In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU engineering building receives beautification award

The Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building at California Baptist University has received a beautification award from the Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful (KRCB) program.

CBU received first place in the category of New Construction with Landscaping. Mayor Rusty Bailey and Cindy Roth, CEO of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, presented the KRCB awards during the annual State of the City address on Jan. 24. Mark Howe, CBU vice president for finance and administration, accepted the award on behalf of the university.

KRCB is a community-sponsored program by the City of Riverside and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. Its mission is to foster a sense of community pride by creating partnerships that work toward the beautification of the city.

The engineering building at CBU first opened its doors for the fall 2018 semester. The 100,000- square-foot building is the new home of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering at CBU.

The building is flanked by student residences known as the Cottages on the east and the Business and Music buildings to the west.

Inside, the Engineering Building hosts two blocks of classrooms, innovative labs, faculty offices and administrative spaces as well as a spacious, multipurpose design hall with room for labs, projects, exhibits, presentations and student collaboration. There is also an interactive studio lab designed to host K-12 STEM education programs.

 

CBU Online director of admissions is keen on student service

Christy Mathews is a proud new Lancer. She transitioned into her role at California Baptist University as director of admissions for the Online and Professional Studies (OPS) Division—a new role within the division—on Jan. 22.

For Mathews, CBU has been a place of intrigue since her first interaction with the institution. While pursuing an education specialist degree from Regent University, she took on a class project that focused on innovation in higher education. Her research ultimately focused on the CBU Online experience.

For her project, Mathews studied the CBU Online one-stop service model in which students make only one phone call to get all their answers pertaining to common questions such as academic advising, financial aid and enrollment. She found that the CBU model worked.

“That’s really a unique model and it’s ideal for student service,” Mathews said. “The core of everything CBU does is through relationship building, because that’s what will set us apart from other schools as well.”

Prior to her new position at CBU, Mathews worked professionally with online college students at two other universities. Along with that experience, her current status as a doctoral online student strengthens her understanding of the needs and expectations of online students.

Students need someone available to help them get connected, Mathews said.

“I’m really excited to be here. I love that all the way up to the president…the institution cares about knowing its people and making sure we’re all on the same page,” Mathews said. “I’m just really excited to be a part of that.”

CBU Online currently serves approximately 5,000 students online through 28 undergraduate majors and concentrations, 15 graduate majors and specializations, and two doctoral programs in business administration and public administration.

 

Pastor encourages students to be faithful in their walk with God

A person’s greatest goal should to be to please God through faith, pastor Daniel Bishop told a California Baptist University chapel audience on Jan. 29.

“Have dreams, change the world, be successful at what you do,” Bishop said. “But it doesn’t matter what you accomplish in your life, if you’re not faithful to God.”

Bishop (’06) is lead pastor at The Grove Community Church in Riverside and adjunct professor of Christian studies at CBU. Bishop expounded on Hebrews 11, noting that each person mentioned in the chapter was called to be faithful, and they all faced different struggles.

“God is going to ask you to step out in faith in some way in some point in your life,” Bishop said.

It takes faith to please God, to believe, to seek him and to earn a reward, Bishop said.

“It takes faith to seek God every single day,” Bishop said. “Some of your greatest acts of faithfulness will be moments when you feel lost, when you’re scared, when you’re going through the mundane days of life and you have to wrestle your emotions down to the ground and you say, ‘God, I need you and I’m going to follow you.’”

Some people try to be faithful simply to get what they want from God, Bishop said. The people listed in Hebrews 11 had a different viewpoint, he added.

“They weren’t focused on the immediate results. Instead, their faith rested on a promise that would come in the future,” Bishop said. “You will face trials in your life. The one thing that will carry you through is your faith. This is not all that we have here on this earth.”

People also need to realize that every person’s faith mission is different, Bishop said.

“Your faith in God may deliver you from the trial or your faith in God may put you right in the middle of the trial,” Bishop said.

“These people [in Hebrews 11] did their part; they helped bring God’s mission along. Now it’s our turn to be faithful,” Bishop continued. “It’s not over. God still has work to be done. He has things for you to do in your life to continue his plan.”

 

Speaker shares how she inspires kids through running

“If you let elementary students get their energy out in a productive way and make it fun, they will become more focused in their studies and they will behave better [in class],” Kara Lubin told a California Baptist University audience on Jan. 28.

Lubin is the founder of the 100 Mile Club, a nonprofit organization that focus on promoting healthy lifestyles through physical activity. Her organization encourages elementary students to run 100 miles in one school year. At the end of the year, every student who reaches that goal receives a gold medal.

“This idea came from the Olympics,” Lubin said. “I love the Olympics, and everyone competes for the gold—that’s what they want. But I kind of made up this idea and shaped it along the way.”

Lubin was a second-grade special education teacher when she came up with the idea to challenge her students to run 100 miles in a year.

“There was a lot of enthusiasm after that first mile. We got back, and they immediately asked if we could do it again tomorrow,” said Lubin, of her first class she pitched the idea to.

Now, 24 years later, almost 5,000 schools across the country participate in the 100 Mile challenge.

The program also encourages students with physical disabilities to set their own goals for the year and, if they meet them, they receive a medal.

Catherine Ayoub, a health science freshman, said she was glad she attended the lecture.

“Tonight was really eye-opening, that one teacher from a small school of 15 students can really impact the nation,” Ayoub said.

 

CBU Online places high in U.S. News & World Report rankings

CBU Online, the Division of Online and Professional Studies at California Baptist University, has earned the No. 42 spot among online bachelor’s programs in the 2019 Top Online Education Program national rankings released by U.S. News & World Report (USN&WR). This places CBU as the only California college ranked in the top 50 nationwide for best online bachelor’s programs.

In the USN&WR rankings for faculty credentials and training, CBU Online earned a No. 1 spot for both the online MBA and online graduate education programs in addition to a No. 4 ranking in the bachelor’s degree program category.

Pamela Daly, vice president for Online and Professional Studies, said the rankings confirm CBU’s commitment to providing quality instruction.

“The latest rankings support our mission and goal to increase opportunity for individuals from all walks of life,” Daly said. “We aim to reach our educational goals through the creation of accessible online bachelor, master and doctorate programs that are affordable, flexible and meaningful.”

“We are proud to offer a knowledge economy across all generations,” Daly said. “CBU Online is serving busy adults looking to advance their careers, millennials beginning their careers and our Generation Z population who expect delivery of their education in the modality that best suits their needs.”

For more information on the USN&WR rankings, please visit https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/california-baptist-university-1125/bachelors.

 

Art project explores morality in new exhibit at CBU

The Rose Garden Gallery at California Baptist University hosted an opening reception for its new exhibit, “The Morality Theatre Project,” on Jan. 22. The exhibit features 14 art pieces created by artist Barry Krammes that reflect on the concept of morality.

Krammes compiled a wide variety of recycled objects to create each piece featured in the exhibit. It took Krammes 17 years to finish his collection.

Krammes, who taught art for 35 years as a professor at Biola University, said he hopes every viewer comes away with something different.

“I want people to slow down and meditate on each piece while thinking about the various aspects of their life because each deals with a different question,” Krammes said.

Rebekah Leininger, gallery curator at CBU, said the exhibit is complex in its presentation.

“All the pieces have a struggle and tension to them, which is the overarching theme of the exhibit. Each piece has a different message open to interpretation,” Leininger said.

Leininger said she hopes the display inspires students to experiment with different art genres.

“We want students to redefine art for themselves. This exhibit shows students that boundaries can be pushed,” Leininger said.

Gabriela Sierravigas, an art therapy sophomore, said the display was unique.

“It is very different from the art I am used to seeing because it is all made from recycled pieces. The exhibit really allows students to open their eyes to new art,” Sierravigas said.

“The Morality Theatre Project” is open through March 1.

 

Spiritual retreat helps CBU students grow in their faith

Shelby McDonald, a psychology junior at California Baptist University, has a new hunger for the Gospel message thanks to a spiritual life retreat she attended Jan. 18-20.

McDonald and hundreds of her peers spent a weekend in the mountains reflecting on their Christian walk.

“The mission field starts now, and I must take advantage of where God has placed me in this season [of my life],” McDonald said. “I must remember daily that my cause is to live for Christ and the sake of His Kingdom.”

Some 300 students and 65 faculty and staff from CBU attended the retreat organized by the Spiritual Life office at CBU. The weekend getaway, held at the Pali Retreat Center near Running Springs, California, was open to all CBU students. Steve Shadrach, author and executive director of the Center for Mission Mobilization, served as the keynote speaker for the retreat.  Students also attended several workshops throughout the weekend that were facilitated by staff from the Spiritual Life office.

The purpose of the retreat was to help the participants grow spiritually, said Jacob Ravenscraft, director of university ministries. The theme of the retreat was “The Story.”

“What does it look like to have a healthier, fuller picture of the gospel, of discipling the nations, of being a follower of Jesus who makes disciples?” Ravenscraft asked. “We want to invest in lives who then in turn develop followers of Jesus.”

“We’re trying to address the misconception that God becomes part of our story—‘I’m managing where God fits in my story,’” Ravenscraft said. “That’s not it. It’s how do we become part of His story and what does our role look like in that?”

America Suarez, a creative writing senior, said the retreat reminded her that God is in control and is at work in His children.

“He will prove Himself in His own time and way. I just have to be willing,” Suarez said. “Something that really hit a lot of us this weekend was the question of whether we were genuinely and fully able to pray this prayer: ‘Lord, I am willing to go anywhere, at any time, and to do anything for you.’”

 

Topping out event marks a milestone for East Parking structure

California Baptist University and Swinerton Builders  hosted a Topping Out ceremony on Jan. 22, celebrating the final pouring of cement for the structure of the East Parking garage.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president and a crowd of university dignitaries and Swinerton workers toured the facilities and shared a meal together.

The East Parking Structure is located in Lancer Plaza at the corner of Adams Street and Diana Avenue. The structure features five-levels and will provide more than 1,450 parking spaces. The total square footage of the structure is some 483,726 square feet. The garage will also feature two elevator towers and more than 50 security cameras. The parking structure is scheduled to open in August 2019.

 

 

 

CBU speaker addresses the influence of perceptions

“There is power in perception. In the way we see a circumstance,” Dr. Jennifer Dickey told a California Baptist University audience on Jan. 17.

Dickey spoke as part of the Culture and Justice Lecture Series for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at CBU. Dickey is a full-time lecturer and the director of the Global Mission Leadership Initiative at Baylor University.

Dickey, as part of an excise during her lecture, brought in 3D glasses for students to use. She then instructed the students to interact with each other wearing the glasses.

Dickey then asked the audience what they witnessed during the interactions.

Ultimately, the perception of participants was impaired, Dickey said.

“I think this is the reality of what is happening in our lives. We wear perception changing things all the time,” Dickey said.

Dickey said it is important to become conscious of how your perceptions are formed.

“What forms your perception of others? You need to become aware of these perceptions, especially if you are going into an international context,” Dickey said.

Dickey shared a letter she received from an individual she interacted with during a mission trip to Kenya.

“Volunteers need to come here and understand what we are doing. Let them fit into what we are already doing; because remember, we were here before them. You are not coming to find nothing, an empty plate, but people who are living and who have structures. These structures support us day-to-day,” Dickey recited.

“The letter for me meant—‘please see me,’” Dickey said. “See me for my perseverance, for my brilliance and my ability to overcome situations. See me for my capacity and treat me from that perception.”

 

CBU women’s basketball sets several records in lopsided win

The women’s basketball team at California Baptist University set a team and Western Athletic Conference record for points scored in a game in their 133-43 victory over Westcliff University on Jan. 17.

Ane Olaeta led the way for the Lancers with a career-high 27-point performance while shooting 12-for-17 from the field.

The Lancers are 9-10 overall. Their next home game will be Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. against Seattle University.

Read the full game recap here.

 

 

Family Updates

Daniel Akers, website development specialist for Marketing and Communication, was named employee of the month for February. His nomination included the following statements: “Daniel constantly takes individual initiative to improve the functionality and user experience of CBU’s web properties. As web technology changes, Daniel strives for greater knowledge and expands his skills for the benefit of his team and university clients.”

 

 

 

Mandy Themm, adjunct professor of education, led a team of 19 to Belize Jan. 4-12. They taught students in four village schools and conducted a teacher/principal training using the 30,000 school books that they delivered. The team included four CBU students: Jennifer Revollo, Katie Kostecka, Katyana Conley and Crystal Navarro.

 

Ashley Sonke, nursing student services coordinator II, conducted a seminar at Sam Houston State University on Jan. 8. She led a Holistic Admissions Review training seminar, as a part of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s workshops.

 

 

 

Dr. Fred Pontius, professor of civil engineering and construction management, served as a judge at the St. Catherine of Alexandria School science fair held in Riverside on Jan. 10. He helped judge 100 projects submitted by sixth- through eighth-graders.

 

 

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gage, professor of nursing, recently initiated Dads4Life, a community-based fatherhood program in partnership with Riverside Life Services. Volunteer father mentors welcome new dads and build relationships to support them and their families. A dads’ evening is held monthly to discuss fatherhood and family health. Dads can also participate in online education.

 

 

Dr. Robert Pate, associate professor of psychology, provided a training for the clinical staff at Christian Counseling Services in Redlands on Jan. 9. The training was titled Working with Pain and Suffering.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Shields, assistant dean of curriculum development for Online and Professional Studies, and his wife, Jessika (’08), co-authored a children’s book. Don’t Feed the Monster is a story about compassion, forgiveness and respect.

 

 

 

Paul Eldridge, vice president for University Advancement, spoke to the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce’s Economic Development Council on Jan. 22. He talked about the latest campus renovations, including the new parking structure and the Lancer Plaza and Adams Avenue improvements.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of School of Business, had an article published in the International Journal of Engineering Technology Research & Management (December 2018). The title was Linking User Connectedness to the Performance of an Enterprise with a Global Supply Chain: A case study.

 

 

 

The Career Center hosted an Employer Partner Appreciation Luncheon on Jan. 24. The luncheon was held to update the employers on Career Center growth, upcoming events and new opportunities for employer involvement with CBU students. The employer partner program is designed to benefit companies and organizations so that they may provide their job opportunities to CBU students early and often.

 

 

Dr. Monica O’Rourke, professor of kinesiology for Online and Professional Studies, her husband, Brian, and volunteers fed more than 400 people at the AMA Supercross race in Anaheim on Jan. 19. The meal, provided to Supercross riders, pit crew and support staff, was sponsored by CBU and served by Team Faith, CBU Online staff and alumni. The O’Rourkes operate Team Faith, an outreach ministry geared toward professional action-sports athletes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Knight, customer support analyst II in Information Technology Services, and his wife, Alicia, welcomed a daughter on Dec. 8. Alana Jo Knight weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 19 inches in length. She joins sister Riley, 4.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Hannah Hu, associate professor of chemistry, and her husband, Dapeng Zhou, welcomed a daughter on Jan. 24. Yaxin Apphia Zhou weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 inches in length.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Kay Warren speaks about Christian discipleship at CBU chapel

“What would move some of you in the crowd to be a disciple of Jesus?” Kay Warren asked a California Baptist University chapel audience on Jan. 15.

“Jesus drew a crowd wherever He went. It was usually people looking for a miracle. These were people in deep need,” Warren said.

Warren is co-founder of Saddleback Church with her husband, Dr. Rick Warren (’77), and she is also an international speaker, best-selling author and Bible teacher.

Warren expounded on Mark 8:34: “And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.’” (NASB)

“Jesus makes it clear what disciples need to do—deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him,” Warren said.

Warren said that she has interpreted Jesus’ words in her life to mean, “Be dangerously surrendered, become seriously disturbed and become gloriously ruined.”

“The Bible says to deny one’s self, and that is an unpleasant place to start,” Warren said. Surrender is not an attractive word to Americans, she added.

“Yet in God’s vocabulary, the word surrender is probably the most beautiful word that He ever hears come from our mouths–when we say ‘yes, God, I will do what you want,’” Warren said.

Jesus was so disturbed by people’s sin and their separation from Him, that He chose to come to earth, take up the cross and die, Warren said.

“We get disturbed by things that are about an inch deep, when our world is drowning in things to be disturbed about,” Warren said. “When was the last time something in our world so disturbed you that you moved from that comfortable place, that comfortable life you’re building for yourself, to the place where you said, ‘I have to do something about it?’”

Finally, Christians should aim to be gloriously ruined, Warren added.

“What would it look like if Jesus was able to shift your passions and your priorities in such a way you became ruined for the average, ordinary life and instead you became a disciple who was fully surrendered,” Warren said. “If I’m going to be ‘ruined,’ I want to be ‘ruined’ for the Kingdom of God because it is eternal.”

 

Spring Registration starts the 2019 semester at CBU

California Baptist University kicked off the spring 2019 semester with welcome activities for freshmen and transfer students during Spring Registration on Jan. 7.

The day after new students moved into residential housing and registered for classes, students attended sessions that covered CBU’s vision, student services, academics and how to become involved on campus. Students also participated in the Kugel Walk, a CBU tradition in which students touch the floating granite globe structure that symbolizes the Great Commission as they begin their educational experience at CBU.

On Jan. 8 the FOCUS program—short for “First-Year Orientation & Christian University Success”—began to form groups. The small communities provide support as students begin their first semester at CBU and help them adjust to campus life.

The registration activities help students become familiar with the campus, services and traditions, said Jay Stovall, director of new student programs.

“We’re trying to be intentional about getting them connected,” Stovall said.

Brittany Van Wagenen, an early childhood studies freshman, said the CBU campus and community helped her finalize her decision to become a Lancer.

“I came to the campus and thought ‘this is what I’ve been looking for,’” Van Wagenen said. “The feeling of people caring and wanting to be proud of their school.”

Marissa Lemos, a biology sophomore who transferred to CBU, said she chose CBU because of the location and its Christian values.

“I’m looking forward to the community,” Lemos said. “I have a lot of friends who go here and they’re always talking about the great events and the great instructors.”

Classes for the spring 2019 semester began on Jan. 9.

 

Lancer men’s basketball secures 1,000th win in program history

California Baptist University men’s basketball secured the 1,000th win in program history and closed out 2018 competition with a 97-46 victory over the University of La Verne on Dec. 29.

The Lancers later picked up its first Western Athletic Conference road win with a 77-75 victory at Chicago State on Jan. 12. CBU has won eight of its last 11 games.

The Lancers will host CSU Bakersfield on Jan. 24 and Grand Canyon on Jan. 26.

Read the full game recap of the CBU milestone win here.

 

 

Partnership brings aspiring musicians and actors to CBU

“When you’re dancing on stage, you need to move together,” Lisa Lyons, adjunct professor of theatre at California Baptist University, gracefully instructed her students. Responding to Lyons’ direction, 20 students, ages 8-17, practiced the moves repeatedly. Then they progressed to perform the routine while singing “Be Our Guest” from the Broadway show “Beauty and the Beast.”

The musical theatre class Lyons was teaching is one of several offered through an education partnership between CBU and Inland Empire Musical Arts (IEMA). Approximately 130 children were on campus during the fall semester, gaining knowledge and experience in the world of music and theatre.

The musical partnership is a testament of the desire for quality music and theatre training for youth, said Michelle Elliott, director of IEMA.

Elliott was homeschooling her children several years ago and unable to find music programs for them nearby. That led to her start IEMA in 2016. IEMA initially offered beginning music classes only to homeschoolers but when inquiries about the classes spiked, she opened up the classes to the public.

Elliott then contacted the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music at CBU, looking for referrals for music teachers. Since then the School of Music and IEMA have formed a partnership. Children start with IEMA for beginning and intermediate music, sometimes taught by a CBU student. They then can advance to the classes offered at CBU.

For music, students can take classes in piano or audition for an ensemble group such as the symphonic band, string orchestra or choir. While string and choir students make up their own groups, the band students participate with the CBU Symphonic Band.

Dan St. Marseille, director of jazz studies at CBU, conducts the Symphonic Band, which currently includes 10 IEMA students.

“To play with the university’s Symphonic Band challenges them to improve on their instrument and gives them exposure to the rigors of our performance ensembles,” St. Marseille said.

The Youth Acting Academy portion of IEMA provides students ages 8-17 with a theatre arts experience that integrates drama, movement, music and stagecraft. CBU faculty and students teach acting fundamentals, Shakespeare and musical theatre. The IEMA students will perform “Seussical” next spring, using the same set CBU students will use for their production of “Barnum.”

The benefits to CBU are several, said Lee Lyons, professor of theatre. They include introducing families to the CBU theatre program, having child actors to draw from if a CBU production needs one, and preparing youths for theatre at CBU if they choose to enroll, he added.

“The No. 1 benefit is having access to the CBU faculty,” Elliott said. “They have wonderful faculty members who now have access to invest in, instruct and mentor students at a young age.”

 

Assistant dean working to create a mentor-type experience

Dr. Tad Hove addressed the necessary components for a business plan in his graduate management class at California Baptist University. He made sure students’ plans were detailed.

He also stopped to encourage his students with a biblical theme referencing Jeremiah 29:11.

“God has a business plan for your life and it was made before you even were born,” said Hove, assistant dean for graduate programs in the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business. “As believers, we can rest in that, because starting a business and running your own personal life is not easy.”

Hove became assistant dean for graduate programs within the School of Business on July 1, 2018. Prior to his new role, he was an adjunct professor at CBU. He is also a businessman with more than a decade of experience at Qualcomm, working on cell phone design and battery technology. Additionally, Hove has invested in real estate.

Hove is big on developing mentor-based relationships with his students.

Because mentors helped Hove get through some tough situations during his teen years, he now seeks a similar way to help others.

“The goal for me is that the students do something that they never thought they could do before. We all fear change and to some level, fear different challenges,” Hove said. “I want them to be able to look back and say ‘this is what I got from the MBA program that I never thought I would get.’”

As assistant dean, Hove said he wants to build graduate programs to well equip every student. That may mean building supplemental plans for those students who struggle with writing and research or helping executives who want to climb the corporate ladder, he added.

Moving forward, Hove also plans to interview each applicant applying for a graduate business program. He is looking at the student’s prior journey and their strategy in attaining a master’s, Hove said. The fact-finding process is both educational and spiritual.

“The education piece looks at the student’s goals and what can be nourished and blossom within the program,” Hove said. “The spiritual piece evolves around relationship building, removing fear and doubt and building intrinsic motivation to move forward.”

 

CBU names new VP for Online and Professional Studies

Veteran educator Pamela Daly was named vice president for Online and Professional Studies at California Baptist University. She started her new position Jan. 2.

“We are pleased to welcome Pamela Daly to the executive team at CBU,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president. Ellis noted that Daly brings a proven record of private higher education finance and administration experience to her new role.

“I am confident that Pamela’s background and skill set will help to increase enrollment and advance CBU’s distinctive brand and quality academic programs in the increasingly important and highly competitive online education marketplace,” Ellis said.

Daly comes to CBU from the Los Angeles College of Technology. From 2008 to 2017 she served in various administrative roles at DeVry University locations in San Diego and Fremont, California. She also taught psychology and management leadership courses at DeVry. Previously, Daly was vice president for sales at Goal Financial, LLC, in San Diego, a start-up financial institution assisting students with federal and private higher education funding options from 2001 to 2007.

At CBU Daly will oversee the Division of Online and Professional Studies, including enrollment management, marketing administration, operations and program development.

Daly received a Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology from San Diego Christian College and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Education Leadership from the DeVry University Keller Graduate School of Management and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education at Liberty University.

 

Family Updates

Dr. Bruce Stokes, professor of anthropology and behavioral sciences, published an article in Kesher: A Journal of Messianic Judaism (Summer/Fall, Issue 33). The article was titled Cultural Adolescence or Biblical Youth: A Religious Parent’s Challenge.

 

 

 

Dr. Barry Parker, reference and serials librarian, spoke at Fontana Middle School on Nov. 26. He talked to seventh-graders about creative writing.

 

 

 

 

The CBU chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma has received the Chapter Recognition Award. Eta Sigma Gamma is the national honorary society for health education. The award represents excellence in teaching, research and community service. CBU’s chapter was awarded the honor based on community service activities for the 2017-18 academic year, increased student participation in faculty research, and improvements to strengthen the undergraduate curriculum in 2016-17.

 

 

Dr. Robert Grand, adjunct professor of education for Online and Professional Studies, presented a paper at the Oxford Education Research Symposium in Oxford, United Kingdom, on Dec. 5-7. It was titled A Collective Case Study in Expectant Father Fears.

 

 

 

Dr. Adele Harrison, professor of finance, had an article published in The DeVoe Report (Fall/Winter 2018). It was titled Not Withholding Good.

 

 

 

 

Jessica Alzen, adjunct professor for Online and Professional Studies, co-wrote a paper that was published in the International Journal of STEM Education (December 2018). It was titled A Logistic Regression Investigation of the Relationship between the Learning Assistant Model and Failure Rates in Introductory STEM Courses.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health, Dr. Riste Simnjanovski, dean of faculty development, Dr. Scott Dunbar, assistant professor of human resource management, and Dr. Richard Ardito, assistant professor of accounting, all for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the 2019 Clute International Conference in Maui, Hawaii, on Jan. 3. Their presentation, titled Effects of Time Limitations in Non-Traditional Learning Environments, received the Best Presentation award. Dr. Andrew Harveson, assistant professor of kinesiology, Dr. Bochi McKinney, assistant professor of public health, Dr. Kathryn Norwood, dean of assessment and accreditation, and Dr. Dirk Davis, associate vice president for academics, all for OPS, also were co-authors of the study.

 

 

Dr. Gene Peterson, associate professor of music, had an article published in the Choral Journal (December 2018). It was titled The Legacy of Choral Singing: A Directors’ Choir Experience.

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Zamora, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, and CBU students provided a medical outreach for an immigrant population from Michoacán, Mexico, in Thermal, California, on Dec. 1. The CBU group was joined by a University of California, Riverside, professor and medical students. The group set up screening stations, provided patient education and treatment.

 

 

 

Dr. Seong Kong, associate professor of bioengineering, had a paper published in Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials (volume 473). The title was The Use of Magnetic Targeting for Drug Delivery into Cardiac Myocytes.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health for Online and Professional Studies, presented research at the Oxford Symposium for Religious Studies held in Oxford, United Kingdom, on Dec. 6. The title was Spiritual Meaning’s Influence on Future Job Satisfaction.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Keanon Alderson, professor of management, had a book chosen by Harvard Business School Publishing to be paired with a Harvard Business School case study. The book was titled Understanding the Family Business: Exploring the differences between family and non-family businesses (second edition, Business Expert Press).

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, had a book, Producing Worship: A Theology of Church Technical Arts, published in December. Additionally, he was a guest on the AVNation podcast on Dec. 10 episode titled AVNation Special: Producing Worship with Joe Way. He was also a guest on the AV Life podcast on the Jan. 4 episode titled The AV Life Episode 117: A New Year – Perspective, Prediction and Intervention.

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Putulowski, assistant professor of business, Dr. Robert Crosby, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Richard Ardito, assistant professor of accounting, all for Online and Professional Studies, presented a paper at the 2019 Clute International Academic Conference on Business in Maui, Hawaii, on Jan. 1-5. The presentation was titled Marketing an Accounting Firm Using the 4P’s of Marketing.

 

 

Dr. Shawn Wilhite, assistant professor of Christian studies, and Coleman Ford, adjunct professor of Christian studies, both for Online and Professional Studies, are the directors and research fellows for the Center for Ancient Christian Studies. They recently released Fides et Humilitas: The Journal for the Center for Ancient Christian Studies (Issue 5). They wrote the editorial, titled Female Voices in Early Christian Scholarship.

 

 

Dr. Anthony Donaldson, dean of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering, and Dr. Darla Donaldson, associate professor of finance and social entrepreneurship, recently established The Willis Lyle Donaldson and William Ross Smith Endowed Engineering Scholarship to honor their parents, who were both engineers. This gift qualifies for 1:1 university matching funds as part of CBU’s Endowment Matching Program (https://ua.calbaptist.edu/endowment-matching-program). Alumni, businesses, friends of the Donaldsons and interested faculty and staff are encouraged to make a gift to this endowment through June 30. All gifts to this fund given on or before June 30 will be matched, 1:1, now that the threshold for matching funds has been met.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Carla Thornton, assistant professor of social work, was sworn in as a member of the Moreno Valley City Council on Dec 13. She was elected to the District 2 seat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marie King (’14), assistant director of communications for admissions, and Mitchell Spezzaferri (’14, ’16) were married Dec. 22, 2018, in Temecula.

 

 

 

 

 

Hector Jimenez (’09), assistant professor of music, and his wife, Jessica, welcomed a daughter on Sept. 4. Joelle Mirembe Jimenez joins twin sisters, Sarai and Eden, 3.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

 

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU honors graduates during fall commencement

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, congratulated hundreds of graduates during two commencement ceremonies at the Events Center on Dec. 12.

A total of 774 students were eligible to participate in the ceremonies. Combined applications for graduation included nine candidates for doctoral degrees, 242 for master’s degrees and 523 candidates for undergraduate degrees.

“Graduation marks the completion of a program of study. Commencement signals a new beginning,” Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, told a fall commencement audience on Dec. 12. “My earnest hope and prayer is that each of you will lean into this new beginning with genuine Lancer zeal. May you ‘Live Your Purpose’ with passion and with the same determination that has guided you to this joyful day of celebration.”

Ellis noted that these students make up the first graduates for the Class of 2019. The Class of 2018 made up a historic class with 2,846 graduates.

Ellis said CBU has prepared students to tell a unique story.

“All of you have a story to tell. Many involve personal examples of service and transformation that you experienced or witnessed as you seized the opportunity to put your faith into practice,” Ellis said. “The details vary from one story to the next; but in virtually every instance, your participation demonstrates some or all of CBU’s University Student Outcomes, known as the Core Four. These are qualities that every graduate of CBU should embody—to be Biblically Rooted, Academically Prepared, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve.”

As students enter into the next phase of their life, Ellis encouraged them to remember the foundation CBU has laid out for them.

“Past experience indicates many of you will remain in the Inland Southern California region. I encourage you to take advantage of that proximity. Come back often for alumni activities and Lancer athletic events,” Ellis said. “Other members of this graduating class will scatter to the four corners of the earth in pursuit of their calling. For them, attending campus activities as alumni may not be so easy. But wherever you are, we want you to stay in touch. Keep us posted on your progress. And as you step into the future beyond CBU, be sure you let us know where and how you are continuing to ‘Live Your Purpose.’”

 

Graduate hooding ceremonies celebrate students’ achievements

Hundreds of master’s degree candidates at California Baptist University celebrated achievements this week at hooding ceremonies leading up to commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12.

Approximately 240 master’s degree candidates and nine doctoral candidates are eligible to participate in the fall commencements. At CBU, colleges and schools hold individual hooding ceremonies to recognize their candidates and also give students their distinctive colored hoods to wear at their commencement ceremony.

The largest group of master’s candidates came from the Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education with 36 candidates. CBU also had a large number of candidates from the Online and Professional Studies, which had 126 master candidates and nine doctoral candidates for graduation throughout its various programs.

Dr. Angela Deulen, associate professor of psychology, spoke at the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences hooding ceremony held on Dec. 11. She encouraged the graduates to focus on eternity and reconciliation in their careers, referencing II Corinthians 4:18 and 5:18-21.

“If you’re doing this work in light of eternity, you will approach your work in light of reconciliation, because relationships have eternal value,” Deulen said. “If you live and work with your eyes set on the things that are unseen, you will not be disappointed.”

Lea Annette Harris, who earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry, received her gold hood at the ceremony. She said the program challenged her to think more theologically.

“[The program] is unique in its field in that it focuses on the integration of theology and psychology, helping believers as Christian therapists,” Harris said.

Andrea Howell, who earned her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, said the program taught her about empathy and the counseling profession.

“Everybody has a story and you can’t judge because everybody has some sort of story that got them to where they are now,” Howell said.

 

Distinguished students ring in commencement ceremonies

More than 770 students at California Baptist University were eligible to participate in two fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12. In keeping with a CBU tradition, the ringing of a bell ushered them into the Events Center.

The tradition calls for the bell ringing to kick off each commencement. Each toll represents one decade of the university’s existence. The bell rang six times at each commencement to commemorate six decades of academic excellence. CBU was established in 1950.

In keeping with another aspect of the tradition, graduates from among the highest-ranking students were chosen this fall to ring the bell.

Grace Klehn, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, rang the bell at the morning ceremony, and Megan Cox, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, rang the bell at the afternoon ceremony.

Klehn, whose current GPA is 4.0, said she was honored to be selected as a bell ringer.

“I feel as though I represent all of the graduates and the hard work that everyone has put in to completing their college degree,” Klehn said. “I have pushed myself to honor God in my work, studies, faith and relationships and ringing the bell represents that I have been able to meet those goals.”

After graduation, Klehn will work full time as a ministry assistant for a church in Valencia, California.

“CBU has shaped my faith to be purposeful and meaningful,” Klehn said. “My faith became personal and powerful and I am able to freely talk about it with others as a result of the Christian community I have developed here.”

Cox, whose current GPA is 3.97, said she was thankful to be part of the CBU tradition of the bell ringer.

“Being an online student, I feel even more grateful to the faculty and staff here to be included and considered for this prestigious role,” Cox said.

Cox, who balanced being a full-time student and a full-time employee for the Corona Fire Department, plans to continue working as a fire inspector.

“Going to school at CBU made me a stronger student, leader and a better person overall,” Cox said. “The skills and lessons I’ve learned are ones that I will use in my personal life and career for the rest of my life.”

 

Students take a break during finals preparation for a tradition

Jamie Perlee, a communication studies and business administration senior, took a break from preparing for finals to attend a late-night breakfast at California Baptist University on Dec. 6. She along with a few friends headed over to the Alumni Dining Commons to enjoy a hot meal served by staff and faculty members.

“When we came in, everyone greeted us and we didn’t even have to get up. The event is a great way to motivate students through finals week,” Perlee said.

The late-night breakfast, served from 9-11 p.m., is a CBU tradition that gives faculty and staff an opportunity to encourage and serve students during finals week. The menu included waffles, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Tater Tots, eggs and bacon.

Kristin Holderman, director of campus activities for Community Life, said that the late-night breakfast is a way for students to be served by faculty and staff members to end the year on a high note.

“It is a great opportunity for staff and students to be in the same room outside of the classroom. I love being able to serve the students, which is why we are here,” Holderman said.

Anthony Lammons, dean of students, said he enjoyed serving the students.

“I enjoy connecting with students who I haven’t seen for a while, wishing seniors the best and telling freshmen I knew ‘you could make it,’” Lammons said. “It is nice seeing the faces of students before they head off for their break or depart from CBU.”

Dominick Banuelos, an engineering junior, is a commuter and felt like he was at home dining with his fellow students.

“I came because I was starved and will be up for a while studying for finals,” Banuelos said.

Jennifer Amos, a business administration senior, enjoyed the eggs and liked how the staff were supporting students by serving them.

“The staff really cares about the students’ future and encourages students who are graduating to live out their purpose,” Amos said.

 

CBU combines traditions to celebrate the Christmas season

The traditional tree lighting ceremony at California Baptist University featured some familiar themes this year: cold weather, hot cocoa and treats, in addition to the reading of the Christmas story and the lighting of the Christmas tree. New this year was the combination of another CBU tradition—Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, where the CBU community came together to assemble more than 1,400 gift shoeboxes.

The event held on Dec. 3 was organized by Associated Students of CBU, Spiritual Life and Community Life and was attended by an estimated 2,000 individuals.

As attendees arrived for the evening, they were given candles. After CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis read the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke, the event-goers lit their candles and counted down to the lighting of the tree.

“I really enjoyed seeing the Christmas spirit come out of everyone when the tree was lit,” said Isaac Pitman, a mathematics senior.

Shiloh Fox, an art therapy student, said she has lived overseas and witnessed children living in poverty firsthand. Fox said she was happy to see so many students willing to give back.

“It is a great way for students to bring light to children all over the world,” Fox said.

Abigail Kula, a nursing sophomore who participated in preparing items for Operation Christmas Child the day before, said the event was a collaborative effort.

“One of my favorite parts of the process is how everyone comes together,” Kula said. “It was a lot of fun because it allowed everyone to serve others.”

 

Lecturer discusses how leadership and justice go hand-in-hand

“The world conspires to rob people of dignity, life and liberty. It is our job as leaders to prevent injustice from happening and allow humankind to flourish,” Dr. Wayne Barnard told a California Baptist University audience on Nov. 29.

Barnard spoke as part of the Culture and Justice Lecture Series organized by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at CBU. Barnard is a psychology professor at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to being a professor, he spent eight years working in the global nonprofit sector with International Justice Mission.

People learn about justice by thinking about injustice, Barnard said.

“Injustice is when someone abuses their power. It does not have to be a whole lot of power. Most bullies don’t have a whole lot of power. Just enough for them to carefully choose their victim,” Barnard said. “When you talk about justice as a whole, you are talking about the flourishing of humankind.”

Barnard encouraged his audience to become leaders who fight injustices with humility and vulnerability.

“There has to be a sense of humility when it comes to leadership. A recognition of what it is we do not know,” Barnard said. “We allow ourselves to ask questions and also allow the questions to be asked. Vulnerability does not equal weakness at all. It’s actually a strength.”

 

CBU announces new Ph.D. in Leadership Studies

California Baptist University is now accepting applications for its Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies program that is expected to launch in 2019. The program is designed for emerging and established leaders who want to make learning and leading their lifelong purpose.

“History abounds with stories on how good leaders helped people, organizations and societies to thrive. The good news is that much of what it takes for good leadership to happen is actually learned,” said Dr. John Shoup, director of the Leadership Institute at CBU.

The interdisciplinary 58-unit degree is designed for working professionals serving in administration, athletics, business, church ministry, education (K-12 and higher education), government, nonprofit and health related organizations and institutions.

The program can be completed in three years. Students take 27 units on leading and managing organizations and institutions, nine units on quantitative and qualitative research, 12 units of electives, and 10 research seminar units for writing and defending their dissertation.

“This Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program equips candidates with critical perspectives and skills to make the right things happen the right way in their personal and professional communities,” Shoup said.

The curriculum is designed to develop servant leaders who implement best practices from the theoretical, scientific and practical knowledge of what constitutes an effective, ethical and transformational leader.

“Candidates will learn what is required to shape organizational cultures, promote with ethical values, manage complex environments, implement creative and wise decisions and optimize the performance of the collective,” Shoup said.

The Leadership Studies Ph.D. program will be the fifth doctoral program offered by California Baptist University. To learn more about the program please click here.

 

CBU volunteers set to serve in 24 countries on 35 teams in 2019

Joyful anticipation filled the air as hundreds of students from California Baptist University packed Magnolia Church in Riverside for the ISP Team Reveal on Nov. 29.

The CBU Office of Spiritual Life held the event to announce which volunteer teams the students will serve on next summer. 2019 marks the 23rd year of CBU’s global mobilization efforts led by students, staff and faculty members. More than 300 students and staff comprising 35 International Service Projects (ISP) teams are scheduled to serve in 24 countries, including Lithuania and the Netherlands for the first time.

Katie Rasar, an undeclared sophomore, will be serving on her second ISP.  She served in Southeast Asia last summer and plans to go to Spain in 2019.

“I really loved the whole experience last year, but I wanted to experience a different part of the world, and I got Spain,” Rasar happily explained. “I want to grow in my faith honestly. I feel like in every trip you learn something new or God reveals himself in a new way and I just want to get to know Him more and get to know others as well.”

Jeff Lewis, director of Mobilization, told students the theme for 2019 ISP is “The Story,” with the theme verse from Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God.”

Lewis said his office’s mission is to reach all nations with the Gospel message.

ISP students will serve on four types of teams, depending on previous ISP experience and their time commitment. Encounter teams are open to first-time participants who will serve 10-14 days. Engagement teams are deployed for three weeks. Immersion teams serve for eight weeks and are available to returning ISP students. Launch, a new ISP team being offered in 2019, is geared for students who are interested in serving overseas long-term. Launch will be available to graduating seniors.

 

Engineering students showcase “VW Bus” at international event

After more than a year of designing, planning, testing and building a Chem-E-Car, students from California Baptist University finally had a chance to show off the final version of their “VW Bus.”

Chemical engineering students competed in the international Chem-E-Car competition in Pittsburg on Oct. 28. The CBU team finished first from the West Coast region, 11th among U.S. teams and 16th overall out of 39 teams.

“Competing was a big deal to me personally—it was the culmination of nearly a year and a half of working on the design, manufacture and testing of the car,” said James Suzuki, a senior. “I thought it was amazing to represent the school and my team against the top teams worldwide.”

In April, the CBU team from the American Institute of Chemical Engineering (AIChE) club finished third at the Chemical AIChE Western Regional Conference, paving their way to the international competition. Students Suzuki, Sarah Hrovat, Luis Rodriguez, Kristine Sellona and Edward Mikenas made up the team. This time they finished ahead of the University of California, Berkeley and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona—the two teams that placed ahead of CBU at the regionals.

The competition challenges students to build a self-powered, shoebox-sized vehicle that is programmed travel a specified distance within two minutes, typically 15 to 30 meters, while carrying an assigned load and then stop on its own. The car that ends up closest to the designated finish line wins the competition.

For the Pittsburg competition, the team upgraded the car body from scrap wood and aluminum to acrylic plastic. Additionally, two new motors were implemented and tweaks were made to the original custom electronic circuitry.

“I was impressed with our performance, but there is still motivation to improve our consistency even more next year,” Suzuki said. “I feel like our platform is solid, and the next car shouldn’t need to have too many radical changes to its core functionality.”

Dr. Sarah Zhao, assistant professor of chemical engineering and the AIChE club advisor, said she was proud of the results the students achieved.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase CBU’s chemical engineering program,” Zhao said. “Even though we are a small program, we were not the underdog at the competition. This has made our students confident about their education at CBU.”

 

CBU Flying Lancers compete in regional event

Four aviation science students from California Baptist University put their learning to the test at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Region II competition on Nov. 13-17 in Prescott, Arizona.

The Flying Lancers, the nickname for the team members of the Aviation Science club at CBU, were among seven college aviation programs that participated in numerous ground and flight competitive events. Christopher Yanney, Josh Shandley, Michael Lepire and Arianna Chavez made up the CBU team.

Yanney, an aviation flight sophomore, earned the Lancers’ highest mark with a third-place finish in the Instrument Precision Flight event. The CBU team placed fifth in the competition.

“I learned to embrace new challenges and found a new sense of confidence in myself as a pilot,” said Shandley, an aviation flight sophomore.

Chavez, an aviation flight senior, said the experience allowed her to gain valuable insights. She plans to share those with fellow aviation students.

“The planning is the biggest key I could ever stress to my fellow aviators,” Chavez said.

Lacey Schimming (’17), flight instructor II at CBU, competed as a CBU student in 2015. This year she was a team’s coach and she was able to prep her team from experience.

“It’s a well-rounded competition, where they’re learning to become a better and a safer pilot,” Schimming said. “Each of our students came back from the competition with a better understanding of how NIFA operates and how to improve for next year. We can only get better from here.”

 

Worship artist Anthony Evans performs at CBU chapel

“His Word says He is greater, He is bigger and He will work all things together for our good and that’s what I believe,” Anthony Evans told a chapel audience at California Baptist University on Nov. 27

Evans is an accomplished Christian artist who has released seven albums and performed worldwide. Evans also is a consultant for the Bachelor of Arts Worship Arts and Ministry program at CBU and an adjunct professor of worship arts.

In 2012, Evans was a contestant on “The Voice and later returned to the show as a talent producer.

In chapel, Evans performed songs such as “See You Again,” “My Heart Is Now Your Home,” “Ever Be” and “Greater Is He.”  Evans also took time to share about a difficult time in his life that included a broken relationship.

“I wanted to be real and authentic and I felt nuts having to stand on the stage and sing about the faithfulness of God and not feel it at all,” said Evans, who was a worship leader at the time.

Evans confided with his dad that he felt left, lost and abandoned during this time in his life.

“He said, ‘Anthony, you have to realize your feelings do not have intellect. They can’t think, so you have to bounce your feelings off of the Word of God,’” Evans said.

His dad read Philippians 1:6 (ESV): “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

“He told me, ‘this is true, whether you feel it or not. You have to keep moving in the direction you know is true and your feelings will eventually catch up with your feet,’” Evans said.

Evans told the students they are dealing with a lot in college, with various feelings and a culture that wants them to listen to everything other than the Word of God.

“My encouragement is to dig deep and understand that God’s truth is true whether you feel it or not,” Evans said.

 

MLB player speaks about “being a light” for Jesus

Representing Jesus in a positive way makes his profession meaningful, Chris Stewart told a California Baptist University audience on Nov. 26.

Stewart, a Major League Baseball free agent who has played for Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and most recently the Arizona Diamondbacks, spoke as a part of the College of Health Science Distinguished Lecture Series.  Stewart, 36, has been a professional baseball player since he signed a pro deal in 2001 after spending one year playing college baseball at Riverside Community College.

Stewart said early in his career he defined himself as purely a baseball player and believed God put him on this earth to just play ball. However, as he has grown in his faith, he now has a new passion—to spread the Gospel and be a light to the world.

“Once I had that focus, it made baseball playing much easier,” Stewart said.  “At the end of the day, I found who cares what happened on the baseball field. Did I represent Christ in a good light?”

It is important to focus on what really matters, he added.

“Never be satisfied where you are at, constantly strive to be your best, not the best,” Stewart said.  “Give your best everyday no matter the outcome. This perspective made me who I am and I would not be in this position if it were not for that shift.”

 

Speaker reminds chapel audience of the fruits of being faithful

“God always keeps His promises and He rewards the faithful,” Madeline Carroll told a California Baptist University chapel audience on Nov. 15.

Carroll is an actress who started working as a child in films such as “Swing Vote” alongside Kevin Costner and “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” with Jim Carrey. More recently she appeared in “I Can Only Imagine” and “God Bless the Broken Road.”

Carroll shared her testimony including a decision she made to walk away from a role after reading a script that was filled with profanity.

“I couldn’t do it. It didn’t have the message I wanted to put out,” Carroll said.

Carroll said the actress who was cast for the role she turned down went on to win awards and secure multiple movie deals.

“It was so hard knowing what I was giving up. I knew at the time that it was a big project but my conscience and gut just wouldn’t let me do it,” Carroll said. “I got on my knees and laid my dream down at His feet and told Him I was walking away. I told God that I did not want it anymore, that I was done—but that if He did want me here as an actress, He had to give me a sign and give me something.”

Carroll said the next day God answered her prayer.

“This director called the following day and said he had a role for me in the movie, ‘I Can Only Imagine,’ and I knew that was God saying ‘you can only imagine what I have in store for your life,’” Carroll said.

 

Family Updates

Melissa Workman, prospect researcher for University Advancement, was named employee of the month for December. Her nomination included the following statements: “Melissa understands that Advancement Services supports all the different areas of UA. She goes above and beyond helping out her co-workers, whether it’s doing her regular tasks or helping out at various events or when help is needed.”

 

 

 

 

Dr. Greg Bowden, professor of education, Dr. Dirk Davis, associate vice president for academics, and Dr. Jeannette Guignard, associate professor of organizational leadership, all for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the International Leadership Association Annual Conference held in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Oct. 24-27. They presented a poster titled Aligning Leadership Program Courses to a Leadership Framework and a paper titled Using a Leadership Framework to Align and Strengthen an Undergraduate Program.

 

 

The CBU Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering hosted an Engineering High School Open House in the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building on Nov. 5. More than 150 students toured the building and learned about the various engineering programs and clubs in the College of Engineering.

 

 

 

Dr. Jane McGuire, professor of education, presented at the California Association of School Psychologists conference in San Diego on Nov. 8. The title of the abstract was What’s the Big Secret? Informing Students of their Disability, Abilities and the need for Self-Advocacy Skills.

 

 

 

 

CBU received the Blood Drive of the Year Award from Lifestream, the nonprofit blood center, on Nov. 28. Mobilization in the Office of Spiritual Life holds blood drives that also raises financial support for people going on International Service Projects. During a two-day drive in January, 303 pints of blood were collected, nearly double the projection. CBU was also recognized for a total of three successful blood drives. Its next drive is Jan. 22-23.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Juliann Perdue, professor of nursing, presented a poster at the 2018 AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) Faculty Development Conference, in New Orleans on Nov. 14. The title was Finding meaning: Using therapy dogs in nursing education.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Darla Donaldson, associate professor of finance and social entrepreneurship, and Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of management, had an article published in the Social Science and Humanities Journal on Nov. 27. The title was Words are important: Adding the adjective ‘For-profit’ to the term ‘Social Enterprise’ affects intentions to donate.

 

 

 

Dr. Teresa Hamilton, associate professor of nursing, has been credentialed as a Certified Nurse Educator by the National League for Nursing, demonstrating excellence in the practice of nursing education.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, presented a workshop to the student newspaper staff at Scripps College in Claremont on Nov. 18. It was titled Personal Branding for Success.

 

 

 

 

Xavier Beteta, adjunct professor of music, premiered his piano concerto as a soloist with the Guatemalan National Symphony in Guatemala City on Nov. 29. The orchestra commissioned the work, which is titled is Concerto for piano and orchestra Tomas de Merlo. Beteta’s inspiration came from three paintings by the 17th century Guatemalan painter Tomás de Merlo.

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, had an article published in the Church Production Magazine (December). It was titled Keeping Joy in the Christmas Chaos. He also was a guest on the Church Solutions Podcast (Nov. 28), discussing his upcoming book for church technical artists.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert LaChausse, associate professor of public health sciences, Dr. Esther Lee, assistant professor of statistics, and Jessica Folmer, research associate, presented a poster at the American Public Health Association’s annual conference in San Diego on Nov. 13. It was titled Influence of peers and parents on adolescent substance use. LaChausse and Folmer also presented a roundtable session titled Changing psychosocial factors influencing teenage sexual activity and pregnancy.

 

 

Dr. Lesley Mayne, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, Dr. Namhee Kim, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, and Margaret Appenzeller, visiting professor of communication sciences and disorders, presented research posters at the 2018 American Speech-Language Hearing Association Annual Convention in Boston on Nov. 15. Mayne and Kim presented A Study of Peer-Teaching and Learning Between Graduate and Undergraduate Students in Speech-Language Pathology. Kim and Appenzeller presented Caregiver perceptions of children with special needs in China and effect of caregiver training.

 

 

Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, co-authored a paper that was published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (November 2018). It was titled Expression of ChiA74∆sp and its truncated versions in Bacillus thuringiensis HD1 using a vegetative promoter maintains the integrity and toxicity of native Cry1A toxins.

 

 

 

 

Mary Vanhoozer, adjunct professor of piano, debuted her solo piano album last month. The three-CD set is titled From Leipzig to LA, and features the complete keyboard partitas (a collection of Baroque dances) of J. S. Bach as well as a new commission, titled Partita Picosa, composed by Dr. Joshua Rodriguez, assistant professor of music theory and composition.

 

 

The Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering sponsored the first of a series of STEM after-school events at Sherman Indian High School on Nov. 28. High school students built either a Popsicle catapult with rubber bands and a spoon or a castle out of marshmallows and toothpicks. The goal was for the students to understand motion and stability while having fun.

 

 

 

Dr. Debbie Coleman, assistant professor of nursing, was the keynote speaker for the World Summit on Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing and Healthcare in Los Angeles on Nov. 27. Her topic was Transition during personal bereavement.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Vance Nichols, adjunct professor of education, presented at the Association of Christian Schools International Professional Development Forum in Anaheim on Nov. 19-20. The presentation, given over a three-session track, was titled Re-Envisioning, Reinventing, and Retooling: Creating a School Culture for the Common Good. Nichols also moderated a breakout session discussing the concept of student transformation through service-learning at K-12 Christian schools.

 

 

 

Dr. Soung Hwa Walker, adjunct professor of psychology, presented two research papers at the Mid-South Educational Research Association’s annual meeting in Pensacola, Florida, on Nov. 7-9. The papers were titled Adolescents’ Math Attitudes in a Global Context and Factors of Math Attitudes on Math Achievement between Asian and Non-Asian Countries.

 

 

 

Dr. Lindsay Fahnestock, assistant professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, was lead author for a commentary published in the Domestic Preparedness Journal (November 2018). It was titled Food Safety Alert: Recurring E. coli Outbreaks.

 

 

 

 

Carolyn Heine, associate librarian, presented a poster at the Library Assessment Conference in Houston on Dec. 6. The poster was titled OK, now what? Reflections on a six-year assessment cycle.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health, was an opening speaker at the American Public Health Association General Session in San Diego on Nov. 11. He spoke on health equity and gave a call for public health professionals to practice servant leadership.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Riste Simnjanovski, dean of faculty development for Online and Professional Studies, and his wife, Dr. Lauren Gutenberg, own pediatric dental offices in Palm Springs and Yucca Valley, which participated in the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade on Dec. 1. Their entry included a 1931 Ford Model A accompanied by illumined “baby teeth,” a “tooth fairy” and several former and current patients.

 

 

Kerri Horton, logistics coordinator for Spiritual Life, and her husband, David, welcomed their third grandchild on Nov. 30. Eleanor Jane Horton weighed 9 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 20¼ inches in length. Her parents are Jacob (’17) and Haley (’16) Horton.

 

 

 

 

Sammi Wellman, director of sports information, and her husband, Doc, assistant men’s basketball coach, welcomed a daughter on Dec. 8. Ryleigh Rae Wellman weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 21.5 inches in length.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dayna Herrera, associate professor of nursing, and her husband, Robert, welcomed their first grandchild on Dec. 9. Charlotte Blake Kelly weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 19.5 inches in length. Her parents are Aaron (’14) and Megan (’14) Kelly.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

“She Loves Me” brings comical romance to Wallace Theatre

The theatre arts program at California Baptist University is delivering romance, comedy and plenty of singing with “She Loves Me,” which opens on Nov. 16.

Lisa Lyons, adjunct professor of theatre and the director for the play, said this rendition of the musical will feature music to help people transition into the celebration of Christmastime.

“It’s like a Christmas card. It’s a beautifully wrapped present to the audience,” Lyons said. “We hope it will put them in a fabulous Christmas mood.”

Set in the 1930s, main characters Amalia and Georg are co-workers at a Hungarian perfumery who are at odds with each other. However, after both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper, they live for the love letters that they unknowingly exchange to each other. The pair end up discovering that true love goes beyond appearance.

“I think what I’ve learned from this show is that people won’t be happy until they get out there and get to know people,” said Samantha Shroll, a theatre senior who plays Amalia. “The love of your life could be right next to you, or even a new friend, but people get so caught up on appearance and petty things that we don’t notice what’s right in front of us.”

The show’s music is on the classical side, so the students had to adjust to it, Lyons said.

“The students are used to singing more contemporary songs,” Lyons said. “This is more the golden-age of Broadway, where it’s a classical style of singing.”

Sixteen students make up the orchestra that provides live music during the play. Marco Mejia (’06), music director and conductor for the Corona Symphony Orchestra, will be the conductor for “She Loves Me.”

Mejia said this will be a valuable learning experience for the students.

“They get the opportunity to play charts composed for a Broadway pit orchestra,” Mejia said. “Participating in a musical production is the ultimate arts endeavor. The synergy afforded by the coming together of instruments, voices, acting, dancing, makes this experience like nothing else a person can endeavor within the arts.”

“She Loves Me”

When: Nov. 16-17, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 17, Dec. 1 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

 

Men’s basketball team earns win with buzzer-beater

In the Lancers’ first true Division I game, the men’s basketball team faced Oral Roberts University on Nov. 13. It was the Lancers’ second game, the first being against San Diego Christian College, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics team.

Guard Milan Acquaah scored the final 11 of 14 points, including a half-court buzzer-beater, for California Baptist, as it defeated Oral Roberts 70-69.

The Lancers trailed 69-67 after ORU’s Andrew Saunders hit a three-pointer with 3.2 seconds remaining. CBU quickly inbounded the ball as Acquaah dribbled down to halfcourt and let go of the game-winner as time expired.

Acquaah’s winning basket was No. 1 for ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 Plays of the Day.

Read the full story here.

 

Chapel speaker exhorts students to be faithful with talents

Christians need to be good stewards of the talents they have been given, Dr. Nabil Costa told a chapel audience at California Baptist University on Nov. 13.

Costa is the chief executive officer of the Lebanese Society for Educational & Social Development, a faith-based organization committed to enabling the church to remain relevant in the Middle East and North Africa region.

“God has a plan for every one of us, for every one of you and for me and for our people in Lebanon,” Costa told CBU students. “God has given us talents and we have to be faithful for every talent that He has given us.”

Costa used the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30 to frame his message. Christians are called to work and to be stewards of what they have been given, whatever that might be, Costa said.

“The Christianity community in Lebanon cannot complain that God gave us 1.5 million refugees,” Costa said. “This is what God gave us and we have to trust his judgment. The best thing in the Christian life is to trust and obey when you do not understand.”

When given a talent by God, a Christian can only respond in one of two ways: be a good steward or not be one, Costa said.

“We do not have the right to say ‘I’m neutral.’ I can’t say I just want to be a spectator,” Costa said.

Costa said when Christians are faithful, the reward is more responsibility and entering into the “Master’s joy.”

“This means it’s not about us, it’s only about Him,” Costa said. “Faithfulness is working hard and giving Him all the credit.”

There can also be people who waste their talents by not maturing and growing closer to God, Costa said.

“The biggest lost opportunity for all [people] is not knowing on a deep and intimate level the one who created, shaped and redeemed us,” Costa said. “The most peaceful place and the most enjoyable ministry is where God wants you to be.”

 

CBU hosts Veterans Day remembrance event

“Being a veteran means feeling a surge of pride when the American flag passes or during the national anthem,” Ashley Barton, a psychology senior who served in the U.S. Marines, told a Veterans Day audience at California Baptist University.

“Being a veteran means knowing the cost of peace firsthand and that cost has a first name, a last name, a middle initial and parents,” Barton continued.

The Veterans Resource Center at CBU hosted a Veterans Day remembrance event to honor U.S. service members on Nov. 12, the official observance of the national holiday this year. The Veterans Resource Center opened in September and is available to the nearly 390 veterans and dependents using their VA benefits at CBU. The center is located in the Office of Student Success in Lancer Arms North. It provides assistance such as providing certification of classes to the Department of Veterans Affairs and academic planning and relevant literature for a student’s financial aid. The center also features a computer lab with a study room, a kitchen and sofas.

The ceremony, held on the lawn behind Lancer Arms North offices, included the posting of colors, reading of the Presidential Proclamation on Veterans Day, laying of a wreath and recognition of faculty and staff veterans.

“It means the world that CBU would hold an event like this. We’re a very small-knit community,” Barton said. “For some people at CBU, it’s been 40 years since they’ve been in (the military). People forget to thank them.”

Sarah Weber, president of the Student Veterans Association (SVA) and who served in the Coast Guard, spoke highly of Dr. Ken Pearce, professor of psychology, during the event. Pearce served in the Army during Vietnam.

“I have the privilege of honoring somebody who left a legacy for student veterans on this campus,” Weber said. “We want to thank Dr. Ken Pearce for being a hero to us, being a role model and a leader.”

He has worked to educate faculty and staff about student veterans over the years and encourages the veterans, Weber added.

“I was floored that would happen. It’s quite an honor,” Pearce said of the recognition.

 

CBU implements online transcript request process

Students and alumni from California Baptist University can now receive an official transcript within an hour thanks to a new online service launched by the Office of the University Registrar on Nov. 12.

“The emphasis is on faster and more efficient service for our students,” said Joel Mead, assistant registrar for support services.

The Office of the University Registrar is working with Credentials Solutions, a technology service company, to process transcript requests within an hour, as long as a student’s account has no holds. Previously, processing such requests took two to three days. The cost of an official transcript remains at $10 for one copy.

“The University Registrar is always seeking ways to be more effective with our services,” said Shawnn Koning, university registrar.

“For individuals who are looking for employment, which can be a large portion of our transcript requests, time sensitivity is important,” Koning said. “By automating, we’re enabling those students to get those records there a lot more efficiently.”

The office is also working to automate degree verification and enrollment verification, Koning added.

“The transcript request is step one of trying to implement some new technology to increase services to students,” Koning said.

To request a transcript, click here.

 

CBU hosts book event celebrating architect Henry L.A. Jekel

California Baptist University, in conjunction with the Inlandia Institute, hosted a book release event on Nov. 10, celebrating the legacy of architect Henry L.A. Jekel.

The 224-page book, “Henry L.A. Jekel: Architect of Eastern Skyscrapers and the California Style, 1889-1950,” was published with financial support from CBU and a crowdfunding campaign. The event was held in a fitting location—the Staples Room within the James Complex that Jekel designed.

The book’s authors, Dr. Vince Moses and Cate Whitmore, hosted a discussion on the tradition and architectural styles of Jekel.

Jekel was born in 1876 and by his 20s, he became a leader in the design of skyscrapers in New York. Jekel also designed an estimated 55 buildings in Riverside including Benedict Castle and the First Congregational Church in downtown Riverside, which was the project that first brought Jekel out West.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, shared his first impression of the James Building at the event.

“When I came and set foot back in 1994 to interview for the president position, I was just struck by the architecture of this building. I set foot in the James entrance and I thought, ‘my, my, what a gem!’” Ellis said.

It became a personal resolution to continue the Mission Revival Architectural style that is featured throughout campus to this day, Ellis said.

“This is important work being done here. This is legacy work,” Ellis said of the author’s research for the book. “I’m very respectful of the work that went into this project and the value that this will have.”

 

Record crowds embrace Parent and Family Weekend at CBU

The second annual Parent and Family Weekend attracted thousands of visitors to California Baptist University on Nov. 9-10, bringing families together to unite in Lancer pride.

Joshua Moss, director of alumni and parent relations, said the weekend event is designed to provide activities and opportunities for families to connect with their students.

“We want them to make some incredible memories together,” Moss said.

On Nov. 9, parents had the opportunity to tour academic colleges and schools at CBU to meet deans and faculty members. During the evening, parents and students attended a pregame party and then watched the men’s basketball season opener against San Diego Christian College.

A record 5,089 attendees showed up to witness the Lancers’ 87-71 victory in the team’s first contest as a member of NCAA Division I.

“The turnout. The support. We don’t take it for granted,” said Rick Croy, men’s basketball head coach. “I’ve been coaching in California for 20 years. This isn’t happening everywhere. This is special. Not only to have 5,000, but to have 5,000 into it the entire game.”

The following day, the Parent and Family Weekend featured a book release event that included presentations by authors Dr. Vince Moses and Cate Whitmore on their research concerning architect Henry L.A. Jekel, who designed the James Complex at CBU. There also was a time for parents to pray for the CBU community. In the afternoon, thousands of people attended the Block Party on the Front Lawn with games and activities for the whole family in addition to a unique art display created by CBU art students.

Shoronda Gilmore, mother of a freshman-nursing student, enjoyed that the event allowed her to spend time with her family in a friendly atmosphere.

“This was a good way to bring our family together and find out more about what life at CBU looks like,” Gilmore said.

Pha Parick was glad she got to spend time with her son on campus on Saturday.

“Coming to this weekend’s event was a way for me to show I support him,” Parick said. “I also thought attending the parent’s prayer group was important for me to participate in.”

The annual Fortuna Bowl intramural flag football championship was held on Saturday evening and the event drew an estimated 6,000 spectators to both games. Team Canadian Bowlers beat Bus Drivers 13-6 in the women’s championship game, and team Goon Squad wrapped up a perfect season, shutting out team Jack 30-0 in the men’s championship.

“It was just a great season. I got to connect with so many brothers, so many friends and so many followers of Christ,” said George Peterson Jr., a member of Goon Squad. “We just glorify God when we play. We get to come together and play a sport that we all love.”

The night also featured a fireworks show after the final game.

 

Freedom Fast brings awareness to modern-day slavery

The International Justice Mission club at California Baptist University held a 24-hour Freedom Fast this week to bring awareness to the ills of modern-day slave trading.

The event began at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 with a time of prayer for individuals affected by slave trading around the world. The fast ended at 7 p.m. the following day with a potluck meal and a time of worship. During the intervening 24 hours, the participants of the fast also raised funds that will be donated to the global organization of International Justice Mission that seeks to rescues people living in slavery.

“The deprivation of food—that we take for granted—gives us a picture of how one in slavery might feel,” said Alyssa Reimer, a photography senior and president of the International Justice Mission club.

Cambria Osborn, a nursing freshman, said when she started to feel hungry during the 24 hours fast, she resisted the urges by remembering the slave victims and praying for them.

“Everyone should be aware that this is evil and that it is happening everywhere,” Osborn said. “A lot of times we think that slavery is something of the past. But when we open our eyes and stop being so naïve to everything, I believe that’s when change can happen.”

Danae Erber, a history and international studies sophomore and a club leader, said information on what regions to pray for was handed out at the start of the fast.

“Because we had those prayer points, I was able to pinpoint who and the kind of people I was praying for. God knows but it just gives me peace of mind that I am doing my part,” Erber said. “I also learned that I can go without food for 24 hours and learn more about God and grow a relationship with Him.”

Jamall Bradshaw, a criminal justice junior, got a henna tattoo with an intricate design on his hand as a way to spark conversations about slave trading.

“I think it is something college students should have in the back of their minds, especially in times where we say times are rough and hard here in America,” Bradshaw said. “We should remember in another country there is a man, woman or child who is going through something so much worse. So, I think it really causes us to take a step back and be humble and see the privileges we do have in America.”

 

Hundreds of volunteers work to keep CBU green

More than 300 student and faculty volunteers celebrated Fall Arbor Day by planting trees and caring for vegetation at California Baptist University on Nov. 3. The turnout represented the largest gathering ever for an Arbor Day event at CBU.

The Facilities and Planning Services at CBU and the Environmental Science Club organized the event. Volunteers split into three teams for the tasks of planting 15 trees throughout campus, mulching areas on Diana Avenue, and revitalizing vegetation in The Colony residence area.

Miranda Johnson-Phillips, an environmental science sophomore, said she enjoyed seeing the large turnout.

“It really brings the community together,” Johnson-Phillips said. “It is a good opportunity to beautify our campus, which is important and shows that we appreciate the green at CBU.”

Christian Engelsman, a chemical engineering junior, said he was thrilled that he got an opportunity to plant a tree at the event.

Engelsman said the event showed how the CBU community cares about the environment on campus.

 

Prospective students scope out campus at CBU Transfer Day

California Baptist University hosted its final Transfer Day of the year on Nov. 2. The half-day event offered several sessions to help prospective students learn more about the benefits of becoming a Lancer.

“Transfer Day is something we have been doing for the last few years,” said Taylor Shelberg, manager of undergraduate admission events. “The whole goal of the event is to provide anyone who would like to transfer to CBU with tools to know if they are making the right decision.”

Dustin Lowe, director of undergraduate admissions, welcomed the visitors at the event’s opening session.

“Our goal is to help prospective students have a better understanding of what it is like to be a CBU student,” Lowe said. “We just answer all the different questions about transferring. Those are our goals today.”

Lowe gave attendees an overview of the CBU campus and all the activities that take place in a week. Other sessions included information on transferring course credits, academic planning and financial aid. The event also provided lunch and an opportunity for the guests to tour the campus and visit student housing in the afternoon.

Kayti Weston, a Crafton Hills College student from Beaumont, California, said she really enjoyed her experience and could see herself coming to CBU.

“I’m a sports person, so the fact that they have volleyball makes me really, really happy,” Weston said.

Rachel Payne, also a Crafton Hills College student from Redlands, California, said she would love to be a part of the CBU community.

“I definitely see myself studying here. I like the Christian background and I enjoyed interacting with current students,” Payne said.

 

Family Updates

Billie Yeager celebrated her birthday by having lunch in Stamp’s Courtyard on Oct. 30. Students were encouraged to stop by and wish her a happy birthday. Billie and Eugene Yeager were instrumental in many campus projects over the years, including reacquiring the land that now includes the administration building named in their honor.

 

 

 

 

 

Waylon Baumgardner, director of web applications development for Information Technology Services, gave a presentation at the Higher Education Web Professionals Association’s Annual Conference in Sacramento on Oct. 20-25. The title of the presentation was Visual Hierarchy in a Mobile Design World.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Gene Moon, associate professor of music, was a guest conductor of the Region 33 Honor Orchestra in Houston, Texas, on Nov. 10.  Additionally, he was appointed the new music director of the Riverside Arts Academy and Harmony Project Riverside and appointed a faculty member of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival based in Sewanee, Tennessee.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, had an article published as part of Church Production Magazine’s weekly devotional on Oct. 18. It was titled What Will Your Tech Legacy Be?

 

 

 

 

Alma Salazar, director of graduate admissions, attended the 9th Annual National Hispanic Education Summit in Ashland, Ohio, on Oct. 24. She participated on the panel for Student Services: Value-added Assets to Boost Hispanic Success.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Soojin Chung, assistant professor of intercultural studies, spoke at the Im Colloquium at UCLA Center for Korean Studies on Oct. 31. The title of the lecture was Hero or Villain: The Holts and the Korean Adoption Boom, 1955–60.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mario Oyanader, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, attended the Annual Meeting of AICHE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 29 with a biomedical engineering student and six chemical students. The students—Steffano Oyanader, Elyse Tighe, Jillian Arnold, Chloe Winter, Mathias Oyanader, Jewel C. Esparza and Alisa Kidwell—each presented research. Additionally, a student collaborator of Dr. Oyander’s from Berkley presented their research.

 

 

 

Dr. Gretchen Bartels, associate professor of English for Online and Professional Studies, had a poem published in The Ekphrastic Review (Nov. 2). It is titled Judith Beheading Holofernes. The Ekphrastic Review is a literary magazine that specializes in literature that responds to art.

 

 

 

 

Dr. William Boyer, assistant professor of kinesiology, had a study published in The American Journal of College Health (Oct. 4, 2018). The study is titled Health-Enhancing Physical Activity during Practice among Student Football Managers at a Division I University. Boyer also served as a judge for the Graduate Student Research Awards at the Southwest American College of Sports Medicine annual conference in Costa Mesa on Oct. 26-27.

 

 

 

Dr. G. Stephen Weaver, adjunct professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, had an article published in the Journal of Baptist Studies (Volume 9, 2018). The title is When Biography Shapes Ecclesiology: Bunyan, Kiffin, and the Open-Communion Debate.

 

Dr. Seth Jenny, adjunct professor of health science for Online and Professional Studies, made a presentation at the first academic Esports Conference at the University of California-Irvine on Oct. 12. His presentation was titled eSports in Academia: Past, Present, and Future.

 

 

 

 

 

The Center for the Study of Human Behavior hosted three workshops for faculty and students this fall at CBU. Dr. Kenneth Wang, an expert on scale development from Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Psychology, spoke on how to best create effective scales and surveys on Oct. 11. Dr. Erin Smith, associate professor of psychology at CBU, spoke on CBU’s Institutional Review Board processes on Oct. 18. Emily Shotick and Jana Parizer, APA (American Psychological Association) style trainers and specialists, spoke on APA Style Central on Nov. 8. Recordings of the events are available on the Center for the Study of Human Behavior website.

 

Denise Payne, senior credential analyst for the School of Education, has been elected to serve as president of the Credential Counselors and Analysts of California (CCAC) for the 2018-19 year. CCAC is a nonprofit organization that serves as the liaison between the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Institutions of Higher Education, school districts and county offices of education throughout the State of California.

 

 

 

Students from the College of Nursing administered flu vaccines to the community with Riverside Medical Clinic on Nov. 3. It was a “drive thru” clinic and 700 injections were administered.

 

 

 

Dr. Teresa Hamilton, associate professor of nursing, presented research at the 23rd annual Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Odyssey Research Conference in Del Mar on Nov. 8 and 9. Her poster and publication were titled Improving Cultural Competence Through Simulation.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Natalie Winter, professor of marking and management, spoke to Navigating Motherhood in Aliso Viejo on Oct. 11-12. Navigating Motherhood is an outreach ministry to unchurched moms of young children. Winter spoke on instilling good character in children. Additionally, Winter taught a message at Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo on Oct. 16-17. It was titled Holy Fear: Rightly Responding to God on II Samuel 6.

 

 

 

David Byrne, adjunct professor of history for Online and Professional Studies, had a book published this month. It was titled Ronald Reagan: An Intellectual Biography (University of Nebraska Press).

 

 

 

Felipe Gorini (’18) was a finalist in the student research competition at the Southwest Chapter of The American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in Costa Mesa on Oct. 26-27. He was supervised by Dr. Trevor Gillum, associate professor of kinesiology. The title of his presentation was Downhill running: an effective countermeasure to limitations of exercise in acute hypoxia?

 

 

 

Mikala “Anuhea” Gillis, a master of public health alumna, presented her thesis research at the Riverside County Research Exchange (RCRE) in Riverside on Oct. 30.  Her research was titled Exploration of the Concordance between State Reported Estimates and Observed Driving Behaviors in Riverside CA. The RCRE, a twice-yearly meeting of data analysts and researchers from across county departments, was created to enhance the sharing of ideas, current projects, methodologies and data sources among those working for the county.

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, was honored at the Public Relations Society of America – Inland Empire’s Polaris Awards event in Riverside on Nov. 8. Pearson received the Spirit of Public Relations Award. Pearson has served on chapter’s board of directors since 2012 and is the director for Public Relations Student Society of America, assembly delegate for PRSA-IE and a board member for the national PRSA Educators Academy. Additionally, CBU Marketing and Communication received a Capella award for Magazine, Newsletter or Periodical: The Roundtable. Also, CBU student Alexis Safoyan received a Capella award for a PR plan for the Wallace Theatre.

 

 

 

Dr. Sanggon Nam, associate professor of public health, presented research at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting in San Diego on Nov. 11. It was titled Risk of Probable Depression Associated with Unmarried Status in Older Korean Immigrants: Would Men and Women Differ?

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jacob Chao-Lun Huang, assistant professor of sociology, made a presentation at the 2018 California Sociological Association Annual Conference in Riverside on Nov. 10. It was titled Social Capital and Perception of Role Conflicts for College Student-Athletes.

 

 

 

 

The Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management was recognized by the American Public Works Association – Inland Empire Branch with a donation of $1,000 at an award luncheon in Corona on Nov. 9. Additionally, two civil engineering students, Kristi Sleeper and Kalen Gopperton, received scholarships of $2,500 each.

 

 

 

 

Hannah Burnett, admissions communications specialist, and Daphne Kieling, international center receptionist, completed the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Half Marathon in San Diego on Nov. 4. This was Burnett’s third and Kieling’s seventh half-marathon.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU campus publications earn awards at national competition

Campus publications at California Baptist University earned 12 awards at the National College Media Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, held from Oct. 25–28.

The College Media Association (CMA) and the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), both national collegiate media organizations, handed out the awards.

In the CMA Pinnacle Awards, The Banner newspaper took home the top honor for Best Newspaper of the Year in the more than weekly category. This was the first time the paper earned a first place honor in this category. The Angelos yearbook also earned first place for Best Portrait, second place for Best Yearbook Cover, and honorable mention for Yearbook of the Year.

CMA also awarded a first place award to Sarah Dane (’08) for Best Comic Strip for her creation, “Lancer Life.”  ACP Pacemaker Awards also awarded Dane a second place finish for Cartoon of the Year. Dane is the only CBU student to earn top-three honors in both the Pacemaker and Pinnacle awards in the same year.

Hayley Folk (’07) earned a second place finish for the ACP Best Column competition for a self-reflection piece she wrote for Pursuit magazine on growing up in a home with two parents battling drug addiction.

In the convention’s Best of Show contest, Angelos received first place for Best Yearbook — another first-time achievement.

“These top honors for our student publications reflect the quality of our students’ work. The Pacemakers and Pinnacles are the highest honors in student media, as well as the most competitive,” said Dr. Michael Chute, director of journalism & new media and public relations. “To win so many of these top awards in journalism from these two national organizations attests to the quality of work our students are producing in each of the campus publications.

“Our team is honored to be placed among some of the top collegiate journalism programs in the country. Pacemakers and Pinnacles awards are like winning Pulitzers in student media and we are so fortunate to be honored with these outstanding awards,” Chute said.

 

Fall Career Expo connects students with prospective employers

As students showed up for the Fall Career Expo, held in the Events Center on Nov. 1 at California Baptist University, Lisa Singer, had one question in mind for them.

“What’s going to make you stand out?” asked Singer, associate director of employee relations in the Career Center at CBU.

Singer said this question helps students focus on what positive attributes they can bring to an organization.

“This is a perfect way to start practicing how students interact with professionals, how to ask questions, how to work on their elevator pitch, how to research companies and connect,” Singer said. “It is very valuable for students to start early in their college career and practice networking and meeting employers and not just wait until they are ready to graduate to start the process.”

Nearly 90 businesses attended the expo that connected CBU students and alumni with internships, part-time, full-time and contract positions.

“In addition to witnessing the growth at CBU, employers see that students are very well prepared technically and professionally, which definitely gives them reason to return to recruit,” Singer said.

Kalen Gopperton, a civil engineering junior, said she practiced introducing herself and preparing for questions before the event. She also noted how she utilized the services the Career Center offers, such as the mock interview and having her resume reviewed.

Hannah Johnston, a liberal studies junior, said she researched the employers she was interested in before the event.

“It’s very beneficial to have a career expo on campus,” said Johnston, who has attended several career fairs at CBU. “I can get more comfortable and form relationships with the representatives, and then to see the representative again helps a lot.”

 

Midnight Madness ushers in NCAA D-1 basketball season at CBU

Angela Stevenson, a sociology junior at California Baptist University, stood near the entrance of the Events Center waiting for the doors to open for the Midnight Madness event on Oct. 26. Behind her, a line stretched down Lancer Lane, with thousands of fans ready to welcome in the new basketball season at CBU.

Neon lights adorned the Events Center along with a Midnight Madness projected logo that seemingly danced throughout the building’s exterior in step with the high-energy music that played in the courtyard. For Stevenson, the evening is a time of fun, high energy and lots of school spirit.

“I like the way CBU puts on events. They go all out and they try to ensure everyone has a sense of school spirit,” Stevenson said. “I think when there is a large group of CBU students together, everyone gets hyped and it’s a good environment of people having fun.”

Students began queuing hours before the start of the event to obtain prime seating for one of the most popular activities at CBU. Midnight Madness featured routines by the CBU dance and cheer teams, an introduction to both the men’s and women’s basketball squads, a 3-point shooting contest and a dunk competition.

Angelique Gutierrez, a biology freshman, attended her first Midnight Madness event. Gutierrez said she was impressed with how high the players jumped during the dunk contest.

“I really enjoyed the dunk contest. To see the players jump so high, it was cool,” Gutierrez said.

The upcoming basketball season will be the Lancers’ first in NCAA Division I.

“We feel so very blessed to have the home court that we do,” said Rick Croy, men’s basketball head coach. “From the enthusiastic student body to the vested community behind us, our athletes compete in one of the great environments on the West Coast.”

CBU’s women tip off their season on Nov. 7 at home against Idaho State University. The men’s squad hosts San Diego Christian College on Nov. 9 for its first game.

View entire men’s basketball schedule here.

View entire women’s basketball schedule here.

 

24 at CBU lets high school students envision life as a Lancer

Carlos Figueroa, a high school senior from Glendora, California, made his first trip to California Baptist University on Oct. 24 as part of the 24 at CBU event. With aspirations of becoming an engineer, Figueroa took advantage of the admissions program to gauge his level of interest in CBU as a potential college choice.

By the end of his 24 at CBU experience, Figueroa appeared to have found a new collegiate home.

“The event inspired me to come to CBU, especially because I got to tour the new engineering building,” Figueroa said. He also noted that the welcoming environment of the campus community impressed him.

“The 24 at CBU program aims to give high school seniors an opportunity to live on campus for 24 hours,” said Dustin Lowe, director of undergraduate admissions. “This is a great opportunity for seniors to come and experience life as a CBU student.”

The event included a dinner, a student activity, meeting a host Lancer to help answer questions about CBU and an assigned sleeping room in one of the student housing areas. The next morning, prospective students had an opportunity to visit a class or attend a chapel service, speak to an admission counselor, take a campus tour and attend various information sessions.

Tiffany Davis, a Riverside Polytechnic High School senior, said the event helped her understand how to register for college courses.

“It was a great experience and I enjoyed the environment—especially when I thought about living on campus,” Davis said.

Joana Sanchez, a Beaumont High School senior, said she enjoyed the chapel service and was impressed with CBU’s student to teacher ratio (17:1).

“I like that CBU has small classes and hearing that the professors care about their students was nice,” Sanchez said.

To learn when the next 24 at CBU event is click here.

 

CBU students pen encouraging letters to breast cancer patients

A group of California Baptist University students observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month by writing letters of encouragement for individuals battling breast cancer.

The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) student chapter at CBU arranged the gathering on Oct. 25. The group of students met in an apartment in Lancer Arms that was decorated with bright pink ribbons and balloons that symbolize represent Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Participants received ribbons, stickers and other art supplies to help them personalize their letters.

The club members plan to distribute the personalized letters to patients at Riverside Community Hospital.

Emely Duran, AMWA president, said the goal of the event was to send out as many letters as possible.

Duran said she hopes the letters will bring encouragement.

“I think the letters will let them know that there is someone thinking about them,” said Duran, a biology junior. “There could be that one person or that one letter they could read and think, ‘wow, this person really cared about what I’m going through.’”

Ashley Dominguez, a biology junior, said she has family members who have gone through cancer treatment. For the letters she penned, her sentiments were aimed at letting patients know they are not alone.

 

Men’s Health Event invites students to address their wellness

Isaiah Baker, a civil engineering freshman at California Baptist University, was aware of the fabled weight gain known as the “freshman 15,” so he took advantage of a health screening offered on Oct. 25.

“We freshmen are known to eat a lot of fast food,” said Baker, who was interested in finding out his blood pressure readings.

Baker noted the event also provided literature to help him learn about choosing a healthy lifestyle.

The College of Health Science at CBU hosted the Men’s Health Event at the Recreation Center, offering male students a chance to learn about their state of wellness.  Male nursing students at CBU performed testing for glucose and blood pressure. The event also featured vendors that educated students on the usage of vitamin supplements and gave students a chance to measure their body fat percentage.

Todd Liddell attended the event with a group of friends. Liddell, a business administration freshman, said he felt more aware of what a healthy lifestyle entails after speaking with nurses and vendors at the event.

Anthony Phillips, assistant professor of nursing, said such events allow nursing students an opportunity to practice their prospective vocation, and it helps foster an idea of preventative care among students.

“We want to eliminate medical problems down the road and educate students,” said Phillips, who was the event coordinator.

 

CBU faculty art exhibit christens new campus gallery

The Rose Garden Gallery at California Baptist University was christened on Oct. 24 with a reception for its inaugural exhibit—“It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time.”

The CBU Gallery relocated from downtown Riverside to the campus building formerly known as the Rose Garden Chapel. The interior of the building located on the northeast side of campus along Adams Street was remodeled to become a permanent home for the gallery.

The opening exhibit features work by fine art faculty from the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD). The display runs through Nov. 16, featuring  20 art pieces ranging from sculpture, ceramics, painting, mixed media and digital media. The gallery hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment on weekends.

Kristi Lippire, professor of fine art, created three geometric sculptures included in the exhibit. Lippire said the gallery will provide another avenue to display creative arts on campus.

“It is nice to have more of a stage [on campus] to showcase faculty work, student work, along with outside programming,” Lippire said. “We hope that lots of students on campus come to find it an exciting and supportive experience to see and champion their peers and their hard work.”

Elisabeth Smith, an illustration junior, appreciated the new location of the gallery.

“I used to take classes in this building and they renovated it. I just think the space is cool,” Smith said.

Smith also said she enjoyed the variety of art in the show.

“I like how diverse the exhibit is, you get to see different approaches to different mediums,” she explained.

Dr. Katherine Papineau, assistant dean of CAVAD, said the current exhibit is an opportunity for faculty to showcase their creativity.

“All of our fine art faculty are professionals in their field and practicing artists,” Papineau said. “It is important for students who also want to become practicing artists to see what kind of work is being produced, and how professors are balancing their studio art life with their teaching schedule.”

 

Speakers discuss coffee startups at entrepreneur event

“My business has allowed me to pursue my life’s purpose,” alumnus Stevie Hasemeyer told a California Baptist University audience on Oct. 23.

IdeaLaunchPad, the CBU entrepreneur-focused club, hosted the event, “Changing the Coffee Business,” that allowed students to hear from two successful coffee businessmen—Hasemeyer, owner of Arcade CoffeeRoasters, and Matt Bushman, co-owner of Alto Cold Brew. They were interviewed by Nolan Gouveia, adjunct professor of management at CBU and the IdeaLaunchPad advisor, who funneled questions to the pair allowing them to elaborate on their journey into the coffee business.

“Arcade is my vehicle to fulfill what God has called me to do,” Hasemeyer said.  He explained that his organization’s mission is to enrich lives by inspiring others to create shared moments through coffee.

“We want to be game changers in the coffee industry and we needed to have a strong ‘why.’ That is how we came up with our mission,” Hasemeyer said.

Bushman, a former CBU professor, advised students to take advantage of the learning opportunities on campus.

“Learn how to incorporate God into your career pursuits,” Bushman said. “There are plenty of opportunities to do this at CBU.”

 

VeoRide bicycles help students get around campus

The Associated Students of California Baptist University (ASCBU) has initiated the VeoRide bike sharing program that gives students an opportunity to rent a bike for a minimal fee.

Students at CBU have the option to rent one of the teal bicycles for 50 cents per 15 minutes or a $49 annual subscription, which provides unlimited rides for a year. Students can reserve bicycles up to 10 minutes before rental and pay using the VeoRide app. The app provides students with the location of all available bikes. Students can ride VeoRide bicycles anywhere on CBU property as well as off campus as long as they return the bikes to school premises.

Timothy Roe, ASCBU campus improvement committee representative, said ASCBU is interested in providing students reliable and affordable transportation.

“I think VeoRide is a great option especially if a student is running late for class or doesn’t live near their classroom,” Roe said. “Our main focus for ASCBU is to provide a place for students to address some of their needs with a representative so that we can look into getting [those needs] met.”

Last year ASCBU used a bicycle-sharing program called Spin that featured bright orange bikes. After the Spin company switched to using electric scooters, which are not allowed on campus per university policy, the ACSCU decided to team up with VeoRide to address this transportation need on campus.

Students can download the VeoRide app through the Apple App Store or through Google Play.

 

Architecture Symposium examines church design and worship

The essential design elements for corporate worship were on the minds of participants at the Architecture Symposium at California Baptist University on Oct. 19-20.

The symposium, titled “Contemplating Warehouses and Worship,” brought together scholars and practitioners to assess the contemporary state of church design practice. The College of Architecture Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD) at CBU hosted the event.

The conference was about discussing worship and how it can drive church design, said Keelan Kaiser, program director of architecture at CBU. Participants learned about the history of church design, current trends, and future expectations for worship environments, Kaiser added.

“The symposium is a really intense dosage of architectural history, especially as it pertains to the design of churches,” Kaiser said. “I think people will be able to better associate liturgy with design and also the importance that the quality of the environment plays in the quality of worship.”

Dr. Jeanne Halgren Kilde, director of the religious studies at the University of Minnesota, was the opening keynote speaker. She spoke about the history of the American Protestant church and its evolution in building schemes.

Jacob Gonzalez, an architecture sophomore, appreciated learning about architectural techniques within church design.

“It’s beneficial to see different perspectives of architecture,” Gonzalez said. “For instance, one session focused on church and community grouping, and it is really good to see how other people use architecture in different ways.”

Ashley Palaiyan, an architecture graduate student, said she enjoyed the interactions with the speakers outside of their lectures.

“The event allowed us to interact with speakers we wouldn’t normally get a chance to,” Palaiyan said.

Eric Anderson, a professor at Farmingdale State College State University of New York, gave a presentation on “Transformation of Catholic Churches in the early 21st Century.” He also remained to attend other conference sessions.

“I want to get a better understanding of the relationship of personal belief to how people perceive the personal expression of religion architecture,” Anderson said.

 

In the season for creativity, art students build for festive events

“Never ever throw anything away,” Kristi Lippire, associate professor of visual art at California Baptist University, advised her students as she pulled out a box of small snow globes. “This could be used for a sculpture,” she added.

Students from Advanced Art (ART 300) and Special Problems in Art (ART 400) are busy constructing three creative projects. One will be displayed for the Parent and Family Weekend at CBU from Nov. 9-10, and the other two are being designed for the Riverside Festival of Lights that will be displayed in downtown Riverside from Nov. 23, 2018 – Jan. 6, 2019.

The art piece for the Parent and Family Weekend will include four interactive tents with three walls constructed between the tents. The exhibit will represent the college experience metaphorically, Lippire said. For example, one tent will be filled with balloons, representing students wading through freshman year. In another tent, people can bang metal objects, which represents students finding their voice, she added.

The wall portion of the exhibit will provide participants an opportunity to create art. One area will allow visitors to create a gum wall of a Lancer knight. On another wall, individuals can draw with chalk and on the third wall, people can use a post-it note to indicate how they will live their purpose.

Mayuli Lemus, a visual arts senior, came up with the idea for the walls. Lemus said she envisions families engaging with the exhibit. She added that the design process has helped her understand the importance of working together.

“Teamwork and collaboration is a big part of this class. We have to shoot and bounce ideas off one another,” Lemus said. “I like being around people who are very diverse and different from myself. I’m learning a lot from others and professor Lippire.”

For one of the Festival of Lights sculptures, the team will build an object with the overall appearance of an hourglass. The sculpture will be constructed from polished steel rods. The other art piece will be an advent calendar fashioned of wooden boxes. The boxes will be piled up as if they were gifts under a Christmas tree. Students will decorate the interior of the boxes with holiday or winter themes.

The advent calendar is the brainchild of Monica Preciado, an early childhood studies senior. Preciado said the projects helped her develop her creative side.

“There are so many ways you can do something,” Preciado said. “I pull ideas from here and there and then I recreate it and tweak it to make it my own.”

The students have done a little bit of everything in the creative process; they sawed, drilled, glued, scrubbed and sewed, Lippire noted. Along with the hands-on work, they are gaining other skills, she added.

“The students learn how to work with each other. They learn new skills, like problem solving,” Lippire said. “The projects show the benefit of collaboration and group think and bouncing ideas and problems off of each other.” 

 

CBU Recreation Center offers training for endurance challenges

The California Baptist University Recreation Center was filled with positive energy as encouragement flowed from the trainer to students who were pushing the limits in an intense workout routine.

The students started by sprinting on treadmills, some carrying weights. Next, they leaped off to perform push-ups, followed immediately by jumping up and down in place. Eventually, the participants climbed back on their treadmills for another sprint exercise.

Endurance training requires such determination.

The Recreation Center at CBU is offering students training courses to help individuals prepare to participate in endurance competitions such as the Murph Challenge or Spartan Race. The courses are free to CBU students, staff and faculty members. The classes are available each Tuesday and Thursday through Nov. 15.

Stephanie Plummer, director of the Recreation Center, said the goal is to offer unique programs to meet every Lancer where they are at in their fitness goals.

“Anyone who works out regularly can reach a plateau, which is why we encourage them to change it up,” Plummer said.

Noah Fitzpatrick, a sophomore at CBU, said training for the Murph Challenge has helped him achieve his fitness goals by burning body fat without having to use workout equipment.

“You can go at your own pace, and every time you do it you feel healthier,” Fitzpatrick said.

The Murph Challenge, named in honor of Navy Seal Lt. Michael P. Murphy, made famous in the movie “Lone Survivor,” consists of a course that features a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and then another 1-mile run.

The Spartan Race is a series of obstacle course contests that range in distance and difficulty.  Kayla Josephson, a psychology senior, will be competing in a Spartan Race in December.

“I like that [the race] challenges you to push yourself physically and mentally,” Josephson said.

 

Family Updates

Dr. Elaine Ahumada, professor of public administration for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the 67th Annual American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Oct. 2-5. The title of her presentation was Inclusivity in Online Education: Curriculum Design, Teaching, and Reflection.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Candace Vickers, associate professor of communication disorders, served as a group facilitator for the Brain Injury and Stroke Support Group in Riverside on Oct. 17. The Brain Injury and Stroke Support Group at Riverside Medical Clinic provides monthly support and ongoing patient and family education for survivors of stroke and brain injury and their families.

 

 

 

 

Alpha Phi of California—CBU’s chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society—inducted 23 new members on Oct. 11. The students must be in the top 35 percent of their class, have completed four courses in sociology and have an overall GPA of 3.34.

 

 

 

Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter, assistant professor of social work, participated in a podcast for The Wellness Pod, which focuses on women’s health and wellness, on Oct. 22. The topic was immigrant mothers and maternal mental health.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Daniel Prather, professor of aviation science, taught two courses at the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, on Oct. 15-19. He taught Developing Strategic Vision, Mission, and Goals in Business Aviation and co-taught Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Exam Prep Course.

 

 

 

The Division of Online and Professional Studies held its first Faculty and Student Research Symposium on Sept. 24. The presentations were multidisciplinary and the purpose of the symposium was to highlight recent student and faculty research. Nearly 20 faculty and students presented research on public health, public administration, education, leadership, business, psychology and communication.

 

Dr. Angela Deulen, associate professor of psychology, presented at the International Leadership Association Annual Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Oct. 24-27. The title of the presentation was Socio-Contextual Leadership Theory: Toward Development of a Contextual and Followership Based Model.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Steve Posegate, professor of music education, presented at the Making Music in Education conference in Riverside on Oct. 12. The title of his presentation was Integrating Music with Fourth Grade Social Studies. Two recent CBU graduates, Camryn Holt and Traivon Williams, presented demonstration lessons. Six current CBU education students attended the conference: Rachel Toenjes, Chloe Castro, Alicia Knaggs, Ramzy Mohammad Ali, Hannah Kerchner and Rebekah Barker.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, presented at the University of New Mexico International Mentoring Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 24. The title of her presentation was Mentoring Model for Career Advancement.

 

 

 

 

Kristina Gibeault, academic advisor, was named employee of the month for November. Her nomination included the following statements: “Kristina is a self-starter. She serves with little guidance, and is a terrific example for both new and more experienced staff. She draws upon a full life of personal experiences and an intense love for Christ in supporting the needs of others. She is a trusted partner in advising students.”

 

 

 

 

Dr. Vance Nichols, adjunct professor of education, co-presented at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Professional Development Forum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Oct. 11-12. The presentation, given over a three-session track, was titled From Surviving to Thriving: Developing Strategic School Actions to Grow and Thrive in the Midst of Cultural Change. Additionally, Nichols had an article published online by ACSI and the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE), titled Now or Never: The Research Basis for Innovation in Christian Schools.

 

 

CBU’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers team competed in the first SoCal Shootout, hosted by the University of California, Riverside and Adams Motorsport Park, in Riverside on Oct. 20. Six teams competed. CBU student drivers Spencer Judy and Tyler Carlisle raced in two heats and the main race. CBU took second place behind University of California, Irvine.

 

 

 

 

 

The Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education hosted a professional development workshop on Oct. 26. About 60 school psychologists and school psychology graduate students attended the event.  Dr. Jerome Sattler, psychologist and author, presented on his current book Assessment of Children: Cognitive Foundations and Applications, 6^th Ed.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Frederick Pontius, professor of civil engineering and construction management, served as a STEM expert at the Science and Engineering Fair Expo held by the Riverside County Office of Education in Riverside on Oct. 20. As an expert, Pontius assisted middle and high school students with their science projects, answered questions about research and discussed ideas for science projects.

 

 

 

Students in the American Institute of Chemical Engineering club participated in the national Chem-E-Car competition in Pittsburg on Oct. 28. The CBU team finished 16^th out of 39 teams.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Lecturer advocates Christians to participate in civil discourse

When people cannot conduct discourse courteously in a public setting, it is not just tragic but actually dangerous for society, Dr. Rick Langer told a California Baptist University audience on Oct. 16.

Langer spoke as part of the Leadership Seminar Series hosted by the Dr. Paul & Annie Kienel Leadership Institute at CBU. Langer is a professor of biblical and theological studies and the director of the Office for the Integration of Faith and Learning at Biola University. He is also one of the authors of the book “Winsome Persuasion,” which won the Christianity Today 2018 Book of the Year Award of Merit for Apologetics and Evangelism.

Langer said he co-authored the book, which was released in June 2017, with a sense of urgency. Langer said there is a need for Christians to understand how to communicate when there are deep differences on social issues.

“Christians can be considered counter-public, meaning that Christians may not share the prevailing views of the public,” Langer said.

Langer argues that through modern communication theories along with biblical principles, Christians can offer engagement that is meaningful and respectful.

Langer presented several examples of individuals and organizations advocating for peaceful dialogue. He highlighted the nonprofit group Better Angels that aims to reduce political polarization in the U.S.

Langer noted he is scheduled later in the month to moderate a discussion on political dialogue for Better Angels at the University of Southern California for individuals who identify as political conservatives or liberals.

“Honestly, I hear the words of Jesus say, ‘Blessed be the peacemaker.’ I just want to be a peacemaker,” Langer said. “My goal [in a conversation] is to plant a few seeds about what we can do to make things a little bit better in the times and places and situations.”

 

Dockery suggests re-envisioning Southern Baptists’ future

The future will bring new opportunities of partnership and collaboration for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), Dr. David Dockery told a California Baptist University audience on Oct. 16.

Dockery, president of Trinity International University, spoke as part of the School of Christian Ministries Lecture Series. Dockery is also an author and editor of more than 35 books and has served as chair for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

“The Southern Baptist Convention stands at a pivotal moment in need of re-envisioning the days ahead,” Dockery said. “A new spirit of trust, mutual respect and humility will be needed to serve together.”

Dockery mentioned several areas he envisioned Southern Baptists developing in the future.

“We must be an international people,” Dockery said. “Southern Baptists must come to grips with where they find themselves in a global world and must serve the global church in a new way, becoming more connected and involved internationally than ever before.”

Interagency collaboration is also needed, he said. Southern Baptists cannot continue to duplicate ministry on the association, state and national levels, Dockery added.

Interconnection also will be necessary, he continued.

“Finding ways for Southern Baptists to hold hands with other believers who are committed to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment will be essential,” Dockery said.

Further, Dockery said, Southern Baptists will need to become intercultural. The denomination must be intentional in how it thinks about engaging the culture in an intercultural and multiethnic way. This will involve finding ways for men and women to maximize their gifts for service in the churches and SBC entities, he added.

Southern Baptists also must stress their commitment to become an interracial convention, Dockery continued.

“There are 10,000 churches whose membership primarily consists of ethnic minorities across Southern Baptist,” Dockery said. “This progress is to be celebrated. But more work will be needed throughout the life of the entire convention.”

Finally, it is essential that Southern Baptists be intergenerational, he said.

“There will be a need to respect differences in style, priorities, emphases represented among the multiple generations that now make up life in the SBC,” Dockery said. Those in the denomination must continue to develop in these matters, he said.

“Southern Baptists need to trust God to bring fresh a fresh wind of his spirit, to bring renewal to confessional convictions and to revitalize the churches while relating to one another in love and humility,” Dockery said.

 

SAE club at CBU revving up on the racetrack

Tyler Carlisle had one sentiment pop into mind when he finished a test run for his team’s race vehicle: fast!

“The car is really fast and thrilling to drive,” said Carlisle, a student member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) club at California Baptist University. “Having the opportunity to experience how the car feels and how it reacted to certain driver inputs has given me vital knowledge in improvements that can be made in the future.”

Students from SAE club at CBU took to the Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside over the weekend to conduct trial runs. The team continues to prepare for the SAE International race competition that will be held in June 2019.

Prior to the trial runs, the team worked to ensure the vehicle was up to par by changing tires, tightening bolts and lug nuts and ensuring appropriate gas levels were met. They also attached GoPro cameras, which will help the drivers evaluate their and the car’s performance. These practices add valuable insights as the team moves forward with its design for a new car they are creating for the national competition this year.

The purpose of the trial run was to make sure everything on the car was functioning correctly and that all the drivers are adjusted to the vehicle, said Spencer Judy, mechanical engineering senior.

The Lancer team is scheduled to compete in the SoCal Shootout at the Adams Motorsports Park on Oct. 20. Several SAE teams from Southern California that competed in the previous SAE national competition will participate in the event.

Judy said the upcoming race will allow the team to pinpoint design elements to develop on.

“The more hours we put on the car, the more we know we need to improve on,” Judy said.

During the upcoming event, team members who oversee various design components for the vehicle also will have an opportunity to present to judges their concepts and work.

Katie Mast, a mechanical engineering junior, is the lead on the ergonomics design that includes the vehicle’s brakes, pedals and steering.

“All the leads will be tested on how well they know last year’s car and how well they know their own subsystem. They will gain experience presenting their knowledge to the judges while also learning what the judges are expecting from them,” Mast said.

 

“Lost in Yonkers” opens 2018-19 theatre season at CBU

The theatre arts program at California Baptist University brings comedy to the Wallace Theatre with “Lost in Yonkers,” which opens the 2018-19 season.

The Pulitzer-winning play by Neil Simon follows two teenage brothers in Yonkers, New York, set in 1942. After the death of the boys’ mother, their father decides to go on the road as a traveling salesman. He sends his sons to live with their stern grandmother, an adult aunt who is mentally unstable, and an uncle, a small-time hoodlum.

The story is a coming-of-age tale about the boys surviving their “crazy family,” said Frank Mihelich, assistant professor of theatre and the play’s director.

“There is a lot of heart and a lot of thought-provoking stuff going on in this play in the midst of all of the laughing,” Mihelich said. “The big theme is how family molds us and affects us.”

Isaiah Torres, a theatre freshman who plays one of the sons, said the production reminded him of the importance of family.

“I really hope the audience connects with the characters and the story,” Torres said. “Not only should the audience expect to laugh but prepare to cry.”

Emily Feaster, a theatre senior who plays grandma, said she learned about grief and the various paths people take to cope through her character.

“To explore the character of someone who has been through so much trauma and portray the effects of that in someone’s life has been so fascinating and heartbreaking,” Feaster said. “It has caused me to reflect on my own life and circumstances and examine how I handle those situations.”

Alexis Safoyan, public relations senior, said through her character—Aunt Bella—she has learned to get to know people before judging them. Once audience members understand Bella, they realize why she behaves the way that she does, Safoyan added.

“I hope that the audience recognizes that all families are broken but all families should be valued,” Safoyan said.

When: Oct. 18-20 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 20 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

 

LinkedIn Seminar helps students understand networking site

An estimated 200 students at California Baptist University learned ins-and-outs of LinkedIn, the employment-oriented social networking site, at a seminar hosted by the Career Center on Oct. 10.

Kayla Masters, career counselor, and Lisa Singer, associate director of employer relations, led the seminar. The speakers stressed the key components that go into developing a strong profile such as a professional photo and a concise summary of one’s talents and skills.

Mike Bishop, senior director of the Career Center, said that using LinkedIn effectively could be an important part of a job search. He encouraged students to recognize what professionalism means online.

The seminar also featured a Q&A session followed by an opportunity for students to have a photographer take professional headshots for their LinkedIn profiles.

 

Office of Student Success marks National Tutoring Week

The Office of Student Success at California Baptist University treated its tutors to a breakfast in honor of their contributions to the CBU community. The office coordinated the acknowledgement in conjunction with National Tutoring Week (Oct. 1-5).

This week is centered on appreciating tutors for dedicating their time to help students achieve their academic goals, said Michael Osadchuk, coordinator of the Office of Student Success at CBU.

Student Success has more than 70 tutors available for students. All the tutors are themselves students who have passed the classes they tutor in with a B+ or higher.

“A big part of being a tutor is the ability to communicate conceptualized information, and the majority of tutors at CBU come highly recommended by the professors,” Osadchuk said. “I really want students to see our office and tutoring as a way to get them to their academic goals and not just to keep them out of the depths of failure.”

Student Success offers students a variety of services including one-on-one tutoring, study groups, exam proctoring, academic success workshops and academic guidance. Students can call the office to schedule an appointment or walk in to see if a tutor is available.

Katelyn Hancock, a kinesiology freshman, said since she began using the tutoring services, her English grades have gone up.

“They provide a wide range of subjects you can ask tutoring in. They are very knowledgeable and helpful,” Hancock said. “Having someone there to critique is very helpful.”

Marissa Gonzalez, a health science freshman, uses tutoring services to help with her science courses.

“Since I have been coming in here, I’ve been doing better on my quizzes, so it’s been really helpful. I feel like a lot of students don’t know about [the services offered] or don’t know where to start, and I suggest they come in because it helps,” Gonzalez said.

Alondra Cano, a Student Success tutor, said she believes tutoring can help students become more self-assured in their abilities.

“It is a confidence boost and they come away feeling they can do this if they set their minds to it,” Cano said.

 

Taste the Nations event at CBU celebrates cultural diversity

The varied aromas of many cultures permeated Harden Square at California Baptist University on Oct. 2 as students sampled a variety of international foods during “Taste the Nations,” a popular fall campus tradition.

Leslie Shelton, director of International Student Services, said the event is designed to introduce students to unique national cuisines.

“Something we want to do for our campus is to create cultural awareness. We are a globally minded university and a lot of people get to go overseas, but we also want people to know that there is a lot of culture represented here on campus,” Shelton said.

Hundreds of students lined up at different food and drink booths to try options such as stroopwafel (waffle cookie) from the Netherlands, navrattan (vegetables and nuts) from India, maamoul biscuits (pastry) from Lebanon, and curried crickets from Asia.

Angelique Rougeau, a sociology freshman, tried a chocolate malt drink filled with vitamins called Milo, a popular drink in the Oceania region.

“There are different cultures we get to experience and different things we can try that nobody has tried before,” Rougeau said. “It broadens our horizons in different ways.”

Josiah Paul, a pre-nursing sophomore, tried several sweets. He was interested in learning about the preparation that went into each treat.

“I learned that in Europe sweet is not sugary like in the U.S.,” Paul added.

Shalom Wanyonyi, a freshman nursing student from Kenya, volunteered at the West Africa booth. She enjoyed seeing how the event brought people together.

“I felt like people were visiting my country and it just reminded me of home,” Wanyonyi said.

 

Students document event for Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful

Members of the Environmental Science Club at California Baptist University helped document activities associated with a project coordinated by Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful (KRCB) on Sept. 29.

Thirteen CBU students took photos and conducted interviews for the Santa Ana River Watershed Cleanup Beautification Project that will be used in future social media campaigns for KRCB.

“Being on the social media team helped CBU students become connected with the community,” said Dr. Bonjun Koo, professor of environmental science and the Environmental Science Club advisor.

Through the process, students learned how the environment is important to others, Koo added.

The Environmental Science Club at CBU has a history of volunteering with KRCB. In 2016, KRCB initially requested help from CBU for its beautification projects, said Koo. Since then students have helped in various ways, including adopting Monroe Street to conduct monthly street cleanups.

Mariah Vertulfo, a global community science sophomore, was tasked with taking photos of the event and interviewing volunteers.

“It was thrilling to hear from passionate people as well as people who joined just for fun,” Vertulfo said. “There were many hard-working individuals that had their own stories, all inspired by the idea of helping the environment with their community.”

Maile Pang, a biology and environmental science junior, said she enjoyed meeting people who are enthusiastic about cleaning the environment. Pang said she joined the Environmental Science Club at CBU because she wants to help the environment.

“I am passionate about conserving biodiversity and protecting habitats, so this club really allows me to participate in volunteer events like the Santa Ana River cleanup,” Pang said.

The Environmental Science Club aims to connect students who share interests in the natural sciences, outdoor activities and sustainable biodiversity, Koo said.

“The club is committed to connecting students and the community with the common goal of enjoying and caring for God’s Creation through responsible stewardship,” Koo said.

 

CAVAD hosts exhibit that connects the CBU design community

The College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD) at California Baptist University hosted a Faculty and Alumni Exhibition on Sept. 28. The exhibit displayed more than 30 pieces of photography and graphic designs created by CBU instructors and alumni.

The event was held in the CAVAD photography and graphic design studio at Adams Business Park, a half mile south of the main CBU campus.

Christopher Kern, assistant professor of photography, said the exhibit aimed to bring together the CBU photographic and design community and connect students with alumni.

“As CAVAD continues to grow, build new programs and facilities, it’s important to not lose sight of our true resources—our alumni and current students,” Kern explained.  “This exhibit is an opportunity to celebrate God’s gift to create art and continue to work as a faith-based community in a very secular world.”

Jessica Castellano, (’17) a wedding photographer, said she discovered her passion for photography at CBU.

“There were amazing professors that taught valuable business skills you actually need,” Castellano said. “They really prepared you to go out in the real world and do full-time photography and not just as your hobby.”

Hannah Overeem (’17), a landscape photographer, said she enjoyed reviewing the artwork at the exhibit.

“It’s really cool to see other people’s work and to see how much they progressed. It motivated me to want to do better as well,” Overeem said.

The graphic design program at CBU began in 2007 with nearly 20 students. This semester more than 130 graphic design and 45 photography students are enrolled in the related programs.

“The program has grown in both quality of content and reputation,” said Michael Berger, program director for graphic design and photography. “We have built an award-winning reputation in the area and the second largest faith-based design program in the country. Graphic design is in our DNA. We are not a fine art program that leans toward design. We are all working designers in our fields and really love what we do.”

 

Olympic medalist says God needs to be at the heart of work

God can do more through us than we can imagine when we honor Him, Leah O’Brien-Amico told a California Baptist University audience on Sept. 27.

Amico spoke as part of Faith & Enterprise series hosted by Robert K. Jabs School of Business at CBU.

“At the end of the day, you can inspire people all you want, but without Jesus Christ it ends up being meaningless. When He’s at the heart of it, it changes lives forever,” Amico said.

Amico, who grew up in Chino, California, is an inspiration herself. She earned three Olympic Gold Medals as a member of U.S. Softball team in consecutive appearances: 1996, 2000 and 2004. Amico is now a motivational speaker, a softball analyst and an instructor at softball clinics around the country.

Amico recalled her pounding heart as it beat nervously during her first time playing in the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1996.  She was able to calm her nerves by focusing on all the preparation she had done to get to that point.

“I remember thinking, ‘it’s the same thing you’ve played since you were a little girl. Do the little things. It doesn’t matter the stage,’” Amico said.

When you are in a situation that seem bigger than what you are comfortable with, remember the training and talents that have gotten you there, Amico told the students.

Amico relayed her experience at her first speaking engagement. She managed to address the audience for only 20 minutes out of the 60 she was given. She never wanted to speak again, Amico said. However, a coach encouraged her to view first time experiences as a learning exercise.

“I encourage you to be OK with struggling, or with having a really bad first experience or maybe even a second experience,” Amico told the students. “You’re not going to get better if you never try.”

Amico said she was thankful that God has combined her passions for softball, speaking and sharing His truth throughout the country.

“No matter what we’re doing, no matter what business we’re entering, no matter what company you run someday, God wants to be at the heart of it,” Amico said. “When we honor Him, in my experiences, He’s taken me places I never could have gone apart from Him.”

 

Fall 2018 CBU enrollment tops 10,000 for first time

Fall 2018 enrollment at California Baptist University set another record with 10,486 students, an increase of 5.5 percent over the previous year, President Ronald L. Ellis announced today.

The increase numbered 545 more students than the record 9,941 enrollment in 2017, Ellis said. He noted that the 2018 full time equivalent (FTE) enrollment figure of 10,647 is 606 FTE’s or 6.6 percent greater than the 2017 figure.

Ellis announced the latest record enrollment at the regular fall meeting of the CBU Board of Trustees. He told trustees the triple-digit enrollment growth in 2018 follows three years of 600-plus increases (610, 698, 618) one four-digit upsurge (1,113), and four more triple-digit increases (813, 584, 616 and 784).

“Add the current year increase of 545 and over the last nine years CBU enrollment has grown 6,381 on a base of 4,105 in fall 2009—a 155 percent increase in nine years,” Ellis declared.

During its 68-year history, California Baptist University has seen 18 triple-digit or greater year-over-year increases—all of them occurring since fall 1995.

Since Ellis became president in November 1994, CBU enrollment has grown by 9,678 students. This year’s 10,486 enrollment is 12.98 times greater than the 808 students enrolled in 1994.

“Fall 2018 is another record breaking enrollment increase on top of a sustained 24 years of significant increases,” Ellis told the trustees. “It puts CBU ahead of schedule to attain the 12,000 by 2025 goal,” Ellis observed.

Founded in 1950, CBU is a private comprehensive Christian university located in Riverside, Calif. and affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. CBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, and the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities.

 

College of Engineering hosts new career fair

California Baptist University hosted its inaugural Engineering Fair on Sept. 26 in an appropriate location—the new Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building. Nearly 40 companies filled the multipurpose design hall, offering internships and jobs to students and alumni.

The Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering opened its new location at the start of the 2018 fall semester earlier this month. Lisa Singer, associate director of employee relations at CBU, said the fair was a way to celebrate this achievement.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for employers to witness firsthand the growth and innovation as represented in our College of Engineering,” Singer said. “Additionally, having such a strong showing of employers benefits students by offering opportunities that align with their future goals.”

Glenn Walker, a regional human resource manager at Granite Construction, said he has had success hiring CBU students in the past. One of the company’s recent hires, Michael Bravo (‘17) also attended to represent the firm.

“Granite has a very strong core value and students from this school line up well,” said Walker, whose company was recruiting graduates in construction engineering, construction management and civil engineering.  “With values such as integrity, honesty, citizenship and environmental stewardship; the students here fit perfectly [with our values].”

Jewel Esparza, a chemical engineering sophomore, came prepared with her resume in hand.

“I’m looking for internship opportunities for the future,” Esparza said. “Right now I’m a sophomore, but it’s great to network and get myself out there.”

Elle Lowe, a civil engineering sophomore, attended the fair for the experience.

“I wanted to expose myself to different opportunities and see what’s out there,” Lowe said. “I’m learning how to talk professionally to other people and make connections.”

Following the engineering fair, employers and alumni had an opportunity to tour the new building and meet with faculty, staff and attend a mixer in Innovators Auditorium.

 

Family Updates

Dr. Robert LaChausse, associate professor of public health sciences, wrote an opinion-editorial for the Highland Community News on Oct.3. The title was The consequences of our youth on the consequences of alcohol use among teens.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ed Garrett, associate professor for sport, recreation and fitness for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the Association for Applied Sport Psychology annual conference in Toronto, Canada, on Oct. 2-6. The title was Making sport psychology practical in the corporate sector. Garrett also was one of three sport psychology consultants invited to speak on ways to work with collegiate student-athletes and athletic programs.

 

 

 

Dirk Dallas, professor of graphic design and visual experience, taught three drone classes as a CreativeLive instructor to a live audience of more than 10,000 viewers on Oct. 1. Dallas was also commissioned by Universe Publishing to release a drone calendar called Scenes From Above 2019, featuring his aerial photography.

 

 

 

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program received full accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health on Sept. 7. The MPH program, which began in 2014, has 74 students enrolled across two concentrations—health education and promotion, and health policy and administration. The accreditation approval extends through Dec. 31, 2023.

 

 

Dr. Jacob Chao-Lun Huang, assistant professor of sociology, presented at the 2018 International Forum on Taichungology: Fusion, Connection and Co-Prosperity at Tung-Hai University in Taichung City, Taiwan, on Oct. 7. The title was The Luce Memorial Chapel and Citizen Identity in Taichung City.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Darla Donaldson, associate professor of finance and social entrepreneurship, presented at the Inland Empire Startup Week in Riverside on Oct. 2. The title was Social Enterprises—A Combination of Profit, People, and Planet within Communities. She also took part in a panel presentation at the Christian Business Faculty Association in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Oct. 5. The title of the presentation was Love: The Redemptive Power of Business.

 

 

 

Dr. Joshua Knabb, associate professor of psychology, had a book published. The title is The Compassion-Based Workbook for Christian Clients: Finding Freedom from Shame and Negative Self-Judgments (Routledge, Sept. 14, 2018).

 

 

 

 

Dr. David A. Hernandez, adjunct professor of public administration for Online and Professional Studies, successfully defended his dissertation for a Doctor in Public Administration from the Online and Professional Studies on Aug. 21. He became a fire battalion chief with the City of Victorville Fire Department on Sept. 10. He will assist in designing the department as it takes over emergency operations from the San Bernardino County on March 30, 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, presented at the Public Relations Society of America’s Educators Academy Super Saturday in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 6. The title was Business Literacy for PR Students.

 

 

 

 

Kelly Tinker, administrative support specialist for physician assistant studies, was named employee of the month for October. Her nomination included the following statements: “Kelly communicates with our community affiliates and CBU colleagues with the utmost professionalism. She is direct, compassionate and proactive. Kelly is an excellent ambassador for our program and CBU.”

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gage, professor of nursing, co-authored an article published in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (May 2018). It was titled The psychological salience of religiosity and spirituality among Christian young people in New Zealand: A mixed-methods study.

 

 

 

Dr. Bruce Prins, professor of biology, hosted a lab tour for high school students from Arrowhead Christian Academy Upper School/Redlands Christian Schools on Oct. 1. Dr. Nate Heyman, professor of biology, assisted the students in a hands-on demonstration of the Anatomage table, a virtual library of human cadavers, as well as a clinical diagnostic tool by visualization of medical CT, CBCT or MRI scans.

 

 

Journalism and new media students visited the Riverside Historic Courthouse on Oct. 9 to learn about the courts system and how the news media can cover it. Judge John Vineyard described how civil trials are conducted and how the courthouse was renovated in the 1990s. The class also observed a civil trial in progress.

 

 

Dr. Kristin Mauldin, assistant professor of psychology, and CBU graduate student Keisha Hart presented a poster at the Association for Applied Sport Psychology annual conference in Toronto, Canada, on Oct. 2-6. The title was The Personality and Mindset of the Marathon Maniac.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Andrew Herrity, professor of entrepreneurship and business, presented a paper at the Christian Business Faculty Association Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Oct. 6. It was titled Kainos as Innovation in Business: Developing a Christian Worldview on the Diffusion of Things New. He also served as moderator/discussant at a multi-presentation forum on best practices for teaching business in Christian higher education.

 

 

 

Dr. Linn Carothers, professor of mathematics, received a grant of funded allocation and access to the 16 supercomputer grid of the National Science Foundation-funded Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE). Carothers will do interdisciplinary research with Dr. Jinxiang Xi, associate professor of bioengineering, in which XSEDE will provide resources to simulate, model and predict biomechanical depositions of particles within lungs.

 

 

 

The Veteran Resource Center marked the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Navy on Oct. 15. Traditionally, the oldest and highest ranked person and the youngest in that branch who are on campus cut the cake at a celebration. Dr. Allan Bedashi, professor of physician assistant studies and a retired lieutenant, and Samantha Payne, a pre-nursing sophomore and former petty officer third class, filled the roles.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Business Fair connects students with prospective employers

Dressed in a sharp black suit with polished shoes and a crisp tie, Brian Drummond pulled out a few resumes from his pocket portfolio folder. He was ready to do some one-on-one interviews.

The Career Center at California Baptist University hosted a Business Fair on Sept. 25 that allowed current students and alumni to network and learn about internships and job opportunities in the fields of marketing, accounting and finance. Hundreds of students gathered in Innovators Auditorium to interact with more than 40 business located in the Inland Empire.

Drummond, a double major in Christian studies and business, said he saw the fair as an opportunity to practice his interpersonal communication skills.

“I just had to get through that first one (interview) and then I felt comfortable talking,” Drummond said.

Drummond said he was encouraged to attend the event by Mike Bishop, senior director at the Career Center.

“I’m trying to gauge my career path and Mike mentioned that we would have a diverse group of businesses represented at the event,” Drummond said.

Bishop said he has noticed a high interest from the business community in attending fairs associated with CBU.

“I’ve been told that our students demonstrate integrity, character and a hard work ethic,” Bishop said. “I tell students it’s critical that they attend these events and get their name out there.”

 

TWIRP Week fosters community through fun activities

TWIRP (The Women is Required to Pay) week at California Baptist University kicked off on Sept. 24 with a concert in Stamps Courtyard.

TWIRP is one of the many campus traditions designed to help students connect and form friendships. During the week, women have opportunities to ask men to join them at different social gatherings.

Kristin Holderman, director of campus activities for Community Life, said the week is geared toward developing a positive social environment on campus rather than just dating.

“We encourage students to attend these events with groups of friends and also with the intention to make new friends,” Holderman said.

This year the week’s activities started with a concert by My Brothers And I (a quartet pop band) on Sept. 24. Later in the week, students can attend an ice-skating outing, an Angels MLB game, a barn dance, a scavenger hunt and movie night, as well as a trip to Disneyland.

“Through participating in the tradition of TWIRP, it is our hope students build new relationships and a deeper sense of belonging to the university,” Holderman said.

 

Students explore Sierra Nevada on Outdoor Adventures trip

Community Life at California Baptist University hosted its latest Outdoor Adventures trip to Big Pine located in the Sierra Nevada on Sept. 21-23. Twenty students and four staff members camped, hiked and enjoyed the outdoors as they forged friendships along the way.

“These trips are made to give students an opportunity to enjoy God’s creation and build community and friendships among the students and staff going on the trip,” said Tucker Carl, program coordinator for Outdoor Adventures.

During the outing, the group hiked about 12 miles to view glacial lakes along the Big Pine Lakes trail. This journey was a highlight of the trip for Emily Linville, a liberal studies freshman.

“It was extremely fun going camping with college students, and I got to know most of them pretty well by the end of the trip,” Linville said. “I grew closer with God, my peers and I even learned more about myself throughout the trip.”

Katelin Booth, a graphic design and Christian studies sophomore, went on the trip to fulfill a personal goal this year—exploring more of California.

“Being able to rest by the lakes, swim and hang out together was an awesome time,” Booth said. “It’s a fun opportunity for me to get off campus and see new places and meet new people while enjoying God’s creation.”

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.  Other Outdoor Adventure outings for the semester include to Joshua Tree, California; Santa Barbara, California and Sedona, Arizona.

 

Lecturer highlights collaborative training for foster children

By calming a child in their environment, a caregiver can help them develop their voice in life, Dr. Mandy Howard told a California Baptist University audience on Sept. 20.

Howard was a speaker for the Culture and Justice Lecture Series sponsored by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at CBU. Howard, an assistant professor of psychology at Samford University in Homewood, Alabama, has spent the past 20 years researching mental health and quality of life issues for children in the foster care system.

Howard said as she began to do research initially in Texas, she found that foster kids are in the system on average for four years with seven different placements.

“Every time you move a child from one placement to the next you are severing a love relationship, a meaningful relationship,” Howard said.

In many of these moves, there was no transitional component built in for the children, Howard noted. In all of this, she added, the child’s voice is lost.

Howard argued that the system works better when there is a collective ownership in the way children are cared for and transitioned. She advocates for clinicians, state workers and psychologists all to form a collaborative team in the child’s care.

As a result of her research findings, Howard formed a training clinic that offers seminars to help inform and train different groups that care for foster children. She spoke about the ins-and-outs of starting such an endeavor.

Howard also started a summer camp to help with the development needs of foster children.

“During the course of our 3- to 5-week summer camp our goal was to facilitate attachment between the children and their camp counselors. This will then help them transfer that connection back to their caregivers when they got home,” Howard said.  “It was amazing to see the difference in the children after the camp.”

 

Chapel speaker urges students to think carefully when dating

The biggest decision in life is what a person decides about God, Matt Brown told a chapel audience at California Baptist University on Sept. 20. The next biggest decision, he added, is choosing a spouse.

Brown, lead pastor of Sandals Church in Riverside, spoke on Proverbs 31. He encouraged students to make good choices when it comes to dating. Brown reflected on his time as a student at then California Baptist College, where he met his wife, Tammy.

“The best decision of my life at Cal Baptist was giving my life to Christ. The second best decision was dating Tammy,” Brown said.

When choosing a person to date, study how they love in several areas of their life, he said. First, only date someone who loves you, Brown said.

“If you have to change everything about yourself to get someone to love you, then they don’t love you, they love who you’re not. And you can’t keep that up forever,” Brown declared.

The person also should love to work, Brown said. If a person cannot do homework, what will they do at a job, he asked. Graduating, paying bills and raising kids all takes work, Brown explained.

“It’s easy to fall in love, it takes work to stay in love,” Brown said.

The person also needs to love people, Brown said. In Proverbs 31:20, the woman “extends her hand to the poor and she stretches out her hands to the needy.”

“How does a person treat people they don’t know, they don’t like, who aren’t cool, who aren’t beautiful, and who aren’t their friends?” Brown said. “The heart of the person is reflected in how they treat people.”

Finally, the person needs to loves God, Brown said, reflecting on I John 4:7, which says “Love is from God.”

“This is why you want to date someone who loves God, because if you don’t love God and you don’t know God, you don’t know love,” Brown said.

 

Students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fiesta

Hundreds of students flocked to Harden Square at California Baptist University to participate in a fiesta in honor of Hispanic Heritage month on Sept. 19.

Students gathered to enjoy traditional Hispanic foods, participate in art demonstrations and observe cultural dance performances.

Kristin Holderman, director of campus activities at CBU, said the fiesta was an opportunity for the student body to recognize and celebrate the Hispanic culture shared by many CBU students.

“We love to celebrate cultural diversity on campus,” Holderman said. “The evening was an opportunity for students to broaden and understand important aspects of the Hispanic culture.”

Earlier in the day, the Alumni Dining Commons offered a Fiesta de La Café, a Hispanic-themed lunch that featured festive décor, food options from around the world and a mariachi band.

“One of our learning outcomes at CBU is to offer unique and diverse experiences for students,” Holderman said. “Today was focused on this endeavor,” she added.

 

Greg Laurie urges students to “choose life each day”

“Put God first in all areas of your life and God will bless you,” Greg Laurie told a chapel audience at California Baptist University on Sept. 18.

Laurie is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside. He is also the founder of the Harvest Crusades and an author of more than 70 books.

Reflecting on Joshua 24:15, Laurie said God gives people daily choices, such as the choice of life and death.

“You must choose life each day,” Laurie said.

It can be easy to fall into anxious thoughts about the future and worry about your studies, career and who are you going to marry, Laurie added.

“Jesus wants us to give our burdens to God…because he cares for us,” Laurie said, expounding on I Peter 5:7.

God knows our needs; we are valuable to him, and He thinks good thoughts about us constantly, Laurie told the students.

“It is OK to plan for the future, but constant worrying can be a sign that we are not trusting God,” Laurie said.

Laurie offered a multi-step approach to dealing with anxiety: humble yourself before God by seeking Him in prayer and His Word, ask for help if needed, and stay in fellowship with believers.

“God’s plans for our lives are way better than our own plan,” Laurie said. “You can commit your unknown future into the hands of a known God.”

 

Founding of U.S. government was “extraordinary,” lecturer says

The U.S. government was created on the universal principles of “the laws of nature and of nature’s God,” said Dr. Edward J. Erler at a Constitution Day event on Sept. 17 at California Baptist University. Constitution Day marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.

The phrase from the Declaration of Independence that refers to nature and God as “self-evident truths” is extraordinary, said Erler, professor of political science emeritus at California State University, San Bernardino said. Those principles, derived from both reason and revelation, serve as the basis for U.S. citizens’ constitutional rights.

“The Declaration of Independence says it is the self-evident truth that ‘all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.’ A creation and a creator are acknowledged to be the foundation of this government,” Erler said. “I believe it was this agreement between reason and revelation…that not only made the American founding a success but made it an exception. “

In the view of James Madison, often called the “Father of the Constitution,” the Constitution was created to put into practice the principle of the Declaration of Independence, Erler said.

“Everyone has equal rights and the government has to be dedicated to the equal protection of the equal rights of everyone who consents to be governed,” Erler said.

 

Monday night football kicks off Fortuna Bowl Trophy quest

The 2018 intramural flag-football season started with several games played on the Front Lawn at California Baptist University on Sept 17.

Flag football is the most popular intramural sport at CBU. This year, 27 teams and hundreds of competitors in men’s and women’s leagues are chasing the coveted Fortuna Bowl Trophy.

The championship games will be held Nov. 10 during Parent and Family Weekend at CBU. Last year’s Fortuna Bowl games drew thousands of spectators, including CBU students, their friends and families, and alumni. The event typically is one of the year’s highest attended sporting events at CBU.

Tyler Cox, director of recreation programs at CBU, said intramural sports provide a great opportunity to build community in a competitive environment.

Cox noted that some teams practice up to four times a week.

“Competition is intense out there,” Cox said.

More than half of the teams participating in intramural football are considered legacy teams, meaning those teams have been around for more than a decade.

CBU also offers coed volleyball and coed dodgeball during the fall intramural schedule.

 

Club Fair showcases more than 70 clubs offered at CBU

Community Life at California University hosted a Club Fair on Sept. 13 that provided students an opportunity to learn about the more than 70 clubs on campus.

CBU offers a wide range of club selections that pertain to academics, service interests or recreational activities.

The Club Fair is a great way for clubs to promote who they are, what their mission is and allow students to join, said Kristin Holderman, director of campus activities for Community Life.

“It is our hope students benefit from club membership by establishing relationships through common interests, experiencing unique and diverse opportunities and gaining leadership experience,” Holderman said.

Braya Johnson, a psychology sophomore, is president of the Science and Religion club. She joined because of interesting discussions of how science and religion can co-exist.

“I want to be a psychiatrist and it helped me realize how I want to present myself as a Christian in the science world,” Johnson said. “I would encourage students to join if they’re in the sciences or interested in apologetics or want to learn how to defend their faith.”

Hunter Yarnell, a history senior, is president of Helping Hands, a club focused on special needs and disabilities, both in providing information and volunteer opportunities. Growing up, Yarnell volunteered in his church’s ministry for those with special needs and disabilities, which is why he helped start the club this past spring

“I would encourage others to join because if you have an interest in this, this will give you an experience to actually work with people with special needs and disabilities as well as receive more information,” Yarnell said.

Julia Brushett, a bio-chemistry senior, is already a member of several clubs, but came to the fair to check into others.

“I think it’s a great way to get involved on campus with people who are like-minded,” Brushett said of joining a club. “I always end up learning a lot with all of these. It’s a better way to have that school-life balance and make great connections and networking even with faculty.”

 

Family Updates

CBU welcomed more than 30 new faculty members this fall. The faculty went through a three-day orientation that included a student services fair, panel discussions with students and alumni of Seminar on Faith in the Academic Profession (SOFAP), a peer mentor lunch and some online training. Additionally, the new faculty began SOFAP with two days of active learning and faith integration strategies hosted by the Teaching and Learning Center and led by Dr. DawnEllen Jacobs, professor of English, and Dr. Scott Key, professor of philosophy.

 

 

Dr. Daniel Prather, professor of aviation science, was interviewed by the National Business Aviation Association regarding attracting and retaining Generation Z in the workplace. He was subsequently profiled in the article Connecting with Generation Z in the September/October 2018 issue of Business Aviation Insider magazine.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Shawn J. Wilhite, assistant professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, was co-author and editor on Polycarp, Papias, and Diognetus, part of the Apostolic Father Greek Reader series, Volume 3. (Glossa House, 2018).

 

 

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gage, professor of nursing, attended the National Care Net conference in Atlanta, Georgia, Sept. 4-7. He facilitated a workshop titled Pro Abundant Life and presented research titled Fathers’ Experiences of Early Ultrasound.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jeff McNair, professor of education, was the keynote presenter at the God Is Able conference in Manila, Philippines, on Sept. 1. His presentation was titled A Biblical View of Disability. God is Able International is a ministry focused on facilitating inclusion of persons with disability in the church and Christian community.

 

 

 

Ashley Sonke, nursing student services coordinator, co-facilitated a one-day training on Holistic Admissions in Academic Nursing at University of Utah’s College of Nursing in Salt Lake City on Sept. 17. The training was put on by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

 

 

 

Dr. Virgo Handojo, professor of psychology, presented a research poster at the 23rd World Congress of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions in Prague, Czech Republic, on July 23-27. The research title was The effect of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) vs Non-IPV Separated by Partner during Military Duty on Attachment among Indonesian Women. 

 

 

 

The Veteran Resource Center marked the 71^st birthday of the Air Force on Sept. 18. Traditionally, the oldest and highest ranked person and the youngest in that branch who are on campus cut the cake at a celebration. Dr. John Marselus, professor of aviation science and a retired colonel, and Carlos Medina, an aviation science senior and a senior airman in the Air Force Reserves, filled the roles.

 

 

 

 

 

Faculty and students from the College of Health Science participated in the American Heart Association Kickball tournament in Perris, California, on Sept. 15. The team received 2^nd place out of 20 teams.

 

 

 

Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, coauthored a paper that was published in the journal Biology (Sept. 11, 2018). It was titled Ascovirus P64 homologs: A novel family of large cationic proteins that condense viral genomic DNA for encapsidation.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, and C.L. Lopez, adjunct professor of public relations for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the Public Relations Student Society of American at CBU on Sept. 18. The title of the presentation was Strategies for Success After Commencement.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Stauffer, adjunct faculty for business for Online and Professional Studies, had a book published in August. The Resilient Christian (Covenant Books Inc., August 2018) is about Christian living.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for information technology services, had an article published as part of Church Production Magazine’s weekly devotional. It was titled Spiritual Input List for Church Techs.

 

 

 

 

Victoria Brodie, visiting professor of public relations, served as the chairperson for the first day of Leadership Riverside’s class of 2019 on Sept. 7. Leadership Riverside is a 10-month program developed to empower and educate decision makers in the community by immersing them in the issues and challenges that shape Riverside’s future. Brodie has chaired the first day, known as Discovery Day, for nine years.

 

 

 

Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter, assistant professor of social work, presented a workshop at the 32nd Annual Children’s Network Conference in Ontario on Sept. 20. The workshop was titled Maternal Mental Health in a Hospital Setting.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of management, had an article published in the Management and Economic Journal (September 2018). It was titled Financial alignment and cost allocation strategy in an MNE: A case study.

 

 

 

 

Frank Mihelich, assistant professor of theatre, was elected to the Board of Directors for Christians in the Theatre Arts. It is a national organization dedicated to encouraging and equipping faith-based theatre artists and to bringing a Christian voice to the professional American theatre.

 

 

 

Julie Jones, assistant director of academic advising, co-presented a workshop at the 32^nd Annual Children’s Network Conference, in Ontario on Sept. 19. The workshop was titled Human Trafficking 101.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jacob Chao-Lun Huang, assistant professor of sociology, had a book chapter published in Nongovernmental Organization Case Studies in Leadership From Around The World (2^nd Edition). It was titled NGOs in Asia: A case study of the Mennonite Social Welfare Foundation in Taiwan.

 

 

 

 

Journalism and new media students visited Riverside City Hall on Sept. 25 to learn about local government and how the news media can cover it. Phil Pitchford, the public information officer for Riverside, described to the students how City Council meetings operate and led them through the seventh floor of City Hall to visit offices and meet some officials including Mayor Rusty Bailey.

 

 

Scott Glackin, lead foodservice equipment technician in Facilities and Planning, and his wife, Silvana, welcomed their fourth grandchild on Sept. 13. Derek Scott Glackin weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20 inches in length. His parents are Scott and Joni Glackin.

 

 

 

 

Lisa McDonald, administrative assistant for Marketing and Communication, and her husband, Mike, welcomed their second grandchild on July 23. Kash Michael McDonald weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 18.5 inches in length. His parents are Kevin and Kadee McDonald.

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU remembers 17th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks

Students, faculty and staff at California Baptist University took time on the 17th anniversary of 9/11 to remember and reflect on the terrorist attacks that rocked the U.S. in 2001.

The Associated Students of California Baptist University (ASCBU) offered an opportunity to commemorate and honor the 2,977 people who lost their lives. At the Stamps Courtyard, students, faculty and staff took one of 2,977 flags, one for each victim, and placed the flag in the lawn, outlining a cross. Additionally, in the evening at Stamps Courtyard, a time of worship, prayer and refection was held.

For T.J. Roe, a computer science sophomore and a representative for ASCBU, the remembrance of the day brings about strong feelings of his family.

His brother was in his first year of Air Force when the attacks took place. Also, Roe has family in New York. Roe, who was 3 at the time of 9/11, remembers his mother being brought to tears as the events unfolded.

“It’s important to remember,” Roe said. “9/11 was something that brought this country together, during the mourning and the loss of thousands of lives. It didn’t matter what your religion was, your political party, it unified this country as a whole.”

Andrew Bajema, a criminal justice freshman, stopped to place a flag. Bajema, who wants to go into law enforcement, was wearing a shirt with the New York Police Department logo to show support.

“It was an event that all Americans faced. It was a tragedy and it’s something we should honor and something we should respect,” Bajema said.

Ken Sanford, adjunct professor of education, recalls watching the events on television that day.

“The thing you have to think about, is these people were going about their normal day, going to work, school and they lost their lives,” Sanford said. “That’s why we have to remember, that could have been anybody.”

Dr. Chris McHorney, chair of the department of history and government, said, even as time passes, it is important to remember the attacks, both from a personal and governmental level.

“While the pain may become more bearable, those families will never stop grieving,” McHorney said.

“From a policy perspective, understanding current American foreign and domestic policy is impossible without knowledge about the 9/11 attacks,” McHorney added. “The 9/11 attacks will continue to impact the lives of Americans for many more years.”

 

CBU maintains top 40 spot in “Best Colleges” rankings

California Baptist University is once again listed among America’s Best Colleges in 2019 rankings announced today by U.S. News and World Report (USN&WR). For the fifth consecutive year, CBU received a top-40 ranking in the publication’s “Best Regional University” category for public and private colleges in the West.

The latest rankings place CBU at No. 32 in the top tier of the nation’s educational institutions. The 2019 rankings mark the 13th year that CBU has appeared in the Best Colleges list. Previously, CBU was ranked No. 31 in 2018, up from No. 37 the year before.

U.S. News & World Report publishes the “Best Colleges” rankings each year to aid prospective students and their parents looking for the best academic values for their money. Now in its 34th year, the annual comparative listing uses a system of weighted indicators of academic excellence to rank universities. Those indicators include student selectivity, retention and graduation rates; assessment by peer institutions; faculty resources; financial resources and alumni giving.

The Best Regional Universities category compares more than 600 institutions in four regions of the nation that offer a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and master’s degrees but few, if any, doctoral programs.

California Baptist University offers more than 150 majors, minors and concentrations as well as more than 40 graduate programs and four doctoral programs.

 

CBU earns regional rankings as value and innovative school

California Baptist University has earned two additional distinguished regional rankings from U.S. News and World Report (USN&WR) as a “Best Value School” and “Most Innovative School.”

The 2019 rankings announced on September 10 include a top-40 ranking for CBU as a “Best Regional University” for the fifth consecutive year.

USN&WR “Best Value School” rankings take into account academic quality, as indicated by the 2019 USN&WR ranking, and the 2017-2019 net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. The higher the quality of the program and the lower cost, the better value that is passed on to the student.

The most innovative school rankings seek to identify institutions that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, campus life, technology or facilities. The schools that earn high marks are those that receive the most nominations for making promising changes on campus.

 

Music students perform at international worship conference

Members of the University Choir and Orchestra (UCO) at California Baptist University kicked off their performance schedule for the new academic year at an international worship conference in Florida on Sept. 4.

The 73 students performed for the Experience Conference with Anthony Evans, a Christian worship artist and a consultant for the Worship Arts and Ministry degree at CBU. The event is tailored to worship leaders throughout the world. The students also led worship with John Bolin, a CBU alumnus and minister of worship and arts from Houston’s First Baptist Church, and his band, First|Worship. Nearly 1,500 worship leaders attended the event.

“It was really moving to see all of the students up there as a united team, released to worship God, helping to bring all of the worship leaders in attendance into His presence,” said Steven Dahlgren, assistant professor of music and conductor of UCO.

Along with an opportunity to perform, the event provided a learning aspect for the students, Dahlgren added.

“I think that the students could learn that there’s an amazing intersection between years of preparation, practicing, honing your craft, doing the hard things, and being available for opportunities to serve God along the way as He opens doors and avenues of ministry,” Dahlgren said.

Joshua Ledezma, a music sophomore, said he appreciated performing with Evans and leading worship for pastors from around the world.

“Seeing how Anthony Evans and all the other talented musicians were able to lead so humbly from the platform strongly encouraged me to continue to do the same no matter how much applause may come my way,” Ledezma said.

Melody Leon, a music senior, said she gained a deeper understanding how musical sound and movement can bring about a powerful worship experience.

“During the whole night I could definitely feel the Lord’s presence in the room,” Leon said. “There was not a single dull moment as the audience rose to their feet for every single song that was performed.”

The UCO next performance will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at Magnolia Church in Riverside.

 

CBU alum is Top 30 nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year honor

Lauren Hackett (’18) was named a Top 30 honoree for the NCAA Woman of the Year award on Sept. 6. The Top 30 student-athletes represent the top 10 women selected for their respective NCAA Divisions (D-I, D-II, D-III).

Hackett, CBU’s former outside hitter, is among 30 still in the running out of an initial 581 nominees for the 2018 NCAA Women of the Year award. The winner will be named on Oct. 28 at a banquet celebration.

“It’s a really amazing feeling making it to the Top 30,” Hackett said. “It’s been a really fun and rewarding four years being a student-athlete, and an acknowledgement like this just gives me even more reason to be thankful for my time at CBU.”

In June, Hackett signed a contract to play professional volleyball for proWIN Volleys TV Holz of Saarbrücken, Germany.

Read the full story here.

 

The Habit Burger Grill now open at CBU

California Baptist University’s newest eatery, The Habit Burger Grill, opened to an appreciative audience on Sept. 4, the first day of fall semester classes.

Students flocked to the restaurant, which served some 900 hamburgers on opening day.

Rebecca Arneson, president of the Associated Students of California Baptist University, was among those who enjoyed the new dining option.

“Students are just thrilled that The Habit is on campus,” Arneson said, adding that she was excited about the shakes and malts available at the restaurant.

In addition to chargrilled burgers, Habit’s CBU menu includes fresh salads and grilled sandwiches including chicken, ahi tuna, and a veggie option. Side orders include onion rings, sweet potato fries and tempura green beans.

“We are excited to have the Habit as part of our food family,” CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Sept. 5. “Over the 24 years that I’ve been here, we’ve tried to have differentiators [in food service] that are excellent, names that people go ‘Wow!’ CBU has gained a reputation for having great food.”

Russell Bendel, CEO of The Habit Burger Grill, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bendel said he was amazed that the CBU team put together the new dining option so quickly, noting that the first discussions about bringing The Habit Grill to CBU took place in June.

“To do something like this in less than 60 days is pretty amazing,” Bendel said. “That’s truly a credit to this organization and the commitment to being special and having a ‘wow factor’ and really setting expectations at a very high level.”

The Habit Grill at CBU is located within Brisco’s Café where students can enjoy dining indoors in a café setting or outside on patio dining tables.

 

President Ellis delivers 2018 State of the University address

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, delivered his 2018 State of the University video address at two chapel services on Sept 4. The address reported on key accomplishments at CBU over the past year and also highlighted significant upcoming events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall 2018 semester starts at California Baptist University

Classes for the fall 2018 semester at California Baptist University began Sept. 4, capping a busy five-day start to the semester that included Welcome Weekend and the traditional Clash ‘n’ Roll event.

New CBU students moved into their living arrangements and began getting acquainted with life on campus during Welcome Weekend on Aug. 30-31. On Sept. 2, all CBU students had the opportunity to attend the Lancer & Beyond event, a private discounted shopping extravaganza at Bed Bath & Beyond. On Sept. 3, Community Life at CBU hosted the traditionally Clash ‘n’ Roll event that featured food trucks in addition to an evening of planned activities and games.

The fall 2018 semester brings a number of new additions to campus facilities, programs and activities. CBU enters a new era of NCAA Division I competition as the Lancers play their first season in the Western Athletic Conference.

The Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building opened its doors to students for the first time this semester. The 100,000-thousand-square-foot building is the new home of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering. And now featured at Brisco’s Café is the popular Habit Burger Grill, the newest eatery at CBU.

CBU also launched several new majors and programs this fall that include: Bachelor of Arts degrees in product design, production design, interior design, illustration and art therapy in addition to Bachelor of Science degrees in biomedical sciences, forensic chemistry and international business. Additionally, CBU now offers a Master of Science in Information Technology Management and a Doctor of Psychology program.

 

Family Updates

Dr. Bruce Prins, professor of biology, and Allie Floyd, department secretary for biological sciences, promoted CBU’s Department of Biological Sciences at STEM Day & College Recruiting Fair in Pomona on Aug. 11. Students in grades 7-12 attended the event.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Bob Namvar, professor of economics, presented a paper at the Global Research Institute for Business Academic’s annual research conference in London on Aug. 6-7. The title of the paper was A Recessionary U.S. Economy Will be a Surprise.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Erin Smith, associate professor of psychology, co-presented a workshop to the Bridging the Two Cultures of the Sciences and Humanities II, 2017-2019 cohort, in Oxford, England, on July 27. The title of the workshop was How to train and form interdisciplinary skills in young scholars.

 

 

 

Jennifer Zamora, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, was a judge at the UCR School of Medicine Conference of Teaching, Learning and Discovery at the Riverside Convention Center on Aug. 18. She judged posters and presentations by second- and third-year medical students. Additionally, physician assistant studies students from CBU were invited to compete and present their health care practice improvement projects.

 

 

Dr. Gayne Anacker, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, presented at the C.S. Lewis Study Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, for the Legacy of Lewis Seminary Series on July 11 and 13. The titles of the presentations were The Place of The Abolition of Man in the Contemporary Intellectual World and C.S. Lewis’ Spiritual Journey: A Philosophical Interpretation.

 

 

 

Russell Meek, adjunct professor of Christian Studies for Online and Professional Studies, co-edited a book, Riddles and Revelations: Explorations into the Relationship between Wisdom and Prophecy in the Hebrew Bible, (T & T Clark, 2018).

 

 

 

Dr. Terri Thompson, assistant professor of nursing, and Dr. Susan Jetton, assistant professor of nursing, presented at the 5th World Congress of Nursing in London on Aug. 13. Jetton presented Student Directed High Risk Scenarios: An Innovative Teaching Strategy, and Thompson presented Implementation of Student Directed High Risk Scenarios in the Simulation Setting.

 

 

 

 

Sarah Sanchez, student account counselor, was named employee of the month for September. Her nomination included the following statements: “It has been said by others that work with Sarah: She goes so above and beyond to make improvements in communication, job knowledge and our training materials, not to mention her joyous personality and kind spirit.  It seems she exemplifies all that CBU is about.”

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert LaChausse, associate professor of public health sciences, has been elected to the American Public Health Association’s Governing Council. His two-year term begins Nov. 1 and he will assist in establishing policies for the association and for the guidance of the executive board, and oversee journal publications, awards, science, advocacy and public policy in public health.

 

 

 

Dr. Janice Spangenburg, adjunct professor of business for Online and Professional Studies, received her graduate certificate in operations and supply chain management from Southern New Hampshire University in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Aug. 1.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Torria Davis, instructional designer for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the Bbworld 2018 International Conference in Orlando, Florida, on July 16-19. The titles were Course Design Decision Making with Analytics and Using Analytics for Research in Course Design.

 

 

 

The Division of Natural & Mathematical Sciences hosted its annual New Student Mixer on Sept. 5. New students in the biological, chemical and mathematical sciences had the opportunity to meet fellow students, faculty, staff and student club representatives.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, had an article published in the Church Production Magazine (Aug. 23). It was titled The ‘I’ in Team.

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Cruz, assistant professor of music, had an article published in the California Music Teacher (Fall 2018). The title was Ready, Create… Inspire! Teaching Students to Engage in Musicality, Interpretation, and Performance. 

 

 

 

 

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences hosted its Undergraduate Kick-Off Rally on Sept. 6. Undergraduate students in anthropology, psychology, sociology and Christian behavioral sciences were given the opportunity to meet fellow students and faculty as well as hear about several opportunities and resources available to them this academic year.

 

 

 

 

Michelle Quinones, student accounts assistant in Student Accounts, and her husband, Tyson, welcomed their daughter on July 12. Savanna Marie weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 19 inches.

 

 

 

 

Matthew Goddard, assistant library director for resources for Annie Gabriel Library, and his wife, Julia, welcomed their daughter on July 14. Naomi Lavang weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20.5 inches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jennifer Newton, associate professor of English, and her husband, Christopher Savard, welcomed their daughter on July 27. Adeline Hannah Savard weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 20 inches.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Newest Lancers received at Welcome Weekend

The campus at California Baptist University was alive with energy and enthusiasm as new first year students arrived for Welcome Weekend activities on Aug. 30. More than 2,200 freshmen and transfer students are expected for the fall semester at CBU, which begins Sept. 4.

Welcome Weekend is a CBU tradition geared toward helping new students get connected to resources and helping students feel a part of the CBU family, said Jay Stovall, director of new student programs and orientation. This year, CBU hosted a move-in day for freshmen on Aug 30. with transfer students arriving the following day.

First up on the Welcome Weekend schedule was move-in. As new students arrived on campus with their luggage, CBU student volunteers lined up to help move in their peers. They unloaded vehicles, filled rolling bins with living necessities and pushed them to the student’s rooms.

Sarah Hom, a community life intern at CBU, was helping students move in at the Cottages. She volunteered as a way to give back for the help she received as a freshman.

“I was grateful for everyone that helped me out then and that’s why I want to be on the other side of this—to help others transition into life at CBU,” said Hom, a psychology student.

Students also had the opportunity to meet with different student service departments at the Events Center and receive free CBU gear.

Natalie Wagner, a biomedical engineer freshman, met up with several of her friends who are also attending CBU this fall. They chatted about dining options for lunch on campus.

“I choose CBU for its focus on spiritual development. I’m here to grow in my faith,” Wagner said.

Abby Strom, a child development freshman, said she fell in love with the CBU campus on prior visits, which contributed to her decision to become a Lancer.  For her, Welcome Weekend is the start of a new journey.

“I am excited to start a new chapter in life. I got to meet my new roommate and I am just looking forward to starting the semester,” said Strom, a Temecula, California, resident.

In the afternoon, students met their FOCUS groups, which help acclimate students to campus life. They also participated in the traditional Kugel walk, where new students touch the globe, symbolizing their commitment to live a “life of purpose” as they begin their college experience at CBU. At the President’s Welcome, CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis encouraged students to become a part of Lancer Nation by getting involved in campus activities.

Other Welcome Weekend opportunities for students included time to meet with deans and faculty members and a special discount-shopping opportunity at Bed Bath & Beyond. Additionally, there is a Meet the Inland Empire event that informs students of the nearby restaurants, shops and churches.

 

Kickoff event welcomes new graduate students to CBU

California Baptist University welcomed nearly 500 new graduate students at a kickoff orientation at the Events Center on Aug. 28.

The last time CBU hosted a similar activity was in 2011. The university decided to bring back the event to help connect graduate students to the campus environment and university resources, said Alma Salazar, director of graduate admissions.

“We have created a robust orientation designed to give pertinent graduate-level information,” Salazar said. “We are excited to begin welcoming our students with open arms at a time where we are seeing so much growth in our graduate student population.”

More than 600 new graduate students are expected at CBU this fall, with more than 2,000 total, Salazar said.

The graduate kickoff started with a resource fair, allowing students to connect with representatives from various campus offices. Additionally, students were able to meet with faculty from their respective school or college within CBU.

Andrew Greenfield, a Master of Science in Kinesiology student, said he chose CBU because of the small class size and the research opportunities.

“I am looking forward to getting to know my fellow students and my professors and being able to work closely with them,” Greenfield said.

Stephanie Stamper is pursuing a Master of Social Work. She appreciates how CBU integrates faith into its classes.

“I’m looking forward to better equipping myself to deal with the vulnerable populations and to gain more resources for the people I know need help,” Stamper said.

The orientation also addressed the “Core 4” at CBU, Lancer culture and student expectations.

Dr. Ricardo J. Cordero-Soto, associate professor of mathematics at CBU, spoke to the students about finding the right motivation for graduate school. There are several motivations for success in graduate school, but only one will make the students resilient enough to succeed, he said.

“A God-given-purpose is the driving force that will withstand the highs and lows of graduate school,” Cordero-Soto said. “We challenge each graduate student to be driven by a desire to live out his or her God-given-purpose.”

 

CBU welcomes students from around the world

More than 100 new international students from 31 countries were welcomed at California Baptist University from Aug. 28-30 as part of the International Orientation.

Leslie Shelton, director of international student services, said the orientation aimed to help students adapt to life in the U.S. and also to set them up to be successful at CBU.

“They are coming from a different country and culture and we want to give them some time to start the adjustment process and cover topics related to different cultural norms and culture shock,” Shelton said.

Orientation introduces the students to CBU offices and services, covers CBU policies and immigration regulations for students. A resource fair provides information on cell phone providers, banks and community resources. Additionally, a barbecue dinner and a minor league baseball outing introduce them to a part of American culture.

Throughout the year, international student services offers immigration and academic advising to students and intercultural trainings for campus offices and departments to promote successful interactions with international students.

New international students at CBU this year are from China, India, Europe, Latin America and Africa. Approximately 270 international students will be attending CBU this fall.

Ziyu Liu, who is from China, received her bachelor’s degree from CBU on Aug. 23. She is now pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree and attended the orientation to learn more about her new endeavors. For her, staying at CBU is a blessing.

“I think CBU is very friendly and a good campus and I want to continue here,” Liu said.

Lara Orrock, a kinesiology freshman from South Africa, came to CBU on a cross-country scholarship. Orrock said she believes God has guided her to CBU.

“Other [college opportunity] doors closed and this one stayed opened, so it was clearly a decision made by God,” Orrock said. “I want to better myself with the opportunities here, be a better person and grow spiritually and academically.”

Throughout the year, international student services office hosts culture events such as Taste the Nations, Festival of Colors and the Lunar New Year to celebrate the cultural diversities of international students.

Shelton said her office strives to promote culture diversity and connect people.

“We accomplish that in different ways throughout the year and these different events also serve to meet those goals,” Shelton said.

Through on-campus events, the greater CBU community is able to learn about and experience cultural diversity in a way that is fun and they have the opportunity to interact with the international students, Shelton said.

 

“Inspiration” sculpture is unveiled at CBU

“Inspiration,” a sculpture created by Riverside artist Frank Heyming, was unveiled at California Baptist University on Aug. 28. Heyming donated the piece that is displayed between the walkway of the Wallace Theatre and the Alumni Dining Commons on the CBU campus.

The sculpture consists of three flames mounted on a burnished stainless steel pyramid atop a triangular concrete pedestal. During the day, the piece reflects the colors and natural lighting around it; at night, the sculpture is illuminated with soft LED white lights.

In remarks to the crowd present for the unveiling, Heyming spoke of his inspiration for the project.

“Like light, ideas also spring from the ether. I thought of inspiration as inspired by the [Holy] Spirit,” Heyming said.

Heyming read a passage from 1 Corinthians 12:4 and 7 displayed on a plaque next to the sculpture: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (NASB).”

“It is my hope that the sculpture, ‘Inspiration,’ achieves this aspiration and will inspire the creative genius in all of us,” Heyming said.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, said the sculpture was placed in the most trafficked area on campus so that students, faculty, staff and visitors could find encouragement through the art.

“This artwork will inspire many generations to come at CBU. We are thankful to Frank for sharing his vision and allowing us to display his work,” Ellis said.

 

Rehearsal Camp at CBU helps students find the right note

Members of the University Choir and Orchestra at California Baptist University rehearsed the worship hymn “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” on Aug. 28. It was one of many songs they would rehearse over the course of a seven-hour practice day.

A week before the fall 2018 semester begins at CBU, more than 460 students were already on campus for Rehearsal Camp, hosted by the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music on Aug. 27-30 and Sept. 3. The camp helps students prepare for numerous concerts scheduled during the upcoming academic year.

“The purpose of Rehearsal Camp is to give our ensembles a jump start for the year,” said Dr. Guy Holliday, director of bands at CBU. “Lots of music is learned in a compressed period of time, helping the groups to be even better prepared for their first performances.”

Last academic year, student performance groups combined to present more than 220 concerts. Ensembles at CBU include large groups such as the University Choir and Orchestra, with nearly 180 vocalists and instrumentalists, in addition to smaller groups such as the Jazz Band and Women’s Choir. The groups perform at a variety of venues that in the past have included high schools, community events, church services and CBU events.

Steven Dahlgren, assistant professor of music, said the camp gives students a start on perfecting the repertoire and creating camaraderie.

“It’s hard work that reaps huge dividends individually and corporately,” Dahlgren said. “The students learn to build stamina for the long haul, work together for a unified goal, build lifelong relationships with each other and once again begin to produce the quality and excellent music that the Collinsworth School of Music is known for.”

Stephen Bankole-Wright, a music education senior, said the camp is hard work but beneficial in its format.

“If we didn’t have an intense week that gives us a general feel for the songs, I don’t think we would be as prepared,” Bankole-Wright said.

Upcoming performances include: University Choir and Orchestra at Magnolia Church in Riverside on Sept. 23; Camerata, a concert choir, Nov. 3 at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside; and Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble at Magnolia Church on Nov. 11.

 

CBU ranked among nation’s fastest-growing colleges

California Baptist University ranked No. 8 among the fastest-growing colleges in the United States during a recent 10-year period in a list published by a leading higher education news organization Aug. 24.

CBU’s top-10 ranking appears in “Almanac 2018-19” published by the Chronicle of Higher Education (CHE) and reflects the institution’s enrollment growth from 2006 through 2016.

In 2006, CBU enrollment totaled 3,409 students. A decade later, in 2016, enrollment at CBU was 9,157 students, an increase of 168.6 percent.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, said the ranking confirms what many had observed about the institution’s dramatic growth.

“The enrollment growth measured in the Chronicle Almanac ranking reflects the continuing positive response from students to the educational programs and facilities that California Baptist University continues to develop and offer,” Ellis said. “This ranking is an objective affirmation that our efforts are producing strong results,” he added.

The No. 8 ranking compared CBU with other private non-profit institutions classified as “Master’s Colleges & Universities” in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Among the 392 institutions in that classification, enrollment growth averaged 15.7 percent over the same 10-year period.

In preparing its report, the Chronicle of Higher Education analyzed U.S. Department of Education data “based on a fall head count of full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students at U.S. degree-granting institutions that were eligible for Title IV federal financial aid and that had a least 500 students in 2006.”

CBU enrollment growth continued after the period cited in the CHE Almanac 2018-19. In 2017, fall enrollment at CBU totaled 9,941 students.

 

CBU hosts institution’s first summer commencement

California Baptist University wrapped up a day of celebration at its inaugural summer commencement ceremonies hosted on Aug. 23. A ceremony for traditional students was held in the morning followed by the Online and Professional Studies Ceremony hosted in the afternoon.

An estimated 4,500 individuals attended the dual summer commencement ceremonies at CBU.

Students for the summer commencement make up a record number graduation candidates for the Class of 2018 that total 2,848 candidates from the fall, spring and summer commencement ceremonies.

In his commencement address, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, said the ceremonies in the Events Center were an example of learning environments that CBU has assembled over the years for the benefit of the students.

“Like people, institutions also have a purpose—and the growth of California Baptist University truly has been a purposeful pursuit,” Ellis said. “It is the result of thoughtful strategy combined with decisive action—putting in place what I call the building blocks needed to reach our institutional objectives.”

Ellis exhorted graduates to use their “Great Commission” training to impact their respective environments.

“All of you have a story to tell. Many involve personal examples of service and transformation that you experienced or witnessed as you seized the opportunity to put your faith into practice,” Ellis said. “Graduates, your experiences at CBU have given you an important foundation and helped to equip you to figure out where you will go from here—personally, professionally, and perhaps most important, vocationally.”

Ellis encouraged students to spread their wings but to keep connected with the Lancer nation.

“My earnest hope and prayer is that each of you will lean into this new beginning with genuine Lancer zeal. May you live your purpose with passion and with the same determination that has guided you to this joyful day of celebration,” Ellis said.

 

CBU summer commencement a family affair for the Armentrouts

Graduation is a milestone that family members of students celebrate with joy and enthusiasm. For three California Baptist University students, the summer Online and Professional Studies commencement was extra special, as they walked together on Aug. 23.

Janie Armentrout, administrative assistant to the president at CBU, and daughters Briana and Brooke were candidates for bachelor’s degrees.

Janie and her oldest daughter, Briana, earned degrees through the Division of Online and Professional Studies (OPS). Brooke took classes on the main campus; however, she walked in the OPS ceremony with her mom and sister. A third daughter, Britney, who serves in the U.S. Air Force, was part of the crowd cheering them on.

It was a long road for Janie to earn her degree. She started working as a young adult, then got married and raised her children. Three years ago she came to work at CBU in the Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education. It was then that she saw an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“I regretted never getting my degree,” Janie said. “I have always encouraged my children to continue their education. How could I not take the opportunity when it’s placed right in front of me?”

Brooke said it was “really cool” when she learned her mom would attend college. The three women often had study sessions together, bouncing ideas off one another and munching on food.

Briana found inspiration when Janie started college.

“When Mom went back, it changed my perspective on things,” Briana said. “Age is just a number. You’re never too old to accomplish things you missed out on when you were young.”

Janie looks forward to graduating with her daughters.

“I’m thankful that I made it through. It does give a sense of accomplishment,” Janie said. “I’m super proud of them. It’s going to be one of those special times that not everybody gets to celebrate.”

Brooke said watching Janie work and go to school made her work harder. Her mom would come home after working, eat a quick dinner and start doing homework.

“I kind of felt like I have to do something because she’s doing it,” Brooke said. “It encouraged me to get on top of my homework and not procrastinate and really reach for what I want.”

While Janie said she will not miss the homework, she will miss the camaraderie with her daughters.

“We had something very much in common,” Janie said. “It was one of those ways to connect. Now we’ll just find something different.”

 

Hooding ceremonies celebrate students’ achievements 

Hundreds of master’s degree candidates at California Baptist University celebrated their academic achievements at hooding ceremonies, leading up to dual commencement ceremonies on Aug. 23.

At CBU, colleges and professional schools hold hooding ceremonies to recognize their candidates for graduation and give those students distinctive colored hoods to wear at commencement.

More than 440 master’s degree candidates are eligible to participate in inaugural summer commencement ceremonies at the CBU Events Center. Additionally, 10 candidates are scheduled to receive doctoral degrees, including eight graduates from the Doctor of Public Administration program in the Division of Online and Professional Studies (OPS), the program’s first graduates.

The College of Health Science has the largest group of master’s degree candidates with 81. The Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education has the second largest group with 76 candidates. Additionally, OPS has 165 candidates for graduation throughout its various programs.

At the OPS hooding, held Aug. 21 at Harvest Christian Fellowship, Dr. Kathryn Norwood, dean of assessment and accreditation, encouraged the students to not rush into easy answers when they face questions in the future but rather use “sustained reflection.”

“Whether you stake your claim in the academy, in public service, in the corporate sector, in the nonprofit world, or in the culture and the arts, we (the faculty) all know that the world will be made better by the answers you will provide to a host of difficult questions,” Norwood said. “I challenge you to provide courageous leadership, to use your gifts, talents and identified strengths for the purpose for which God has created you.”

 

Women’s Soccer win first for CBU Lancers D-I era

California Baptist University welcomed in a new era of NCAA Division I play with a win courtesy of the women’s soccer team.

The Lancers beat Loyola University Maryland 1-0 on Aug. 17.  Miranda Hald, a junior forward, scored a goal in the 84^th minute of play to secure the victory.

“Being the first D-I match in the history of CBU meant so much for our team,” said Hald. “Everyone fought from the start of the whistle until the end with grit and determination. We were able to create a tremendous amount of opportunities. I’m so honored I was able to get the final touch on the ball to put the team on the board.”

Read the full story here.

 

Family Updates

Jennifer Costello, assistant professor of social work, and Master of Social Work students delivered backpacks to more than 315 families in the Casa Blanca Community on Aug. 11. The CBU group donated 20 backpacks and partnered with agencies including the Riverside Police Department and Church of God to donate additional backpacks.

 

 

Dr. Hyun-Woo Park, professor of biology, Dr. Patrick Schacht, associate professor of biochemistry, Dr. Dennis Bideshi, professor of biology, and Dr. Bruce Prins, professor of biology, celebrated the entrance of three CBU biology graduates into the Medical School class of 2022 at UC Riverside on Aug. 3. The graduates—Audrie Minnich (’18), Zach Saylor (’18), Maria (Mikki) Guerrero (’17)—join five others who entered medical programs across the country this fall: Josh Dreshler, ’17, Loma Linda Medical School; Austin Kleint, ’18, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest; Vivian Villasenor, ’18, University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry; Lucas Oliveira, ’17, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson; and Jasmin Baskaroon, Washington State University College of Pharmacy.

 

 

 

 

Dr. John Shoup, executive director of CBU’s Paul and Annie Kienel Leadership Institute, presented a workshop to 30 CBU academic administrators on Aug. 1. The workshop covered leadership development and was provided by the Teaching and Learning Center.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, coauthored a paper that was published in the journal Biotechnology Letters (August 2018). The paper was titled Co-synthesis of kenyacin 404 and heterologous thurincin H enhances the antibacterial activity of Bacillus thuringiensis.

 

 

 

 

Lisa Singer, associate director of employer relations for the Career Center, presented at the 5^th Annual Student Leadership Workshop for engineering students held at University of California, Riverside, on Aug. 18. She taught two classes on Business Etiquette—the Importance of Character, Professionalism and Social Awareness in the Work place.

 

 

 

Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter, assistant professor of social work, had an article published in the International Journal of Childbirth Education (July 2018). The title was Support Groups for Parents Experiencing Perinatal Loss. 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of management, had an article published in Administrative Sciences Journal (July 25, 2018). The title was Assembling frameworks for strategic enactment: Enhancing transformational agility through situational scanning.

 

 

 

Ashley Sonke, nursing student services coordinator, co-facilitated a training at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland on Aug. 20. The training was on holistic admissions in academic nursing.

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Zamora, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, and physician assistant studies graduate students and undergraduate students performed school physicals at Home Gardens Academy in Home Gardens on July 28. They served more than 100 children.

 

 

 

Dr. Robert LaChausse, associate professor of public health sciences, published an article in the Journal of Health Promotion Practice (Aug. 3). It was titled Differences in Health Education Competencies Among Obesity Prevention and Nutrition Education Professionals.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, was invited to be part of the Diversity Council for the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, the main trade association for the Pro-AV industry. He will be representing the interests of Christian higher education on the board that is aimed at bringing together AV and integrated experience professionals from various backgrounds and cultures to facilitate a larger dialogue around initiatives of inclusion within the industry.

 

 

The Office of Student Success and the new Veterans Resource Center celebrated the newest addition to CBU’s commencement celebrations—a military service cord. The cord honors students who are graduating and recognizes them for their service in the defense of the nation. The veterans received the cord on Aug. 21, two days before CBU’s inaugural summer commencement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of health science, presented research at the Academy of Business Research Conference in Boston on Aug. 1. It was titled How Job Stress and Social Supports Influence Retirement. He also took part in the Affiliate President Elect’s Meeting at the American Public Health Association in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5-7.  He participated in public health advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, working with congressional staffers/advisors.

 

 

 

Dr. Jennifer Newton, associate professor of English, and her husband, Christopher Savard, welcomed their daughter on July 27. Adeline Hannah Savard weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 20 inches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nancy Pontius, wife of Dr. Frederick Pontius, professor of civil engineering and construction management, gave four presentations at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) in Taiwan. On June 5, she spoke on An Introduction to CBU and Southern California to CYCU students in the Department of Applied Linguistics and Language Studies. At CYCU’s 2018 English Leadership Camp in July, she presented Cultural Differences, A Leader’s Character: Confidence and Humility and A Leader’s Character: Servanthood.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

 

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Team wins physician assistants challenge bowl for second year

For a second year in a row, California Baptist University students displayed expertise in their field by winning the California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA) Student Medical Challenge Bowl on Aug 11. The competition was held during the CAPA summer conference in San Diego.

The physician assistant program at the College of Health Science will graduate its first students in the summer commencement ceremony Aug. 23. The CBU team competed against eight other collegiate programs, besting the University of Southern California and University of California, Davis in the final round.

“A second consecutive win for this state title further demonstrates great preparation, strategy and support,” said Mary Ann Stahovich, assistant professor of physician assistant studies. “As members of the CBU family, we are excited to share this great news with the whole CBU community.”

The winning team consisted of Jillian McCoy, Robin Atkins and Julia Hedger, who all made a commitment to practice for the competition despite being busy with clinical rotations throughout the academic year.

“Forcing myself to practice for CAPA forced me to practice board material too, which was very helpful because I’ll be taking my boards in less than a month,” McCoy said.

The students also studied the format of the competition and strategized how they should respond to questions.  Teams scored 10 points for each correct answer and lost 10 points for each incorrect one. In addition, they had to take into account the pressure of the “buzzer system,” which a team could “buzz” in to answer a question before it was even finished being read.

“Winning the CAPA bowl means bringing home bragging rights. Especially because this is our second consecutive win, making us undefeated since our program’s inception,” Hedger said.

 

School of Music collaboration provides resources for churches

The sounds of the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music are now available to thousands of U.S. churches thanks to a partnership with LifeWay Worship.

In January 2018, University Choir and Orchestra recorded 10 new songs and arrangements on campus with LifeWay executives, technicians and producers from Nashville.

The new tracks are part of LifeWay’s Red Box program that ships out a quarterly “box” catalog of new musical arrangements with listening demos to more than 20,000 U.S. churches. In addition to these preview boxes, the music is also distributed online. Last year alone, 90,000 different churches purchased musical resources from LifeWay, said Dr. Joseph Bolin, dean of the School of Music at CBU.

“We in the School of Music are excited to partner with our friends at LifeWay Worship to impact thousands of churches nationwide,” Bolin said.  “This year’s new CBU anthem series—featuring 10 new songs written and arranged by CBU’s worship board and faculty, recorded by our students in CBU’s own studios and distributed by LifeWay Worship in Nashville—is the genesis of a vision that utilizes the musical community of CBU to resource the church with fresh, anointed music for effective ministry.”

This past quarter, four of the new music tracks were sent out in the LifeWay box program. CBU had the No. 1 best-selling non-seasonal anthem with “I Am Resolved” and the No. 1 best-selling seasonal anthem nationwide with “A Carol Fantasia.”

Additionally, the music complements the school’s new worship degree program, Bolin said.

School of Music faculty members and the worship degree’s steering and development board wrote the songs produced for the LifeWay project.

The songs represent a broad cross-section of worship styles such as contemporary, virtuosic choir and orchestra anthems, congregational and presentational.

“The unifying factor is that it’s to the glory of God and it’s theologically accurate and done with excellence,” Bolin said. “But it’s meant to express the breadth of everything that we are and do in the School of Music.”

Don Koch, an award-winning record producer and songwriter, served as the producer of the project.

Bolin said working with industry professionals is something he wants students to experience.

“The recording sessions also provided our students the opportunity to work with industry professionals, which is a big hallmark of our vision,” Bolin said. “We want to consistently expose our students to the best in the music industry so they can be prepared to meet the demands of their own musical careers.”

Anthony Baker, a music education junior, said the students had a couple weeks to learn the music, giving them real-life experience.

“It stretches our music ability,” Baker said. “It shows us how professionals work. As a music major, it shows me what my future could be like.”

Bolin said he is grateful to CBU’s administration for the support and the vision to engage in these type of collaborations and expand the impact and influence of the School of Music.

“We’re thrilled to be walking through these substantial doors that the Lord has opened for us,” Bolin said. “The work and mission of CBU is continuing to advance and we’re so privileged to be part of its global impact.”

 

Lancers cheer squad earns top marks at NCA Collegiate Camp

The cheerleading team at California Baptist University continued its dominance at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) USA Collegiate Camp by earning several top marks including Best All-Around team.

The NCA Collegiate Camp pits cheer teams from across the country and divisions to compete in various categories. Top performers earn a ticket to compete at the national championship in April.

CBU is a seven-time USA Champion and six-time NCA Champion after winning the awards in consecutive years at the NCAA Division II level. This year, the Lancers will transition to D-I.

Read the full story here.

Additionally, for the first time in program history, CBU competed at the National Dance Alliance/United Spirit Association Collegiate Dance Camp — its first chance to compete since the program was created this past spring.

The Lancer teams won multiple awards and earned a Full Paid Bid to USA Collegiate Championships — the only team to get one.

Read the full story here.

 

Summit aimed at improving veterans’ mental wellness

A Veterans’ Mental Health Wellness Summit held at California Baptist University Aug. 9 attracted more than 400 participants, including veterans and their family members.

The event was organized by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at CBU and the Veterans Affair Loma Linda Healthcare System. It sought to bring awareness to mental health issues veterans face and present suicide prevention options.

“It is so important for everyone to be involved. We must create a safety net for our veterans and their families,” said Melissa Conrad, interim chief of Mental Health for the Veterans Affairs Loma Linda Healthcare System.

Presenters at the summit included clinicians, veterans, veteran affairs employees and CBU faculty members. Sessions covered topics such as transitioning out of the military, mental health services for veterans, caring for women veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder and early signs of mental illness.

“This event represents a wonderful partnership as we work together to provide the best services and care for our veterans and service members,” said Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at CBU.

Jennifer Costello, assistant professor of social work at CBU, help organize the event. For Costello, the topic hits close to home as her husband is an Army veteran and her son is serving in the U.S. Marines.

The event helps veterans know what resources are available and for families and clinicians to understand how they can help, Costello said.

Ted Peterson (’11) served in the Navy and the Army Reserves. Five years ago, with the intervention of fellow veterans and his wife, Peterson got help for depression. He is now a peer support specialist with the Veterans Affairs Loma Linda Healthcare System, offering support to other veterans.

“This event breaks the stigma. It’s OK to talk about some of these things and not feel like you’re weak or broken,” Peterson said.

 

CBU students create Formula SAE car from the ground up

Matt Miller, a mechanical engineering senior at California Baptist University, has become a car guy thanks to the Society of Automotive Engineers student club within the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering.

Miller has received hands-on mechanical engineering training while constructing a Formula SAE car the past two years.

“The highlight for me, both last year and again this year, was the build,” Miller said. “Working on the car is fun and challenging, but the relationships and memories that occur during that time are my favorite part.”

SAE student club has worked to construct cars the past two years to race at the national Formula SAE annual competition.

The goal of the SAE club is to give students hands-on experience in engineering design, said Dr. Daniel Clark, assistant professor of aerospace, industrial and mechanical engineering and SAE advisor.

“The purpose is to take things that students learn in the classroom and develop it so they can make that jump to know what would be expected of them in the industry,” Clark said.

In general, the Formula SAE rules require that students design, construct and then race their vehicle. Additionally, there are pages of regulations to follow and deadlines to meet.

Design of the car started in September 2017, followed by the manufacturing in February 2018. The team consisted of 20 active members that worked throughout the year on the project.

“Going from having Excel spreadsheets to a finished car that does exactly what we expected it to, that was cool,” said Andrew Ricci, a recent CBU graduate.

When Katie Mast, a mechanical engineering sophomore joined the SAE club, she admits to being a novice with automobiles, tools and the engineering involved with racing. However, over the course of the year, she gained a better understanding and can now find her way around the auto shop.

“This past year included more of me observing and learning everything that goes into the build,” Mast said. “Next year I am looking forward to fully being able to apply what I learned this year and design my own components to go on the car.”

In June 2018, the team competed against 72 other universities from across the U.S. and five other countries in Lincoln, Nebraska. CBU’s vehicle placed in the middle of the pack with a 44th overall finish in the preliminaries. The team is now analyzing the results and looking to improve on their performance.

Team members want  to make the car lighter and more reliable next year. They will consider different materials and plan to test various parts that will be used in the vehicle. They also are eager to construct their car in the Vehicle Dynamics Lab in the new Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building in the coming year.

“I’m looking forward to getting to use the new top-of-the-line machinery especially the welders,” said Spencer Judy, a mechanical engineering junior and president of the SAE club.

 

Academic center helps faculty integrate faith into curriculum

Dr. DawnEllen Jacobs, director of new faculty development, wants faculty to know their teaching purpose at California Baptist University.

To assist with this goal, she oversees the Teaching and Learning Center at CBU, which aims to empower educators to use their God-given gifts and talents to develop Kingdom professionals.

“Faith integration is a huge part of what we do, and we also desire them to hone their skills as teaching practitioners in their field,” Jacobs said.

The academic center, located in Lancer Arms, serves full-time faculty in their first year at CBU. The center organizes the Seminar on Faith in the Academic Profession (SOFAP), which is a training program that spans more than 70 hours through the faculty’s first year. The seminar is aimed at helping professors ground their curriculum in a biblical worldview.

Dr. Yeesock Kim, associate professor of civil engineering and construction management, said he learned valuable insights through his time in SOFAP.

“We shared great ideas and techniques on teaching, faith integration and how to love our students,” Kim said. “I believe SOFAP promotes strong support of the CBU’s mission and vision.”

Jacobs said for some professors, learning how one’s faith translates into academia can be a new endeavor.

“We have to acknowledge God’s place in the discussion. That’s what makes California Baptist University a university committed to the Great Commission,” Jacobs said. “We can’t equip Great Commission Christians if they don’t understand how God fits into their academic preparation that will inform their service.”

Mary Ann Stahovich, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, took part in SOFAP in 2016-17.

“One facet of SOFAP that I particularly appreciated was the opportunity to regularly engage in the Christian worldview with other new CBU faculty,” Stahovich said. “Since then, I have been grateful to collaborate with some of these faculty, knowing that they, and others at CBU, could all share the Christian worldview in the classroom.”

Jacobs said the Teaching and Learning Center’s name was chosen for the acronym—TLC.

“The faculty needs TLC, and we need to care for our faculty,” Jacobs said. “This is safe space to nurture them, to help them grow and bring them together in community.”

The center also assists in the development of returning faculty by offering workshops and training in areas of integrated teaching, scholarship activities, assimilating to new technology and learning about innovations in teaching and learning. The center also coordinates learning communities for faculty who want to focus on a topic, book or prayer.

The center seeks to be interdisciplinary in the services and the training it offers, Jacobs said.

“Our God is interdisciplinary by nature. He is equally artistic and scientific, so we should break down those artificial silos of academia and think cross-disciplinarily,” Jacobs said.

 

 CBU aviation science alumnus lands a job as a pilot

Kyle LeVesque (’16), an alumnus from the aviation science program at California Baptist University is spreading his wings this summer, training to become a professional pilot.

LeVesque (’16), a former CBU flight instructor, landed a job with ExpressJet.

LeVesque currently is undergoing training with an Embraer 145 twin jet engine aircraft for ExpressJet, a regional airline carrier. If all goes according to plan, he will transition to a first officer pilot position in September. LeVesque had received a conditional job offer in February 2016. The CBU Aviation science program has several conditional job arrangements with carriers such as ExpressJet.

LeVesque said he attended CBU because he wanted to be a part of a program that was growing.

“A lot of what I learned at CBU—from the industry concepts, the morals and the ethics—along with caring teachers, faculty and staff and fellow students, helped to build a strong foundation,” LeVesque said. “Coming to ExpressJet, I felt I was definitely prepared knowledge-wise above and beyond to make it through successfully.”

Dr. John Marselus, chair of aviation science at CBU, said it is an excellent time to seek a career in the aviation field.

“The demand is great in all aspects of aviation,” Marselus said. “It is the perfect time to begin a career in aviation and CBU has the team to prepare women and men to be professionals wherever the Lord may be leading them.”

 

Family Updates

Sonya Lopez, assistant director of financial aid, was named employee of the month for August. Her nomination included the following statements: “The conversion to JX (software) by student accounts has resulted in unforeseen issues for student loan processing. Sonya and her team, from time to time, have had to make massive adjustments to individual student records so that the aid for students could be processed timely and correctly. Her tenacity and attention to detail should be commended.”

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of management, had an article published in Journal of Socialomics (July). The title was Sustainable Strategic Growth through Aligned Diversification.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ed Garrett, associate professor for sport, recreation and fitness management for Online and Professional Studies, worked with the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets from Martin Luther King High School (Riverside) in Coronado on July 22-27. He used his sport performance and psychology background to help the cadets gain confidence, establish goals and develop teamwork as they took part in a summer leadership training.

 

 

 

Dr. Jeanette Guignard, associate professor of organizational leadership, Dr. Cammy Purper, associate professor of education, and, Dr. Greg Bowden, professor of education, all for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the 2018 Online Teaching Conference in Anaheim on June 19. The title was Metacognitive Journaling in the Online Classroom.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Greg Bowden, professor of education, Dr. Dirk Davis, professor of education, and Dr. Jeanette Guignard, associate professor of organizational leadership, all for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the Association of Leadership Educators Annual Conference in Chicago on July 8–11. They presented a poster, Implementation of a Competency-based Model as the Theoretical Framework for the Redesign of an Online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, and a paper, Using a Theoretical Framework as Infrastructure to Strengthen and Align Program Outcomes and Assessments of an Online Leadership Program.

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, participated in the creation of an APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) training video for the Public Relations Society of America. The video is intended to prepare accreditation candidates for the readiness review process.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, co-authored a paper that was published in the journal Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek (July). The title was Regulator ThnR and ThnDE ABC transporter proteins confer autoimmunity to thurincin H in Bacillus thuringiensis.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Rod Foist, professor of electrical and computer engineering, presented two papers at the 2018 FYEE (First Year Engineering Experience) conference in Glassboro, N.J., July 24-26. The papers were titled A First-Year Electronics Lab Project: Design of Basic Voltmeter plus Soldering Tutorial and A First-Year Computer Engineering Lab Project: Driving an LCD with an FPGA Embedded Processor. They were co-authored with Dr. Xuping Xu, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and three CBU students: Timothy Gage, Seth Truitt and Matthias Schmidt.

 

 

The Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2019 took part in an outreach event at a children’s summer program at the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Community Center in Highland on July 23. The CBU students shared medical simulation models and other hands-on stations including ace bandaging and blood pressure monitoring. Mary Ann Stahovich, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, and Jennifer Holman, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, facilitated the event.

 

 

Dr. Shawn Wilhite, assistant professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the International Society of Biblical Literature in Helsinki, Finland, July 30-Aug. 3. The title was You Must Love Those Who Hate You: The Use of Social Identity Theory, the Identity of Persecution, and Social Oppression in the Didache’s Two Ways.

 

 

 

Jennifer Zamora, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, and three physician assistant students—Bryan Curtis, Brody Yardumian and Brittany Borman—provided school physicals at Bethel Christian School in Riverside on Aug. 6. They saw 45 junior high and high school students.

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria Brodie, visiting professor of public relations, made a presentation at the International Clute Conference in San Francisco on Aug. 5-9. The title was Thriving Through Empathy in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jeff Cate, professor of New Testament, presented a paper at the International Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Helsinki, Finland, on Aug. 1. It was titled Isaiah 40 in the Manuscript Tradition of the Gospels.

 

 

 

 

Master of Social Work students who are part of the Love Thy Neighborhood Group assisted with the Veterans’ Mental Health Wellness Summit at CBU on Aug. 9. The students helped attendees find break-out session rooms, walked people to lunch and helped with registration and welcoming guests. The student group seeks ways to serve in the community.

 

 

 

 

CBU Athletics invites all CBU Faculty/Staff members to one of its upcoming “Select-A-Seat Nights” events at the CBU Events Center. The event is free and will encompass a behind-the-scenes tour of the CBU Events Center, snacks and refreshments, and the opportunity to purchase a season ticket seat for the upcoming season. RSVP today at www.cbulancers.com/selectaseat.

 

 

 

Jenelle Vine, regional manager – external relations for Online and Professional Studies, and her husband, Vincent, welcomed a daughter on July 19. Morgan Faith Vine was born two months early and weighed 2 pounds, 4 ounces.

 

 

 

 

Melissa Williams, financial aid outreach coordinator, and her husband, Jonathon, welcomed a daughter on May 27. Jocelyn Mae Williams weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 19.5 inches in length.

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates