Parents Give Back

PARENTS GET INVOLVED AND GIVE BACK

CBU PARENTS, DRS. JENNIFER AND MICHAEL TOTARO ATTENDED AND GRADUATED FROM LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO STRITCH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND ARE CURRENTLY FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIANS.

The couple’s daughter Callie graduated from CBU earlier this year with a double major in Environmental Sciences and Global Sustainability. Her younger sister, Emma, is a Creative Writing major, and because of interest spurred by her Survey of New Testament Professor Andres Vera, she is now minoring in Christian Studies. Emma said she “couldn’t wait to study the Bible more” after her New Testament class, and she credits her teacher.

After visiting many Christian universities, Callie learned about CBU just in time to attend a Preview Day. Jennifer recalls the visit saying, “CBU had a welcoming feeling” that was different from other campuses—it was “an oasis in the middle of Southern California.” After a big list of pros and cons and a visit with Emily, a CBU recruiter who went above and beyond to answer questions, Callie enrolled at CBU, much to her mother’s delight.

Emma also had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and speaking with Emily. After making an extensive list of pros and cons of many schools, she also was able to make her decision during her preview day visit. Michael and Jennifer couldn’t have been more delighted to have both girls attending this wonderful school together.

Michael and Jennifer joined CBU’s Parent Leadership Circle (PLC) to stay connected to the university and other parents. They discovered that the PLC is a “wonderful way to get involved from afar and give back.” The couple finds the Parent Prayer Group tremendously helpful and supportive, even with virtual participation. Jennifer also lends her expertise as a volunteer for the Biological Sciences Chair’s Excellence Council.

The Totaros appreciate how faculty interweave faith into all subject matters, including science—which often seems at odds with a Christian worldview. After receiving student thank you notes for two funded scholarship gifts, they were happy to see their contributions made a real impact. Michael would encourage people not to be held back by a small gift, saying that “small but recurring gifts can evolve into something substantial.”

Michael and Jennifer would tell those thinking about attending or giving to CBU that it’s difficult to appreciate the depth of what’s happening at the university regarding mission and outreach. They say, “CBU makes the world better by keeping Jesus’ mission at heart. Oh, and if you are a CBU parent, join the PLC!”

WHAT IS THE PARENT LEADERSHIP CIRCLE?

Members of the Parent Leadership Circle (PLC) play an instrumental role in community life at CBU and greatly enhance the university’s success. The PLC is a dedicated group of families who are shaping the present and future of CBU.

The PLC exists to enrich the spiritual and academic environment at CBU through prayer, service, special events and financial support. Members of the PLC join together with CBU to enhance our students’ experience and expand the resources available to them on campus. PLC members commit to pray for CBU and give a minimum of $2,500 per year to CBU on an annual basis. They also receive exclusive invitations to special events throughout the year.

To become a member of the Parent Leadership Circle, or for more information, please contact Kim Cunningham at kcunningham@calbaptist.edu or 951.343.4227.

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