August 31, 2018

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Newest Lancers received at Welcome Weekend

The campus at California Baptist University was alive with energy and enthusiasm as new first year students arrived for Welcome Weekend activities on Aug. 30. More than 2,200 freshmen and transfer students are expected for the fall semester at CBU, which begins Sept. 4.

Welcome Weekend is a CBU tradition geared toward helping new students get connected to resources and helping students feel a part of the CBU family, said Jay Stovall, director of new student programs and orientation. This year, CBU hosted a move-in day for freshmen on Aug 30. with transfer students arriving the following day.

First up on the Welcome Weekend schedule was move-in. As new students arrived on campus with their luggage, CBU student volunteers lined up to help move in their peers. They unloaded vehicles, filled rolling bins with living necessities and pushed them to the student’s rooms.

Sarah Hom, a community life intern at CBU, was helping students move in at the Cottages. She volunteered as a way to give back for the help she received as a freshman.

“I was grateful for everyone that helped me out then and that’s why I want to be on the other side of this—to help others transition into life at CBU,” said Hom, a psychology student.

Students also had the opportunity to meet with different student service departments at the Events Center and receive free CBU gear.

Natalie Wagner, a biomedical engineer freshman, met up with several of her friends who are also attending CBU this fall. They chatted about dining options for lunch on campus.

“I choose CBU for its focus on spiritual development. I’m here to grow in my faith,” Wagner said.

Abby Strom, a child development freshman, said she fell in love with the CBU campus on prior visits, which contributed to her decision to become a Lancer.  For her, Welcome Weekend is the start of a new journey.

“I am excited to start a new chapter in life. I got to meet my new roommate and I am just looking forward to starting the semester,” said Strom, a Temecula, California, resident.

In the afternoon, students met their FOCUS groups, which help acclimate students to campus life. They also participated in the traditional Kugel walk, where new students touch the globe, symbolizing their commitment to live a “life of purpose” as they begin their college experience at CBU. At the President’s Welcome, CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis encouraged students to become a part of Lancer Nation by getting involved in campus activities.

Other Welcome Weekend opportunities for students included time to meet with deans and faculty members and a special discount-shopping opportunity at Bed Bath & Beyond. Additionally, there is a Meet the Inland Empire event that informs students of the nearby restaurants, shops and churches.

 

Kickoff event welcomes new graduate students to CBU

California Baptist University welcomed nearly 500 new graduate students at a kickoff orientation at the Events Center on Aug. 28.

The last time CBU hosted a similar activity was in 2011. The university decided to bring back the event to help connect graduate students to the campus environment and university resources, said Alma Salazar, director of graduate admissions.

“We have created a robust orientation designed to give pertinent graduate-level information,” Salazar said. “We are excited to begin welcoming our students with open arms at a time where we are seeing so much growth in our graduate student population.”

More than 600 new graduate students are expected at CBU this fall, with more than 2,000 total, Salazar said.

The graduate kickoff started with a resource fair, allowing students to connect with representatives from various campus offices. Additionally, students were able to meet with faculty from their respective school or college within CBU.

Andrew Greenfield, a Master of Science in Kinesiology student, said he chose CBU because of the small class size and the research opportunities.

“I am looking forward to getting to know my fellow students and my professors and being able to work closely with them,” Greenfield said.

Stephanie Stamper is pursuing a Master of Social Work. She appreciates how CBU integrates faith into its classes.

“I’m looking forward to better equipping myself to deal with the vulnerable populations and to gain more resources for the people I know need help,” Stamper said.

The orientation also addressed the “Core 4” at CBU, Lancer culture and student expectations.

Dr. Ricardo J. Cordero-Soto, associate professor of mathematics at CBU, spoke to the students about finding the right motivation for graduate school. There are several motivations for success in graduate school, but only one will make the students resilient enough to succeed, he said.

“A God-given-purpose is the driving force that will withstand the highs and lows of graduate school,” Cordero-Soto said. “We challenge each graduate student to be driven by a desire to live out his or her God-given-purpose.”

 

CBU welcomes students from around the world

More than 100 new international students from 31 countries were welcomed at California Baptist University from Aug. 28-30 as part of the International Orientation.

Leslie Shelton, director of international student services, said the orientation aimed to help students adapt to life in the U.S. and also to set them up to be successful at CBU.

“They are coming from a different country and culture and we want to give them some time to start the adjustment process and cover topics related to different cultural norms and culture shock,” Shelton said.

Orientation introduces the students to CBU offices and services, covers CBU policies and immigration regulations for students. A resource fair provides information on cell phone providers, banks and community resources. Additionally, a barbecue dinner and a minor league baseball outing introduce them to a part of American culture.

Throughout the year, international student services offers immigration and academic advising to students and intercultural trainings for campus offices and departments to promote successful interactions with international students.

New international students at CBU this year are from China, India, Europe, Latin America and Africa. Approximately 270 international students will be attending CBU this fall.

Ziyu Liu, who is from China, received her bachelor’s degree from CBU on Aug. 23. She is now pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree and attended the orientation to learn more about her new endeavors. For her, staying at CBU is a blessing.

“I think CBU is very friendly and a good campus and I want to continue here,” Liu said.

Lara Orrock, a kinesiology freshman from South Africa, came to CBU on a cross-country scholarship. Orrock said she believes God has guided her to CBU.

“Other [college opportunity] doors closed and this one stayed opened, so it was clearly a decision made by God,” Orrock said. “I want to better myself with the opportunities here, be a better person and grow spiritually and academically.”

Throughout the year, international student services office hosts culture events such as Taste the Nations, Festival of Colors and the Lunar New Year to celebrate the cultural diversities of international students.

Shelton said her office strives to promote culture diversity and connect people.

“We accomplish that in different ways throughout the year and these different events also serve to meet those goals,” Shelton said.

Through on-campus events, the greater CBU community is able to learn about and experience cultural diversity in a way that is fun and they have the opportunity to interact with the international students, Shelton said.

 

“Inspiration” sculpture is unveiled at CBU

“Inspiration,” a sculpture created by Riverside artist Frank Heyming, was unveiled at California Baptist University on Aug. 28. Heyming donated the piece that is displayed between the walkway of the Wallace Theatre and the Alumni Dining Commons on the CBU campus.

The sculpture consists of three flames mounted on a burnished stainless steel pyramid atop a triangular concrete pedestal. During the day, the piece reflects the colors and natural lighting around it; at night, the sculpture is illuminated with soft LED white lights.

In remarks to the crowd present for the unveiling, Heyming spoke of his inspiration for the project.

“Like light, ideas also spring from the ether. I thought of inspiration as inspired by the [Holy] Spirit,” Heyming said.

Heyming read a passage from 1 Corinthians 12:4 and 7 displayed on a plaque next to the sculpture: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (NASB).”

“It is my hope that the sculpture, ‘Inspiration,’ achieves this aspiration and will inspire the creative genius in all of us,” Heyming said.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, said the sculpture was placed in the most trafficked area on campus so that students, faculty, staff and visitors could find encouragement through the art.

“This artwork will inspire many generations to come at CBU. We are thankful to Frank for sharing his vision and allowing us to display his work,” Ellis said.

 

Rehearsal Camp at CBU helps students find the right note

Members of the University Choir and Orchestra at California Baptist University rehearsed the worship hymn “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” on Aug. 28. It was one of many songs they would rehearse over the course of a seven-hour practice day.

A week before the fall 2018 semester begins at CBU, more than 460 students were already on campus for Rehearsal Camp, hosted by the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music on Aug. 27-30 and Sept. 3. The camp helps students prepare for numerous concerts scheduled during the upcoming academic year.

“The purpose of Rehearsal Camp is to give our ensembles a jump start for the year,” said Dr. Guy Holliday, director of bands at CBU. “Lots of music is learned in a compressed period of time, helping the groups to be even better prepared for their first performances.”

Last academic year, student performance groups combined to present more than 220 concerts. Ensembles at CBU include large groups such as the University Choir and Orchestra, with nearly 180 vocalists and instrumentalists, in addition to smaller groups such as the Jazz Band and Women’s Choir. The groups perform at a variety of venues that in the past have included high schools, community events, church services and CBU events.

Steven Dahlgren, assistant professor of music, said the camp gives students a start on perfecting the repertoire and creating camaraderie.

“It’s hard work that reaps huge dividends individually and corporately,” Dahlgren said. “The students learn to build stamina for the long haul, work together for a unified goal, build lifelong relationships with each other and once again begin to produce the quality and excellent music that the Collinsworth School of Music is known for.”

Stephen Bankole-Wright, a music education senior, said the camp is hard work but beneficial in its format.

“If we didn’t have an intense week that gives us a general feel for the songs, I don’t think we would be as prepared,” Bankole-Wright said.

Upcoming performances include: University Choir and Orchestra at Magnolia Church in Riverside on Sept. 23; Camerata, a concert choir, Nov. 3 at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside; and Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble at Magnolia Church on Nov. 11.

 

CBU ranked among nation’s fastest-growing colleges

California Baptist University ranked No. 8 among the fastest-growing colleges in the United States during a recent 10-year period in a list published by a leading higher education news organization Aug. 24.

CBU’s top-10 ranking appears in “Almanac 2018-19” published by the Chronicle of Higher Education (CHE) and reflects the institution’s enrollment growth from 2006 through 2016.

In 2006, CBU enrollment totaled 3,409 students. A decade later, in 2016, enrollment at CBU was 9,157 students, an increase of 168.6 percent.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, said the ranking confirms what many had observed about the institution’s dramatic growth.

“The enrollment growth measured in the Chronicle Almanac ranking reflects the continuing positive response from students to the educational programs and facilities that California Baptist University continues to develop and offer,” Ellis said. “This ranking is an objective affirmation that our efforts are producing strong results,” he added.

The No. 8 ranking compared CBU with other private non-profit institutions classified as “Master’s Colleges & Universities” in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Among the 392 institutions in that classification, enrollment growth averaged 15.7 percent over the same 10-year period.

In preparing its report, the Chronicle of Higher Education analyzed U.S. Department of Education data “based on a fall head count of full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students at U.S. degree-granting institutions that were eligible for Title IV federal financial aid and that had a least 500 students in 2006.”

CBU enrollment growth continued after the period cited in the CHE Almanac 2018-19. In 2017, fall enrollment at CBU totaled 9,941 students.

 

CBU hosts institution’s first summer commencement

California Baptist University wrapped up a day of celebration at its inaugural summer commencement ceremonies hosted on Aug. 23. A ceremony for traditional students was held in the morning followed by the Online and Professional Studies Ceremony hosted in the afternoon.

An estimated 4,500 individuals attended the dual summer commencement ceremonies at CBU.

Students for the summer commencement make up a record number graduation candidates for the Class of 2018 that total 2,848 candidates from the fall, spring and summer commencement ceremonies.

In his commencement address, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, said the ceremonies in the Events Center were an example of learning environments that CBU has assembled over the years for the benefit of the students.

“Like people, institutions also have a purpose—and the growth of California Baptist University truly has been a purposeful pursuit,” Ellis said. “It is the result of thoughtful strategy combined with decisive action—putting in place what I call the building blocks needed to reach our institutional objectives.”

Ellis exhorted graduates to use their “Great Commission” training to impact their respective environments.

“All of you have a story to tell. Many involve personal examples of service and transformation that you experienced or witnessed as you seized the opportunity to put your faith into practice,” Ellis said. “Graduates, your experiences at CBU have given you an important foundation and helped to equip you to figure out where you will go from here—personally, professionally, and perhaps most important, vocationally.”

Ellis encouraged students to spread their wings but to keep connected with the Lancer nation.

“My earnest hope and prayer is that each of you will lean into this new beginning with genuine Lancer zeal. May you live your purpose with passion and with the same determination that has guided you to this joyful day of celebration,” Ellis said.

 

CBU summer commencement a family affair for the Armentrouts

Graduation is a milestone that family members of students celebrate with joy and enthusiasm. For three California Baptist University students, the summer Online and Professional Studies commencement was extra special, as they walked together on Aug. 23.

Janie Armentrout, administrative assistant to the president at CBU, and daughters Briana and Brooke were candidates for bachelor’s degrees.

Janie and her oldest daughter, Briana, earned degrees through the Division of Online and Professional Studies (OPS). Brooke took classes on the main campus; however, she walked in the OPS ceremony with her mom and sister. A third daughter, Britney, who serves in the U.S. Air Force, was part of the crowd cheering them on.

It was a long road for Janie to earn her degree. She started working as a young adult, then got married and raised her children. Three years ago she came to work at CBU in the Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education. It was then that she saw an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“I regretted never getting my degree,” Janie said. “I have always encouraged my children to continue their education. How could I not take the opportunity when it’s placed right in front of me?”

Brooke said it was “really cool” when she learned her mom would attend college. The three women often had study sessions together, bouncing ideas off one another and munching on food.

Briana found inspiration when Janie started college.

“When Mom went back, it changed my perspective on things,” Briana said. “Age is just a number. You’re never too old to accomplish things you missed out on when you were young.”

Janie looks forward to graduating with her daughters.

“I’m thankful that I made it through. It does give a sense of accomplishment,” Janie said. “I’m super proud of them. It’s going to be one of those special times that not everybody gets to celebrate.”

Brooke said watching Janie work and go to school made her work harder. Her mom would come home after working, eat a quick dinner and start doing homework.

“I kind of felt like I have to do something because she’s doing it,” Brooke said. “It encouraged me to get on top of my homework and not procrastinate and really reach for what I want.”

While Janie said she will not miss the homework, she will miss the camaraderie with her daughters.

“We had something very much in common,” Janie said. “It was one of those ways to connect. Now we’ll just find something different.”

 

Hooding ceremonies celebrate students’ achievements 

Hundreds of master’s degree candidates at California Baptist University celebrated their academic achievements at hooding ceremonies, leading up to dual commencement ceremonies on Aug. 23.

At CBU, colleges and professional schools hold hooding ceremonies to recognize their candidates for graduation and give those students distinctive colored hoods to wear at commencement.

More than 440 master’s degree candidates are eligible to participate in inaugural summer commencement ceremonies at the CBU Events Center. Additionally, 10 candidates are scheduled to receive doctoral degrees, including eight graduates from the Doctor of Public Administration program in the Division of Online and Professional Studies (OPS), the program’s first graduates.

The College of Health Science has the largest group of master’s degree candidates with 81. The Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education has the second largest group with 76 candidates. Additionally, OPS has 165 candidates for graduation throughout its various programs.

At the OPS hooding, held Aug. 21 at Harvest Christian Fellowship, Dr. Kathryn Norwood, dean of assessment and accreditation, encouraged the students to not rush into easy answers when they face questions in the future but rather use “sustained reflection.”

“Whether you stake your claim in the academy, in public service, in the corporate sector, in the nonprofit world, or in the culture and the arts, we (the faculty) all know that the world will be made better by the answers you will provide to a host of difficult questions,” Norwood said. “I challenge you to provide courageous leadership, to use your gifts, talents and identified strengths for the purpose for which God has created you.”

 

Women’s Soccer win first for CBU Lancers D-I era

California Baptist University welcomed in a new era of NCAA Division I play with a win courtesy of the women’s soccer team.

The Lancers beat Loyola University Maryland 1-0 on Aug. 17.  Miranda Hald, a junior forward, scored a goal in the 84^th minute of play to secure the victory.

“Being the first D-I match in the history of CBU meant so much for our team,” said Hald. “Everyone fought from the start of the whistle until the end with grit and determination. We were able to create a tremendous amount of opportunities. I’m so honored I was able to get the final touch on the ball to put the team on the board.”

Read the full story here.

 

Family Updates

Jennifer Costello, assistant professor of social work, and Master of Social Work students delivered backpacks to more than 315 families in the Casa Blanca Community on Aug. 11. The CBU group donated 20 backpacks and partnered with agencies including the Riverside Police Department and Church of God to donate additional backpacks.

 

 

Dr. Hyun-Woo Park, professor of biology, Dr. Patrick Schacht, associate professor of biochemistry, Dr. Dennis Bideshi, professor of biology, and Dr. Bruce Prins, professor of biology, celebrated the entrance of three CBU biology graduates into the Medical School class of 2022 at UC Riverside on Aug. 3. The graduates—Audrie Minnich (’18), Zach Saylor (’18), Maria (Mikki) Guerrero (’17)—join five others who entered medical programs across the country this fall: Josh Dreshler, ’17, Loma Linda Medical School; Austin Kleint, ’18, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest; Vivian Villasenor, ’18, University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry; Lucas Oliveira, ’17, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson; and Jasmin Baskaroon, Washington State University College of Pharmacy.

 

 

 

 

Dr. John Shoup, executive director of CBU’s Paul and Annie Kienel Leadership Institute, presented a workshop to 30 CBU academic administrators on Aug. 1. The workshop covered leadership development and was provided by the Teaching and Learning Center.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, coauthored a paper that was published in the journal Biotechnology Letters (August 2018). The paper was titled Co-synthesis of kenyacin 404 and heterologous thurincin H enhances the antibacterial activity of Bacillus thuringiensis.

 

 

 

 

Lisa Singer, associate director of employer relations for the Career Center, presented at the 5^th Annual Student Leadership Workshop for engineering students held at University of California, Riverside, on Aug. 18. She taught two classes on Business Etiquette—the Importance of Character, Professionalism and Social Awareness in the Work place.

 

 

 

Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter, assistant professor of social work, had an article published in the International Journal of Childbirth Education (July 2018). The title was Support Groups for Parents Experiencing Perinatal Loss. 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of management, had an article published in Administrative Sciences Journal (July 25, 2018). The title was Assembling frameworks for strategic enactment: Enhancing transformational agility through situational scanning.

 

 

 

Ashley Sonke, nursing student services coordinator, co-facilitated a training at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland on Aug. 20. The training was on holistic admissions in academic nursing.

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Zamora, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, and physician assistant studies graduate students and undergraduate students performed school physicals at Home Gardens Academy in Home Gardens on July 28. They served more than 100 children.

 

 

 

Dr. Robert LaChausse, associate professor of public health sciences, published an article in the Journal of Health Promotion Practice (Aug. 3). It was titled Differences in Health Education Competencies Among Obesity Prevention and Nutrition Education Professionals.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, was invited to be part of the Diversity Council for the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, the main trade association for the Pro-AV industry. He will be representing the interests of Christian higher education on the board that is aimed at bringing together AV and integrated experience professionals from various backgrounds and cultures to facilitate a larger dialogue around initiatives of inclusion within the industry.

 

 

The Office of Student Success and the new Veterans Resource Center celebrated the newest addition to CBU’s commencement celebrations—a military service cord. The cord honors students who are graduating and recognizes them for their service in the defense of the nation. The veterans received the cord on Aug. 21, two days before CBU’s inaugural summer commencement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of health science, presented research at the Academy of Business Research Conference in Boston on Aug. 1. It was titled How Job Stress and Social Supports Influence Retirement. He also took part in the Affiliate President Elect’s Meeting at the American Public Health Association in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5-7.  He participated in public health advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, working with congressional staffers/advisors.

 

 

 

Dr. Jennifer Newton, associate professor of English, and her husband, Christopher Savard, welcomed their daughter on July 27. Adeline Hannah Savard weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 20 inches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nancy Pontius, wife of Dr. Frederick Pontius, professor of civil engineering and construction management, gave four presentations at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) in Taiwan. On June 5, she spoke on An Introduction to CBU and Southern California to CYCU students in the Department of Applied Linguistics and Language Studies. At CYCU’s 2018 English Leadership Camp in July, she presented Cultural Differences, A Leader’s Character: Confidence and Humility and A Leader’s Character: Servanthood.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates