In this issue…
Current News
CBU remembers 17th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
Students, faculty and staff at California Baptist University took time on the 17th anniversary of 9/11 to remember and reflect on the terrorist attacks that rocked the U.S. in 2001.
The Associated Students of California Baptist University (ASCBU) offered an opportunity to commemorate and honor the 2,977 people who lost their lives. At the Stamps Courtyard, students, faculty and staff took one of 2,977 flags, one for each victim, and placed the flag in the lawn, outlining a cross. Additionally, in the evening at Stamps Courtyard, a time of worship, prayer and refection was held.
For T.J. Roe, a computer science sophomore and a representative for ASCBU, the remembrance of the day brings about strong feelings of his family.
His brother was in his first year of Air Force when the attacks took place. Also, Roe has family in New York. Roe, who was 3 at the time of 9/11, remembers his mother being brought to tears as the events unfolded.
“It’s important to remember,” Roe said. “9/11 was something that brought this country together, during the mourning and the loss of thousands of lives. It didn’t matter what your religion was, your political party, it unified this country as a whole.”
Andrew Bajema, a criminal justice freshman, stopped to place a flag. Bajema, who wants to go into law enforcement, was wearing a shirt with the New York Police Department logo to show support.
“It was an event that all Americans faced. It was a tragedy and it’s something we should honor and something we should respect,” Bajema said.
Ken Sanford, adjunct professor of education, recalls watching the events on television that day.
“The thing you have to think about, is these people were going about their normal day, going to work, school and they lost their lives,” Sanford said. “That’s why we have to remember, that could have been anybody.”
Dr. Chris McHorney, chair of the department of history and government, said, even as time passes, it is important to remember the attacks, both from a personal and governmental level.
“While the pain may become more bearable, those families will never stop grieving,” McHorney said.
“From a policy perspective, understanding current American foreign and domestic policy is impossible without knowledge about the 9/11 attacks,” McHorney added. “The 9/11 attacks will continue to impact the lives of Americans for many more years.”
CBU maintains top 40 spot in “Best Colleges” rankings
California Baptist University is once again listed among America’s Best Colleges in 2019 rankings announced today by U.S. News and World Report (USN&WR). For the fifth consecutive year, CBU received a top-40 ranking in the publication’s “Best Regional University” category for public and private colleges in the West.
The latest rankings place CBU at No. 32 in the top tier of the nation’s educational institutions. The 2019 rankings mark the 13th year that CBU has appeared in the Best Colleges list. Previously, CBU was ranked No. 31 in 2018, up from No. 37 the year before.
U.S. News & World Report publishes the “Best Colleges” rankings each year to aid prospective students and their parents looking for the best academic values for their money. Now in its 34th year, the annual comparative listing uses a system of weighted indicators of academic excellence to rank universities. Those indicators include student selectivity, retention and graduation rates; assessment by peer institutions; faculty resources; financial resources and alumni giving.
The Best Regional Universities category compares more than 600 institutions in four regions of the nation that offer a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and master’s degrees but few, if any, doctoral programs.
California Baptist University offers more than 150 majors, minors and concentrations as well as more than 40 graduate programs and four doctoral programs.
CBU earns regional rankings as value and innovative school
California Baptist University has earned two additional distinguished regional rankings from U.S. News and World Report (USN&WR) as a “Best Value School” and “Most Innovative School.”
The 2019 rankings announced on September 10 include a top-40 ranking for CBU as a “Best Regional University” for the fifth consecutive year.
USN&WR “Best Value School” rankings take into account academic quality, as indicated by the 2019 USN&WR ranking, and the 2017-2019 net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. The higher the quality of the program and the lower cost, the better value that is passed on to the student.
The most innovative school rankings seek to identify institutions that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, campus life, technology or facilities. The schools that earn high marks are those that receive the most nominations for making promising changes on campus.
Music students perform at international worship conference
Members of the University Choir and Orchestra perform with Anthony Evans, a Christian worship artist, at the Experience Conference in Florida on Sept. 4.
Members of the University Choir and Orchestra (UCO) at California Baptist University kicked off their performance schedule for the new academic year at an international worship conference in Florida on Sept. 4.
The 73 students performed for the Experience Conference with Anthony Evans, a Christian worship artist and a consultant for the Worship Arts and Ministry degree at CBU. The event is tailored to worship leaders throughout the world. The students also led worship with John Bolin, a CBU alumnus and minister of worship and arts from Houston’s First Baptist Church, and his band, First|Worship. Nearly 1,500 worship leaders attended the event.
“It was really moving to see all of the students up there as a united team, released to worship God, helping to bring all of the worship leaders in attendance into His presence,” said Steven Dahlgren, assistant professor of music and conductor of UCO.
Along with an opportunity to perform, the event provided a learning aspect for the students, Dahlgren added.
“I think that the students could learn that there’s an amazing intersection between years of preparation, practicing, honing your craft, doing the hard things, and being available for opportunities to serve God along the way as He opens doors and avenues of ministry,” Dahlgren said.
Joshua Ledezma, a music sophomore, said he appreciated performing with Evans and leading worship for pastors from around the world.
“Seeing how Anthony Evans and all the other talented musicians were able to lead so humbly from the platform strongly encouraged me to continue to do the same no matter how much applause may come my way,” Ledezma said.
Melody Leon, a music senior, said she gained a deeper understanding how musical sound and movement can bring about a powerful worship experience.
“During the whole night I could definitely feel the Lord’s presence in the room,” Leon said. “There was not a single dull moment as the audience rose to their feet for every single song that was performed.”
The UCO next performance will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at Magnolia Church in Riverside.
CBU alum is Top 30 nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year honor
Lauren Hackett (’18) was named a Top 30 honoree for the NCAA Woman of the Year award on Sept. 6. The Top 30 student-athletes represent the top 10 women selected for their respective NCAA Divisions (D-I, D-II, D-III).
Hackett, CBU’s former outside hitter, is among 30 still in the running out of an initial 581 nominees for the 2018 NCAA Women of the Year award. The winner will be named on Oct. 28 at a banquet celebration.
“It’s a really amazing feeling making it to the Top 30,” Hackett said. “It’s been a really fun and rewarding four years being a student-athlete, and an acknowledgement like this just gives me even more reason to be thankful for my time at CBU.”
In June, Hackett signed a contract to play professional volleyball for proWIN Volleys TV Holz of Saarbrücken, Germany.
Read the full story here.
The Habit Burger Grill now open at CBU
California Baptist University’s newest eatery, The Habit Burger Grill, opened to an appreciative audience on Sept. 4, the first day of fall semester classes.
Students flocked to the restaurant, which served some 900 hamburgers on opening day.
Rebecca Arneson, president of the Associated Students of California Baptist University, was among those who enjoyed the new dining option.
“Students are just thrilled that The Habit is on campus,” Arneson said, adding that she was excited about the shakes and malts available at the restaurant.
In addition to chargrilled burgers, Habit’s CBU menu includes fresh salads and grilled sandwiches including chicken, ahi tuna, and a veggie option. Side orders include onion rings, sweet potato fries and tempura green beans.
“We are excited to have the Habit as part of our food family,” CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Sept. 5. “Over the 24 years that I’ve been here, we’ve tried to have differentiators [in food service] that are excellent, names that people go ‘Wow!’ CBU has gained a reputation for having great food.”
Russell Bendel, CEO of The Habit Burger Grill, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bendel said he was amazed that the CBU team put together the new dining option so quickly, noting that the first discussions about bringing The Habit Grill to CBU took place in June.
“To do something like this in less than 60 days is pretty amazing,” Bendel said. “That’s truly a credit to this organization and the commitment to being special and having a ‘wow factor’ and really setting expectations at a very high level.”
The Habit Grill at CBU is located within Brisco’s Café where students can enjoy dining indoors in a café setting or outside on patio dining tables.
President Ellis delivers 2018 State of the University address
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, delivered his 2018 State of the University video address at two chapel services on Sept 4. The address reported on key accomplishments at CBU over the past year and also highlighted significant upcoming events.
Fall 2018 semester starts at California Baptist University
Classes for the fall 2018 semester at California Baptist University began Sept. 4, capping a busy five-day start to the semester that included Welcome Weekend and the traditional Clash ‘n’ Roll event.
New CBU students moved into their living arrangements and began getting acquainted with life on campus during Welcome Weekend on Aug. 30-31. On Sept. 2, all CBU students had the opportunity to attend the Lancer & Beyond event, a private discounted shopping extravaganza at Bed Bath & Beyond. On Sept. 3, Community Life at CBU hosted the traditionally Clash ‘n’ Roll event that featured food trucks in addition to an evening of planned activities and games.
The fall 2018 semester brings a number of new additions to campus facilities, programs and activities. CBU enters a new era of NCAA Division I competition as the Lancers play their first season in the Western Athletic Conference.
The Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building opened its doors to students for the first time this semester. The 100,000-thousand-square-foot building is the new home of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering. And now featured at Brisco’s Café is the popular Habit Burger Grill, the newest eatery at CBU.
CBU also launched several new majors and programs this fall that include: Bachelor of Arts degrees in product design, production design, interior design, illustration and art therapy in addition to Bachelor of Science degrees in biomedical sciences, forensic chemistry and international business. Additionally, CBU now offers a Master of Science in Information Technology Management and a Doctor of Psychology program.
Family Updates
Dr. Bruce Prins and Allie Floyd
Dr. Bruce Prins, professor of biology, and Allie Floyd, department secretary for biological sciences, promoted CBU’s Department of Biological Sciences at STEM Day & College Recruiting Fair in Pomona on Aug. 11. Students in grades 7-12 attended the event.
Dr. Bob Namvar
Dr. Bob Namvar, professor of economics, presented a paper at the Global Research Institute for Business Academic’s annual research conference in London on Aug. 6-7. The title of the paper was A Recessionary U.S. Economy Will be a Surprise.
Dr. Erin Smith
Dr. Erin Smith, associate professor of psychology, co-presented a workshop to the Bridging the Two Cultures of the Sciences and Humanities II, 2017-2019 cohort, in Oxford, England, on July 27. The title of the workshop was How to train and form interdisciplinary skills in young scholars.
Jennifer Zamora, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, was a judge at the UCR School of Medicine Conference of Teaching, Learning and Discovery at the Riverside Convention Center on Aug. 18. She judged posters and presentations by second- and third-year medical students. Additionally, physician assistant studies students from CBU were invited to compete and present their health care practice improvement projects.
Dr. Gayne Anacker
Dr. Gayne Anacker, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, presented at the C.S. Lewis Study Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, for the Legacy of Lewis Seminary Series on July 11 and 13. The titles of the presentations were The Place of The Abolition of Man in the Contemporary Intellectual World and C.S. Lewis’ Spiritual Journey: A Philosophical Interpretation.
Russell Meek, adjunct professor of Christian Studies for Online and Professional Studies, co-edited a book, Riddles and Revelations: Explorations into the Relationship between Wisdom and Prophecy in the Hebrew Bible, (T & T Clark, 2018).
From left: Dr. Terri Thompson and Dr. Susan Jetton
Dr. Terri Thompson, assistant professor of nursing, and Dr. Susan Jetton, assistant professor of nursing, presented at the 5th World Congress of Nursing in London on Aug. 13. Jetton presented Student Directed High Risk Scenarios: An Innovative Teaching Strategy, and Thompson presented Implementation of Student Directed High Risk Scenarios in the Simulation Setting.
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis and Sarah Sanchez
Sarah Sanchez, student account counselor, was named employee of the month for September. Her nomination included the following statements: “It has been said by others that work with Sarah: She goes so above and beyond to make improvements in communication, job knowledge and our training materials, not to mention her joyous personality and kind spirit. It seems she exemplifies all that CBU is about.”
Dr. Robert LaChausse
Dr. Robert LaChausse, associate professor of public health sciences, has been elected to the American Public Health Association’s Governing Council. His two-year term begins Nov. 1 and he will assist in establishing policies for the association and for the guidance of the executive board, and oversee journal publications, awards, science, advocacy and public policy in public health.
Dr. Janice Spangenburg
Dr. Janice Spangenburg, adjunct professor of business for Online and Professional Studies, received her graduate certificate in operations and supply chain management from Southern New Hampshire University in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Aug. 1.
Dr. Torria Davis
Dr. Torria Davis, instructional designer for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the Bbworld 2018 International Conference in Orlando, Florida, on July 16-19. The titles were Course Design Decision Making with Analytics and Using Analytics for Research in Course Design.
The Division of Natural & Mathematical Sciences hosted its annual New Student Mixer on Sept. 5. New students in the biological, chemical and mathematical sciences had the opportunity to meet fellow students, faculty, staff and student club representatives.
Dr. Joe Way
Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, had an article published in the Church Production Magazine (Aug. 23). It was titled The ‘I’ in Team.
Jennifer Cruz
Jennifer Cruz, assistant professor of music, had an article published in the California Music Teacher (Fall 2018). The title was Ready, Create… Inspire! Teaching Students to Engage in Musicality, Interpretation, and Performance.
From left: Dr. Douglas Wallace, Dr. Nathan Iverson and Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson
The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences hosted its Undergraduate Kick-Off Rally on Sept. 6. Undergraduate students in anthropology, psychology, sociology and Christian behavioral sciences were given the opportunity to meet fellow students and faculty as well as hear about several opportunities and resources available to them this academic year.
Savanna Marie Quinones
Michelle Quinones, student accounts assistant in Student Accounts, and her husband, Tyson, welcomed their daughter on July 12. Savanna Marie weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 19 inches.
Naomi Lavang Goddard
Matthew Goddard, assistant library director for resources for Annie Gabriel Library, and his wife, Julia, welcomed their daughter on July 14. Naomi Lavang weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20.5 inches.
Dr. Jennifer Newton and Adeline Hannah Savard
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.
Personnel Updates
