April 6, 2020

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU community staying connected through social media

While the California Baptist University campus may be closed due to a coronavirus directive from the County of Riverside health officer, Lancers are turning to social media and online platforms to stay connected.

Community Life welcomed students back from spring break and asked them to post photos of their “first day from home outfits” on Instagram.

On April 2, Community Life held a virtual Open Mic Night.

“There is a campus-wide effort to ramp up social media content to engage our students and continue to create community while at home,” said Kristin Holderman, director of campus activities for Community Life. “That is our goal—to continue to provide purposeful programming that connects the students to each other and the University, even while we’re all at home.”

Stefani Plummer, director of the Recreation Center, said her office is providing exercise ideas using household items in addition to offering tips to stay active and healthy from home on its Instagram site.

“One of the purposes is to give students the ability to continue their community during this season,” Plummer said. “We really hope it provides a smooth transition back into the ‘normal’ once the school is open to activities.”

The Recreation Center is also providing virtual tours of national parks; and intramurals via a FIFA league on esports to offer fun activities online.

The Office of Spiritual Life at CBU hosted a Challenge virtual conference over spring break and will continue to hold virtual discipleship group meetings this semester.

Brian Zunigha, director of discipleship ministries in Spiritual Life, said the Challenge team had been in the process of creating videos and podcasts to encourage students in their faith journey. This content can now be listened to or watched through the Challenge App or through the Challenge channel on Spotify.

“In this unique time, we still have a call and command to make disciples, so we’re utilizing the different communication platforms we have available to do that,” Zunigha said. “As we’ve talked about how to continue to stay connected, we are amazed to see all the ways God has provided for us to continue investing in lives to develop followers of Jesus.”

The student response to online communities has been positive, Holderman said.

“We’ve had a good amount of student engagement and feedback that is encouraging as we continue. We’ve had a few students express appreciation for the efforts as well,” Holderman said.

CBU clubs are also connecting remotely. For instance, the United Club held a virtual pajama party last week. The Art Club live streamed a portraiture workshop on Instagram on April 3.

“When school moved online, I knew that we could still keep the Art Club going by providing virtual workshops,” said Emme Evans, an art therapy sophomore and the club’s president. “We aim to host workshops with materials that people may have at home. What is unique about the livestream is that viewers are able to communicate and ask questions.”

 

CBU returns from spring break, offering fully online courses

Remote instruction is the new normal for all California Baptist University students returning to spring semester studies following an extended break. Effective March 30, the university transitioned to remote instruction in response to coronavirus restrictions.

CBU officials announced plans to teach classes remotely for the remainder of the spring term after Riverside County Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser ordered all schools and universities in the county closed from March 16 through April 30.

In compliance with the county order, the CBU campus is closed to the public as classes switch to remote instruction for traditional undergraduate and graduate classes.

The university previously extended the spring semester a week through May 2 to make up for the one-week spring break extension. Operations for the CBU Division of Online and Professional Studies will continue according to the published OPS calendar.

“This unprecedented public health crisis clearly is impacting every member of the CBU campus community—students, parents, faculty and staff—and society at large,” CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis said when the move to remote instruction was announced. “I want to thank the entire Lancer Nation for your understanding and patience as we make significant adjustments to address a difficult and dynamic situation.”

Students looking to find instructions on logging into your registered courses online should visit here.

 

CBU Dean of Spiritual Life encourages Lancer community to look to the attributes of God for comfort during COVID-19 crisis

As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps people at home and causes uncertainty, people should not get trapped in a cycle of “what if?” scenarios, said Dr. John Montgomery, dean of Spiritual Life at California Baptist University.

“Instead, we must first and immediately go to the truth of God’s word, the Bible and focus on who God is in his nature and character,” Montgomery said. “While God never promises that we will never experience trials, He does promise that He will never leave or forsake those who are his.”

CBU is transitioning all traditional undergraduate and graduate academic programs to remote instruction in response to guidelines from public health authorities. For those who are struggling during this time, Montgomery encourages them to remember that they are not alone.

“God has not left you,” he said. “Sometimes, God is near through his people who can offer assistance to meet your needs. Be bold and reach out for help.”

In spite of the many changes in people’s lives, Montgomery said people have the chance to grow personally and serve others in the current environment.

“We have an opportunity to rely on and trust God more deeply. It is difficult times like this that allow us to increase our faith and trust,” he said. “Second, opportunities are all around us to serve others.”

Lastly, Christians have the opportunity to exhibit Christ and the gospel in their speech, attitude and demeanor, he added.

“People are riddled with anxiety right now,” Montgomery said. “You have the opportunity to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) so that Jesus will be seen as you walk among others. Show them the peace that transcends which guards your hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7) by smiling at them. And be ready to give an answer for your hope (1 Peter 3:15).”

 

CBU staff, faculty worked diligently to move programs online

Over spring break, as the coronavirus situation unfolded, the staff in Information Technology Services at California Baptist University spent many hours prepping the transition to remote instruction. The result: together with Online and Professional Studies, more than 2,000 courses are being offered online at CBU this spring.

CBU transitioned to remote instruction for all traditional undergraduate and graduate academic programs effective March 30 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines from public health authorities. The quick turnaround was possible due to the university’s foresight into online education.

Dr. Tran Hong, associate vice president of technology, said his department has been preparing for such an online transition for some time.

“Anticipation, forethought and business continuity planning has helped CBU prepare for this transition,” Hong said.

Hong said CBU had prepared for such a situation during previous projects. For instance, software licensing was purchased for the entire campus community to study online. Bandwidth and infrastructure improvements also were made for online growth along with adding new online teaching technologies.

“Faculty have several delivery options for their classes,” Hong said.

Available technologies for online classes include Blackboard Learn, WebEx Meeting, Box, and Office 365. Training is available via WebEx webinars and other online resources the Teaching and Learning Center and the ITS Training Center.

If a professor enjoys teaching through live lecture, then they can use a conference room with a telepresence video system using Webex or even a computer at home, Hong said. If a professor is more comfortable teaching asynchronously, then Blackboard is the tool to use. Both technologies can be used together to provide the best student experience, Hong added.

IT staff also worked with academic departments and the CBU Teaching and Learning Center in preparation for moving courses online.

“Have courage and take this opportunity to learn and explore new tools,” Hong said. “The IT team is here to provide support and to make this a fun learning experience. The CBU community is strong, innovative, adaptable and caring. This situation is a good test of how CBU is prepared for continuity of business.”

Students can access online resources on Blackboard and Blackboard basics.

For those with technology questions including faculty members, email helpdesk@calbaptist.edu. The message will be routed appropriately to address the need.

 

CBU students display their artwork at Honors Exhibit

California Baptist University hosted an opening reception for the 8th annual Honors Exhibit at the Rose Garden Chapel Art Gallery on March 10.

A variety of work produced by CBU students in fine art courses are on display at the exhibit. Fine art faculty selected the works, which feature painting, drawing, mixed media and sculpture. Though the works come from fine art classes, the students featured in the exhibition come from a variety of majors.

Kristi Lippire, associate professor of visual art, said she looks forward to the event each year.

“The students are so excited, proud and surprised at how much great work is made at CBU,” Lippire said. “The event is also a great chance for parents to see their student’s hard work and meet the faculty that make up part of their CBU family.”

The opening reception also included an awards ceremony that highlighted distinction within the Honors Exhibit.

CBU students were judged on five different platforms: drawing, design, mixed media, ceramics and painting.

Awards given:
Best Drawing: Desiree Fitch
Best Painting: Kate Perkins
Best Design Project: Caitlyn Deutsche
Best Sculpture: Christina Izaguirre
Best Mixed Media: Shannon Fitzgerald (self-portrait featured above)
People’s Choice: Amanda Williams
Best Overall: Lauren Gill

This year the exhibit also features a number of framed artworks that will be shown in the library at CBU starting in the fall.

 

Teacher Career Fair connects  students with job opportunities

Students interested in pursuing careers in K-12 education received the opportunity to meet recruiters from more than 55 schools, nonprofit organizations and school districts at the Teacher Career Fair at California Baptist University on March 11.

Schools were looking to fill a variety of positions such as teachers, speech language pathologists, school counselors and coaches.

“This event provides numerous opportunities to meet recruiters from all over Southern and Northern California,” said Lisa Singer, associate director of employer relations. “This is one of the unique fairs where many times candidates are interviewed and offered contracts during the fair.”

Paige Vaughan, an education graduate student, attended the event seeking a position as an elementary teacher.

“Having this event on campus is less nerve-racking and more comfortable,” Vaughan said. “With a wide-range of school districts and employers, I have access to more leads and opportunities.”

Kaden Specht, a liberal studies senior, prepared for the event by visiting the Career Center to revise his resume and LinkedIn profile.

“Through this event, I am able to network and get exposure and when talking to the different schools, I am able to have an idea of what they are looking for and what to expect as a future substitute teacher,” Specht said.

 

CBU students celebrate Indian culture with colorful event

More than 500 California Baptist University students attended the Festival of Color event on the Front Lawn on March 6. The event, hosted by the International Center, Community Life and the Associated Students of CBU, sought to celebrate Indian culture.

Kristin Holderman, director of campus activities, said the festivity is one of the many activities CBU hosts to celebrate different cultures on campus.

“The Festival of Color allows students to learn and experience the Indian culture through food, music and the color throw. It also gives them the opportunity to experience something different on campus,” Holderman said.

Students who attended the event were given free T-shirts to wear. Additionally, they were given Indian rupee (currency) that students used to purchase different Indian dishes and drinks.

Toward the conclusion of the event, students gathered around the main stage and counted down to throw bags filled with neon colored powder. The activity, celebrated in India to inaugurate the beginning of spring, has been a popular CBU tradition.

Taylor Duncan, a photography senior, said she enjoyed the culture aspect of the event and her favorite activity was throwing the colored powder with her friends.

“It was so much fun. We absolutely loved enjoying the culture aspect of the event,” Duncan said.

Jesus Rojas, a nursing senior, used his rupee to purchase naan (Indian flatbread).

“Besides all the powder, I really enjoyed the involvement of the CBU community and how lively it was. I really enjoyed learning about the Indian culture,” Rojas said.

Harshitha Nalla, a student from India, said she appreciated how the culture was represented.

“I think that it is great that there are students from every culture that could come and celebrate something I relate to and it just makes me feel more at home. The music was the best since they were playing music from different parts of India and it was wonderful,” said Nalla, a computer science sophomore.

 

Students present math and science research at symposium

More than 65 California Baptist University students presented their research projects at the 12th annual Natural and Mathematical Research Symposium on March 7.

Dr. Jacob Lanphere, associate professor of environmental science, said the purpose of the symposium is to give students opportunities to showcase their research projects.

“Students and faculty have been working together to accomplish unique goals in each major within the Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (NMS),” Lanphere said. “The NMS Research Symposium creates a special forum in which ideas and conversations can begin to help form the future of new research projects as well.”

Students in the Division of Natural and Mathematical Science at CBU presented their findings through an oral or poster presentation.

Anthony Cornwall, a sports analytics junior, presented a research project that aimed to predict an NBA player’s potential salary in free agency based off various factors such as the player’s statistics, a team’s market size, the NBA salary cap and even a team’s fan base.

Cornwall said he will continue his research next year with a goal to work for a NBA team after graduation.

“It’s my dream to work for the NBA and the project assisted me in my long-term goal of helping teams win free agency and get players for the best rate,” Cornwall said.

Rachel Moulton, an environmental science senior, presented her research on the air quality in the CBU parking structure. She sampled 14 sites in the garage once a week for seven weeks.

“My overall conclusion was that the parking structure had no effect on the air quality, which is good,” Moulton explained. “You can’t just look outside and assume the air will be good or bad. There was one day I monitored the air after a nearby fire in Jurupa Valley (California) and assumed the levels would be terrible. But they were some of the lowest readings I had. You really can’t make assumptions.”

Moulton said it was reassurance to know then air quality on campus is safe and she also enjoyed being able to see her research come to life.

 

Vietnam veteran shares his life story at lecture series

Lt. Col. Dave Merhar spoke about the importance of faith, family and service as he shared his life’s story for the Dr. Paul & Annie Kienel Leadership Institute’s Leadership Seminar Series at California Baptist University on March 5.

Merhar grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy West Point. In May 1973, he enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War. He stayed in the military for more than 14 years and worked for the U.S. Secretary of State.

Merhar said that 19 classmates from West Point died in the Vietnam conflict. He visits the Vietnam Veterans Memorial each year in Washington, D.C., to honor their lives.

“The men at the academy that I worked with, played with and went to war with, became my family,” he said.

Merhar said he is thankful for the “Vietnam generation” and he is grateful to be a part of an “incredible part of history.”

Merhar said when choosing a path in life, to think about the consequences your decision will have on your family.

“When you make a decision in favor of your family, you’re making the right decision. They are the people that at the end of your life you’re going to want to be there,” Merhar said.

Merhar also shared that a few years ago, he was hospitalized with an infection that spread to his spinal cord.

“No one ever told me I was going to be able to walk again, but every single day my wife prayed for me along with others, and that encouragement led me to walk again,” Merhar said. “I am alive because people cared enough about me and I knew at that point that I could and would not die.”

Merhar said that a person’s faith can carry one through all life’s circumstances.

“Prayer is the most powerful thing that you can do,” Merhar said.

Taylor Bruce, a psychology sophomore and member of CBU Cheer team, appreciated the faith aspect of Merhar’s lecture.

“It was nice to hear about how important his faith is and how it helped him get through a rough time in the hospital. It really reminded me to focus on my faith and have it be a part of my life and my part on the cheer team,” Bruce said.

Jose Munoz, a sociology senior, said that he enjoyed listening to Merhar’s life experiences in Vietnam.

“It is always interesting to hear the perspectives of someone who lived through that time in history,” Munoz said.

 

Students hike at Joshua Tree on Outdoor Adventures trip

Community Life at California Baptist University coordinated a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park on Feb. 29. Ten students and three recreation interns hiked 1.5 miles to the summit at Ryan Mountain.

Jakob Hartt, a psychology senior and a recreation intern, said the Outdoor Adventure trips are opportunities for students to enjoy God’s creation and make friends in the process.

“One of the goals of the Outdoor Recreation program is building a community of people from different backgrounds for the purpose of enjoying the outdoors together,” Hart said. “We try and get a diverse range of activities throughout the year with the intention of providing something for everyone.”

Students also walked along the Cholla Cactus Gardens and climbed boulders at Jumbo Rocks Campground. While hiking to the summit, they also stopped to have a picnic.

Carissa Rivette, a communication junior, said she signed up to meet new people and enjoy a hike.

“From great conversation on the car ride there to the friends I made to the amazing hike that I accomplished, I enjoyed the entire day there,” Rivette said.

Natalie Codding, a graphic design junior, loved jumping across the Jumbo Rocks.

“It was a great opportunity to enjoy nature alongside others within the CBU community,” Codding said.

The Outdoor Adventures program provides opportunities for students to enjoy various outdoor destinations and national parks. Community Life furnishes, for a nominal fee, transportation, appropriate gear for the adventure and most of the food.

 

Mohler delves into the supremacy of Jesus at lecture series

Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. expounded on the supremacy of Jesus Christ as part of the School of Christian Ministries Lecture Series on March 3.

Mohler is the president and professor of Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a columnist, commentator, blogger and author of several books.

Mohler used Colossians chapter 1 as the foundation of his lecture.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17 NASB).

Christians understand Jesus as the one Savior and Mediator between God and humanity, Mohler said.

“Colossians 1 says that Jesus is the one who holds the universe together,” Mohler said. “He who created the world, through whom the Father to His glory created all things…He is holding the entire universe together, He is holding me together right now, and you—and the entire cosmos, and it is safe in His hands.”

Mohler said Colossians also addresses the preeminence of Christ.

“We must affirm the preeminence of Christ. This also implies that He must be first in the church and in the hearts of those who are His own,” Mohler said.

Mohler closed by advocating for a Christ-centered approach to understanding higher education and in developing Christian curriculum.

 

Family Updates

Dr. Daniel Prather, professor of aviation science, co-presented a webinar for the Transportation Research Board on March 2. It was titled Greener in Two Ways – Innovative Sustainability Solutions for Airports. His research report, Airport Sustainability Practices – Drivers and Outcomes for Small Commercial and GA Airports, was showcased.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Tae Sung, associate professor of English, delivered the keynote address for CBU’s Alpha Chi Honor Society induction ceremony on March 3. He adapted Ralph Waldo Emerson’s 1837 Phi Beta Kappa Address.

 

 

 

 

The College of Engineering and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter hosted Dr. Jean-Louis Briaud, the 2020 president-elect of ASCE, on March 6. He talked about the benefits of the civil engineering profession and joining ASCE after graduation. The event was coordinated by ASCE student chapter officers and Dr. Michael Nalbandian, assistant professor of civil engineering and construction management and ASCE faculty advisor.

 

Dr. Hyun-Woo Park, professor of biology, co-wrote a paper published in Nature Communications (Volume 11). It was titled Serial femtosecond crystallography on in vivo-grown crystals drives elucidation of mosquitocidal Cyt1Aa bioactivation cascade.

 

 

 

Dr. Ted Murcray, assistant professor of education, presented at the California Association for the Gifted Conference in Palm Springs on Feb. 21-23. It was titled Asking Hard Questions: Critical Thinking Design with Paul’s Reasoning Model.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Angela Brand, professor of music, received a $5,000 grant from the Colburn Foundation to Fund classical music studies at the Collinsworth School of Music. Additionally, she conducted the Mount San Jacinto College Orchestra on March 8. It performed Angel Mestizo by composer Juan Pablo Contreras.

 

 

 

 

 

Students on CBU’s first CFA Investment Research Challenge team competed against six other area universities at Chapman University on Feb. 28. Students had to present a written and oral buy/hold/sell recommendation related to a publically traded company. Team members were Jackson Mackliff, Sienna Schroeder, Kyle Sklepko, and Michael Bailey. Dr. Adele Harrison, professor of finance, was faculty advisor and David Green, a partner with Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management, was the industry mentor.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Gene Moon, associate professor of music, served as orchestra clinician at the National Orchestra Festival in Orlando, Florida, on March 4-7. As clinician, he provided instruction to 20 orchestras.

 

 

 

 

Christopher Kern, assistant professor of photography, served as emcee and conference chair for the COEx | Photo Studio Ops, a photography industry conference, in New York on March 3-4. He also moderated a panel discussion, Supporting Your Most Valuable Asset—Human Capital. Additionally, he spoke at the Society for Photographic Education annual conference in Houston on March 5-8. He spoke on the Future of Photographic Education during an Industry & Education Forum. 

 

 

Dr. Natalie Winter, professor of marketing and management, taught a lesson to the Women Bible Study Groups at Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo, California, on March 10-11. The title of the message was Vengeance is Mine! The Necessity of Trusting God for Justice, looking at 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12.

 

 

 

Students in the journalism and new media program visited the Riverside Police Department’s station on Lincoln Avenue in Riverside on March 12 to learn about law enforcement and how the news media can cover it. The visit included a drone demonstration, meeting officers and hearing from trainers at the indoor shooting range.

 

 

 

 

 

The International Sociology Honor Society Chapter of AKD sponsored a 5K “Move for Malawi” at CBU on March 7. The event raised $1,200 for Benita Africa Mission, to help provide food relief.

 

 

 

Dr. Erin Smith, associate professor of psychology, participated in a panel at South Hills Corona Community Church’s Parent Night on Feb. 28. It was titled Parenting in a Digital Age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Thomas Frederick, professor of psychology, and Dr. Scott Dunbar, associate professor of business, both for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 13. The presentation was titled Calling, Caring, and Connecting: A Christian Approach to Burnout.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates