CBU reaffirms commitment to safety and security

The department of public safety at California Baptist University reaffirmed its commitment to campus safety and security in an email distributed to students staff and faculty and posted on the university intranet portal.

“It is important that all members of the California Baptist University community are confident that the university takes seriously matters of safety and security,” James Walters, director of public safety, wrote.

Walters described procedures the university follows to provide security, including:

• CBU monitors potentially dangerous incidents as they occur, giving special attention to any that occur near the campus.
• CBU works closely with Riverside Police Department to identify and address any threats to the campus or surrounding area. Patrols and staffing are adjusted as deemed appropriate.
• CBU is committed to providing timely notification as needed to keep the community informed of safety concerns around the school.
• CBU maintains and constantly reviews its “in-place” emergency procedures to ensure they remain relevant and useful to any threat to the university community.

Walters also noted that the combined efforts of students, faculty and staff are essential to a helping ensure a safe campus environment.

“If you believe something is ‘not right,’ tell someone in a position of authority. The university’s safety services department is available 24 hours,” he wrote.

The safety services department can be reached by calling 951-343-4311.

 

Musician Tyrone Wells plays his special brand of music at chapel

Chapel at California Baptist University was filled with humor and wit as recording artist Tyrone Wells spoke and performed worship music and other songs on Dec. 7.

Wells, a preacher’s kid and the youngest of five children, said the gospel “runs in his blood.” But instead of preaching, Wells said he decided to pursue his passion for music. His folk-pop songs have been featured in films and television shows, and he even has been asked by friends and fans to sing at marriage proposals.

Wells shared stories of awkward situations he experienced as a musician. For instance, he once ended up playing his “sensitive love songs” in front of “big” NFL football players and coaches at a birthday party.

Wells also told a story of how he became a yodeler.

“When I turned 13, my dad grabbed me and told me he had to tell me something,” he said.

It turns out Wells’ grandma was a yodeler, his dad became a yodeler, and he wanted to pass it down as a tradition to Wells. Wells then proceeded to perform a song showcasing his yodeling heritage.

“You probably didn’t expect to hear that today,” he told the audience.

Speaking about his song “Simple Life,” Wells said he was inspired by the message of Micah 6:8 to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.

Wells also encouraged those going through difficulties.

“Life is hard. We can have dark thoughts,” he said. “However, God put you here at CBU for a reason. He has a plan for you.”

 

“Autumn Arbor Day” event highlights stewardship efforts

About 40 students, faculty and staff of California Baptist University helped make the CBU campus a little greener at an Autumn Arbor Day service project on Dec. 5.

Five teams were assigned to planting trees in parking lots and cultivating and laying down new mulch for a big eucalyptus tree in the Colony residential area.

Ed Schmachtenberger, manager of grounds and landscaping, said there are plans to plant as many as 50 additional trees around campus.

Dr. Jacob Lanphere, assistant professor of environmental science, attended the event with his family. He said it was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with nature.

“We talk about a lot of these things in the classroom, but when students get an opportunity to come out, be involved, get a little bit of exercise and be a part of it, they will always remember being involved in the community and making it look better, but also making the Earth look better,” he said.

Emily Borden, a creative writing sophomore, helped replace the mulch.

“I’m happy anytime trees are planted and I’m happy that I could help this tree flourish,” she said.

CBU is one of nine higher education institutions in California designated as a Tree Campus USA college by a program implemented by the Arbor Day Foundation.

 

Drone seminar lands at CBU, looks at safety issues and careers

The increasing popularity of unmanned aircraft systems led California Baptist University and local authorities to co-sponsor a seminar about drone safety and more on Dec. 5.

The seminar, held in CBU’s Wallace Theatre and open to the public, featured speakers from the Riverside fire and police departments, the Federal Aviation Administration, CBU and other aviation experts.

“We’re not here to tell you guys you can’t fly your drones, we just want you to do so safely,” said Jeff Ratkovich, a Riverside police officer.

William Shellhous, Riverside fire department division chief, explained how drones could affect firefighters attempting to do their jobs.

“We need everyone to fly responsibly,” said Shellhous. “When individuals deploy drones to get pictures of large fires without adhering to safety codes, there is a danger that drones can collide into helicopters on the scene.”

Later in the seminar, the focus shifted to career opportunities in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Dr. Daniel Prather, chair of the CBU aviation science program, talked about a career in the UAS industry. He said an estimated 70,000 jobs were created in the first three years since drones have been on the commercial market.

Prather said jobs involving drones include power-line mapping, animal protection, precision agriculture and public safety careers.

“There are lots of [UAS] jobs out there. There are big companies looking for people,” said Shannon Cardin, CBU flight instructor II, who piloted drones over Afghanistan as a contractor for the U.S. government, doing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Cardin said in his experience, employers are hiring UAS pilots who have technical degrees, UAS experience and aviation knowledge.

“All the information that was given was pretty helpful,” said George Moreira, a kinesiology senior who attended the seminar. “I didn’t even know that you can use a drone for commercial gain before [the seminar]. I also didn’t know that there were so many restrictions on flying drones.”

 

38 teams, 360 volunteers preparing to serve in 16 countries

Excitement filled the air as plans were announced Dec. 3 to mark the 20^th year of global outreach and service by students, staff and faculty members at California Baptist University.

The Team Reveal event organized by the CBU Office of Mobilization is held annually to announce teams for International Service Projects, United States Projects and Summer of Service. In 2016, some 360 students and team leaders will make up 38 teams that are scheduled to serve in 16 countries.

The theme for 2016 is “Seek” and the theme scripture passage is Colossians 3:1-2: Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth (NASB).

“We want you to seek Him,” Jeff Lewis, interim director of Global Mobilization, told volunteers. “We want you to seek after the Word of God as He is the greatest mobilizer. This is something that should be done every second of every day.”

Students shared their excitement as they learned of their assignments and met team members.

Sarah Hom, an undeclared freshman, will be serving in Canada.

“I couldn’t stop smiling once I learned where I am going,” she said. “I was surprised because I never thought of Canada as a place to do missions work, but I am excited.”

Garret Denbaugh, a kinesiology sophomore and returning ISP participant, is on a team going to Southeast Asia.

“Last year my favorite part was getting to know my team. We got to see each other grow and share the Word of God,” he said. “I hope to have the same experience this year. I want us all to grow and have a heart for service as we go overseas.”

Lewis encouraged the participants and offered a challenge for their service.

“Those who do not know God are robbing His name of its due glory,” he said. “We must share the Word with these regions.”

 

CBU community celebrates Christmas season with annual party

Students, faculty and staff welcomed the holiday season at the annual California Baptist University Christmas Party on the Front Lawn on Dec. 1

The event, organized by Associated Students of California Baptist University, drew hundreds of people. Guests who entered the Front Lawn area through a flurry of “snow” propelled by a fan were greeted with decorative lights and Christmas music.

CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis opened the evening with a reading of the Christmas story found in Luke 2, which tells about the birth of Jesus. Ellis then led the lighting of the Christmas tree on the front lawn.

“The whole atmosphere was great. There was music playing, and the Christmas tree added to the holiday spirit,” said Karis Mooney, a freshman business administration major.

The party featured Christmas-themed bounce houses, several holiday photo opportunity areas, a sledding hill and a cookie-decorating station. Attendees also could participate in a variety of contests such as an eggnog chug, a pie-eating contest and an ugly sweater competition.

Students enjoyed the holiday atmosphere and used the occasion to spend time with friends.

“My favorite thing was the community and walking around with some of my closest friends,” said Shelby Frisby, a kinesiology freshman. “I loved everything from making cookies to the snow.”

Sarah Hom, an undeclared freshman, enjoyed taking pictures in front of the Christmas tree.

“The event definitely captured the holiday spirit and was very fun,” she said.

 

CBU alumna encourages students to discover passion

From a young age, Jennifer O’Farrell (’00) had a passion for “healing hearts.” However, it was not until she acted on her heart’s desires that her passion turned into reality, she told California Baptist University students.

O’Farrell is the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire and a founding member of The Pick Group, a non-profit organization geared toward young professionals in Riverside that engage civically for the betterment of the city. She spoke as part of the School of Behavioral Sciences’ Culture and Justice Lecture Series on Nov. 19.

A quote by Nelson Mandela,  anti-apartheid activist and President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, provided the focus for her remarks: “It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us … When we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people the freedom to do the same.”

O’Farrell said students should try to find a ministry opportunity in their current season of life. O’Farrell encouraged students to bridge the gap in their communities with those who are less privileged. She suggested mentoring in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Additionally, O’Farrell advised students to look within themselves to discover their passion and then take action to start change even if the change they seek is difficult.

“When we expose our heart’s desires, we have to own up to it,” she said.

 

Civil rights activist, “Freedom Rider” speaks at CBU

Helen Singleton, civil rights activist, encouraged California Baptist University students to address racism with dialogue on Nov. 18.

CBU hosted an evening that reflected on the historic events of the civil rights demonstrations of 1961 known as the Freedom Rides. Singleton discussed her involvement in the movement after a showing of part of the film, “Freedom Riders,” the fourth and final film in the acclaimed documentary series “Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle.”

Singleton shared a moment that awakened her understanding of racial tensions in the U.S.

“Pulling out of Washington, D.C., I, in my younger age, could feel the tension in the car. My parents voices dropped and they looked around nervously. We were entering enemy territory,” said Singleton.

This event as a child would also be an inspiration for her decision to participate in the Freedom Rides as a college student years later, she said.

Singleton was one of the 300 plus Freedom Riders, black and white, students and activists, who boarded buses to challenge the segregation laws of the South. Singleton was arrested on her ride and charged with disturbing the peace. Later, she was released.

Three months after the Freedom Rides, the Interstate Commerce Commission issued an order to desegregate public transportation.

Singleton said a life of preparation helps to make tough decisions.

“Preparation is always something that you need, if you want to be involved in life,” she said. Singleton expressed admiration for her fellow civil rights activists Rosa Parks and Ella Baker, saying both were prepared and organized individuals.

Sarah Hernandez, pre-nursing freshman, appreciated Singleton’s story.

“When she talked about why she got involved with the Freedom Riders and the racism she felt as a child it was especially powerful. It’s one thing to talk about racism in general, but it’s another to hear someone’s first-hand experience with it,” Hernandez said.

 

Dean encourages students to use influence in positive ways

“Power and influence are not the same. Leadership and influence are functions, not a position,” Dr. Craig Jackson said at the California Baptist University College of Health Science’s Distinguished Lecture Series on Nov. 16.

Jackson is the dean of the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) and a global health educator. He has been instrumental in helping establish new allied health programs including a one-of-a-kind rehabilitation technician program in Haiti. He was also instrumental in establishing respiratory care education in Saudi Arabia and remains involved in health and mental health education in countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Jackson highlighted the differences between power and influence.

“Influence comes from you. Power may be granted to you in terms of a position, but influence is from you,” Jackson said.

He then challenged the audience members to consider what their influence may be.

“It’s not a matter of whether or not we have influence. The question is whether or not it is positive. It is part of the integrity you develop as you think about leadership,” Jackson said.

Jackson also talked about how he and other department leaders at LLUH integrate faith into their work.

“When we have our meetings, we talk about the ideas of our spiritual gifts. We also talk about how we must lead by example and to us Christ is the best example of selfless, serving leadership,” Jackson said. “We always go back to this and I integrate it into my teachings.”

 

CBU garners top spots in state, national rankings

California Baptist University has received high rankings for programs and other offerings—including two “No. 1” recognitions—on websites that compare colleges and universities nationwide.

Niche.com and Christian Universities Online both included CBU in rankings released this month on numerous “Best” lists for 2016.

Niche ranked CBU No. 1 in California and No. 6 nationally for “Best College Food.”  In the site’s “Best College Campus” list, CBU placed No. 2 in California and No. 13 nationally.

Additionally, Niche ranked CBU No. 1 in California and No. 7 nationwide in its “Best College Dorms” list.

CBU placed No. 3 in the Niche list of “Best Christian Colleges” in California.

The Niche 2016 Best College rankings are based on numerous statistical analysis, according to the site. For instance, in the Best Food category, Niche used an analysis of 1,713 colleges to assess significant factors such as average meal plan cost along with student reviews of food quality. The Best College Campus standings take into account the quality of housing, food services and students’ reviews of the campus.

Christian Universities Online ranked CBU No. 32 in the nation among “Top Christian Colleges and Universities Exceeding Expectations in 2016.” The ranking methodology was based on gathering data on each college’s predicted graduation rate compared to its actual graduation rate and then ranking the colleges based on the difference between those two variables.

Earlier this year, CBU earned several top-40 rankings by U.S. News and World Report in the categories of “Best Regional University,” “Best Colleges for Veterans,” and “Best Online Degree Programs.”

Family Updates

Dr. Candace Vickers, associate professor of communication disorders, co-presented a paper at the American Speech Language Hearing Association’s annual convention held Nov. 12-14 in Denver. The title of the paper was Integrating the ICF into graduate education: Training students to provide person centered care.

 

 

 

 

Evoke Magazine, a student-produced publication of CBU/Online, won a Capella Award at the Public Relations Society of America Inland Empire’s Polaris Award ceremony for the 2014 and 2105 editions. The ceremony was held at Center Stage in Fontana on Nov. 18.  Leticia Juarez, an ABC7 reporter, was a special guest at the event. Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, associate professor of public relations, and Sam Park, assistant professor of graphic design and digital media, both for Online and Professional Studies, serve as faculty advisers for the publication, which is published annually.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Torria Davis, instructional designer for Online and Professional Studies, had her book, Visual Design for Online Learning, published in October. She also presented content from the book at the International Online Learning Consortium Conference held Oct. 14-16 in Orlando, Florida.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Thomas Frederick, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Kristen M. White, assistant professor of psychology, both for Online and Professional Studies, published a study, Mindfulness, Christian Devotion Meditation, Surrender, and Worry in the journal Mental Health, Religion, and Culture, volume 18, issue 9.

 

 

 

Dale Lee, Information and Technology Services assistant director for projects and information security, received certification as a certified information security manager from ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) in October. The intent of the certification is to provide a common body of knowledge for information security management. Certification requirements include passing an exam and three years of experience in IT security management.

 

 

 

Dr. Mario A. Oyanader, associate professor of chemical engineering, co-authored three presentations made at the annual meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers held in Salt Lake City on Nov. 8-13. Two students, Stephen Dueck and Steffano Oyanader, were co-authors, research collaborators and presenters. The presentations were on the topics of fluid flow fractionation and electrophoresis.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Shasha Zheng, assistant professor of nutrition, was a keynote presenter at the Food Chemistry and Technology Conference Nov. 16-18 in San Francisco. She spoke on Phytonutrients and Antioxidant Activity in Traditional, Native American Edible Plants from Southern California.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jeff Cate, professor of New Testament, presented a paper, Learning from the Scribes: Using Variant Readings and Marginal Comments as Interpretive Tools for John’s Apocalypse, during the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Atlanta on Nov. 22.

 

 

 

Dr. Veola Vazquez, associate professor of psychology, presented Rekindling Compassion: Supporting Parents, Co-workers and Yourself at the Riverside County Office of Education Child Services Unit Staff Development session on Nov. 20.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ogbochi McKinney, assistant professor of public health, and Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health, both for Online and Professional Studies, hosted two round-table sessions at the Annual Southern California Public Health Association Conference held in Los Angeles on Nov. 12.  Their sessions, titled I’ve graduated with an MPH/DrPH, now what?, focused on the transition from graduate student into working professionals in the field of public health.

 

 

Shawn Wilhite, assistant professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, attended the Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting on Nov. 17-19. There he presented a paper, The Reception of Biblical Traditions in the Didache: The Social and Hermeneutical Effect of Received Traditions, and was a panel member for The Didache: A Study of Nascent Christianity. He also attended the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting on Nov. 20-23. He presented a paper, Atonement and Cultic Cosmology: Reception of Heavenly Atonement in Origen of Alexandria’s Reading of Hebrews, and presided over a study group, History of Interpretation: Apocalyptic Texts and the Psalter in Early and Medieval Interpretation. Both events took place in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Dr. Keanon Alderson, associate professor of business, published a paper in the Experiential Entrepreneurship Exercises Journal, Volume 1, Issue 4. The article, Micro-Enterprise Group Project: Start a small business with $20.00, details a class project he created that teaches business skills and donates the profits to homeless charities. So far, the classes have raised almost $6,000.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Daniel Prather, professor of aviation science, taught a two-day Ground Operator Safety Training course to 25 airport professionals responsible for airside and landside safety and security of Terminal 4 at JFK International Airport in New York City on Nov. 12-13. On Nov. 17-19, he and seven aviation science students attended the National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas. There, he co-presented a session, Certified Aviation Managers and Professional Development Program.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, associate professor of public relations for Online and Professional Studies, served on a panel presented by the University of La Verne’s Leo Public Relations Club on Nov. 17. The panel topic was titled Journey to Success.

 

 

 

 

The CBU Civil Engineering Department was recognized by the APWA (American Public Works Association) – Inland Empire Branch with a donation of $1,000 at an award luncheon on Nov. 13 in Yucaipa. In addition, two civil engineering students, Jasmine Pang and Ricky Carillo, received scholarships ($1,500 each).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. H. Bruce Stokes, professor of anthropology and behavioral sciences, served on the translation team that recently updated the Amplified Bible. For the update to the Amplified Bible, which was released in October, the goal of the team was to enhance the appeal of the Amplified Bible by refreshing the English and refining the amplifications for relevance and clarity.

 

 

 

CBU engineering students toured a power plant with the sponsorship of Kiewit Construction, one of the world’s biggest contractors, on Nov. 13. Forty students and two faculty members visited the power plant located in San Diego. The visit helped students understand how their classroom education is applied in the field, and they were able to connect and network with professionals.

 

 

Dr. Namhee Kim, assistant professor of communication disorders, presented a poster, Overall and developmental patterns of consonant manner repetition in early words, at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Annual Convention in Denver on Nov. 13.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Sean Sullivan, professor of kinesiology, presented a paper, Thinking Christianly About Sport and the Body: A View of from the Academic Ranks, at the Baylor University Institute for Faith and Learning: Spirit of Sports conference on Nov. 7 in Waco, Texas.

 

 

 

 

Heather Hamilton-Stilwell, assistant professor of journalism, presented two papers at the Religious Communication Association Conference on Nov. 18. The papers were titled Reflections of Discipleship: Blends of Community and Communication in D. Bonhoeffer and J. K. A. Smith’s writings and I Don’t Make Mistakes: Overhearing the Value that God Gives Each Life in Max Lucado’s Children’s Narratives. She also presented papers at the National Communication Association Conference Nov. 19-22. The titles were Beyond One Size Fits All: Using Mediated HIPS (High Impact Practices) to Increase Educational Opportunities for Learning with a Disability and Helping Children Cope: Embracing the Role and Effectiveness of Medically Themed Media. A third paper—Mediated Opportunities for Better Disability Communication: A Rhetorical Analysis of A Visitor Who Uses Leg Braces, a Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Episode, and Empathy at School, a Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Episode—was selected for the top paper panel within the Disability Issues Caucus. Both events were held in Las Vegas.

 

Dr. William Flores, associate professor of Spanish, presented a paper, The Crisis of Ecology, Global Warming, and the Responsibility of Readers and Scholars of Literature, at the 2015 Guadalajara International Book Fair in Guadalajara, Mexico, held Nov. 28-Dec. 6.

 

 

 

 

 

CBU’s Students of Nursing Association’s Christmas tree won the prize for Santa’s Favorite at Riverside University Medical Center Foundation’s Festival of Trees held Nov. 25-29 at the Riverside Convention Center. Students decorated a Minion-themed tree. They were sponsored by Provider Contract Food Company, and the tree was purchased by the Haider Spine Center. The funds were donated to the pediatric department of Riverside University Medical Center.

 

 

 

 

Kailee Williamson received a full scholarship to play softball at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She is the daughter of Sandi Williamson, data entry clerk for Facilities and Planning Services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hector Jimenez, assistant professor of music, and his wife, Jessica, welcomed twin girls Nov. 4. Sarai Babirye Jimenez weighed 5 pounds and Eden Kaudha Jimenez weighed 4 pounds, 9 ounces.

 

 

 

 

 

Lupe Solano, administrative assistant for University Advancement, welcomed her first grandchild, Vivianne Chamberland, who was born in Moreno Valley on Nov. 25. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long.

 

 

 

 

 

Traci Williams, enrollment process administrator for Online and Professional Studies, and her husband, Dan, finalized the adoption of their son, Jason Bennett Williams, 1, on Nov. 13.

 

 

 

 

 

Nicole Gooch (’09), financial aid loan counselor, and her husband, Glenn (’15), welcomed their daughter Leah Grace Gooch on Aug. 7. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces, measured 19.75 inches long and is the first grandchild of Rhonda Shackelford, undergraduate admissions visits and events coordinator.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates