December 13, 2019

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU fall commencements are first for Class of 2020

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, congratulated hundreds of fall graduates during two commencement ceremonies at the CBU Events Center on Dec. 11.

Eight hundred and nine students were eligible to participate in the ceremonies. Ellis, who recently marked a quarter century as president of the institution, noted that the two ceremonies increased CBU’s total graduate count to 30,728 since the founding of the school in 1950.

“More than 86 percent of all CBU graduates to date—26,540—have completed their degrees in the 25 years and counting that it has been my pleasure to serve as president of California Baptist University. To God be the glory, great things he is doing at CBU,” Ellis said.

Ellis said graduates honored in the dual fall ceremonies are the first in the CBU Class of 2020. The Class of 2019 made up the institution’s largest graduating class to date with 2,904 graduates.

Dr. Jairy C. Hunter Jr., president emeritus and professor of business at Charleston Southern University, was the commencement speaker. Hunter was elected as the second president of the Baptist College of Charleston in 1984. He served until 2018 and led the college’s development as Charleston Southern University. Today, CSU is the largest accredited independent university in South Carolina.

Hunter focused his message on living a fulfilling and purposeful life.

“Our purpose in life must begin with a personal relationship with God. Knowing that our thoughts, plans and actions are God-inspired makes life meaningful and will create an honorable legacy of joy and fulfillment,” Hunter said.

Hunter said that one’s purpose should motivate one’s passions.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle for anything less. As with matters of the heart, you’ll know it when you find it,” Hunter said.

Hunter said Colossians 3:23 gives insight on pursuing one’s passion. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (NASB)

“Finding our passion through work is ideal because we spend a huge amount of our life working,” Hunter said. “Let me encourage you to seek a career you are passionate about that challenges you to use your knowledge and skills.”

 

Distinguished students ring in commencement ceremonies

More than 800 students at California Baptist University were eligible to participate in two fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 11. Two graduates from among the highest-ranking students opened up each ceremony with a CBU tradition—ringing the bell.

Each toll of the bell represents one decade of the university’s existence. The bell rang six times at each of the ceremonies to commemorate more than six decades of academic excellence. CBU was established in 1950.

Lyndsey Morgan, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, rang the bell at the morning ceremony, and Alanna Saldana, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, did the honors at the afternoon ceremony.

Morgan, whose current GPA is 3.99, was surprised and honored when she learned she had been chosen as a bell ringer. She said CBU has helped develop her skill set in many ways.

“CBU taught me how to balance [life] and not to procrastinate,” Morgan said. “[My college experience] taught me that if I just go ahead and do things ahead of time I’ll actually be less stressed and have more time to do other things.”

Saldana, whose current GPA is 3.93, wants to become a registered nurse. She said CBU is helping her get a step closer to achieving her dream.

“CBU shaped me in many ways but I believe that CBU has instilled in me to always trust that God is in control. There were many times where I doubted myself and my abilities to overcome obstacles, but it was in those times that God continued to show his love and mercy on me and in my life,” Saldana said. “CBU is a place filled with hope found only through God, and I’m very thankful for that reminder every time I step on campus,” she added.

 

Students’ achievements celebrated with hooding ceremonies

Hundreds of master’s degree candidates at California Baptist University celebrated achievements this week at hooding ceremonies leading up to commencement ceremonies on Dec. 11.

More than 230 master’s degree candidates were eligible to participate in the fall commencements. At CBU, colleges and schools hold individual hooding ceremonies to recognize their candidates and also give students their distinctive colored hoods to wear at their commencement ceremony.

The largest group of master’s candidates came from the Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education with 31 candidates. The Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business had the second largest group with 23 candidates. Additionally, the Online and Professional Studies had 125 candidates for graduation throughout its various programs.

Sol Kim, who received a Master of Science in Education degree, spoke at the School of Education’s hooding ceremony on Dec. 9 at Magnolia Church.

“Thank you, CBU staff and faculty for the great program to equip us to better serve students,” Kim said.

While attending CBU’s teaching credential and master’s program the past three years, Kim said he learned that God is in control. Kim encouraged his fellow graduates to take encouragement from that fact.

“There is a Korean phrase: If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it,” Kim said. “There is always something out of our control but that’s OK. God put you exactly where you’re supposed to be and doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing. God was in control, is in control and will continue to be in control.”

 

CBU students enjoy a late-night breakfast during finals week

The aroma of French toast filled the Alumni Dining Commons as students lined up to receive their late-night breakfast served by California Baptist University staff and faculty members on Dec. 5.

The Alumni Dining Commons started to serve the meal at 8 p.m. for seniors and 9 p.m. for the remainder of the students. The commons also stayed open until 4 a.m. for students who wanted a place to study. The Late Night Breakfast event is a CBU tradition that allows staff and faculty members to serve, show support and encourage students during finals week.

Hundreds of students showed up for the event and dined on French toast, eggs, bacon, tater tots, cereal and doughnuts.

Ruby Barragan, a sociology senior, enjoyed the opportunity to get her mind off finals and eat a hearty meal with friends.

“I have been working all day so I knew I needed a break. I think it is a great way to end the year, making great memories with friends,” Barragan said.

Angela Stevenson, a sociology senior, said she was grateful for the event.

“I came out to see what it would be like and it is heartwarming to be served by the staff,” Stevenson said.

Anthony Lammons, dean of students, said he looks forward to serving at Late Night Breakfast every semester.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to serve students. I have enjoyed participating for years and years. It is exciting to see those who are graduating and even meet students for the first time,” Lammons said.

 

CBU ushers in Christmas season with traditional campus event

More than 2,000 students, staff and faculty members along with their friends and families gathered for the traditional tree lighting ceremony at California Baptist University on the Front Lawn on Dec 3. Participants also assembled more than 600 gift shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.

The annual event was organized by Associated Students of CBU, and the university’s Community Life and Spiritual Life offices. It featured manmade snow, photo booths with Santa Claus, holiday treats, hot drinks and a reading of the Christmas story.

Attendees were given candles as they arrived to the playing of festive music . Next, CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. Then attendees lit their candles and counted down to the lighting of the towering Christmas tree before singing “Silent Night.”

Shalia Eslick, a counseling psychology graduate student, helped to coordinate the Operation Christmas Child efforts.

“I enjoyed working behind the scenes and getting to know how many people it takes to do this,” Eslick said. “The boxes send a message to the receiver that they are loved by people who don’t even know them.”

Amy Gonzales, an early childhood studies major, said the event was an opportunity to spend time with friends while helping others.

“I really enjoyed being with my friends and enjoying the beginning of the Christmas season,” Gonzales said. “I think the event teaches us not to be selfish and give to others.”

 

Engineering students put their robots’ talent on display

Freshman engineering students at California Baptist University displayed their robotic constructions during the Robots Got Talent event on Dec 2. The event featured nine teams who competed in a semester-long process to construct robots designed to perform a unique set of functions.

The Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering at CBU hosted the event in the multipurpose design hall of the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building.

“The competition is called Robots Got Talent because it allows students to have an open slate to create a robot that will impress the audience,” said Dr. Matthew Rickard, professor and chair of bioengineering at CBU. “The aim is for students to be able to work in a team, gain experience with design and be able to present what they created to an audience.”

Students enrolled in the Introduction to Engineering course (ERG 101) are given a design kit at the beginning of the semester to create customized robots. The kit consisted of remote controls, motors, sensors and LEGO pieces.

The audience voted on its favorite robot and the members of the winning team received 3D printed trophies. This year’s winner was The Itsy-Bitsy Spider robot that was designed to climb up a wall and then display a flag when it reached the top of its journey.

Members of the winning team included Max Duff, Logan Sorrell, Berabe Estrada, Blake Shah, Courtney Khong and Jennifer Nishimura.

Other teams in the competition presented robots that performed tasks such as lifting objects, drawing, and detecting hazardous odors.

“The competition also allows freshman students to understand the differences between the engineering disciplines including electrical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering, in order to help them choose an engineering major they enjoy,” Rickard said.

 

CBU volunteers set to serve in 26 countries on 39 teams in 2020

Excitement and anticipation filled Magnolia Church in Riverside as hundreds of California Baptist University students eagerly awaited the Team Reveal event held on the evening of Dec. 2. The event, hosted by the Office of Spiritual Life at CBU, reveals which International Service Project (ISP) teams and locations the students have been assigned.

Summer 2020 marks the 24th year of CBU’s global mobilization efforts. More than 300 students and staff and faculty members comprising 39 teams are scheduled to serve in 26 countries.

John King, director of mobilization, told the students the theme for 2020 ISP is “Discover ___” with the theme verse from Deuteronomy 4:29: “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and your soul” (NASB).

“Students receive an opportunity to see God ‘fill in the blank’ with a different description of their individual experience on ISP,” King said. “When we take students on ISP trips we don’t start something but join in on something that God is already doing.”’

Justin Ortal, a biomedical sciences junior, is serving on his first ISP trip.

“I am most excited about learning more about God’s creation and seeing how His glory is spread throughout all of the world, and especially the country I will be serving in,” Ortal said.

Rachel Solomon, a communications junior, said she looks to mature in her faith through her ISP service.

“I am excited for growth, to grow in my own confidence and also for spiritual growth through what I am doing at ISP,” Solomon said. “I also love serving and putting smiles on the faces of others.”

Kerri Horton, logistics coordinator for mobilization, said these experiences are meaningful for the students.

“There is nothing else that compares to this once in a lifetime opportunity. The team leaders do a good job raising others to be confident and to share the Gospel with others,” Horton said.

ISP students will serve on four types of teams, depending on previous ISP experience and their time commitment. Encounter teams are open to first-time participants who will serve two to three weeks. Engagement teams are deployed for three weeks. Immersion teams serve for eight weeks and are available to returning ISP students.

During the summer of 2019, CBU’s Mobilization efforts reached another historic milestone— 5,000-plus volunteers since the start of the flagship ISP program.

 

Chute named SoCal Baptist Ministries Endowed Professor

Dr. Anthony Chute, associate dean of the School of Christian Ministries, has been named the SoCal Baptist Ministries Endowed Professor at California Baptist University.

“I am both honored and humbled by this appointment,” said Chute, professor of church history. “I want to honor the appointment by being a faithful steward of my academic work such that my teaching, writing and service reflects historic Christian orthodoxy from a Southern Baptist perspective.”

The SoCal Baptist Ministries Endowed Professorship is funded by donations from SoCal Baptist Ministries and an anonymous donor in addition to institutional funds from the CBU endowment match program. This is the second $1 million endowed professorship established at the School of Christian Ministries, and it is the first to have a full-time faculty appointed to and supported by the endowment. The funds allowed the School of Christian Ministries to create a new endowed position and freed up institutional funds to hire an additional professor.

Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries, said qualifications for the professorship include having an established record of excellence in teaching, leadership and/or publishing. The professor’s role will include, but not be limited to, some combination of the following: teaching, writing, research, service, enhancing community among and investing in students and an active relationship with School of Christian Ministries leadership and faculty, Morgan added.

Chute has been a professor of church history and Baptist history at CBU for 17 years and served as associate dean for eight years.

Morgan said Chute has an established record of publishing, serves local churches and enhances community among students and alumni.

“He exudes love for the Lord, His church, students and CBU. He is a man of grace and truth,” Morgan said. “The School of Christian Ministries is blessed to have him and I am honored to serve alongside him.”

In teaching, Chute said his goal is that the students will love the Lord more as they learn about the importance of the Bible and the history of the church.

“Most students have never heard the story of the church so I try to help them to see God’s faithfulness throughout church history. I also try to show them how Christians have read the Bible long before our time so we can be faithful to the truths with which we have been entrusted and so we can avoid the errors others have made in the past,” Chute said. “In short, the Lord has been faithful to his church and we should be faithful to Him. “

 

CBU community supports dual causes at campus blood drive

Students, staff and faculty at California Baptist University donated blood on Nov. 18-19 for two causes important to the campus community—to support mobilization efforts and to supply local blood banks.

Mobilization, in the Office of Spiritual Life, hosted the drive that supplied blood for LifeStream and in the process raised funds for this year’s International Service Project (ISP) volunteers.

LifeStream will distribute the blood collected to local hospitals. Additionally, they will make a monetary donation on behalf of the blood donor to an ISP participant or the Mobilization scholarship fund.

Caitlyn Lloyd, a journalism and new media senior, said she believes it is important to donate blood as often as possible.

“My brother was shot in the [2017 Las] Vegas Shooting and I know that situations like that call for an excessive amount of donated blood, I think this is a good building process for those needs in those tragic situations,” Lloyd said.

Lana Sabbara, a nursing junior, said she gave blood to support her friend’s participation in Mobilization efforts.

“I have [type] O-negative blood, which makes me a universal donor. It is such an awesome feeling knowing that my blood can help anybody in need,” Sabbara said. “I am also glad the blood I am donating helps raise funds for my friend participating in ISP.”

AJ Juarez, an athletic trainer for the wrestling team and men’s and women’s golf teams, participated in the blood drive to support a student athlete who is participating in an ISP trip in the summer of 2020.  “I am in health care, so I understand the importance of blood donation just in case someone has an emergency and also because it is important for the general health and population for those who need it—overall it is for a good cause,” Juarez said.

Mobilization has provided opportunities for the CBU community to participate in blood drives for the past 10 years.

 

CBU’s campus publications earn top national awards

California Baptist University’s campus publications picked up 17 national awards handed out by two of the pre-eminent organizations in college media — the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Association — during the Fall National College Media Convention in Washington, D.C., in November.

At ACP’s annual Pacemaker Awards, known unofficially as the “Pulitzer Prizes of student journalism,” Lancer Media Group earned four awards, including a Finalist Award for the biggest honor of the night: Best Newspaper, an intensely competitive category featuring papers from across the country. It was The Banner newspaper’s first time reaching the Finalist stage.

In another first, 2019 CBU graduate Maria Gamez took home first place for Story of the Year – Feature Story, which told the story of a CBU student who battled cancer. Pursuit magazine had placed in previous years but had not yet taken home the top award.

In Story of the Year – Sports Game Story, senior Cullen Holt took home fifth place nationally for his coverage of women’s volleyball’s exciting victory over the University of California, Riverside. Christopher Johnston and Elisabeth Smith earned an honorable mention for graphic design featured in the Angelos yearbook and cartooning featured in The Banner, respectively.

In the competition’s Best of Show Awards, The Banner brought home the trophy for first place in the Non-Weekly Newspaper category; Angelos earned third place for Yearbooks; and Pursuit took ninth place in the Feature Magazine category.

At the College Media Association’s Pinnacle Awards, nearly a dozen students within Lancer Media Group took home 10 awards spanning graphic design, photography, illustration and more, with Angelos yearbook, The Banner and Pursuit all receiving top honors.

Pursuit took first place for Best Magazine Cover for its Fall 2018 Issue, and junior Phillip Ndowu took home two awards — first place for Best Photo Illustration and honorable mention for Best Portrait, both featured in the magazine.

“We are excited to receive these high honors in competitions among the top journalism programs throughout the United States,” said Dr. Michael Chute, professor of journalism and director of the Journalism & New Media and Public Relations program. “Our students work extremely hard to produce top-notch campus publications, and winning such prestigious awards at both ACP and CMA attests to the excellent work our students are doing for CBU’s campus publications.”

 

Family Updates

Dr. Jee Young Noh, assistant professor of education, published an article in the Journal of Child and Family Studies (Oct. 17, 2019). The title was Children’s Developing Understanding of Merit in a Distributive Justice Context.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Charles Sands, provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented at the annual meeting for chief academic officers of the Council for Independent Colleges in Baltimore on Nov. 2-5. The title was Fostering Resilience through Intergenerational Connections. The presentation related to grant funding provided by the AARP Foundation, which supported the establishment of programs that benefit both students and older adults in the communities. CBU’s participation in the grant project was focused on the Casa Blanca neighborhood in Riverside.

 

 

Dr. Raquel Ellis, assistant professor of social work, Dr. Viola Lindsey, associate professor of social work, and Dr. Krystal Hays, assistant professor of social work, presented at the North American Association of Christians in Social Work in Indianapolis on Nov. 8. The presentation was on lessons learned in the development and launch of a capstone course sequence.

 

 

 

 

The English department hosted Alan Brown of Dexterous Media Group for its fall lecture series on Nov. 6. Brown presented on SEO writing, creating marketing narratives and internship opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Graduate students from the Master of Arts in English program presented at the Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association’s annual conference in San Diego on Nov. 14. Regina Mejia presented on The Comical Behavior of Pedro in “Like Water for Chocolate,” Rosita Khoury presented on Florentino the Fool in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “Love in the Time of Cholera,” and Cassie Allen presented on Love and the Power of Women in “Love in the Time of Cholera”: No Joking Matter.

 

 

 

Dr. Erika J. Travis, associate professor of English and behavioral sciences, presented a paper at the Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association’s annual conference in San Diego on Nov. 15. It was titled Female Friendship and Identity Formation in Graphic Novels for Children.

 

 

 

Dr. Berniece Bruinius Alspach, associate professor of English, presented a paper at the Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association’s annual conference in San Diego on Nov. 17. It was titled Using Digital Platforms and Tools in the English Classroom.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ed Garrett, associate professor of kinesiology for Online and Professional Studies, spoke at the Coachella Valley Coaches Clinic in Thermal, California, on Nov. 16. He presented on the integration of sport psychology into the mental toughness and well-being of youth within sports.

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Shields, assistant professor of computer information technology for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the 2019 Quality Matters Connect 11th Annual Conference in Grapevine, Texas, on Oct. 28. His presentation was titled Road Trip! Helping Students Reach Their Learning Destinations via Effective Course Design.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, and Dr. Victoria Brodie, assistant professor of public relations, presented to Moreno Valley city leaders on Nov. 12, San Jacinto city leaders on Nov. 20 and Moreno Valley city employees on Nov. 26. The presentation’s title was Emotional Quotient, Adversity Quotient, Grit and Growth Mindset.

 

 

 

 

The CBU student chapter of National Student Speech Hearing Language Association held a guest speaker series event on Nov. 14. Cynthia Byward, a speech-language pathologist from Riverside University Health System, was the guest speaker.

 

Dr. Ogbochi McKinney, assistant professor of public health for Online and Professional Studies, presented a paper at the Ninth International Conference on Food Studies at the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism in Taiwan on Oct. 25. The paper, Anemia and Nutritional Status of Children and Women in Malawi, was co-written with Dr. Pamela Mukaire, adjunct professor of public health for Online and Professional Studies. Additionally, McKinney, Mukaire and Dr. Dede Teteh, adjunct professor of public health for Online and Professional Studies, presented a paper at the annual American Public Health Association Conference held in Philadelphia on Nov. 2-6. The title was Knowledge of HIV Prevention Methods not Translating to Practice among Reproductive Age Malawian Women.

 

 

Stefani Plummer, director of the Recreation Center, was the keynote speaker at the Magnolia Church Fall Women’s Brunch in Riverside on Nov 16. She spoke on gratitude.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Soojin Chung, assistant professor of intercultural studies, had an article published in Studies in World Christianity (December 2019). The title was Mother of Transracial Adoption: Pearl Buck’s Special Needs Adoption and American Self-criticism.

 

 

 

Sam Welbaum, assistant professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, presented a paper at the 13th annual Lighthearted Philosopher’s Society Conference in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 8-9. It was titled Redemptive Derision: Luther’s Pastoral Use of Insult in Light of the Command to Love the Neighbor. He also contributed a chapter, Understanding Worldview to Minister More Effectively, to the textbook Nursing as Ministry (Jones and Bartlett, October).

 

 

 

Dr. Joshua Rodriguez, assistant professor of music theory and composition, presented a paper at the Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers Conference at Mississippi College and Belhaven University on Oct. 17-19. The title was What Can Evangelicalism Uniquely Contribute to Contemporary Art Music? Additionally, two of his compositions were performed, including Partita Picosa performed by Mary Vanhoozer, adjunct professor of piano.

 

 

 

Dr. Bonjun Koo, professor of environmental science, had a paper published in Applied and Environmental Soil Science (September 2019). The title was Distribution of Available Silicon of Volcanic Ash Soils in Jeju Island.

 

 

 

 

The College of Nursing has received full accreditation in the area of teaching/education through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The Society for Simulation in Healthcare is the largest international accrediting body for healthcare simulation. The college’s Interprofessional Education Learning Resource Center is one of a handful of programs accredited in California and the only one in the Inland Empire. The accreditation is for five years.

 

Dr. Shawn Wilhite, assistant professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting in San Diego on Nov. 20-22. The title was Cyril’s Christological Scriptural Exegesis in Dialogues on the Trinity.

 

 

 

Dr. Jeff Cate, professor of New Testament, presented a paper at the German Bible Society at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in San Diego on Nov. 24. It was titled The Use of the UBS Greek New Testament in Classrooms.

 

 

 

Dr. Ashley Parks, assistant professor of public health science, and Matthew Lazari, adjunct professor of public health science, presented a poster at the American Psychological Association’s Work, Stress and Health Conference in Philadelphia on Nov. 9. It was titled A Portrait of California’s Workforce: Mental Health Status, Family Relationships, and Hours Worked.

 

 

 

Dr. Lisa Hernandez, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, presented at the Western Sectional Meeting of the American Mathematical Society in Riverside on Nov. 9. The title was Mosaic Numbers of Torus Knots.

 

 

 

 

Mary Vanhoozer, adjunct professor of piano, performed a solo recital and taught a master class as a visiting guest artist at Denison University in Ohio on Oct. 23. She also released a digital album of original songs and instrumentals, Bard and Ceilidh (Nov. 24).

 

 

 

Dr. Trevor Gillum, professor of kinesiology, had two papers published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. The titles were Reduced inflammatory and phagocytotic responses following normobaric hypoxia exercise, despite greater elevations in gastrointestinal barrier permeability (Nov. 21) and Prolonged treadmill running in normobaric hypoxia causes gastrointestinal barrier permeability and elevates circulating levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (Sept. 10).

 

 

 

Dr. Joshua Knabb, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Veola Vazquez, professor of psychology, published an article in Spirituality in Clinical Practice (Nov. 18, 2019). The title was Christian Meditation for Repetitive Negative Thinking: A Multisite Randomized Trial Examining the Effects of a 4-Week Preventative Program.

 

 

 

Dr. Rich Austin, adjunct professor of public administration for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the fall conference of the Georgia City-County Management Association on Nov. 14. It was titled Factors That Lead to Civil Unrest in the Wake of Officer-Involved Lethal Use of Force Incidents: Tale of Two Cities. Additionally, he had an article, Utilizing Social Media to Promote Legitimacy in Law Enforcement, published in Real Hero Report (July).

 

Dr. Linn Carothers, professor of mathematics, presented at the American Public Health Association 2019 Conference in Philadelphia on Nov. 5. The title was EpiCrim Analytics: Data Mining an 18 year Longitudinal Prospective Danish Hospital Cohort (N=9125) Reveals Highly Effective Clues to Adolescent and Young Adult Crime Prevention.

 

 

 

Dr. Melissa Wigginton, associate professor of health science, presented at the American Public Health Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia on Nov. 5. The title was Youth and Physical Activity: Examination of factors and outcomes associated with the achievement of the physical activity recommendations using the 2017 YRBSS.

 

 

 

 

Philip Breitenbucher, assistant professor of social work, presented at the National Association of Social Workers – California Chapter conference in San Mateo, California, on Nov. 2. The title was What You Need to Know About Treating Pregnant Women and Mothers with Opioid Use Disorders.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert LaChausse, professor of public health, has been appointed to a two-year term on the board of directors of the National Prevention Science Coalition. The coalition is dedicated to translating scientific knowledge into effective and sustainable practices, systems and policies to prevent social ills and promote well-being. LaChausse also will serve as the co-editor of the Bulletin, the official publication of the organization.

 

 

 

Dr. Natalie Winter, professor of marketing and management, presented to the MyStaffing Coach Leadership Development Bootcamp in Irvine on Oct. 25. It was titled Leadership Lessons. She also made a presentation, A Life of Gratitude, at Navigating Motherhood, a ministry of Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo, California, on Nov. 21-22.

 

 

 

Kinesiology graduate students Felipe Gorini, Michael Robinson, Rebekah Hunt, Brian Shariffi, Kathrine Dillon, Sam Lebowitz and Andrew Greenfield presented data at the Southwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in Costa Mesa, California, on Oct. 25-26. Gorini’s presentation, High intensity intervals expands plasma and improves cycling performance in acute hypoxia, was a finalist for the Graduate Student Research Award.

 

 

Dr. Fred Pontius, professor of civil engineering, participated by video conference in a career day held by the Morrison Academy (High School), in Chiayi, Taiwan, on Oct. 25. He gave a presentation on the engineering profession.

 

 

 

 

Frank Mihelich, associate professor of theatre, was the keynote speaker at the Artists in Christian Testimony Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on Nov. 7. The title was How Theatre Can Save America: A Vision for Christians in the America Theatre.

 

 

 

Dr. Soung Hwa Walker, adjunct professor of psychology, presented a paper at the at the Mid-South Educational Research Association annual meeting in New Orleans on Nov. 6-8. The paper was titled Formative Assessment: Instructional strategies to increase student motivation and achievement. Additionally, Walker and Dr. Robin Duncan, dean of the Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education, presented a paper, Affective-Behavioral-Cognitive Attitudes Toward Mathematics.

 

 

 

Josh Moss, director of alumni and parent relations, organized a Nashville CBU Alumni and Friends event on Oct. 5. More than 50 alumni and friends attended. Dr. Monica O’Rourke, professor of kinesiology, hosted the event at her home, and Kim Cunningham, director of development, also joined the event.

 

 

Dr. Monica O’Rourke, professor of kinesiology, presented at the Global Congress for Sport and Christianity, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Oct. 23-27. The presentation was titled Culture and Context of Evangelism among Professional Motocross and Hydrocross Athletes. Additionally, two CBU master’s of kinesiology alumnae made presentations. Alissa Harris (’19) presented Take a Hike! A Guide to Senior High Outdoor and Recreational Education in Central Ohio. The paper was co-authored with O’Rourke, Lauri Hauck, visiting professor of kinesiology, and Dr. Greg Bowden, professor of organizational leadership for Online and Professional Studies. Molly Craycroft (’18) presented Embracing Avenues to Health: Body Image, Weight Loss Surgery and Christ.

 

Members of the CBU chapter of the Society of Women Engineers—Cassidy Aranda, Bethany Lopez, Bayley Jones, Kaylee Garcia, Carley Bouwman, Joyelle Lee, Briana Avendano, Mollyana Wood and Reuella Jacob—took part in an invention competition at the 2019 SWE National Conference in Anaheim on Nov. 6. They designed a bike that when pedaling, supplied energy to charge a cell phone and light Christmas lights on the bike. Dr. Amanie Abdelmessih, professor of mechanical engineering, students Alyssa Rice-Heckman and Jubilee Bosch also attended the conference.

 

Jane Craig, administrative assistant for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and her husband, Rick, welcomed their second grandchild on Dec. 7. Brawn Daniel Sanders weighed 7 pounds and measured 20.5 inches. His parents are Christina (’06) and Daniel Sanders.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates