In this issue…
Current News
Spring Career Expo brings job opportunities for CBU students
Before attending the Spring Career Expo at California Baptist University on Feb. 19, Nathaniel Gibson, a political science senior, did his homework. He found out what businesses would be present and then he researched their current job openings.
He also had his resume, which was previously vetted by the Career Center, in hand. Gibson said having a career fair on campus is beneficial when it comes to finding a job.
“It gives students the chance to network face to face instead of trying to find something in the midst of [classes],” Gibson said. “It’s helpful to have that brought to you, to have that opportunity.”
The Career Expo, coordinated by the CBU Career Center, featured nearly 100 commercial businesses, nonprofits and government agencies that were offering internship and job opportunities.
The event is helpful for both students and the businesses, said Lisa Singer, associate director of employer relations in the Career Center.
“Even if a student is not currently looking for a position, this is still a perfect opportunity to network, gain experience talking with employers and gain information regarding opportunities,” Singer said. “Additionally, the companies attend because they have positions to fill and they appreciate partnering with CBU and want to build relationships with candidates early in their college career.”
Lijin Nanu, a mechanical engineering graduate student, said he has learned how to present himself better after attending a past expo hosted at CBU.
“I came to one previously, but I was unprepared,” said Nanu, who was looking for a summer internship. “This semester I’m prepared. I went to the Career Center to get my resume done.”
Brenda Seewald, a supervising air quality inspector with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, said a CBU student interned with the district last year.
“I’m excited when they have me come out here because I know the quality of the [students],” said Seewald, who is a CBU alumna. “I have employees who report under me and I would love to have a CBU student.”
Lancer Day aims to solidify college choice for high schoolers
Sydney Halvorson, of Wildomar, California, took part in Lancer Day at California Baptist University on Feb. 18. Halverson attended chapel, met her peers and learned about programs and the CBU culture. By the end of the day, she was set on becoming a Lancer.
“I love the atmosphere. Everyone actually seems to care about the students, which makes me want to come here,” Halvorson said. “I know I won’t just be a number in the classroom. I’ll have a name.”
When the day reached the “Choose CBU Party” event, she wrote her name on the large CBU letters, indicating she will attend CBU for the fall 2020 semester.
Lancer Day is one of several events that CBU holds throughout the year to connect prospective and accepted students to campus. About 250 prospective Lancers, many accompanied by their parents, participated in the latest event. Visitors had the opportunity to attend chapel, hear from program directors and various campus offices and sign up for an orientation session.
“The purpose of Lancer Day is to help accepted students see if CBU is the right fit for them. Everyone is unique and has specific questions, so at Lancer Day we want to provide an opportunity for students to get those questions answered,” said Bryce Burditt, associate director of undergraduate admissions, visit and events. “The Choose CBU party is a celebration for us to cheer on students who have decided to commit to CBU.”
Ignacio Dominguez, of Redwood City, California, also made his commitment to attend CBU at Lancer Day. He appreciated that everybody was well prepared to answer his questions.
“I’ve always looked for a close-knit community like CBU. It wasn’t so big, but it wasn’t so small. I thought that was the best part about it,” Dominguez said. “I think the events that they hold [for prospective students] gives you that push and that reassurance that you know you’re going somewhere good.”
To learn more about Lancer Day click here.
“Babette’s Feast” brings grace to the stage at CBU
The theatre program at California Baptist University is bringing “Babette’s Feast” with its serving of grace to the stage at Wallace Theatre. The play opened Feb. 14.
The story follows two sisters who preside over a dwindling and bickering congregation in a village in 19th century Norway. Babette, a mysterious refugee from France, appears at their door and offers to work for the sisters. After years of service, Babette proposes to make a delicious feast for the village. However the meal proves to be more than just a feast; it is a magical outpouring of redemptive grace.
“Where Babette goes, she’s able to bring hope and renewal,” said Frank Mihelich, associate professor theatre and the play’s director.
Mihelich said the play is similar to other faith-based plays with ties to C.S. Lewis, Corrie ten Boom and Dietrich Bonhoeffer that CBU has performed.
“’Babette’s Feast’ is just as powerful,” Mihelich said. “I want to start a deep, robust conversation around grace. What I love about the play is, it reminds me of [authors] C.S. Lewis or Flannery O’Conner, where they’re able to get you thinking about biblical themes, but God isn’t really mentioned.”
Additionally, Mihelich has a personal tie to the play. Years ago when he lived in New York City, he was part of a team that developed the play.
“For me, it’s a real privilege to bring it to the CBU community,” Mihelich said.
Most of the cast of 11 actors play several different characters and provide narration.
Joy Bennett, a theatre sophomore, plays Babette. The play has taught her about abundant grace.
“Growing up in the church, the word ‘grace’ is tossed around a lot,” Bennett said. “I forget how undeserving of grace you have to be in order to receive it. ‘Babette’s Feast’ is convicting me of that truth and encouraging me at the same time.”
Josiah Murphy, a film sophomore, said the story also is about not being afraid of change.
“‘Babette’s Feast’ has several instances of love lost because it might take you to a place unfamiliar and scary,” Murphy said. “I’ve learned from the text, and my own life, to take risks and go places that take me out of my comfort zone because if I have God on my side, what’s there to be afraid? Try new things, seek out challenging and growing experiences. It will make you a stronger person.”
“Babette’s Feast”
When: Feb. 21-22 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 22 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
Packed CBU audience ‘wooed’ at talent show
Residence Life at California Baptist University hosted the 11th annual Woo Fest to a packed house at the Fox Performing Arts Center in downtown Riverside on Feb. 7.
Woo Fest has grown since debuting in 2009, when 230 students watched the inaugural event. At this year’s event, more than 1,600 spectators watched acts perform songs, skits, comedic routines and read poetry.
“Woo Fest started as a tradition years ago where the men at CBU ‘wooed’ the women. It was a living area event and just grew in popularity, and now it is a CBU tradition that we want to keep letting students experience,” said McKenna Liardon, assistant director of Residence Life.
Elsie Parea, a sociology sophomore, said she laughed a lot at the event.
“It was really entertaining watching the guys ‘woo’ the girls with their performances. My favorite part was when a group of guys danced for the crowd and then threw out roses,” Parea said.
Isabella Ayllon, a music education freshman, enjoyed how each performer was interactive in the crowd.
“I really like how the performers interacted with the crowd and invited us to be a part of their performances,” Ayllon said.
Gina Mann, a criminal justice and psychology senior, said this will be her last time attending the event.
“I have gone every year and I am happy to experience one last Woo Fest event,” said Mann. “It’s exciting to be able create memories while hanging out.”
Family Updates
Dr. Russell Howell
The College of Arts and Sciences, Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences hosted Dr. Russell Howell, professor of mathematics at Westmont College, for its distinguished lecture series on Feb. 5-6. He presented three talks: Mathematical Beauty and the Lewis-Anscombe Debate, Ram and Recursion, and Is Faith Required for Mathematics? Is Mathematics Required for Faith?
Dr. Candace Vickers
Dr. Candace Vickers, associate professor of communication disorders, was invited to present at the Illinois Speech Language Hearing Association in Rosemont, Illinois, on Feb. 7. The presentation was titled Maximizing service for outpatients with aphasia.
Adrienne Herrenbruck, adjunct professor of kinesiology for Online and Professional Studies, had a literature review published. Role of skeletal muscle autophagy in high-fat-diet-induced obesity and exercise was published in Nutrition Reviews (January 2020).
Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi
Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, co-authored two papers. Chitinases of Bacillus thuringiensis: Phylogeny, Modular Structure, and Applied Potentials was published in Frontiers in Microbiology (January 2020). Class 1 defensins from broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) seeds and their antimicrobial activity was published in World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (February 2020).
Dr. Laura Veltman
Dr. Laura Veltman, professor of American literature, was re-elected to a two-year term as treasurer of the scholarly organization Conference on Christianity and Literature.
California Baptist University made the Military Friendly list for 2020-2021. The listing, which measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful opportunity for the military community, is published by VIQTORY, a military marketing company.
Damon Horton
Damon Horton, assistant professor of intercultural studies, made two presentations: Defining Moments and Decision Making, from Esther 4 at Moody Church in Chicago on Feb. 5 and Real Relationships from John 15:1-11 at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., on Feb. 8.
Michael Kinnen, adjunct professor of finance, co-authored a paper in Journal of Accounting & Finance (Volume 19, issue 9). The title was Applying stock market image theory in China: Antecedents, dimensions, and consequences in the Middle Kingdom.
Dr. Deron Walker
Dr. Soung Hwa Walker
Dr. Soung Hwa Walker, adjunct professor of psychology, and Dr. Deron Walker, professor of English, co-authored a paper published in Journal of Studies in Education (February 2020). The title was The ABCs of Math Attitudes: Reliability and Validity of The Three-Factor Model.
Russell Meek, adjunct professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, co-authored a book. It was titled A Book-by-Book Guide to Biblical Hebrew Vocabulary (December 2019).
Dr. Natalie Winter
Dr. Natalie Winter, professor of marketing and management, taught at an all-church retreat for Redeemer’s Grace Church, San Diego. The retreat took place at Pine Valley Bible Conference Center. The theme of the retreat was The Grace of Life.
Dr. Kristin Mauldin
Dr. Kristin Mauldin, assistant professor of psychology, wrote an article for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology’s newsletter. It was titled Serving the Community through Exercise Psychology Programs (Jan. 15).
From left: CBU students Amber Young, Megan Espiritu, Nicole Marks, Lindsea Murray, Tyler Shelley and Daniel Beimford (not pictured Sara Mitchell)
CBU theatre students participated at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Fullerton on Feb. 11-15. Amber Young, Lindsay Murray and Megan Espiritu participated in the Stage Management Fellowship program, and Espiritu was selected as a finalist. Daniel Beimford and Nicole Marks were chosen as nominees for the Irene Ryan scholarship from the production of “Godspell.” They had to put together an audition of three minutes consisting of a scene and monologue. Out of 344 nominees, Beimford and Marks made it to the final round of 16 finalists.
Upcoming Chapel Services, 9 and 10:45 a.m.:
Feb. 25: Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside
March 3: Dr. R. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky
Personnel Updates
