In this issue…
Current News
CBU engineering building receives beautification award
The Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building at California Baptist University has received a beautification award from the Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful (KRCB) program.
CBU received first place in the category of New Construction with Landscaping. Mayor Rusty Bailey and Cindy Roth, CEO of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, presented the KRCB awards during the annual State of the City address on Jan. 24. Mark Howe, CBU vice president for finance and administration, accepted the award on behalf of the university.
KRCB is a community-sponsored program by the City of Riverside and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. Its mission is to foster a sense of community pride by creating partnerships that work toward the beautification of the city.
The engineering building at CBU first opened its doors for the fall 2018 semester. The 100,000- square-foot building is the new home of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering at CBU.
The building is flanked by student residences known as the Cottages on the east and the Business and Music buildings to the west.
Inside, the Engineering Building hosts two blocks of classrooms, innovative labs, faculty offices and administrative spaces as well as a spacious, multipurpose design hall with room for labs, projects, exhibits, presentations and student collaboration. There is also an interactive studio lab designed to host K-12 STEM education programs.
CBU Online director of admissions is keen on student service
Christy Mathews is a proud new Lancer. She transitioned into her role at California Baptist University as director of admissions for the Online and Professional Studies (OPS) Division—a new role within the division—on Jan. 22.
For Mathews, CBU has been a place of intrigue since her first interaction with the institution. While pursuing an education specialist degree from Regent University, she took on a class project that focused on innovation in higher education. Her research ultimately focused on the CBU Online experience.
For her project, Mathews studied the CBU Online one-stop service model in which students make only one phone call to get all their answers pertaining to common questions such as academic advising, financial aid and enrollment. She found that the CBU model worked.
“That’s really a unique model and it’s ideal for student service,” Mathews said. “The core of everything CBU does is through relationship building, because that’s what will set us apart from other schools as well.”
Prior to her new position at CBU, Mathews worked professionally with online college students at two other universities. Along with that experience, her current status as a doctoral online student strengthens her understanding of the needs and expectations of online students.
Students need someone available to help them get connected, Mathews said.
“I’m really excited to be here. I love that all the way up to the president…the institution cares about knowing its people and making sure we’re all on the same page,” Mathews said. “I’m just really excited to be a part of that.”
CBU Online currently serves approximately 5,000 students online through 28 undergraduate majors and concentrations, 15 graduate majors and specializations, and two doctoral programs in business administration and public administration.
Pastor encourages students to be faithful in their walk with God
A person’s greatest goal should to be to please God through faith, pastor Daniel Bishop told a California Baptist University chapel audience on Jan. 29.
“Have dreams, change the world, be successful at what you do,” Bishop said. “But it doesn’t matter what you accomplish in your life, if you’re not faithful to God.”
Bishop (’06) is lead pastor at The Grove Community Church in Riverside and adjunct professor of Christian studies at CBU. Bishop expounded on Hebrews 11, noting that each person mentioned in the chapter was called to be faithful, and they all faced different struggles.
“God is going to ask you to step out in faith in some way in some point in your life,” Bishop said.
It takes faith to please God, to believe, to seek him and to earn a reward, Bishop said.
“It takes faith to seek God every single day,” Bishop said. “Some of your greatest acts of faithfulness will be moments when you feel lost, when you’re scared, when you’re going through the mundane days of life and you have to wrestle your emotions down to the ground and you say, ‘God, I need you and I’m going to follow you.’”
Some people try to be faithful simply to get what they want from God, Bishop said. The people listed in Hebrews 11 had a different viewpoint, he added.
“They weren’t focused on the immediate results. Instead, their faith rested on a promise that would come in the future,” Bishop said. “You will face trials in your life. The one thing that will carry you through is your faith. This is not all that we have here on this earth.”
People also need to realize that every person’s faith mission is different, Bishop said.
“Your faith in God may deliver you from the trial or your faith in God may put you right in the middle of the trial,” Bishop said.
“These people [in Hebrews 11] did their part; they helped bring God’s mission along. Now it’s our turn to be faithful,” Bishop continued. “It’s not over. God still has work to be done. He has things for you to do in your life to continue his plan.”
Speaker shares how she inspires kids through running
“If you let elementary students get their energy out in a productive way and make it fun, they will become more focused in their studies and they will behave better [in class],” Kara Lubin told a California Baptist University audience on Jan. 28.
Lubin is the founder of the 100 Mile Club, a nonprofit organization that focus on promoting healthy lifestyles through physical activity. Her organization encourages elementary students to run 100 miles in one school year. At the end of the year, every student who reaches that goal receives a gold medal.
“This idea came from the Olympics,” Lubin said. “I love the Olympics, and everyone competes for the gold—that’s what they want. But I kind of made up this idea and shaped it along the way.”
Lubin was a second-grade special education teacher when she came up with the idea to challenge her students to run 100 miles in a year.
“There was a lot of enthusiasm after that first mile. We got back, and they immediately asked if we could do it again tomorrow,” said Lubin, of her first class she pitched the idea to.
Now, 24 years later, almost 5,000 schools across the country participate in the 100 Mile challenge.
The program also encourages students with physical disabilities to set their own goals for the year and, if they meet them, they receive a medal.
Catherine Ayoub, a health science freshman, said she was glad she attended the lecture.
“Tonight was really eye-opening, that one teacher from a small school of 15 students can really impact the nation,” Ayoub said.
CBU Online places high in U.S. News & World Report rankings
CBU Online, the Division of Online and Professional Studies at California Baptist University, has earned the No. 42 spot among online bachelor’s programs in the 2019 Top Online Education Program national rankings released by U.S. News & World Report (USN&WR). This places CBU as the only California college ranked in the top 50 nationwide for best online bachelor’s programs.
In the USN&WR rankings for faculty credentials and training, CBU Online earned a No. 1 spot for both the online MBA and online graduate education programs in addition to a No. 4 ranking in the bachelor’s degree program category.
Pamela Daly, vice president for Online and Professional Studies, said the rankings confirm CBU’s commitment to providing quality instruction.
“The latest rankings support our mission and goal to increase opportunity for individuals from all walks of life,” Daly said. “We aim to reach our educational goals through the creation of accessible online bachelor, master and doctorate programs that are affordable, flexible and meaningful.”
“We are proud to offer a knowledge economy across all generations,” Daly said. “CBU Online is serving busy adults looking to advance their careers, millennials beginning their careers and our Generation Z population who expect delivery of their education in the modality that best suits their needs.”
For more information on the USN&WR rankings, please visit https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/california-baptist-university-1125/bachelors.
Art project explores morality in new exhibit at CBU
Barry Krammes sits next to one of his art pieces on Jan. 22 during the opening reception for “The Morality Theatre Project” exhibit at California Baptist University.
The Rose Garden Gallery at California Baptist University hosted an opening reception for its new exhibit, “The Morality Theatre Project,” on Jan. 22. The exhibit features 14 art pieces created by artist Barry Krammes that reflect on the concept of morality.
Krammes compiled a wide variety of recycled objects to create each piece featured in the exhibit. It took Krammes 17 years to finish his collection.
Krammes, who taught art for 35 years as a professor at Biola University, said he hopes every viewer comes away with something different.
“I want people to slow down and meditate on each piece while thinking about the various aspects of their life because each deals with a different question,” Krammes said.
Rebekah Leininger, gallery curator at CBU, said the exhibit is complex in its presentation.
“All the pieces have a struggle and tension to them, which is the overarching theme of the exhibit. Each piece has a different message open to interpretation,” Leininger said.
Leininger said she hopes the display inspires students to experiment with different art genres.
“We want students to redefine art for themselves. This exhibit shows students that boundaries can be pushed,” Leininger said.
Gabriela Sierravigas, an art therapy sophomore, said the display was unique.
“It is very different from the art I am used to seeing because it is all made from recycled pieces. The exhibit really allows students to open their eyes to new art,” Sierravigas said.
“The Morality Theatre Project” is open through March 1.
Spiritual retreat helps CBU students grow in their faith
Shelby McDonald, a psychology junior at California Baptist University, has a new hunger for the Gospel message thanks to a spiritual life retreat she attended Jan. 18-20.
McDonald and hundreds of her peers spent a weekend in the mountains reflecting on their Christian walk.
“The mission field starts now, and I must take advantage of where God has placed me in this season [of my life],” McDonald said. “I must remember daily that my cause is to live for Christ and the sake of His Kingdom.”
Some 300 students and 65 faculty and staff from CBU attended the retreat organized by the Spiritual Life office at CBU. The weekend getaway, held at the Pali Retreat Center near Running Springs, California, was open to all CBU students. Steve Shadrach, author and executive director of the Center for Mission Mobilization, served as the keynote speaker for the retreat. Students also attended several workshops throughout the weekend that were facilitated by staff from the Spiritual Life office.
The purpose of the retreat was to help the participants grow spiritually, said Jacob Ravenscraft, director of university ministries. The theme of the retreat was “The Story.”
“What does it look like to have a healthier, fuller picture of the gospel, of discipling the nations, of being a follower of Jesus who makes disciples?” Ravenscraft asked. “We want to invest in lives who then in turn develop followers of Jesus.”
“We’re trying to address the misconception that God becomes part of our story—‘I’m managing where God fits in my story,’” Ravenscraft said. “That’s not it. It’s how do we become part of His story and what does our role look like in that?”
America Suarez, a creative writing senior, said the retreat reminded her that God is in control and is at work in His children.
“He will prove Himself in His own time and way. I just have to be willing,” Suarez said. “Something that really hit a lot of us this weekend was the question of whether we were genuinely and fully able to pray this prayer: ‘Lord, I am willing to go anywhere, at any time, and to do anything for you.’”
Topping out event marks a milestone for East Parking structure
From left: Steve Smith, director of Facilities and Planning Services at California Baptist University; Mark Howe, vice president for Finance and Administration at CBU; Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president; and Brian McCarthy, vice president for the Southern California division at Swinerton Builders.
California Baptist University and Swinerton Builders hosted a Topping Out ceremony on Jan. 22, celebrating the final pouring of cement for the structure of the East Parking garage.
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president and a crowd of university dignitaries and Swinerton workers toured the facilities and shared a meal together.
The East Parking Structure is located in Lancer Plaza at the corner of Adams Street and Diana Avenue. The structure features five-levels and will provide more than 1,450 parking spaces. The total square footage of the structure is some 483,726 square feet. The garage will also feature two elevator towers and more than 50 security cameras. The parking structure is scheduled to open in August 2019.
CBU speaker addresses the influence of perceptions
“There is power in perception. In the way we see a circumstance,” Dr. Jennifer Dickey told a California Baptist University audience on Jan. 17.
Dickey spoke as part of the Culture and Justice Lecture Series for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at CBU. Dickey is a full-time lecturer and the director of the Global Mission Leadership Initiative at Baylor University.
Dickey, as part of an excise during her lecture, brought in 3D glasses for students to use. She then instructed the students to interact with each other wearing the glasses.
Dickey then asked the audience what they witnessed during the interactions.
Ultimately, the perception of participants was impaired, Dickey said.
“I think this is the reality of what is happening in our lives. We wear perception changing things all the time,” Dickey said.
Dickey said it is important to become conscious of how your perceptions are formed.
“What forms your perception of others? You need to become aware of these perceptions, especially if you are going into an international context,” Dickey said.
Dickey shared a letter she received from an individual she interacted with during a mission trip to Kenya.
“Volunteers need to come here and understand what we are doing. Let them fit into what we are already doing; because remember, we were here before them. You are not coming to find nothing, an empty plate, but people who are living and who have structures. These structures support us day-to-day,” Dickey recited.
“The letter for me meant—‘please see me,’” Dickey said. “See me for my perseverance, for my brilliance and my ability to overcome situations. See me for my capacity and treat me from that perception.”
CBU women’s basketball sets several records in lopsided win
The women’s basketball team at California Baptist University set a team and Western Athletic Conference record for points scored in a game in their 133-43 victory over Westcliff University on Jan. 17.
Ane Olaeta led the way for the Lancers with a career-high 27-point performance while shooting 12-for-17 from the field.
The Lancers are 9-10 overall. Their next home game will be Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. against Seattle University.
Read the full game recap here.
Family Updates
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis and Daniel Akers
Daniel Akers, website development specialist for Marketing and Communication, was named employee of the month for February. His nomination included the following statements: “Daniel constantly takes individual initiative to improve the functionality and user experience of CBU’s web properties. As web technology changes, Daniel strives for greater knowledge and expands his skills for the benefit of his team and university clients.”
Mandy Themm, adjunct professor of education, led a team of 19 to Belize Jan. 4-12. They taught students in four village schools and conducted a teacher/principal training using the 30,000 school books that they delivered. The team included four CBU students: Jennifer Revollo, Katie Kostecka, Katyana Conley and Crystal Navarro.
Ashley Sonke
Ashley Sonke, nursing student services coordinator II, conducted a seminar at Sam Houston State University on Jan. 8. She led a Holistic Admissions Review training seminar, as a part of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s workshops.
Dr. Fred Pontius
Dr. Fred Pontius, professor of civil engineering and construction management, served as a judge at the St. Catherine of Alexandria School science fair held in Riverside on Jan. 10. He helped judge 100 projects submitted by sixth- through eighth-graders.
Dr. Jeffrey Gage, professor of nursing, recently initiated Dads4Life, a community-based fatherhood program in partnership with Riverside Life Services. Volunteer father mentors welcome new dads and build relationships to support them and their families. A dads’ evening is held monthly to discuss fatherhood and family health. Dads can also participate in online education.
Dr. Robert Pate
Dr. Robert Pate, associate professor of psychology, provided a training for the clinical staff at Christian Counseling Services in Redlands on Jan. 9. The training was titled Working with Pain and Suffering.
Dr. Robert Shields, assistant dean of curriculum development for Online and Professional Studies, and his wife, Jessika (’08), co-authored a children’s book. Don’t Feed the Monster is a story about compassion, forgiveness and respect.
Paul Eldridge
Paul Eldridge, vice president for University Advancement, spoke to the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce’s Economic Development Council on Jan. 22. He talked about the latest campus renovations, including the new parking structure and the Lancer Plaza and Adams Avenue improvements.
Dr. Joel Bigley
Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of School of Business, had an article published in the International Journal of Engineering Technology Research & Management (December 2018). The title was Linking User Connectedness to the Performance of an Enterprise with a Global Supply Chain: A case study.
The Career Center hosted an Employer Partner Appreciation Luncheon on Jan. 24. The luncheon was held to update the employers on Career Center growth, upcoming events and new opportunities for employer involvement with CBU students. The employer partner program is designed to benefit companies and organizations so that they may provide their job opportunities to CBU students early and often.
From left: Dr. Monica O’Rourke; Max Guerrero, CBU student; Erin Guerrero, senior director of marketing for OPS; and Dawson Newby, Supercross rider with Team Faith
Dr. Monica O’Rourke, professor of kinesiology for Online and Professional Studies, her husband, Brian, and volunteers fed more than 400 people at the AMA Supercross race in Anaheim on Jan. 19. The meal, provided to Supercross riders, pit crew and support staff, was sponsored by CBU and served by Team Faith, CBU Online staff and alumni. The O’Rourkes operate Team Faith, an outreach ministry geared toward professional action-sports athletes.
Alana Jo Knight
Michael Knight, customer support analyst II in Information Technology Services, and his wife, Alicia, welcomed a daughter on Dec. 8. Alana Jo Knight weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 19 inches in length. She joins sister Riley, 4.
Yaxin Apphia Zhou
Dr. Hannah Hu, associate professor of chemistry, and her husband, Dapeng Zhou, welcomed a daughter on Jan. 24. Yaxin Apphia Zhou weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 inches in length.
Personnel Updates
