February 18, 2021

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU nursing students fit tested for N95 masks

The College of Nursing at California Baptist University fitted nearly 575 nursing students with the N95 masks earlier this semester.

“The fitting represents another layer of safety and protection as the students continue in their clinicals,” said Dr. Karen Bradley, dean of the College of Nursing.

The N95 mask is designed to achieve a close facial fit and has an efficient filtration that keeps out airborne particles. Earlier in the pandemic, the N95 was in short supply.

“The mask fits differently,” said Dr. Teresa Hamilton, associate professor of nursing. “They are super tight. You have to be fit tested in order to ensure a good seal. If any air escapes in, then it’s not protecting you.”

Students will have the mask if their clinical rotations bring them into possible contact with COVID-19 patients. Since the pandemic started, the students’ clinical sites and/or the College of Nursing have provided students with personal protective equipment as needed.

Nikizen Boco, a nursing junior, wears the N95 when she goes to a clinical at a hospital. She said she appreciated the fitting.

“It helps us know how masks are supposed to fit properly rather than just slapping it on our face and hoping it works,” Boco said.

Twenty-three CBU faculty were trained to do the fitting by medical professionals from the Riverside Medical Clinic. They, in turn, fitted other faculty and the students.

Recently, Hamilton and Melissa Anozie, assistant professor of nursing, fitted first-semester nursing students. To test the fit, Anozie sprayed a sweet-scented spray into a hood the student wears at the same time they are wearing the mask.

“If at any time you sense it, smell it, taste it, let me know,” Anozie instructed. Each time she sprayed into the hood, Anozie would ask the student to bend over, turn her head or talk.

This is like “introduction to nursing by fire,” Anozie said.

Hamilton, who has been a nurse for 30 years, has dealt with the scares of HIV and Ebola.

“But there’s been nothing like this,” Hamilton said. “The students are seeing what we have all been preparing for.”

Julia Keplar, a nursing sophomore, said she was both nervous and excited to go into nursing during this time.

“Fitting the mask was a different experience. It’s cool to know you’re prepared if you need to be,” Keplar said. “It’s a very good learning experience to start now and get experience when things aren’t normal.”

Tatum Romberger, a nursing sophomore, said the fitting will help her feel protected if she is exposed. She is following the footsteps of her father, who was a nurse.

“I’m excited to start my studies. I know there is a lot going on,” Romberger said. “It’s just exciting to think I’ll be prepared to go help.”

Bradley said the nursing faculty are trying to navigate the pandemic as they support the students and the community.

“It’s definitely an interesting time to be going into the profession,” Bradley said. “The students are getting to experience something that we often talk about in the literature but we’ve never seen in real life.”

 

Wrestling program conditionally accepted into Big 12

California Baptist University wrestling has received a letter of intent from the Big 12 Conference regarding affiliate membership starting in 2022-23.

The Big 12 is currently home to Air Force, Fresno State, Iowa State, North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, Northern Iowa, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, South Dakota State, Utah Valley, West Virginia and Wyoming. The Lancers would give the conference 12 teams in 2022-23, as Fresno State is set to discontinue its program at the end of this season.

“California Baptist University and Lancers Wrestling are looking forward to our future membership with the Big 12,” said Ron Prettyman, CBU interim director of Athletics. “As one of the premiere athletic conferences in the country, the Big 12 brings a long history of success in the sport of wrestling. We are looking forward to our new friendships and rivalries in the Big 12 as we continue to build our wrestling program into a nationally recognized competitor.”

The approval of CBU to join the Big 12 is conditioned on the program’s successful completion of its NCAA Division I four-year reclassification process. The Lancers are in the midst of the third year of the transition period with an anticipated final approval in July 2022.

“It is a great privilege to be conditionally accepted into the Big 12 Conference,” said Lennie Zalesky, head wrestling coach. “Today, the Big 12 is competitive with the best in the nation, and the conference has some of the best wrestlers and teams in the nation. We look forward to the challenge of competing with these teams.”

Read the full story here.

 

Lecturer tells students to be aware of their moods and thoughts

Emotions come and go and are temporary even if they feel permanent, Dr. Joelle Hood told a group of California Baptist University students at the virtual Culture and Justice Lecture Series on Jan. 28.

Hood, the founder and chief empowerment officer of Thriving YOUniversity, which offers mindfulness, emotional intelligence and well-being workshops, presented a lecture aimed at being self-aware of one’s mood.

“What we need to remember about our emotions is that you are not them,” Hood said. “If you think about this, the word ‘emotion’ has the word ‘motion’ in it. They are moving through us. This may sound silly but language matters.”

When someone says he or she is sad, that is not accurate and sends the person the wrong message, she said.

“Changing that to ‘I feel sad’ or ‘I feel angry’ reminds us that it’s a temporary thing,” Hood added.

Hood reminded students that they control the emotional temperature of the room they are in because moods can be contagious. She added that students should be intentional in their impact.

“Our emotions are contagious, and if we think about how they’re rippling out to everyone around us — our friends, family and our fellow students — wouldn’t we want to be more intentional about how we show up?” she said.

Stress is unavoidable but how students respond to the stress is important in maintaining control over the mind and body, Hood said.

Mindfulness — being self-aware by paying attention in the present moment without judgment or criticism — is also important, she said. She encouraged the students to interrupt and challenge negative thoughts.

“We like to ruminate about the past [and] worry about the future, so we have a hard time being in the moment right now,” Hood said. “Keep in mind that you are the DJ of your own mind. You get to choose your [thoughts].”

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences hosts the Culture and Justice Lecture Series. The next lecture will feature Toni Wilson, a special education teacher for the Moreno Valley Unified School District, virtually on Feb. 18.

 

Magnolia Crossing receives Riverside beautification award

California Baptist University won third place for Magnolia Crossing at the Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful’s 35th annual Beautification Awards. The awards were announced during the mayor’s State of the City Address held virtually on Jan. 28.

The category for Magnolia Crossing was New Construction with Landscaping.

The Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful program is sponsored by the City of Riverside and the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to foster a sense of community pride by creating partnerships that work toward the beautification of the city.

The university broke ground on the residence complex in March 2019 and it took 18 months to complete. Located on the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Monroe Street, the housing officially opened for upperclassman students for the fall 2020 semester. It features 93 suites that can house up to 540 students, a grab-and-go dining option, and TVs and seating in the lobby.

The architectural design complements the contemporary Mission Revival style that defines CBU campus architecture. Additionally, landscaping features drought-resistant plants around the exterior of the building as well as on the rooftop outdoor space.

CBU has received recognition in the past, including the Mayor’s Award last year for the new entrance located off Adams Street. The Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building placed first in 2019 for New Construction with Landscaping and the Events­­­­­­ Center received the Mayor’s Award in 2018.

 

Faith & Enterprise lecturer talks about a journey with God

While the COVID-19 pandemic is a struggle for many college students, God chose them to live during this time for a reason, John Rinehart told a California Baptist University audience on Feb. 3.

Rinehart spoke as part of the Faith & Enterprise series hosted virtually by the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business.

“You were made for this time. You were made for the coronavirus, for being a college student right now. It’s all part of your story,” Rinehart said. “Go slay a giant, go all in and find your calling. Go on the journey and connect the dots. Do not settle because the world is yelling for you to settle.”

Rinehart is an author, speaker and the founder of Gospel Patrons, a group of Christian business leaders who support those proclaiming the gospel.

Using his own story and the story of King David, Rinehart talked about college students going on the journey that God has placed them on.

David was not who everyone thought God would use as king, Rinehart said. He was the youngest son of Jesse who liked to be with the sheep, but God saw David’s heart.

“We see that this was David’s lightning bolt moment, the moment when he found out what he was destined to do,” Rinehart said.

In Rinehart’s own life, God used puzzle pieces to lead him down God’s intended path for him, which was different than the one he expected, Rinehart said.

After college, Rinehart saved every penny he could spare to climb out of debt. Although he had 15 years to pay off his debt, he accomplished it within 18 months. Once this goal was reached, he realized he wanted to do more than just make money, Rinehart said. He wanted to follow God.

“I wanted to learn to walk by faith,” Rinehart said. He and his wife took the money they had saved for a house and traveled for four months to see what God is doing in the world.

It was during this time that Rinehart heard about a group of Christian business leaders supporting those who share the gospel. Rinehart, who had a business degree from Biola University, felt inspired hearing about this group. He was led to found Gospel Patrons and write a book about the topic.

“God loves to align your calling with your strengths and desires,” Rinehart said. “God will either give you the desires of your heart or will change the desires of your heart.”

 

Family Updates

Linnette Devin, student accounts counselor, was named employee of the month for February. Her nomination included the following statements: “Linnette exemplifies a team player. She is always willing to assist with special projects in the office and often asks for ways she can support our team and students outside of her assigned job duties. I really appreciate her consistent communication, feedback, and suggestions on ways we can improve processes and service. Her caring and positive attitude has been a blessing to our team.”

 

 

Dr. Karen Cross, assistant professor of school psychology, co-authored an article published in Gifted Child Quarterly (Jan. 27). It was titled Identifying and Serving Gifted and Talented Students: Are Identification and Services Connected?

 

 

 

 

Melissa Beck, CAVAD adjunct professor of design thought foundation, was featured in an article on ShoutOutLA (Jan. 18). She discusses her work/life balance and her art.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jeff Biddle, director of the Counseling Center, published his dissertation, titled RE:STORE: A Systemic Approach of Recovery from Compulsive Internet Pornography Use (January 2021). The dissertation is archived in the University of Southern California library.

 

 

 

Dr. Nathan Iverson, assistant professor of psychology, was chosen as 2021 Big Brother of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters. He has been a Big Brother since 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Gene Moon, associate professor of music, served as guest clinician and conductor of the 2021 OkMEA (Oklahoma) All-State Orchestra on Jan. 21-23. During the virtual event, they discussed the technique and musical performance regarding the fourth movement of Symphonic Metamorphoses by Paul Hindemith. Additionally, Moon participated in the Sewanee (Tennessee) WinterFest on Jan. 4-8. He developed and directed the conducting program.

 

 

Dr. Dominick Sturz, professor of public health for Online and Professional Studies, has been credentialed as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. The master certified specialist is the highest credential for a health education practitioner, who has met the required academic qualifications; passed the competency-based examination; and satisfies the continuing education requirement to maintain the national credential.

 

 

Dr. Bonjun Koo, professor of environmental science, co-authored a paper published in Chemosphere (Volume 264.) The title was Deposition of Fukushima nuclear power plant accident-derived Radiocesium in the soils of Jeju Island, Korea, and evidence for long- and short-lived radionuclides in rainwater.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joshua Rodrigruez, assistant professor of music theory and composition, wrote songs and the musical score for CBU’s theatre production last fall, Love’s Labour’s Lost. The soundtrack is now available.

 

 

 

 

Stefani Plummer, administrative assistant to the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, was a panelist for a Campus Rec Magazine webinar on Jan. 28. The panel discussed the impacts of COVID on the recreation industry. Additionally, Plummer was featured in Campus Rec Magazine (September/October) as one of the leading women in Campus Recreation. She also wrote an article for Campus Rec Magazine titled Furlough: the New “F” Word of 2020 (Sept. 22).

 

 

 

Dr. Erin Smith, associate professor of psychology, participated in a special topic virtual seminar, Persons Divine and Human, on Feb. 3 and 5. She spoke on the integration of psychology in emerging works in theology on the issues of personhood and the Trinity.

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Pate, associate professor of psychology, co-presented a workshop at the Midwinter Meeting of the National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology on Jan. 19. The workshop title was Enhancing Religion and Spirituality Training to Meet Diverse Client Preferences.

 

 

 

 

Dr. H Bruce Stokes, professor of anthropology and behavioral sciences, was an invited speaker at the Winter Leadership Conference of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations on Jan. 24 and 31. He presented on Alternative Forms of Gathering for Jewish Congregations based on Chavurah groups in Judaism and House Church models in Christianity.

 

 

 

CBU’s sport and performance psychology program has worked with the Riverside Police and Fire departments to educate their work force on stress management for the past three years. As a result of the work, Dr. Mario Soto, adjunct professor of sport and performance psychology, was presented with a plaque on Feb. 3  on behalf of the city, the department and the police Explorer program.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Monica O’Rourke, professor of kinesiology, co-authored an article in Faith and Fitness Magazine (Feb. 3). It was titled Rethink Water for Fitness.

 

 

 

 

University Advancement announces the Walter and Janet Price Family School of Christian Ministries Endowment fund established by Fellowship Church (Beaumont) in honor of Christ’s faithful servants and CBU’s dear friends, Walter and Janet Price. The new endowment fund—$200,000–which includes the gift from Fellowship Church, a match from a generous donor and an institutional match from CBU—will help support a series of new lectures, workshops, and conferences on topics related to biblical pastoral ministry and expository teaching. The endowment will promote in perpetuity the biblical vision of pastoral ministry that Walter and Janet have fostered for decades. Walter served as the senior pastor at Fellowship Church for 32 years before retiring. The Price family has had a lengthy relationship with CBU. Dr. Price has faithfully served as a CBU Board of Trustees member for many years. He has mentored CBU students, preached during chapel, and continually seeks to be of service to CBU and its students. All five of the Price children are CBU graduates. Dr. Mark Rogers, the current pastor of Fellowship Church, was mentored by Walter and is himself a CBU alumnus. We are deeply grateful for this new endowment, which will be a blessing to students, alumni, pastors, and churches.

 

Lauren Hess, adjunct professor of psychology, spoke for a Facebook Live event for Let Them Play CA on Jan. 28. She spoke on mental performance and the toll that COVID-19 is having on youth athletes and their mental performance.

 

Jacey Coy, adjunct professor of psychology for Online and Professional Studies, and his wife, Nicole, welcomed a son on Jan. 20. Max Jacey Coy weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce. He joins siblings Carly, 9, and Jack, 7.

 

 

 

 

 

Jared Lewis, business systems analyst, and his wife, Veronica, welcomed a son on Jan. 22. Forest Allan Lewis weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 22 inches. Forest joins brother River, 5, and sister Hazel, 3.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates