March 16, 2017

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU theatre program receives arts and innovation city award

The California Baptist University theatre program has received the March 2017 Arts and Innovation Honoree of the Month award from the Riverside Arts Council and the City of Riverside.

Lee Lyons, professor of theatre, accepted the award from Patrick Brien, executive director of the Riverside Arts Council, during the Riverside City Council meeting on March 14.

“California Baptist University’s theatre program has been producing work at a high level of excellence,” Brien said. “In addition to keeping their students busy with on-campus projects, the program encourages participation in the community. … CBU has been supplying local community and professional theatres with well-trained, eager and talented individuals.”

Lyons said the award is a great honor.

“We realize our students are going out into the community and are taking leadership roles in local arts programs and schools and theatre companies,” Lyons said. “That fills us with pride as we see our students finding success in the arts community.”

Lyons said local residents have shown their support by attending CBU’s theatre productions, including last year’s inaugural Courtyard Shakespeare Festival, which featured students, alumni and actors from the community who comprised the casts for “Romeo and Juliet” and “Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

This June, the festival will return with “Julius Caesar” and “Taming of the Shrew.”

“We think the Courtyard Shakespeare Festival has the potential to be the cornerstone, the drawing card of our program,” Lyons said. “Our students are funneled in through that and then we prepare them to go out into the professional world.”

 

CBU to launch Industrial-Organizational Psychology program

The School of Behavioral Sciences at California Baptist University is launching its Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (I-O Psychology) in the fall 2017.

Nathan Iverson, director of the I-O Psychology program, said the program is designed to equip individuals to shape the workplace.

“At 40 hours a week, the majority of us will spend the majority of our lives at work. What if those hours could be even more meaningful?” asked Iverson. “What if the most productive version of our workplace has yet to be discovered?”

Upon graduation, students will be equipped to work in a number of areas including leadership development, employee engagement, human resources and talent management, Iverson said.

Industrial Psychology is the highest-paying field within psychology with a median wage of $77,350, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2015). CBU’s program offers three unique differentiators. For one, there is a justice emphasis, where students will learn about their individual role in creating an ideal work environment. Additionally, CBU takes a global approach to understanding the diverse populations in the workforce. And the program also will take a practitioner approach that trains students for taking action, using a hybrid of statistics, business and psychology to move workers to their optimal performance across nonprofit, corporate and religious settings.

“We are attracting students who want to leave a legacy, who want to make a change in our workplace culture—leaders who want to leave a mark in their career field,” Iverson said.

To learn more about the program click here.

 

Women’s basketball team secures second trip to Elite 8

With hopes of returning to the Elite 8, No. 3-ranked California Baptist University came prepared to battle Simon Fraser University March 13 in the West Regional Championship game in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Lancers grabbed a 77-64 win and secured a trip to the Elite 8, the second time in three years. The games will take place in Columbus, Ohio, beginning March 21. With the win, CBU continued its streak with 31 consecutive games won and improves to 34-2.

Veteran leadership from senior guards Cassidy Mihalko and Kamille Diaz led the charge. Mihalko posted 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals and earned herself a spot on the all-tournament team. Diaz scored a team-high 28 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished nine assists and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

Read the full story here.

 

Waste wins NCAA championship for CBU wrestling 

The Lancer wrestling team took third place and crowned three All-Americans, including a national champion—Jacob Waste—at the NCAA II Championships. Additionally, coach Lennie Zalesky was named D-II Coach of the Year.

Read full story here.

 

 

 

 

 

Teacher Career Fair connects students with job opportunities

Students interested in a career in K-12 education had more than 35 schools and school districts from California to interact with at the Teacher Career Fair at California Baptist University on March 9. There were also various Christian, and charter schools along with nonprofit organizations in attendance.

The schools were looking for teachers and beyond, said Lisa Singer, employer relations specialist for the Career Center. Jobs in speech language pathology, communications disorders, nutrition, school counseling, kinesiology and more were available.

“A fair such as the Teachers fair seems to enlarge students’ perspective. Many candidates are not aware that many of the attendees are looking for additional candidates other than teachers,” Singer said. “The fair also helps students network and continue to improve their professional development.”

Jay Nieto, a communications disorders senior, said the fair broadened his career perspectives.

“It helped me open up my eyes a little bit about the communities out there that are always looking for speech language pathologists,” Nieto said. “It’s good to know that we are needed and that there is always a demand for us.”

Zachary Nichols, a graduate student, is interested in physical education. He appreciated the opportunity to network with a variety of schools.

“What I want to do is lower the obesity rates [school children],” Nichols said. “I want to get the kids smart and more educated on a healthier lifestyle as far as what they can do after high school … because it benefits them in so many other ways.”

The career fair also benefited the schools by allowing them to meet a variety of strong candidates, Singer said.

“It is always a positive outcome when employers actually step onto the CBU campus and meet our students—they are able to see firsthand their character, integrity and professionalism,” Singer said.

 

Former U.S. ambassador shares his foreign service experiences 

Working as an U.S. ambassador comes with a lot of responsibility but it is also fascinating and exciting, former Ambassador Kenneth Yalowitz told an audience at California Baptist University on March 7.

Yalowitz served 35 years as a U.S. foreign service officer and twice as a U.S. ambassador—to the Republic of Belarus (1994-1997) and to Georgia (1998-2001). Yalowitz received the Ambassador Robert Frasure award for peacemaking and conflict prevention in 2000 for his work to prevent the spillover of the Chechen war into Georgia. He is also a global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.

“When you represent the United States and you walk into the office of the president of the country in which you are assigned, you realize … you alone have the authority to speak for the president of the United States and the authority to make a commitment on behalf of the United States in that particular country. It’s a lot of responsibility,” Yalowitz said.

Yalowitz said an important aspect of the job is identifying the key players in the country. He talked to government officials, political opponents, student groups and the press.

“That’s the way I took the pulse,” Yalowitz said. “For an ambassador, one of the most important functions is informing Washington what is going on in the country to which you are an ambassador. What is it we need to be doing? Are we doing the right things?”

Yalowitz urged the students to be involved in politics, from voting to joining a political party to thinking critically.

“I hope that you take very seriously your education in terms of being able to read and understand critically,” Yalowitz said. “Be very aware of what is going on and talk with family, friends and people who may not share your viewpoints, start a dialogue…. You have to also get out of your comfort zone and understand what the other side is saying.”

Yalowitz spent the week at CBU, talking with students and faculty. He also met with the Riverside mayor, the Riverside Office of Education and the World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California.

“It has been a great honor to host Ambassador Yalowitz at CBU as a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow,” said Dr. Charles Sands, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “His keen insight coupled with his vast experience in foreign policy, having served more than 35 years, has helped to raise the level of conversation on campus.”

 

CBU brings French films on campus withTournées Film Festival

The College of Arts and Science at California Baptist University is offering students a unique opportunity to explore several acclaimed French films through the Tournées Film Festival. The festival kicked off on March 6 and will feature six films in three weeks.

The Tournées program is an initiative of the Franco-American Cultural Exchange, which is dedicated to fostering greater international awareness of French and Francophone cultures.

Dr. Owen Staley, CBU lecturer in modern languages and literature and festival coordinator, said CBU applied to host the festival on campus along with a selected list of films that would be relevant to a CBU audience.

Staley said each movie will be a unique experience for CBU students.

“Mainly what we are looking for in the selected films are compelling stories that are told in different genres that can inspire students to think how they can advance the mission of CBU,” Staley said.

On March 6, the festival opened with “Diplomatie” (2014), a film about a Swedish diplomat who has to bargain with a Nazi commander. On March 8, the second film of the festival featured “Monsieur Lazhar” (2011). The film follows an Algerian refugee living in Canada who takes over a demoralized sixth-grade class whose teacher has committed suicide.

The second week of the festival featured a classic film that is hard to get a hold of, Staley said.

“‘L’Armée des ombres’ is a great film about the French resistance during the second World War,” Staley said. “The film doesn’t romanticize the resistance, and it raises moral questions such as wartime killings…it’s a reflective piece.”

All films are in French with English subtitles. At each screening, a speaker will introduce the film and then lead the audience in a discussion after the conclusion of the film.

“This is an opportunity [for students] to have a foreign film experience they will remember for the rest of their lives,” Staley said. “These are great films and the themes will mean something to them…films have a way of making the world smaller.”

For a full list of films with times and locations click here.

 

CBU earns consecutive tree conservation award

For the third consecutive year California Baptist University has earned a Tree Campus USA recognition. CBU is one of 11 higher education institutions in California designated as a Tree Campus USA.

“We applaud your commitment to the community and to the trees of your school and thank you for helping to create a healthier planet for us all,” wrote Mary Sweeney, program manager at Arbor Day Foundation, in an email to CBU on the award.

To obtain this distinction, CBU met five core standards set by Tree Campus USA in order to maintain an effective campus forest management. The requirements consist of having a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a student service-learning project.

“California Baptist University is proud to have received this recognition again for the third year in a row,” said Steve Smith, director of Facilities and Planning Services. “We take great pride in maintaining, managing and increasing the our dynamic and important urban forest, and sustainable foliage on our campus.”

Tree Campus USA, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

 

Family Updates

The Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences held its ninth Annual Research Seminar on Feb. 18. Faculty, alumni, and students presented research in areas of biology, chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, environmental science, mathematics and statistics. Approximately 150 people attended. More than 25 students and faculty represented research on poster presentations, and more than 30 students, faculty and alumni gave oral presentations.

 

 

 

 

 

Wes Blasjo, mechanical laboratory technician for the College of Engineering, was named employee of the month for March. The nomination form included the following statements: “Wes understands his role within the College of Engineering and serves all faculty and students well.  His vast experience enables him to provide excellent customer service to our students and faculty. Whenever a challenge is presented to him, he always finds a solution with a smile. Wes expands the gospel of Christ through his generous, helpful nature.”

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joshua Knabb, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Thomas Frederick, associate professor of psychology for Online and Professional Studies, had a workbook published in February titled Contemplative Prayer for Christians with Chronic Worry.

 

 

 

Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information and Technology Services, had an article published with Church Production magazine in February. The article was titled What Church Techs Can Learn from McDonald’s.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Pate, associate professor of psychology for Online and Professional Studies, provided training on Feb. 10 and 24 to marriage and family, psychology and social work interns with San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health. The training was on psychotherapy with traditional men and emotion-focused couple’s therapy.

 

 

 

 

The Teaching and Learning Center celebrated the accomplishment of five faculty who posted their terminal degrees in the past year. The following new doctoral faculty presented posters outlining their research at the inaugural New Scholars’ Colloquium held Feb. 14: Dr. Debra Coleman, assistant professor of nursing, The Lived Experience of Nurses Transitioning from Personal Bereavement to Providers of Compassionate Nursing Care; Dr. Virginia Hart-Kepler, nursing lecturer, How do Mexican Immigrants Make Decisions About Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes?; Dr. Amy Miller, assistant professor of kinesiology, A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Weight Loss Interventions for Long-Term Health Outcomes; Dr. Erika Travis, assistant professor of English and behavioral sciences, Unitarian Theology and the Short Fiction of Elizabeth Gaskell; and Dr. Michael Niermann, assistant professor of architecture, Architectural Evangelism: An Examination of the Relationship between Exterior Protestant Church Design and the Conceptualization of the Churched and Unchurched.

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, associate professor of public relations, participated in the leadership panel at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Western District Conference in Riverside March 2-3. Pearson discussed servant and transformational leadership. More than 150 people attended the event hosted by the PRSA Inland Empire Chapter. Victoria Brodie, visiting professor of public relations, is the chapter president, and Pearson is the chapter’s director of Public Relations Student Society of America and assembly delegate. CBU public relations students also volunteered at the event with registration and logistics.

 

 

 

 

The Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences held its colloquium on March 6. Dr. Joshua Morgan, adjunct professor of behavioral science for Online and Professional Studies, was the keynote speaker. Morgan is also the interim deputy director of Program Support Services for the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, and he spoke on Faith Integration With the Transforming Climate of Mental Health Information.

 

 

 

Timothy Kiefer, environmental health and safety coordinator in Facilities and Planning Services, and Dr. Tom Ferko, professor of chemistry, provided a fire extinguisher training experience for chemistry and biochemistry and molecular biology majors on March 7. Students learned proper techniques for using a fire extinguisher and were taught about when it is appropriate and not appropriate to use fire extinguishers and discuss scenarios for when they may have to use one in a laboratory setting.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, will serve another term as a member of the Ascoviridae Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). He coauthored a paper with the study group titled ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Ascoviridae that was recently published in the Journal of General Virology.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Nicole MacDonald, professor of athletic training, athletic training students and alumni attended the 9th Annual Hit the Hill Legislative Day on Feb. 27 in Sacramento, California. The group met with senators and assemblymen in support of a new bill being introduced for licensure for athletic trainers in California, AB 1510.

 

 

 

Dr. Dave Pearson, dean of the College of Health Science, served as a site representative at the 2017 NCAA Division II Winter Sports Championship Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, March 7-11. As a member of the NCAA Wrestling Committee, Pearson presented the Elite 90 award to Nolan Kistler, CBU wrestler and criminal justice major. The Elite 90 is awarded to the athlete with the highest GPA who qualifies for nationals. This is the second year in a row that Kistler, whose GPA is 3.99, has won the award.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Monica O’Rourke, visiting professor of kinesiology for Online and Professional Studies, Lauri Hauck, visiting professor of kinesiology for department of kinesiology, and CBU kinesiology majors attended the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance state conference in San Diego on Feb. 24.  O’Rourke presented Sport Science K-20 and co-presented Title IX 2.0, recognizing gender variations in health for exercise program planning. CBU kinesiology majors volunteered at the conference and participated with other universities in the future professional events.

 

Carolyn Heine, associate librarian for Annie Gabriel Library, made a presentation at the SCELCapalooza (Statewide California Electronic Library Consortium conference), at Loyola Marymount University on March 7-9. The title was Piloting Point-of-Need Research Instruction to Online Doctoral Students.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis was presented with the NESA (National Eagle Scout Association) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award on March 11. He received the award from the California Inland Empire Council in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions as an Eagle Scout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Office of Mobilization is holding a blood drive fundraiser for the ISP and SOS teams going overseas this summer. Every donation earns Mobilization $15. Appointments may be made through the following links: March 28: https://giftoflife.lstream.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/62726; March 29: https://giftoflife.lstream.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/62725

 

 

Morgan Teruel (’14), career counselor for the Career Center, and her husband, Mike (’13) welcomed a son Feb. 22. Mosha Teruel weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 21 inches.

 

 

 

 

David Little, graduate admissions counselor, and his wife, Jolene, welcomed a daughter on March 5. Arayah Renee Little weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 21 inches long.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates