April 14, 2022

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Grandparents Day celebrated again at CBU 

Over 250 grandparents of students visited California Baptist University for Grandparents Day on April 7.

Josh Moss, senior director of alumni, parent and donor engagement, said it was a joy to see the love poured out during the event.

“The event is designed to provide an opportunity for grandparents to see into the life of their grandchildren and experience college life with them,” Moss said. “Students love to see the grandparents around campus and interact with them.”

The event began with a welcome session that highlighted the various factors that make CBU unique. Grandparents then had an array of options to enjoy, including chapel, watercolor workshops, music performances, leadership and Bible classes and a performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” CBU theatre’s latest production.

Additionally, grandparents were invited to tour CBU’s campus and enjoy lunch and dinner with their student.

Dr. Paul Eldridge, vice president for University Advancement, said it was a privilege to welcome grandparents to campus after a two-year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Grandparents Day was one of the first major events we had to cancel, and we made that decision because we wanted to be really sensitive to our grandparents,” Eldridge told the visitors. “We are so glad to have you here again.”

Gabrielle Burrow, an intercultural studies junior, spoke during the welcome session. She said she can go overseas and spread the word of God through an International Service Project with CBU because of the support of her grandparents.

“Through their finances, prayer and encouragement, my grandparents were overwhelmingly generous,” Burrow said. “This made a huge impact on me because they expressed support for me and my calling. This showed me the value of family and building relationships between generations.”

Mary Lopez flew out from Missouri to spend the day with her grandson, John Lopez II, an architecture sophomore.

Coming from a Catholic background, Lopez said she felt very welcomed on CBU’s campus and was moved by the chapel service.

“This is God at work,” Lopez said. “So long as you have trust, faith and believe, that’s really all you need.”

 

CBU diver credits success to extra training during pandemic

Evan Honer, a business administration junior at California Baptist University, was the first male diver to sweep the competition when he did so at the 2021 Western Athletic Conference Championships. He won the 1-meter, 3-meter and platform competitions and was named WAC Men’s Diver of the Year.

CBU diver credits success to extra training during pandemic Last month Honer secured his second-straight WAC Diver of the Year award after defending his titles in the 1-meter and platform events. He broke his own record from last season with a platform score of 392.85, setting a new program and WAC Championship meet record.

He credits his success to his competitive drive and to the training he put in during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his freshman year at CBU, the season came to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. With the future of practices and competitions unknown, Honer decided to use this time of uncertainty to his advantage and trained harder than ever before.

“We would have meets coming up all the time during the season and I think we all took it for granted,” Honer said.

While unable to practice with his team, Honer spent hours sharpening his skills. During the school year, he could still practice at the CBU pool. In the summer, he practiced with his club team in Arizona.

“During the year it didn’t really feel like it but looking back now it was a blessing in disguise,” Honer said. “We didn’t know if we were going to be able to compete and that made me want it even more.”

Diving is a technical sport that requires focus, concentration and attention to detail. There is little room for error, so athletes must use their time in practice wisely to clean up their dives to ensure a good score during competitions, Honer said. Athletes meet three times a week for practice and work on flexibility, weight training and plyometrics.

Honer said that hard work at practice and a positive headspace is essential for competing.

“I try not to overthink it too much because if I do, I will psych myself out,” Honer said. “I will remember the corrections I made in practice and do exactly what I know how to do, and just dive.”

Honer said the most challenging part of diving is getting past an “off” day. Instead of dwelling on mistakes made, he tries to think of what his competitors would be doing.

“I can’t slack off because that puts me back a day from the competition,” Honer said. “If you can push through those hard days, I feel like that’s where you see the most growth.”

 

CBU students display talents at WooFest

California Baptist University students, dressed in semi-formal attire, attended WooFest in the Events Center on April 6.

The New Orleans-themed event featured performances by male students, including singing, dancing, spoken word and magic. To close the evening, the male resident advisors (RAs) came together to do a final dance performance.

“WooFest is an event that CBU has put on for many years,” said Brianna Collingwood, residence director (RD) of the Cottages. “Essentially it’s a variety show where guys come to ‘woo’ the ladies. Really it is just a fun night to have students dress up and come enjoy.”

WooFest began in 2009 on campus. In 2017, it moved to the Fox Theater in downtown Riverside. This year, the event occurred in the Events Center to accommodate a larger audience and make it more accessible.

“It is super exciting to utilize the Events Center to serve our students on campus,” Collingwood said. “In past years, we’ve done it at the Fox Theater, which we’ve outgrown, and we are really passionate about including all students.”

Additionally, the event was open to all traditional undergraduate students this year rather than only residential students.

“Coming off of a year where there has been a lot of isolation and no events, I think getting the opportunity to build community among all students is something that sets this year apart,” Collingwood said.

Collingwood said CBU Resident Directors and RAs helped in the preparation, and Residence Life partnered with multiple departments across campus including ASCBU, Community Life, and Conferences and Events to bring the event to life.

“It was cool to see the RAs put in a lot of effort to make this an amazing show,” said Steve Jussenhoven, RD of University Place Men. “They put a lot of work into the decorations and the little details we hope residents appreciate.”

Amanda Salas, graphic design and visual experience sophomore, attended WooFest for the first time this year. She said she enjoyed the community-building aspect of the event, especially for students who feel less connected to the school because of COVID.

“I think it is fun,” Salas said. “It definitely makes me feel a little more involved on campus. It’s just great to be a part of it.”

Collingwood said she has enjoyed reintroducing a CBU tradition to a new wave of students.

“It has been cool to bring back the excitement and what WooFest is,” Collingwood said.

Jussenhoven said he hopes students enjoyed the event and the aspects that made this year’s WooFest unique.

“It really is just a special event for people to come, dress up to the nines, having a great time with their friends,” Jussenhoven said. “Everyone gets to watch some really cool shows and really cool acts and a lot of great talent. Hopefully it is a night that everyone is going to remember.”

 

CBU architecture student recognized by Metropolis magazine

An architecture student from California Baptist University was named one of the top graduating architecture students in North America by Metropolis magazine.

Titled Metropolis Future 100, the magazine list selects the top 50 interior design and 50 architecture students from the graduating class of 2022. This year, it received over 300 submissions.

Andriani Sugianto, an architecture graduate student at CBU, was recognized as one of the top 50 architecture students.

Students were nominated by their professors and mentors. Keelan Kaiser, program director of architecture at CBU and professor to Sugianto, said her recognition opens up networking opportunities and establishes connections with the design industry. Sugianto’s passion is present in all of her work, Kaiser said.

“Andriani is one of our top graduates in the history of our program, and it came as no surprise to us that she placed in the national competition,” Kaiser said. “She loves the Lord and that is evident in any conversation and interaction you have with her. She is creative, has a wonderful imagination, is modest and humble.”

Sugianto said the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD) at CBU is the reason she feels prepared for a career in architecture. The professors have intentionally mentored, encouraged and inspired her through her studies, she said.

“I have gathered an immense wealth of knowledge and wisdom from the professors in the program,” Sugianto said. “This program is truly unique and highly favored to receive such wonderful leaders that care about your work and skills but even more about your character.”

Sugianto said her ideas for projects begin with a concept and that acts as a guide for the entire process to refine, remove and add ideas.

“I seek inspiration from other architects, artists, my peers, my professors, nature and Jesus,” Sugianto said. “I often ask Him for ideas because He did happen to create the most beautiful things we have.”

Her creative process includes lots of sketching, 3D modeling, constructive criticism and prayer.

“Sounds funny, but when I hit a rut or get really frustrated in my process, Jesus always gives me peace, asks me if I trust Him and gives me an idea,” Sugianto said.

 

Family Updates

CBU’s flight team competed at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Regional Safety and Flight Competition in Bakersfield, California, on Feb. 26-March 5. The Flying Lancers won several awards, including first place in the message drop competition and the overall safety award. The safety award is based on the teams’ safety performance throughout the week of competition along with a business presentation on the safety protocols of the school.

 

 

Christopher Kern, assistant professor of photography, was interviewed for an E-Commerce Content Creation podcast on March 22. It was titled A Degree in Photography.

 

 

 

 

Dr. John Park, assistant professor of psychology, co-authored a paper published in Behavior Therapy (March 2022). It was titled Accept Yourself! A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Self-Acceptance-Based Treatment for Large Bodied, Depressed Women. He also co-authored a paper published in the Journal of Behavioral and Social Sciences (Fall 2021). It was titled The Provision of Mental Health Services by Religious/Spiritual Leaders of Hidalgo County, Texas.

 

 

 

CBU competed in the California Speech and Hearing Association (CSHA) College Bowl for the first time on March 26. CBU came out on top of five other graduate teams. The CBU team was made up of Ann Blackwood, Sarah Bustos, Emily Done and Paige Worthington, students in Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

 

 

 

 

Maigen Turner, administrative secretary for the School of Christian Ministries, was named employee of the month for April. Her nomination included the following statements: “Maigen has earned the respect of faculty, student, and administrators alike with consistency in her job performance.  She works in a busy office with constant needs from faculty and students, but she does not view such needs as interruptions to her work. She is intentional about staying on task but flexible in adapting to needs as they arise.”

 

 

 

Dr. Victoria Brodie, assistant professor of public relations, and Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, presented at the Riverside County quarterly leadership meeting on March 31. They spoke on Developing A Leadership Quotient. The presentation was done on behalf of the Paul and Annie Kienel Leadership Institute.

 

 

 

CBU photography students were selected for the Communication Arts Photography Competition short list. The competition entries are judged by an internationally jury of distinguished creative directors and photographers. Of 2,241 submissions, 438 entries were short listed from which the winners were chosen. On the short list, 38 works of students were selected, 14 being by 10 CBU students. Three of those CBU students then were selected to appear in the 2022 Communication Arts Photography Annual 63.

 

 

CBU photography student David Ardill was selected to be included in the print edition of American Photography 38 winning collection. From over 7,000 entries, the jury selected 405 images to appear in the book. Additionally, images by CBU students Raymond Alva, Alicia Berardelli, Caleb Ericksen and David Fouts were among the 348 images chosen to eligible to appear online in The ARCHIVE—the exclusive online juried collection by American Illustration and American Photography.

 

 

Dr. Wayne Fletcher, associate professor of health science, presented a seminar to the San Bernardino County Probation Department leadership team on March 24. It was titled Leadership, Management, and Administration: Nuancing the Differences. The seminar was part of a series given by the Paul and Annie Kienel Leadership Institute.

 

 

 

Dr. Veola Vazquez, professor of psychology, presented research at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies virtual conference on March 18-19. The presentation was titled Multiracial Discrimination, Religious/Spiritual Struggles, and Race-Based Stress Among Biracial Black-White and Asian-White Christians During 2020-2021. She presented with students in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program: Jaylene Arnett, Francisco Jimenez, Wendy Ponce, John Tenorio and Alexis Vazquez.

 

 

Dr. Shawn Wilhite, associate professor of Christian studies, published a blog on The Center for Baptist Renewal (March 17, 2022). It was titled Saint Patrick’s Trinitarian Theology.

 

 

 

 

Jessica Alzen, adjunct professor of English, presented a paper at the annual meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching in Vancouver, British Columbia, on March 26. The paper was titled Variations in the Co-Occurrence of Epistemic Agency and Collective Enterprise.

 

 

 

Dr. Daniel Prather, professor of aviation science, taught a professional development course at the National Business Aviation Association Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference in San Diego on April 3. It was titled Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Business Aviation.

 

 

 

Dr. Riste Simnjanovski, associate professor of public administration, had an article published in Bitcoin Magazine (March 18). It was titled Barbra Streisand And Bitcoin: How Political Missteps, Censorship And War Are An Opportunity For The U.S.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert LaChausse, professor of public health, and CBU students Arlene Herrera, Alexis Marron, Genesis Ordonez published a paper in the Health Education Monograph. It is titled News Source, Political Party Affiliation, Perceived Risk, and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy.

 

 

 

 

Engineering students competed at the American Society of Civil Engineer Pacific Southwest Symposium in San Diego on March 31-April 2. In the concrete canoe competition, CBU placed third in coed and fifth in the men’s race. Fifteen schools took part in the competition.

 

 

Dr. Owen Staley, lecturer in Modern Languages and Literature, presented research at the 68^th meeting of the Renaissance Society of America in Dublin, Ireland, on April 2. The title of the paper was Translation and Translatio in Lodowick Bryskett’s ‘Discourse of Civill Life.’

 

 

 

Dr. Brian Bovee, assistant professor of computer information technology, presented at the Western Conference of Decision Sciences International on April 6. The paper was titled Leaderboard Design Principles Influencing Engagement in an Online Discussion.

 

 

 

Alma Salazar, director of graduate admission, lectured at the Leadership Development for Enrollment Professionals program through NACCAP (North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals) on March 28. The title of the lecture The Graduate and Adult Student Landscape: Things I Wish I Would Have Known.

 

 

 

Philip Breitenbucher, assistant professor of social work, presented a webinar for the Institute for Intergovernmental Research, with support from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention on March 24. It was titled Key Strategies: Ensuring Successful Planning and Implementation for Opioid Affected Youth Grantees.

 

 

 

 

Michael Osadchuk, director of the University Tutoring Center, presented at the Association of Coaching and Tutoring Professionals Conference in Tampa, Florida, on March 20-22. The title of the presentation was Formulas or Formation?: How the Mall, the Ballpark, and the Cathedral can Guide Tutor and Coach Development.

 

 

 

Dr. Mark Kling, associate professor of criminal justice, and Dr. Linda-Marie Sundstrom, professor of public administration, presented at the Public Administration Research Conference virtually on March 25. The paper was titled Criminal Justice Reforms: The Consequence of No Consequences. Additionally they had an article published in the PA Times (Feb. 10). It was titled Thou Shalt Not Prosecute Crime (Part II):  Alternatives to District Attorney Prosecutions.

 

 

Dawn Carter, industry liaison for the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business, was the keynote speaker for the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce’s Business in Action meeting in Riverside on April 6. She spoke on The Benefits of Hiring Interns. Additionally, she was part of a Women in Marketing panel discussion for the CBU campus chapter of the American Marketing Association on March 24.

 

 

Dr. Jennifer Cruz, assistant professor of music, and Ruth Noemy Wheeler, lecturer of music, performed Jules Massenet’s Méditation from Thäis for solo violin and piano at the “Life is Beautiful” Banquet and Telethon sponsored by Riverside Life Services on March 18. The event was held in Riverside and also livestreamed on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

The Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology program hosted the 2022 AASP (Associate for Applied Sport Psychology) West Regional Conference on March 18-19. The conference included presentations given by students and professionals on current applied and empirical research being conducted in the field of sport and performance psychology. Keynote speakers included Tyler Mariucci, CBU’s athletic director, and Dr. Traci Statler, past president of the AASP. Lauren Hess, adjunct professor of psychology, and Dr. Ed Garrett, associate professor of sport and performance psychology, took part in the career panel. Dr. John Park, assistant professor of psychology, and Mario Soto, adjunct professor of sport and performance psychology, spoke on the diversity panel.

Alison Twitty (’16), adjunct professor of psychology, and her husband, Brad (’07), welcomed a son on March 6. August Andrew Twitty weighed 6.5 pounds and measured 20.25 inches in length.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates