March 29, 2021

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Students earn top honors at California College Media awards

Students from the Lancer Media Group at California Baptist University received 17 awards from the California College Media Association on March 20.

The accolades included seven first-place honors for Best Magazine Photo, Best Magazine Cover, Best Print Magazine, Best Non-News Video, Best Photo Series, Best Breaking News Story and Best Newspaper.

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, interim director of the journalism and new media and public relations programs, said she and Sonya Singh, assistant director of student publications, were proud of the students who produced quality work during 2020.

“We thank God for the opportunity to work with this team,” Pearson said. “They were able to adapt to the restrictions we all experienced as they continued to strive to achieve excellence. The 17 awards represent hard work, dedication and superb skills.”

To see all the winners from the Lancer Media Group, visit the California College Media Association website.

 

CBU photography students benefit from program relocation

The photography program at California Baptist University has relocated to Adams Business Park, at the corner of Adams Street and Lincoln Avenue.

CBU’s photography program started with a classroom in the James Building. It then expanded to a unit of warehouse space at Adams Business Park. That split the resources and people between the two locations and caused a disconnect in the program, said Christopher Kern, program lead of photography. Now everything can be found in adjoining warehouse units, B25 and B26.

“It consolidates those resources and assets and creates a destination and mimics what is happening out in the industry,” Kern said.

One unit is set up as a classroom, which includes a film scanner, 23 iMacs and 10 printers. Previously, the program had three printers. The additional printers will prevent a bottleneck when students need to print photos, Kern said.

The other unit is set up for studio photography. It also includes an equipment room where students can check out cameras, lights and more. The bathroom has been converted into a darkroom, CBU’s first. Kern said film processing may be added to upper division curriculum.

“Film is still being shot and developed, and it takes an institution like ours to keep it alive because there aren’t too many opportunities for people to practice this,” Kern said. “Everything we do in digital, even the terminology, is based on what we do in the darkroom.”

Trevor Blount, a graphic design and visual experience junior, said he appreciates having the resources in one location. He also developed film for the first time in the darkroom.

“I feel like everyone should try the darkroom. The process of shooting film is a lot different. It’s a lot more intentional with the way you shoot things,” Blount said. “With film you only get about 36 shots on roll. When I do that, I have to really think about every shot.”

Kern wants to add a third unit that would be dedicated for a gallery. The space also could be used as a classroom and a bigger darkroom.

“I want to create a destination for our students, but also for the community,” Kern said. “When we are able to do events again, we can put work on the walls and invite the photographic community, CBU community and the general public.”

Camille Grochowski, a sophomore double majoring in photography and journalism and new media, said she likes the extra space and printers. More people can work at the same time, and she can get her work done faster.

“I’m looking forward to just being able to create work and being able to have a place and the equipment to do it,” Grochowski said.

 

CBU plans in-person spring commencement

California Baptist University plans to hold in-person commencement ceremonies this spring to honor the graduating Class of 2021, university officials announced today.

In addition, graduates honored last December in a virtual commencement will be invited to take part in live ceremonies planned especially for the Class of 2020.

The announcement comes as coronavirus infections, hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline. At the same time, COVID-19 vaccinations are increasing and projected to become more widely available before summer.

University officials said the plan to celebrate commencement in person is a welcome change from last year when public gathering restrictions due to COVID-19 shut down spring, summer and fall ceremonies at CBU.

With restrictions now being eased, the university plans to hold at least nine modified spring commencement ceremonies in the CBU Events Center. Approximately 200 graduates will take part in each ceremony with each graduate receiving four guest tickets.

For the Class of 2021, ceremonies will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily from Monday, May 3 through Thursday, May 6.

In-person ceremonies for the Class of 2020 are planned for Friday, May 7 at times yet to be decided.

CBU officials cautioned that plans are subject to change based on COVID-19 restrictions.

More information will be posted at www.calbaptist.edu/commencement as plans develop.

 

CBU theatre students learn about faith integration

At California Baptist University, every theatre major, minor and scholarship student can be found participating in community time on Tuesday nights.

Community time is a unique, and mandatory, feature of the theatre program, said Frank Mihelich, associate professor of theatre and community time advisor. It teaches students how to integrate faith into theatre.

“It’s important because the students have been encouraged by the mainstream culture to silo everything. Math is over there, theatre is over here and humanities is over here and none of these things mix,” Mihelich said. “You want to be an actor or a director or a mathematician or a lawyer? Great. How does your faith influence that?”

Community time is also student-led.

“I get to encourage my friends in the theatre community as they pursue being disciples of Christ,” said Sophia Oliveri, a theatre junior and one of the co-organizers. “It is my job to cultivate an environment for artists to commune with other artists as they pursue Christ and find what it means to integrate their art with their faith.”

Tuesday evenings include worship and Bible study. During the pandemic, the theatre department kept community time going. The worship team performed in Wallace Theatre while the rest of the students joined via Zoom. In years past, the group has read books on faith integration and art. This year, the students are studying “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster.

Along with the spiritual aspect, community time includes recreation and outreach. During a normal year, recreation means going to a movie or a play or celebrating a holiday together. For outreach, they may serve dinner at a homeless shelter or make dinner at Operation Safehouse. Additionally, Mihelich brings in guest speakers, such as CBU professors, Christian playwrights or directors.

Oliveri and Brianne Jackson, a theatre sophomore, are the student co-organizers of community time. They create weekly content and oversee the logistics and the teams of student leaders for areas such as worship, prayer and small group discussion.

Jackson, who started in the role this semester, is learning organizational skills and time management.

“Being a leader, it allows me to really dig deep into the Bible to see what His word says about specific topics,” Jackson said. “It helps our community because it helps us to remember that God is at the center of everything that we do. We get to worship Him with the gifts that He has given us.”

Oliveri said the experience has taught her that being a leader is not about being perfect. Community time also helps her and the other students grow in their faith, she said.

“We’re asking ourselves, ‘What does it mean to make and cultivate art from a place wholly grounded in Christ?’” Oliveri said. “For those who have yet to commit their lives to Christ, it’s encouraging to hear them willing to participate in conversations about faith in a safe place.”

Mihelich said other universities have contacted him about community time and how to implement it.

“The hope is that we can become a model for other schools,” Mihelich said. “There are a lot of faith-based theatre programs that are starting faith integration. Our program was built on that.”

 

Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering gets new dean

Dr. Phil van Haaster has been named dean of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering at California Baptist University. He will start his new position on July 1.

Van Haaster currently is assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and department chair for aerospace, industrial and mechanical engineering at CBU.

“We are excited to have Dr. van Haaster provide strong leadership continuity for the College of Engineering as he moves into this key role as dean,” said Dr. Chuck Sands, CBU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “His teaching and administrative experience as well as practical achievements in engineering research combine to provide a solid foundation for his new position.”

Van Haaster received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California; a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles; and a Doctor of Business Administration from California Baptist University.

He has taught courses in statics, documentation and design, manufacturing process, and mechanics of materials. Additionally, since 2001, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has awarded van Haaster patents for nearly a dozen inventions.

Van Haaster succeeds Dr. Anthony Donaldson, founding dean of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering. Donaldson, who began at CBU in 2006, will remain on the College of Engineering faculty as a professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department.

 

CBU student wins MVP award in construction competition

Brandon Wagoner, a California Baptist University senior, received the MVP award at an Associated Schools of Construction competition held virtually last month.

Wagoner, a construction management major, received the award for his role in the group presentation. He oversaw the cost estimates.

“Our presentation is the only time we really get to interact with the judges, so that’s what the award was based on,” Wagoner said. “A key part of it is thinking on your feet and how you present the material to them.”

The team competed in the preconstruction category and their assignment was to develop a proposal to build a powerhouse building located on a dam. The first phase of the project included the proposal, cost estimates and a time schedule. The second phase had them winning the bid and making changes requested by the judges. The final part was the 30-minute presentation followed by questions from the judges.

Dr. Jay Lee, director of construction management at CBU and faculty advisor for the team, said it was the outstanding teamwork that helped set Wagoner apart.

“We’re proud of all of them, especially Brandon with his MVP award. It’s a big honor for him,” Lee said. “Even though it’s an individual award, the team’s work overall certainly helped him stand out.”

Wagoner said he was honored and humbled to receive the award but would have rather placed as a team.

“It was surprising to be honest, and I would have rather placed as a team because of all the hours we put into the project,” Wagoner said. “It was still cool and a validation of the work that I did do.”

Johnathan Toews, a construction management senior and team captain, said although the team did not place, it was a great experience and the whole team was proud of Wagoner for the award.

“Everything Brandon did he put a lot of work into and did quite well. I believe that showed to the judges,” Toews said. “I’m quite proud that someone from our team won the award, and he was very deserving of it.”

 

Aviation flight instructor using skills to serve others

Jason Rearick’s world revolves around the air. He is a major in the U.S. Air Force. He also is a flight instructor I, on call at California Baptist University. And he volunteers with Mission Flight.

When Rearick went to get his multi-engine certification in 2019, he and the examiner talked about their faith. The examiner encouraged Rearick to get involved in Mission Flight, a nonprofit group that flies medical workers and supplies to Mexico. Rearick said he was reluctant to get involved at first.

“The Holy Spirit was tugging at my heart, saying you need to step out in faith,” Rearick said. “I did my research and then I went on my first mission trip. I was just in love ever since then. I get to do service for the Lord and I get to bless other people.”

Rearick serves as pilot and pilot coordinator for Mission Flight, which flies out of Redlands and El Monte airports. He flies down about once a month, mainly to Tepic or San Quintin, where a team of medical workers sets up free medical and dental clinics for locals who have limited access to medical care. He is also the founder and director of Mission Flight Academy, a nonprofit, faith-based flight school and flying club that partners with Mission Flight.

The academy brings supplies and allows pilots who need flying hours to do something with a purpose, Rearick said. Pilots and volunteers are always needed, he added.

“When you’re doing something like this, it’s so rewarding because you get to use a talent and you get to be part of kingdom building,” he said.

Occasionally they cannot get the supplies off the plane because of customs, Rearick said.

“Customs requires a lot of prayer,” Rearick said. “We pray and let God work it out. If it doesn’t work out, we try to figure out why. I would rather it not work out on a supply run than with medical workers.”

When Rearick is not flying for Mission Flight, he is stationed at March Air Reserve Base, working in cyber defense for weapon systems. Rearick has been a part of the Air Force since he was 18.

Additionally, in 2020, Rearick became a flight instructor in CBU’s Department of Aviation Science. Rearick tries to impart to his students the experience of backcountry flying.

“I would like students to have to lean heavily on their training,” Rearick said. “In Mexico, there are no weather stations, very limited navigation devices and little radio communications. We are on our own. We must think ahead and plan worst case all the time.”

Rearick wants to use his talents for God and encourages his students to do the same.

“I don’t need to be the quarterback. I will be the water boy. I just want to be in the game. I want other people to feel that, too,” Rearick said. “There is a role for everybody. No special talent needed. Just heart.”

 

Family Updates

Dr. Raquel Ellis, assistant professor of social work, recently completed training to become a certified site visitor for the Council on Social Work Education, the accrediting body of social work education programs.

 

 

 

 

Laura Walker, flight instructor II, Kyle Higginson, flight instructor II, and Tyler Powell, flight instructor II, recently received their gold seal from the Federal Aviation Administration. This is awarded to flight instructors who trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for certificates and ratings in a 24-month period with at least 80% pass rate on their first attempt.

 

 

Dr. Jonathan Parker, professor of education, was appointed to a four-year term to the Planning Commission for the City of Riverside. The Planning Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the mayor and City Council on proposed changes to the general plan, makes recommendations on proposed zoning and land use, and exercises control over proposed subdivision and development applications.

 

 

 

Dr. Susan Drummond, professor of nursing, co-facilitated the inaugural virtual Competency Based Training for Suicide Prevention for the American Psychiatric Nurses Association on March 6. Participants received a three-year certificate recognizing competency in suicide prevention.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Trevor Gillum, professor of kinesiology, and Andrew Greenfield (’19) published Greenfield’s thesis data in the Journal of Thermal Biology on March 5. It was titled Short-term hot water immersion results in substantial thermal strain and partial heat acclimation; comparisons with heat- exercise exposures.

 

 

 

Dr. Carol A. Minton-Ryan, professor of sociology, Dr. Ana Gamez, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Julie Goodman-Bowling, associate professor of anthropology, published research in the International Journal of Social Policy and Education (Vol. 2, No. 9). It was titled was The Impact of Trauma-Informed Educational Support Groups on Increasing Self-Efficacy: Standing Together for Health in Malawi.

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, presented a lecture to the Public Relations Society of America, Orange County Chapter on March 8. The topic was Applying Ethics and Law to the Field of Public Relations.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ogbochi McKinney, associate professor of public health for Online and Professional Studies, was a panelist for the Latino Coalition of Los Angeles Covid Vaccine Panel on March 3. The panel addressed Latino communities’ concerns about the newly developed COVID vaccines.

 

 

 

 

CBU’s Department of Aviation Science received an award for training excellence from the American Association of Airport Executives. It was given in recognition of the training that the aviation management students have conducted on the association’s online industry training platform.

 

 

Dr. Linda-Marie Sundstrom, associate professor of public administration, and Dr. Mark Kling, associate professor of criminal justice, both for Online and Professional Studies, had an article published in the PA Times on March 17.  It was titled Prosecutorial Discretion vs Directive: Impacts on Policy & Policing.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Gretchen Bartels, associate professor of English for Online and Professional Studies, and her husband, Kevin Ray, welcomed a daughter on March 4. Ruby Amelia Ray weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 18 inches.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates