November 15, 2018

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

“She Loves Me” brings comical romance to Wallace Theatre

The theatre arts program at California Baptist University is delivering romance, comedy and plenty of singing with “She Loves Me,” which opens on Nov. 16.

Lisa Lyons, adjunct professor of theatre and the director for the play, said this rendition of the musical will feature music to help people transition into the celebration of Christmastime.

“It’s like a Christmas card. It’s a beautifully wrapped present to the audience,” Lyons said. “We hope it will put them in a fabulous Christmas mood.”

Set in the 1930s, main characters Amalia and Georg are co-workers at a Hungarian perfumery who are at odds with each other. However, after both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper, they live for the love letters that they unknowingly exchange to each other. The pair end up discovering that true love goes beyond appearance.

“I think what I’ve learned from this show is that people won’t be happy until they get out there and get to know people,” said Samantha Shroll, a theatre senior who plays Amalia. “The love of your life could be right next to you, or even a new friend, but people get so caught up on appearance and petty things that we don’t notice what’s right in front of us.”

The show’s music is on the classical side, so the students had to adjust to it, Lyons said.

“The students are used to singing more contemporary songs,” Lyons said. “This is more the golden-age of Broadway, where it’s a classical style of singing.”

Sixteen students make up the orchestra that provides live music during the play. Marco Mejia (’06), music director and conductor for the Corona Symphony Orchestra, will be the conductor for “She Loves Me.”

Mejia said this will be a valuable learning experience for the students.

“They get the opportunity to play charts composed for a Broadway pit orchestra,” Mejia said. “Participating in a musical production is the ultimate arts endeavor. The synergy afforded by the coming together of instruments, voices, acting, dancing, makes this experience like nothing else a person can endeavor within the arts.”

“She Loves Me”

When: Nov. 16-17, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 17, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.
Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA, 92504
Tickets or questions? Call the theatre box office at 951- 343-4319 or email: mhyde@calbaptist.edu

 

Men’s basketball team earns win with buzzer-beater

In the Lancers’ first true Division I game, the men’s basketball team faced Oral Roberts University on Nov. 13. It was the Lancers’ second game, the first being against San Diego Christian College, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics team.

Guard Milan Acquaah scored the final 11 of 14 points, including a half-court buzzer-beater, for California Baptist, as it defeated Oral Roberts 70-69.

The Lancers trailed 69-67 after ORU’s Andrew Saunders hit a three-pointer with 3.2 seconds remaining. CBU quickly inbounded the ball as Acquaah dribbled down to halfcourt and let go of the game-winner as time expired.

Acquaah’s winning basket was No. 1 for ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 Plays of the Day.

Read the full story here.

 

Chapel speaker exhorts students to be faithful with talents

Christians need to be good stewards of the talents they have been given, Dr. Nabil Costa told a chapel audience at California Baptist University on Nov. 13.

Costa is the chief executive officer of the Lebanese Society for Educational & Social Development, a faith-based organization committed to enabling the church to remain relevant in the Middle East and North Africa region.

“God has a plan for every one of us, for every one of you and for me and for our people in Lebanon,” Costa told CBU students. “God has given us talents and we have to be faithful for every talent that He has given us.”

Costa used the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30 to frame his message. Christians are called to work and to be stewards of what they have been given, whatever that might be, Costa said.

“The Christianity community in Lebanon cannot complain that God gave us 1.5 million refugees,” Costa said. “This is what God gave us and we have to trust his judgment. The best thing in the Christian life is to trust and obey when you do not understand.”

When given a talent by God, a Christian can only respond in one of two ways: be a good steward or not be one, Costa said.

“We do not have the right to say ‘I’m neutral.’ I can’t say I just want to be a spectator,” Costa said.

Costa said when Christians are faithful, the reward is more responsibility and entering into the “Master’s joy.”

“This means it’s not about us, it’s only about Him,” Costa said. “Faithfulness is working hard and giving Him all the credit.”

There can also be people who waste their talents by not maturing and growing closer to God, Costa said.

“The biggest lost opportunity for all [people] is not knowing on a deep and intimate level the one who created, shaped and redeemed us,” Costa said. “The most peaceful place and the most enjoyable ministry is where God wants you to be.”

 

CBU hosts Veterans Day remembrance event

“Being a veteran means feeling a surge of pride when the American flag passes or during the national anthem,” Ashley Barton, a psychology senior who served in the U.S. Marines, told a Veterans Day audience at California Baptist University.

“Being a veteran means knowing the cost of peace firsthand and that cost has a first name, a last name, a middle initial and parents,” Barton continued.

The Veterans Resource Center at CBU hosted a Veterans Day remembrance event to honor U.S. service members on Nov. 12, the official observance of the national holiday this year. The Veterans Resource Center opened in September and is available to the nearly 390 veterans and dependents using their VA benefits at CBU. The center is located in the Office of Student Success in Lancer Arms North. It provides assistance such as providing certification of classes to the Department of Veterans Affairs and academic planning and relevant literature for a student’s financial aid. The center also features a computer lab with a study room, a kitchen and sofas.

The ceremony, held on the lawn behind Lancer Arms North offices, included the posting of colors, reading of the Presidential Proclamation on Veterans Day, laying of a wreath and recognition of faculty and staff veterans.

“It means the world that CBU would hold an event like this. We’re a very small-knit community,” Barton said. “For some people at CBU, it’s been 40 years since they’ve been in (the military). People forget to thank them.”

Sarah Weber, president of the Student Veterans Association (SVA) and who served in the Coast Guard, spoke highly of Dr. Ken Pearce, professor of psychology, during the event. Pearce served in the Army during Vietnam.

“I have the privilege of honoring somebody who left a legacy for student veterans on this campus,” Weber said. “We want to thank Dr. Ken Pearce for being a hero to us, being a role model and a leader.”

He has worked to educate faculty and staff about student veterans over the years and encourages the veterans, Weber added.

“I was floored that would happen. It’s quite an honor,” Pearce said of the recognition.

 

CBU implements online transcript request process

Students and alumni from California Baptist University can now receive an official transcript within an hour thanks to a new online service launched by the Office of the University Registrar on Nov. 12.

“The emphasis is on faster and more efficient service for our students,” said Joel Mead, assistant registrar for support services.

The Office of the University Registrar is working with Credentials Solutions, a technology service company, to process transcript requests within an hour, as long as a student’s account has no holds. Previously, processing such requests took two to three days. The cost of an official transcript remains at $10 for one copy.

“The University Registrar is always seeking ways to be more effective with our services,” said Shawnn Koning, university registrar.

“For individuals who are looking for employment, which can be a large portion of our transcript requests, time sensitivity is important,” Koning said. “By automating, we’re enabling those students to get those records there a lot more efficiently.”

The office is also working to automate degree verification and enrollment verification, Koning added.

“The transcript request is step one of trying to implement some new technology to increase services to students,” Koning said.

To request a transcript, click here.

 

CBU hosts book event celebrating architect Henry L.A. Jekel

California Baptist University, in conjunction with the Inlandia Institute, hosted a book release event on Nov. 10, celebrating the legacy of architect Henry L.A. Jekel.

The 224-page book, “Henry L.A. Jekel: Architect of Eastern Skyscrapers and the California Style, 1889-1950,” was published with financial support from CBU and a crowdfunding campaign. The event was held in a fitting location—the Staples Room within the James Complex that Jekel designed.

The book’s authors, Dr. Vince Moses and Cate Whitmore, hosted a discussion on the tradition and architectural styles of Jekel.

Jekel was born in 1876 and by his 20s, he became a leader in the design of skyscrapers in New York. Jekel also designed an estimated 55 buildings in Riverside including Benedict Castle and the First Congregational Church in downtown Riverside, which was the project that first brought Jekel out West.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, shared his first impression of the James Building at the event.

“When I came and set foot back in 1994 to interview for the president position, I was just struck by the architecture of this building. I set foot in the James entrance and I thought, ‘my, my, what a gem!’” Ellis said.

It became a personal resolution to continue the Mission Revival Architectural style that is featured throughout campus to this day, Ellis said.

“This is important work being done here. This is legacy work,” Ellis said of the author’s research for the book. “I’m very respectful of the work that went into this project and the value that this will have.”

 

Record crowds embrace Parent and Family Weekend at CBU

The second annual Parent and Family Weekend attracted thousands of visitors to California Baptist University on Nov. 9-10, bringing families together to unite in Lancer pride.

Joshua Moss, director of alumni and parent relations, said the weekend event is designed to provide activities and opportunities for families to connect with their students.

“We want them to make some incredible memories together,” Moss said.

On Nov. 9, parents had the opportunity to tour academic colleges and schools at CBU to meet deans and faculty members. During the evening, parents and students attended a pregame party and then watched the men’s basketball season opener against San Diego Christian College.

A record 5,089 attendees showed up to witness the Lancers’ 87-71 victory in the team’s first contest as a member of NCAA Division I.

“The turnout. The support. We don’t take it for granted,” said Rick Croy, men’s basketball head coach. “I’ve been coaching in California for 20 years. This isn’t happening everywhere. This is special. Not only to have 5,000, but to have 5,000 into it the entire game.”

The following day, the Parent and Family Weekend featured a book release event that included presentations by authors Dr. Vince Moses and Cate Whitmore on their research concerning architect Henry L.A. Jekel, who designed the James Complex at CBU. There also was a time for parents to pray for the CBU community. In the afternoon, thousands of people attended the Block Party on the Front Lawn with games and activities for the whole family in addition to a unique art display created by CBU art students.

Shoronda Gilmore, mother of a freshman-nursing student, enjoyed that the event allowed her to spend time with her family in a friendly atmosphere.

“This was a good way to bring our family together and find out more about what life at CBU looks like,” Gilmore said.

Pha Parick was glad she got to spend time with her son on campus on Saturday.

“Coming to this weekend’s event was a way for me to show I support him,” Parick said. “I also thought attending the parent’s prayer group was important for me to participate in.”

The annual Fortuna Bowl intramural flag football championship was held on Saturday evening and the event drew an estimated 6,000 spectators to both games. Team Canadian Bowlers beat Bus Drivers 13-6 in the women’s championship game, and team Goon Squad wrapped up a perfect season, shutting out team Jack 30-0 in the men’s championship.

“It was just a great season. I got to connect with so many brothers, so many friends and so many followers of Christ,” said George Peterson Jr., a member of Goon Squad. “We just glorify God when we play. We get to come together and play a sport that we all love.”

The night also featured a fireworks show after the final game.

 

Freedom Fast brings awareness to modern-day slavery

The International Justice Mission club at California Baptist University held a 24-hour Freedom Fast this week to bring awareness to the ills of modern-day slave trading.

The event began at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 with a time of prayer for individuals affected by slave trading around the world. The fast ended at 7 p.m. the following day with a potluck meal and a time of worship. During the intervening 24 hours, the participants of the fast also raised funds that will be donated to the global organization of International Justice Mission that seeks to rescues people living in slavery.

“The deprivation of food—that we take for granted—gives us a picture of how one in slavery might feel,” said Alyssa Reimer, a photography senior and president of the International Justice Mission club.

Cambria Osborn, a nursing freshman, said when she started to feel hungry during the 24 hours fast, she resisted the urges by remembering the slave victims and praying for them.

“Everyone should be aware that this is evil and that it is happening everywhere,” Osborn said. “A lot of times we think that slavery is something of the past. But when we open our eyes and stop being so naïve to everything, I believe that’s when change can happen.”

Danae Erber, a history and international studies sophomore and a club leader, said information on what regions to pray for was handed out at the start of the fast.

“Because we had those prayer points, I was able to pinpoint who and the kind of people I was praying for. God knows but it just gives me peace of mind that I am doing my part,” Erber said. “I also learned that I can go without food for 24 hours and learn more about God and grow a relationship with Him.”

Jamall Bradshaw, a criminal justice junior, got a henna tattoo with an intricate design on his hand as a way to spark conversations about slave trading.

“I think it is something college students should have in the back of their minds, especially in times where we say times are rough and hard here in America,” Bradshaw said. “We should remember in another country there is a man, woman or child who is going through something so much worse. So, I think it really causes us to take a step back and be humble and see the privileges we do have in America.”

 

Hundreds of volunteers work to keep CBU green

More than 300 student and faculty volunteers celebrated Fall Arbor Day by planting trees and caring for vegetation at California Baptist University on Nov. 3. The turnout represented the largest gathering ever for an Arbor Day event at CBU.

The Facilities and Planning Services at CBU and the Environmental Science Club organized the event. Volunteers split into three teams for the tasks of planting 15 trees throughout campus, mulching areas on Diana Avenue, and revitalizing vegetation in The Colony residence area.

Miranda Johnson-Phillips, an environmental science sophomore, said she enjoyed seeing the large turnout.

“It really brings the community together,” Johnson-Phillips said. “It is a good opportunity to beautify our campus, which is important and shows that we appreciate the green at CBU.”

Christian Engelsman, a chemical engineering junior, said he was thrilled that he got an opportunity to plant a tree at the event.

Engelsman said the event showed how the CBU community cares about the environment on campus.

 

Prospective students scope out campus at CBU Transfer Day

California Baptist University hosted its final Transfer Day of the year on Nov. 2. The half-day event offered several sessions to help prospective students learn more about the benefits of becoming a Lancer.

“Transfer Day is something we have been doing for the last few years,” said Taylor Shelberg, manager of undergraduate admission events. “The whole goal of the event is to provide anyone who would like to transfer to CBU with tools to know if they are making the right decision.”

Dustin Lowe, director of undergraduate admissions, welcomed the visitors at the event’s opening session.

“Our goal is to help prospective students have a better understanding of what it is like to be a CBU student,” Lowe said. “We just answer all the different questions about transferring. Those are our goals today.”

Lowe gave attendees an overview of the CBU campus and all the activities that take place in a week. Other sessions included information on transferring course credits, academic planning and financial aid. The event also provided lunch and an opportunity for the guests to tour the campus and visit student housing in the afternoon.

Kayti Weston, a Crafton Hills College student from Beaumont, California, said she really enjoyed her experience and could see herself coming to CBU.

“I’m a sports person, so the fact that they have volleyball makes me really, really happy,” Weston said.

Rachel Payne, also a Crafton Hills College student from Redlands, California, said she would love to be a part of the CBU community.

“I definitely see myself studying here. I like the Christian background and I enjoyed interacting with current students,” Payne said.

 

Family Updates

Billie Yeager celebrated her birthday by having lunch in Stamp’s Courtyard on Oct. 30. Students were encouraged to stop by and wish her a happy birthday. Billie and Eugene Yeager were instrumental in many campus projects over the years, including reacquiring the land that now includes the administration building named in their honor.

 

 

 

 

 

Waylon Baumgardner, director of web applications development for Information Technology Services, gave a presentation at the Higher Education Web Professionals Association’s Annual Conference in Sacramento on Oct. 20-25. The title of the presentation was Visual Hierarchy in a Mobile Design World.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Gene Moon, associate professor of music, was a guest conductor of the Region 33 Honor Orchestra in Houston, Texas, on Nov. 10.  Additionally, he was appointed the new music director of the Riverside Arts Academy and Harmony Project Riverside and appointed a faculty member of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival based in Sewanee, Tennessee.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, had an article published as part of Church Production Magazine’s weekly devotional on Oct. 18. It was titled What Will Your Tech Legacy Be?

 

 

 

 

Alma Salazar, director of graduate admissions, attended the 9th Annual National Hispanic Education Summit in Ashland, Ohio, on Oct. 24. She participated on the panel for Student Services: Value-added Assets to Boost Hispanic Success.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Soojin Chung, assistant professor of intercultural studies, spoke at the Im Colloquium at UCLA Center for Korean Studies on Oct. 31. The title of the lecture was Hero or Villain: The Holts and the Korean Adoption Boom, 1955–60.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mario Oyanader, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, attended the Annual Meeting of AICHE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 29 with a biomedical engineering student and six chemical students. The students—Steffano Oyanader, Elyse Tighe, Jillian Arnold, Chloe Winter, Mathias Oyanader, Jewel C. Esparza and Alisa Kidwell—each presented research. Additionally, a student collaborator of Dr. Oyander’s from Berkley presented their research.

 

 

 

Dr. Gretchen Bartels, associate professor of English for Online and Professional Studies, had a poem published in The Ekphrastic Review (Nov. 2). It is titled Judith Beheading Holofernes. The Ekphrastic Review is a literary magazine that specializes in literature that responds to art.

 

 

 

 

Dr. William Boyer, assistant professor of kinesiology, had a study published in The American Journal of College Health (Oct. 4, 2018). The study is titled Health-Enhancing Physical Activity during Practice among Student Football Managers at a Division I University. Boyer also served as a judge for the Graduate Student Research Awards at the Southwest American College of Sports Medicine annual conference in Costa Mesa on Oct. 26-27.

 

 

 

Dr. G. Stephen Weaver, adjunct professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, had an article published in the Journal of Baptist Studies (Volume 9, 2018). The title is When Biography Shapes Ecclesiology: Bunyan, Kiffin, and the Open-Communion Debate.

 

Dr. Seth Jenny, adjunct professor of health science for Online and Professional Studies, made a presentation at the first academic Esports Conference at the University of California-Irvine on Oct. 12. His presentation was titled eSports in Academia: Past, Present, and Future.

 

 

 

 

 

The Center for the Study of Human Behavior hosted three workshops for faculty and students this fall at CBU. Dr. Kenneth Wang, an expert on scale development from Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Psychology, spoke on how to best create effective scales and surveys on Oct. 11. Dr. Erin Smith, associate professor of psychology at CBU, spoke on CBU’s Institutional Review Board processes on Oct. 18. Emily Shotick and Jana Parizer, APA (American Psychological Association) style trainers and specialists, spoke on APA Style Central on Nov. 8. Recordings of the events are available on the Center for the Study of Human Behavior website.

 

Denise Payne, senior credential analyst for the School of Education, has been elected to serve as president of the Credential Counselors and Analysts of California (CCAC) for the 2018-19 year. CCAC is a nonprofit organization that serves as the liaison between the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Institutions of Higher Education, school districts and county offices of education throughout the State of California.

 

 

 

Students from the College of Nursing administered flu vaccines to the community with Riverside Medical Clinic on Nov. 3. It was a “drive thru” clinic and 700 injections were administered.

 

 

 

Dr. Teresa Hamilton, associate professor of nursing, presented research at the 23rd annual Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Odyssey Research Conference in Del Mar on Nov. 8 and 9. Her poster and publication were titled Improving Cultural Competence Through Simulation.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Natalie Winter, professor of marking and management, spoke to Navigating Motherhood in Aliso Viejo on Oct. 11-12. Navigating Motherhood is an outreach ministry to unchurched moms of young children. Winter spoke on instilling good character in children. Additionally, Winter taught a message at Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo on Oct. 16-17. It was titled Holy Fear: Rightly Responding to God on II Samuel 6.

 

 

 

David Byrne, adjunct professor of history for Online and Professional Studies, had a book published this month. It was titled Ronald Reagan: An Intellectual Biography (University of Nebraska Press).

 

 

 

Felipe Gorini (’18) was a finalist in the student research competition at the Southwest Chapter of The American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in Costa Mesa on Oct. 26-27. He was supervised by Dr. Trevor Gillum, associate professor of kinesiology. The title of his presentation was Downhill running: an effective countermeasure to limitations of exercise in acute hypoxia?

 

 

 

Mikala “Anuhea” Gillis, a master of public health alumna, presented her thesis research at the Riverside County Research Exchange (RCRE) in Riverside on Oct. 30.  Her research was titled Exploration of the Concordance between State Reported Estimates and Observed Driving Behaviors in Riverside CA. The RCRE, a twice-yearly meeting of data analysts and researchers from across county departments, was created to enhance the sharing of ideas, current projects, methodologies and data sources among those working for the county.

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, was honored at the Public Relations Society of America – Inland Empire’s Polaris Awards event in Riverside on Nov. 8. Pearson received the Spirit of Public Relations Award. Pearson has served on chapter’s board of directors since 2012 and is the director for Public Relations Student Society of America, assembly delegate for PRSA-IE and a board member for the national PRSA Educators Academy. Additionally, CBU Marketing and Communication received a Capella award for Magazine, Newsletter or Periodical: The Roundtable. Also, CBU student Alexis Safoyan received a Capella award for a PR plan for the Wallace Theatre.

 

 

 

Dr. Sanggon Nam, associate professor of public health, presented research at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting in San Diego on Nov. 11. It was titled Risk of Probable Depression Associated with Unmarried Status in Older Korean Immigrants: Would Men and Women Differ?

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jacob Chao-Lun Huang, assistant professor of sociology, made a presentation at the 2018 California Sociological Association Annual Conference in Riverside on Nov. 10. It was titled Social Capital and Perception of Role Conflicts for College Student-Athletes.

 

 

 

 

The Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management was recognized by the American Public Works Association – Inland Empire Branch with a donation of $1,000 at an award luncheon in Corona on Nov. 9. Additionally, two civil engineering students, Kristi Sleeper and Kalen Gopperton, received scholarships of $2,500 each.

 

 

 

 

Hannah Burnett, admissions communications specialist, and Daphne Kieling, international center receptionist, completed the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Half Marathon in San Diego on Nov. 4. This was Burnett’s third and Kieling’s seventh half-marathon.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates