In this issue…
Current News
“The Plain Princess” displays where true beauty resides
The theatre program at California Baptist University is bringing a transformational story of beauty to the Wallace Theatre for its final show of the 2016-17 season with “The Plain Princess.”
The production is a fairy tale about a princess who, having a dour expression and selfish disposition, appears quite plain to all who see her. The king and queen turn to doctors and wizards to find a way to make her beautiful, with no avail. They then offer great riches to anyone who can transform their daughter. Dame Goodwit offers to take the princess to her home, where, with the help of her five daughters, she transforms the plain princess into a royal beauty. As the princess learns about being polite and doing her chores, she becomes more beautiful.
The story is a reminder that God looks on the inside and not on the outside, said Lisa Lyons, a theatre adjunct professor at CBU and director of the play.
“It’s something you want to live by, that you don’t judge people by their outward appearance, that you look on the inside,” Lyons said. “Sometimes people are hiding a lovely inside on a not-so-lovely outside. Take the time to see the beauty on the inside.”
The production includes singing and dancing and is geared toward the whole family.
The challenge of the show is bringing a simple fairy tale to life, Lyons said.
“It’s harder than it looks,” Lyons said. “You have to tell me the story and make it exciting. You have to infuse it with a lot of energy and physicality.”
Sean Lewis, a senior English major and theatre minor, plays the Wizard of State, who is dejected and frustrated by his inability to cure the princess, yet he still attempts to save some of his dignity.
“The biggest challenge of my role has been balancing the numerous emotions of my character,” Lewis said. “Making sure that all of these emotions read for the audience is crucial.”
Alexis Safoyan, a sophomore double majoring in public relations and theatre, plays Dame Goodwit. She hopes children will be in the audience.
“I hope that the audience is not only entertained but that they also are able to teach their kids, or even learn themselves, about where true beauty comes from,” Safoyan said.
“The Plain Princess”
When: March 31-April 1, April 6-8, at 7:30 p.m.; April 1, April 8, at 2 p.m.
Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA, 92504
Tickets: General admission $15, CBU Faculty and Staff $12, CBU students $10
Tickets or questions? Call the theatre box office at 951- 343-4319 or email: mhyde@calbaptist.edu
Retreat teaches students how to grow in spiritual journey
More than 80 California Baptist University students escaped to the mountains over spring break for a Challenge Discipleship Retreat that aimed to strengthen their Christian walk.
The retreat, held at Thousand Pines Christian Camp and Conference Center in Crestline, California, was organized by Discipleship Ministries in the Office of Spiritual Life.
Brian Zunigha, director of Discipleship Ministries, said the conference aimed to help students grow in their faith journey.
“We want to help students take the next step in their spiritual journey,” Zunigha said. “I think the purpose would be, wherever students are at, to help them get to the point where they’re investing in others. For some, it might be learning a little bit more about their faith, for others, you need to start investing in others right now.”
Two main speakers ministered to the students during their five-day retreat—Neil Walker, director of Christian Challenge at University of Southern California, and Steve Ross, church planter and pastor of a church in Long Beach, California. Students also had breakout sessions, time for reflection and free time to enjoy the environment.
Jessica Troyer, a Christian behavioral science senior, said the sessions were essential to Christian life. She plans to be more disciplined in prayer and memorizing Scripture.
“The truths of the Bible can never be exhausted. I was reminded of Christ’s beauty and the incomprehensible grace He has given in letting ordinary people take part in His global plan,” Troyer said.
Lauren Hou, a liberal arts senior, said the conference gave her practical tools for her spiritual walk.
“One thing I plan to start doing is spending more time with those who are investing in me, and being more intentional in the way I care for, talk with, and spend time with those I am investing in,” Hou said.
Garett King pitches a no-hitter, first in the NCAA era for CBU
Lancer ace Garett King, threw a no-hitter, the first in the NCAA era for California Baptist University, as the Lancers beat the Academy of Art University 3-0 on March 23. King faced the minimum 27 batters and set another CBU NCAA record by striking out 15 batters.
“This is first no-hitter I’ve ever had, high school or little league, included. It’s really amazing, just one of those moments I won’t forget the rest of my life,” King said.
King used just 92 pitches in CBU’s first complete game of the season. His 15 strikeouts was the most a Lancer recorded in a single game since Taylor Siemens punched out 16 against La Sierra University on February 15, 2011. King had control most of the game as he never found himself in a 3-2 count and only had one 2-2 count the whole game.
Read the full story here.
CBU wins “Best of Show” in two categories, 33 ad awards total
Students, faculty and staff at California Baptist University combined to win 33 awards including Best of Show in the student and professional categories at the American Advertising Awards—Inland Empire Gala on March 17.
CBU alumnus Matthew Cook (’16) won Gold and Best of Show in the student category for his work with animation and special effects in a promotional video for Harvest America. Additionally, a promotional video for the College of Architecture, Visual Arts & Design titled, “The Calling,” produced by Dirk Dallas, assistant professor of graphic design, won Gold and Best of Show in the professional category.
Michael Berger, program director for graphic design and photography at CBU, said the award process helps CBU students to network with other universities and design communities at the award ceremonies; and it also allows the students to have a barometer to measure their work.
“The American Advertising Awards are another opportunity the students get to get out of the classroom and into the community,” Berger said. “They see other work from students and professionals that reinforce what they learn in the classroom. They are competing against art schools and holding their own.”
Local Gold and Best of Show winners will advance to the regional competition with a chance to move on and compete at the national level.
To see photos and a complete list of winners in all categories, visit http://aaf-inlandempire.com.
Honors Exhibit at CBU Gallery displays students’ artwork
Kristine Lippire (second from left), assistant professor of visual arts at California Baptist University, is surrounded by students that created a mural at Tomas Rivera Elementary school in Riverside for Lippire’s ART 300 class. The group stands below a portrait of their project.
Art enthusiasts filled the California Baptist University Gallery in downtown Riverside during the opening reception for the fifth annual Honors Exhibit on March 16.
A variety of CBU students’ work, which were produced in visual arts courses, are on display at the exhibit. Visual arts faculty selected the artwork, featuring mixed media, paintings, drawings and sculptures. The opening reception also included an inaugural awards ceremony that highlighted excellence within the students’ work.
Kristine Lippire, assistant professor of visual art, said the awards ceremony is the first of a yearly recognition of excellence within the visual arts program.
“Though the works come from the visual arts classes, the students represented in the exhibition come from a variety of disciplines,” Lippire said. “As such, this exhibition seeks to honor and recognize the creative talents of all those who participate in the arts—not just the visual art majors.”
Awards given were:
Best Watercolor: Celina Montenegro
Best Work on Paper: Celia Hinzman
Best Ceramic Work: Remy Diaz
Best Painting: Gloriana Sandoval
Best Drawing: Annabelle Lim
Best Design Project: Alex Degotari
Best Mixed Media Work: Beka Leininger
People’s Choice for Best Artwork: Amy Schwarz
Best Overall Work by a Student, Faculty Choice: Brooke Villegas
Sandoval, a visual arts junior, said that she appreciated the promotion of an art culture on campus.
“It’s a great thing that everyone has an opportunity to practice fine art,” Sandoval said. “In art, you have freedom, you can express yourself and not be afraid.”
Chapel speaker talks about searching for one’s purpose
“Is your life going to matter?” Claude Hickman, executive director of The Traveling Team, asked students in chapel at California Baptist University on March 17. “I think that is a question that comes from within all human beings.”
The Traveling Team is a ministry that aims to mobilize university students to live out the Great Commission.
It can be scary to figure out what to do in life, Hickman said. People can be given the wrong advice when searching for their purpose—it can be all about your dreams and your talents.
“We probably know deep down that if it starts with us, it’s probably not the right person to start with,” Hickman said. “God is saying to you, ‘listen, trust me. There is something bigger than money, than fame or power, there’s something bigger that you can give your life to.’”
Hickman said the Bible indicates there is only one thing that lasts forever—people, and God says the main purpose in life comes from what He is doing to reach people.
Hickman said God is on a global mission to bring eternal salvation and offered Isaiah 49:6 as a reference, “I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
“What’s bigger in this world if it’s a global purpose and it’s an eternal purpose?” Hickman asked. “Find something bigger to give your life to.”
Hickman said there are billions of people who have not heard about Jesus, so there is still a job for believers to do.
“God loves the world. Is that a big enough reason to say, ‘I need to love the world too?’” Hickman said. “Here’s the choice you have to make. Are you going to live your life or are you going to live your purpose?”
CBU alumnus shares his passion for storytelling through film
“The formula that I have used in my creative pursuits is ‘create now and work hard,’” Fraser Kershaw (’03) told a California Baptist University audience on March 13.
Kershaw, film producer and clean-water activist, spoke about his first featured documentary—“Behind the Water”—at the event hosted by the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design.
“Behind the Water” tells the true stories of individuals who have overcome obstacles to find clean water. Kershaw traveled with his camera crew through highly restricted areas to find unique stories for the film. The finished product shows the both the bond of family and the commitment to search for a better life.
Kershaw said his faith and creative personality drove him forward with the film project.
“Whatever you put out in the world, it affects people in some type of way, which is tremendously important,” Kershaw said. “Taking action and speaking life to people is what I will continually do.”
Dr. Melissa Croteau, professor of film studies, said Kershaw had a positive message.
“For someone to come and explain how passionate you have to be to pursue this career field and succeed, as well as using God’s will, is just such an inspiring message,” Croteau said.
Micah Emerine, a film studies senior, said he appreciated the Christian point of view.
“You can tell that sharing God’s love is a big part of [Kershaw’s] message and I really got a lot out of it,” Emerine said.
CBU hosts The State of Riverside County Need conference
More than 150 individuals who represent Riverside County government and nonprofit organizations attended The State of Riverside County Need conference at California Baptist University on March 15.
The social work program at CBU co-sponsored the conference that was organized by 211 Community Connect. The event focused on the issues pertaining to the homeless, veterans and seniors.
In Riverside County, 211 reports that it received more than 40,000 calls requesting access and referrals to community and health information in 2016.
“Every hour of everyday, people dial 211 for assistance navigating the complex system of community, health and social services,” said Marie Davis, CEO of 211 Community Connect. “We aim to simplify access to comprehensive, seamless services for our citizens, partners and service providers.”
Faculty members from CBU’s social work program served as moderators. Jan Stanfield, assistant professor of social work, moderated the veterans and advocacy session; Dr. Satara Armstrong, director of the social work program, moderated the seniors and advocacy session; and Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson, field director of the social work program, moderated the housing and homelessness session.
Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences, said it was beneficial to address these issues collaboratively.
“The State of Riverside County Need event allowed us to bring together important voices and perspectives in these three key areas,” Gustafson said.
Gustafson also sees the launch of CBU’s new Master of Social Work program in the fall of 2017 as a positive step in continued community collaboration.
“In the School of Behavioral Sciences at CBU, we believe that meaningful, positive and measurable change is possible for our community,” Gustafson said. “The partnership between the upcoming Master of Social Work Program and 211 Community Connect represents collaborative, like-minded, work toward meeting the needs of our community’s veteran, elder and homeless populations.”
Family Updates
From left: Gio Berrocal and Natalie Hollis
Joel Brown, special programs coordinator in Financial Aid, and two students, Gio Berrocal and Natalie Hollis, attended the annual AICCU (Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities) Day in the Capitol in Sacramento on Feb. 28. The students met with seven senators, assembly members and/or staff, encouraging them to repeal the proposed cut to Cal Grant. More than 100 staff and students from AICCU met with legislators encouraging them to repeal the proposed cut.
Dr. Seung-Jae Kim
Dr. Seung-Jae Kim, associate professor of biomedical engineering, co-authored a paper with CBU students—Marie Aimee Kayitesi, Amy Chan and Kimberli Graham— that was published in the journal Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (March). The title of the paper was Effects of Partial Absence of Visual Feedback Information on Gait Symmetry.
From left: Dr. Cammy Purper and Dr. Dr. Greg Bowden
Dr. Greg Bowden, associate professor of education, and Dr. Cammy Purper, associate professor of education, both for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching and Learning on Feb. 24 in Anaheim. The interim results of their study that they presented was titled Using Structured Reflection Journals in the Online Classroom.
Dr. Gayne Anacker
Dr. Tim Mosteller
Dr. Timothy Mosteller, associate professor of philosophy, and Dr. Gayne Anacker, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, co-edited Contemporary Perspectives on C.S. Lewis’ The Abolition of Man (Bloomsbury Press). The eBook was published last month.
Back row, from left: Dr. William Flores, Arantxa Terreros, Jennifer Mendizabal, Gustavo Terrones, Michelle Zuniga, Yvette Mejia, Priscilla Renteria, Sloane Morrison, Jessica Sandoval, Mayra Mora, Brandon Geston, and Vianey Molina. Front row, from left: Professor Ruth Flores, and Jessica Duran.
Ruth Flores, visiting professor of English for Online and Professional Studies, spoke at the 2017 American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese Conference held at Santiago Canyon College in Orange on March 4. The title of her presentation was Teaching Spanish Online: A Review of Portales. Dr. William Flores, associate professor of Spanish, served as event organizer on the association’s board of directors. His students of Iberian literature presented undergraduate research at a panel.
Shawn Wilhite
Shawn Wilhite, assistant professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, had an article, Revisiting the Historical Present: John 13 as a Test Case for the Prominence of Discourse Features, published in Trinity Journal (Winter 2016). He also had two book reviews published: The Didache: A Missing Piece of the Puzzle in Early Christianity edited by Jonathan A. Draper and Clayton N. Jefford in Bulletin of Biblical Research (Fall 2016) and Faith and the Faithfulness of Jesus in Hebrews by Matthew C. Easter in Biblical Theology Bulletin (November 2016). He presented at the Society of Biblical Literature Pacific Coast regional meeting March 12-13. His presentation was titled There are Two Ways: Ancient Two Ways Texts as an Apocalyptic Sub-Genre of Ancient Jewish and Early Christian Literature. He also had article, One God in the Trinity of the Holy Name”: Patrick’s Trinitarian Theology and Regula Fidei, published online for the Center for Ancient Christian Studies (March 17).
Dr. Kenneth Minesinger
Dr. Kenneth Minesinger, associate professor of law for Online and Professional Studies, wrote the introduction, served as editor-in-chief, reviewer and final approver for Issue 1, 2017, of the Business Law News, the official publication of the State Bar of California’s Business Law Section.
Jeff Cate
Dr. Jeff Cate, professor of New Testament, presented a paper at the 10th Birmingham Colloquium on the Textual Criticism of the New Testament on March 22 held at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The paper was titled The Living Text of Temple Replacement in Mark 13:2.
Dr. Barry Parker, librarian, has published the third book in his Jacob’s worlds series. The book, a mystery/romance, is titled Autumn Moods.
Dr. Steven Garber, of The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation and Culture
The Faculty Senate sponsored its first colloquium at California Baptist University on March 16. Dr. Steven Garber, founder and principal of The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation & Culture, spoke. The event gave faculty an opportunity to strengthen its purpose of providing a biblically rooted educational experience while exploring what it means to be called by God to the 21 century professoriate in the diverse disciplines served at CBU.
Dr. Ogbochi McKinney
Dr. Ogbochi McKinney, assistant professor of public health for Online and Professional Studies, spoke at Mission Middle School in Riverside on March 14. She addressed seventh- and eighth-grade AVID students on the topics of college preparation, possible health majors and future careers.
The CBU Aviation department provided two aircraft and four students to be “victims” of a simulated aircraft accident in an emergency exercise at the Riverside Municipal Airport on March 23. The airport coordinated with Riverside City Fire and Police departments to conduct the emergency response exercise.
Dr. Chris Morgan
Dr. Anthony Chute
Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries, and Dr. Anthony Chute, professor of church history, contributed a chapter to Spirituality for the Sent: Casting a New Vision for the Missional Church (IVP Academic), edited by Nathan Finn and Keith Whitfield. The title of the chapter is Missional Spirituality as Congregational.
Carla Liu
Carla Liu, assistant professor of English and TESOL, presented her dissertation research at the annual TESOL International Convention in Seattle, Washington, on March 21. The topic was The Effect of Raising Awareness to Prosodic Features in Speech through Noticing Techniques and Visual Feedback: A Practioner’s Approach.
Dr. Linn Carothers
Dr. Linn Carothers, professor of mathematics, gave a lecture at Carnegie High School in Riverside on Feb. 23. The lecture, The Math of Falling Down a Rabbit Hole, exposed the 2012 Hollywood film Total Recall as wrongly predicting travel down a gravity shaft from London to Sydney as 17 minutes. It’s at least 42 minutes down the shaft to the other side of the earth, Carothers said.
Dr. Sanggon Nam, right
Dr. Sanggon Nam, associate professor pf public health, had a paper published in Geriatrics & Gerontology International (March 2017). The title was A concordance of self-reported and performance-based assessments of mobility as a mortality predictor for older Mexican Americans. He also gave a presentation at a Korean pastors’ study group in the Korean Program at International Theological Seminary in El Monte on March 24. The title was The Integration of Faith and Science in Public Health.
John Pate, assistant professor of communication, published a novel in February. Tears of Gaduhav is historical fiction. Dr. Derek Updegraff, assistant professor English and creative writing, edited the book.
Personnel Updates
