THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
BREWING UP SUCCESS
Stevie Hasemeyer (’10) is pouring into Riverside with his Arcade coffee shops and restaurants.
PAGE 16
is brewing up success with Arcade coffee shops and restaurants.
8
Faculty and Staff Spotlights
CBU honors outstanding faculty members and the Employee of the Year for 2024.
18 Doctor of Public Health
The new online program aims to address the growing demand for public health professionals.
22
Pre-College Credit
The program gives high school students a head start on their collegiate careers.
33 Alum News
The latest news from Lancer alumni.
10
Pro Sports
Whether near the action or in the office, alumni score big in various roles.
26 14 30
I-O Psych
The program equips future leaders with skills to master the science of people in the workplace.
Diving Coach
Miranda King talks about being a Lancer and more.
The team is shooting for a WCC championship this season.
Men’s Water Polo
Stevie Hasemeyer (’10)
President’s Note
RONALD L. ELLIS, P h .D.
Fellow Lancers,
Welcome to the fall Roundtable! With a new academic year underway, students at California Baptist University are busy in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities.
This edition of the Roundtable is filled with inspiring stories of the Lancer Nation, happening on and off campus. We celebrate learning in the classroom, accomplishments in Athletics and the achievements of our alumni.
We highlight the Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program — the science of people at work. The degree provides hands-on application, which prepares graduates for the job of providing solutions to fix a challenge, whether it be high turnover or low employee satisfaction.
CBU launched a Doctor of Public Health this fall to address the growing demand for public health professionals. Graduates of the online program can pursue diverse career paths, while helping support governments, communities and individuals to cope with and address health challenges.
Meanwhile, across the nation, CBU alumni hold various positions in professional sports. We find out about their roles — from working with the athletes to working in sales and marketing — and how CBU helped prepare them.
Stevie Hasemeyer (’10) also is making an impact, one cup of coffee at a time. He is co-founder of a small chain of coffee shops and was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. We talk with him about how he is making an impact in his hometown.
On the athletic front, the men’s water polo team is making waves and the cross-country team is leaving its mark on the course. The athletes spend hours preparing for competition. Their dedication and hard work exemplify the Lancer spirit.
As we look ahead to this year, we remain committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive. The CBU spirit is alive and well, and it is your unwavering support that makes it all possible.
Lancer Nation seeks to make a difference, whether in the classroom, in athletics, or on and off our campus. We trust that you will enjoy this issue and savor the stories of the CBU community.
May the Lord continue to bless!
Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President, California Baptist University
THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
FALL 2024 VOLUME 67 • ISSUE 1
EDITOR
Angela Meluski
MANAGING EDITOR
Vivian Quezada
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Kristeen Farlow, Lauren Rios, Amanda Warner
ART DIRECTOR
Edgar Garcia
CONTRIBUTING
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Todd Mullins
PHOTOGRAPHY
CBU Athletics, Edgar Garcia, Emily Ma, Jon Nyquist, Jacob Gonzalez
CONTRIBUTOR
CBU Athletics, Marc Zarefsky
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STAY CONNECTED
Students expand their views through global education
Student groups from California Baptist University traveled around the world over summer break, providing them with a global education.
A group traveled to England to explore sport and performance psychology. They visited sites such as Wimbledon, Chelsea Football Club and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. They got behind-the-scenes access and learned about the history of sports in the United Kingdom as well as how sports are viewed in the country.
Dr. Ed Garrett, director of the Center for Sport and Performance Psychology, said the trip provides experiences that cannot be found in a book.
Meanwhile, a group from the Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education traveled to Southeast Asia as part of the students’ comparative and diverse global education coursework.
They visited secular, Christian and refugee schools, studying various American, Chinese and British curricula. They also
“This trip provides so many rich cultural and athletic performance related opportunities that help the students gain a greater understanding of how big and how wide our calling to serve others really is.” – Dr. Ed Garrett
visited cultural and religious sites while engaging with local and expatriate educational partners.
The School of Education encourages students to embark on short, mid- or long-term opportunities abroad, said Dr. Robin Duncan, dean of the School of Education, who was part of the group. The global experience also helps students who become teachers locally.
“They will have students from all over the world,” she said. “For our students who have had this global experience, they will have empathy and a greater understanding of what the students experience in moving among different cultures.”
CBU celebrates 40 years of its oldest graduate program
The university’s oldest graduate program, the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, celebrated in May the anniversary of its first graduating class.
The program began in 1982 with 13 students, and 11 graduated in the class of 1984. Forty years later, it is now one of the largest graduate programs at California Baptist University.
At the 40th anniversary celebration, attendees were addressed by Dr. Gary Collins, founder of the MSCP program; Dr. Joshua Knabb, associate dean of the Division of Psychology; and Dr. Mischa Routon, program director, on the past, present and future of the program.
Students enrolled in the courses learn how to reconcile and restore relationships through a biblical lens, working with individuals, couples
“I wanted to develop a program that would produce competent, caring and well-trained clinicians.” – Dr. Gary Collins
and families experiencing mental, emotional and spiritual distress. Beyond continuing academic studies by earning doctoral degrees, some alumni work in the clinical setting while others have pursued careers in private practice, education, residential care and more.
Rhonda Kitchen, an alumna from the original graduating class in 1984, attended the celebration. She works at Fort Sherman
A look at Lance the mascot
It is no secret that Lance the Lancer is the mascot at California Baptist University and a symbol of Lancer Nation. And for the upcoming 2024-25 season, Lance’s costume received a makeover for the first time in 10 years. The new Lance debuted over Welcome Weekend.
His armor, helmet and accessories showcase the university’s colors. The new material is more form fitting, giving Lance greater movement and comfort, enabling him to perform more dynamic and engaging movements, said Olivia Quick, head cheer coach.
“As the face of Lancer Nation, Lance’s transformation embodies the spirit, resilience and ambition of our entire community,” she said.
Now, what is a secret is the identity of the person inside the mascot costume. Quick explains it as “Disney rules.”
“You would never go to a meet-and-greet with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland and ask who he is. He’s simply Mickey Mouse,” Quick said. “Lance is simply Lance. We do this not only to keep a bit of the magic for our little Lancer fans, but also so that Lance can be relatable for everyone.”
Lance’s identity is on a need-to-know basis, Quick said.
Academy with her husband in Shoshone County, Idaho. The organization trains and supports missionaries to go to dangerous parts of the world to share the gospel.
“CBU has always felt like family,” Kitchen said. “Dr. Gary Collins and many other professors truly care about their students.”
“Teams that work and travel with our mascot know the identity, such as the cheer and dance team and Lancer pep band,” Quick said. “But I’ve had mascots whose roommates didn’t even know they were Lance.”
Whoever takes on the role of Lance has big shoes to fill. It takes someone who is passionate about CBU and the athletic teams, is confident meeting new people and can express themselves nonverbally, Quick said.
“Mascots cannot speak while in character, so being able to communicate or control a large crowd can be challenging,” Quick said. “Knowledge of sports is also very helpful.”
MIND. BODY. SPIRIT.
“T herefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves.”
Philippians 2:1-3 (NASB)
KELLI JOHNSON
Director of research, portfolio and constituent management for University Advancement Employee of the Year
HONORED STAFF AND FACULTY
Every year, California Baptist University honors outstanding faculty members and the Employee of the Year. Here are the honorees for 2024.
them,
Johnson had friends who attended CBU, and she thought it would be an incredible place to work. Her late brother, Ryan Galippo (’14, ’17), often shared his favorite CBU memories. When she heard about an opening in University Advancement, she went for it. She’s been at CBU since 2021.
Her tasks include strategizing with the development team about how to deepen relationships with donors and help connect them with projects that align with their passions.
“The thing I enjoy the most is getting to witness generosity on a regular basis. I get to watch God’s people give their resources to grow God’s kingdom,” she said. “It is encouraging to be a part of the passion that sparks a project and help turn it into an impact that will last for generations.”
Johnson said the care for the students makes CBU unique.
“Every single person cares so deeply about our students,” she said. “This is something I really admire about being a part of a community that shares the same goal of furthering our mission and helping students discover what God has in store for them.”
DR. DENNIS BIDESHI
Professor of biology
Distinguished Professor of the Year
Bideshi is passionate about training the next generation of scientists, incorporating relevant knowledge into classroom instruction and laboratory experiences.
“I take pride in challenging students to reflect on the significance of college life, instilling the importance of hard work and resilience in their pursuits to conquer their objectives, while relying on their faith in God to be their ultimate authority,” he said.
He is blessed to be part of CBU, which has provided him with the tools to pursue mutual interests and objectives, Bideshi said.
“Whatever successes I may have achieved are a direct result of the collective support I have received,” he said.
Bideshi lives his purpose at CBU by encouraging students entering a career in healthcare to recognize their intelligence yet acknowledge their limitations. He said it is key for students to hone their dedication to being servant leaders.
“I share the commitment with my faculty colleagues to mediate and facilitate productive contacts with alumni and reliable professionals at other institutions to assist our students in their post-grad ventures,” Bideshi said.
DR. GLENN PICKETT
Professor of music
Distinguished
Scholar of the Year
When Pickett started writing a musical on Dietrich Bonhoeffer about five years ago, the work took on a new meaning.
He started meditating on Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
“I believe that ‘Dietrich & Maria’ existed in the mind of Christ before I started composing it. My job was to go discover what Christ intended and then bring it back to humanity to experience,” Pickett said. “My job was to work hard to bring the message He has for us in so that He can show His goodness to us.”
The work led to a musical written for a cast of 31 CBU students and a 21-piece symphonic orchestra. Pickett composed 45 original songs, of which 37 were included in the production. “Dietrich & Maria” made its world premiere at CBU in November 2023, selling out its five-show run.
“I am grateful that the Board of Trustees decided to recognize the importance of the arts with this award,” he said. “The arts can change hearts and minds.”
DR. MATTHEW NIERMANN
Professor of architecture
Distinguished
Scholar of the Year
When Niermann attended seminary almost 15 years ago, he became involved in the Lausanne Movement, which seeks to connect leaders across regions, issues and generations to work toward the advancement of the gospel.
He eventually became the executive director, primary researcher and design director on the State of the Great Commission Report. The report brought together global data and key strategic thinkers to identify the greatest challenges and opportunities for the Great Commission’s fulfillment. The 500-page report, translated into seven languages, was released this year.
“It's an honor to be named Distinguished Scholar, particularly because the research awarded shares CBU’s value of accelerating the Great Commission,” said Niermann, who is also associate dean of the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design.
The report provides a broader picture for people and organizations serving in missions, he said.
“I consider it a gift to the church in that it provides an opportunity to look up, to say, ‘Yes, I'm doing good work, but what's happening in the next 10 years so I can adjust my missions efforts?’” he said.
ACADEMICALLY PREPARED
PRO SPORTS CAREERS
⊲ Photo by Jacob Gonzalez 2018 NFL Photograph of the Year
rnold Lee (’13) grew up in Naperville, Illinois, a 45-minute drive from the United Center, home to the NBA's Chicago Bulls. Lee was 9 years old in 1998 when Bulls’ legend Michael Jordan won his sixth NBA championship in eight years.
Like most kids in the area, Lee’s dream was to play for his home-town team.
"I remember playing basketball in the driveway," he said, "and pretending a Bulls front office person would swing by and say, 'Hey, you've got a good shot.'"
Lee's jump shot was never good enough for the NBA, but his athletic training knowledge was. Eighteen years after Jordan won his final title, Lee began the first of eight years as an athletic trainer with the Bulls organization. He spent one season as head athletic trainer of the franchise's developmental league team, the Windy City Bulls, followed by seven years as assistant athletic trainer with the NBA squad.
"It was so surreal to me," Lee said. "It really was a dream come true to work for the team I grew up watching."
Lee is one of a number of California Baptist University alumni who found their way into professional sports. Most made it to the big leagues as athletic trainers or working in sales and marketing, but each has a unique story.
Take Kaylea Ott ('15), for example. Ott is senior manager for premium service with MLB's Milwaukee Brewers, a team she's worked for since 2018. Ott's passion for baseball started long before that.
Her dad was a writer who covered the San Francisco Giants.
"I have many fond memories of us going to games and him sneaking me into the press box," Ott said. "That mixed with growing up in a really fun era of Bay Area baseball with a new stadium and Barry Bonds — it was an electric time to learn to love the game."
Ott's job with the Brewers is to help spread that passion. She oversees client service for individuals and companies who invest highly in ticket products, such as suites. Part of her role includes contributing to on-field experiences, like throwing out the first pitch or taking part with the famous racing sausages.
A
Alumni Spotlights
Ott also leads strategy for the department, which includes building timelines, planning events and handling budgeting and revenue initiatives.
“Working on the business operations side of a sports franchise is like a lot of corporations,” she said. “We have marketing, legal, accounting, customer service, etc. That said, our product is a lot more fun. I get to spend every day at a ballpark and work in a sport that has brought me joy my entire life.”
While Ott focuses on the business side of a baseball organization, Rachel Purcell (’13) plays a role on the field. Purcell is a minor league athletic trainer for the Oakland Athletics. She is currently based out of Mesa, Arizona, where she works with the team’s Arizona Cactus League, a rookie ball team, and assists the team's rehab coordinator with players currently on the injured list.
This is Purcell’s second year with the team following two years as athletic trainer with the Texas Rangers.
“Oftentimes with athletic training, people assume you are only able to help with physical changes, like strength and mobility, but the mental fortitude and emotional intelligence it takes to be a professional athlete is also a major part of the rehabilitation process,” she said. “I love seeing the light bulb go off when an athlete learns they are more capable than they realized.”
Purcell knew she wanted to be an athletic trainer years ago, but when she decided to pursue a master’s degree in athletic training, she struggled to find a Californiabased program. At the time, CBU was the only school with that degree on the West Coast, she said.
“I made some incredible friendships, and I really loved all of the internship opportunities we had available to us while
“AFTER GRADUATION, I RECOGNIZED HOW FAR AHEAD I WAS COMPARED TO NEW GRADUATES FROM OTHER PROGRAMS. CBU REALLY GAVE US EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO STAND OUT AND BE SUCCESSFUL.”
– Rachel Purcell
going to school,” she said. “After graduation, I recognized how far ahead I was compared to new graduates from other programs. CBU really gave us every opportunity to stand out and be successful.”
Lee had a similar realization, although he admitted he knew nothing of CBU before applying. However, his experience at CBU prepared him for the highs and lows of life as a professional athletic trainer.
When Lee joined the Windy City Bulls during their first season in 2016, the team was still searching for lockers, and Lee's athletic training room doubled as the laundry room.
“I learned how to do everything,” Lee said. “I was doing the strength and conditioning program; I was helping coaches out with drills; I was driving the bus; I was cleaning the bus, doing laundry. No job was too small for me.”
Jacob Gonzalez (’17) knew all about CBU. He routinely visited campus while his older siblings were students. Gonzalez himself enrolled and was part of the first class to graduate from the new photography program. He went on to hold photography roles in the NBA, NFL and MLS.
A photo he took during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams was voted as the Photograph of the Year for the 2018 NFL season.
He is currently lead photographer for MLS’ Austin FC. In that role, he captures home and away matches, team training sessions and player portraits, and he provides event coverage.
“I always think of myself first as documenting the club history,” said Gonzalez, who joined the team in 2022. “Years down the road, there will be this visual history of all aspects of Austin FC.”
OTHER ALUMNI IN PRO SPORTS:
MARISSA FIGUEROA (’19)
Athletic Training, MS
Assistant Athletic Trainer for Buffalo Bills
“CBU helped prepare me spiritually to share the gospel with people I meet if I can. But I also learned many valuable skills in my athletic training classes that at the time were ahead of other schools in terms of manual therapy, tactical emergency preparedness and interprofessional skills. I am very grateful for my time at CBU.”
DORCAS WU (’23)
Business Administration, BS
Account Executive, Season Tickets for Ontario Reign
“CBU gave me a good network to connect with people in the sports world. The former CBU assistant athletic director for marketing and fan engagement, Vinnie Aven, connected me to the manager here at the Reign. He provided great insight on what the sports sales world entails.”
HEATHER MAU (’13)
Athletic Training, MS
Assistant Athletic Trainer for Dallas Mavericks
“CBU introduced me to lifetime mentors, expanded and enriched my clinical knowledge by providing opportunities to prepare me to enter the job force right out of my master’s program.”
DANIEL CROSS (’11, ’12)
Communications, BA; Sports Management, MS
Communications / Marketing Manager for Southern California PGA
“CBU helped shape my understanding of working in the sports industry early on in my studies. I was also lucky enough to get a job in the Athletics department. After working at two other universities, I returned to CBU to work in the communications department in Athletics, which then helped me land a job at the PGA of America.”
PETER KOO (’20) Master of Business Administration
General Manager of the Cambodian Premier (Soccer) League
“CBU provided me with the skills I need to succeed in a professional industry. What I studied in my MBA program has been transferable to my career every day, including strategic planning, project management and marketing.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT KOO
Gonzalez enjoys having a frontrow seat to that history and capturing it in as many different ways and styles as possible. To do that, he finds himself constantly relying on lessons learned at CBU.
“Learning all about studio lighting really helped me separate myself from other sports photographers,” Gonzalez said. “Most photographers either capture just the action or just studio portraits. But during my time at CBU, I learned how to do both, which is very rare and helped me get some of my team photographer jobs since both styles are used all the time for a team.”
Ott didn’t originally plan to attend CBU. Her hope was to play collegiate volleyball, but when that plan changed, she searched for schools that would give her a sense of community similar to a sports team.
“CBU drew me in with the overall community and experiences … and how well the school seemed to set up the student body to build relationships,” she said.
Those relationships remain pivotal for Ott today. She recommends any CBU student interested in a professional sports career to start establishing relationships today.
“Don't be afraid to ask for informational interviews with people in the industry as a simple place to start,” she said. “The sports world is a lot smaller than people realize, and starting to make connections now and hearing from those in the field will only be a benefit.”
“CBU DREW ME IN WITH THE OVERALL COMMUNITY AND EXPERIENCES … AND HOW WELL THE SCHOOL SEEMED TO SET UP THE STUDENT BODY TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.”
– Kaylea Ott
UNLOCKING HUMAN POTENTIAL
I-O psychology program prepares leaders for the workplace
Call it the “Shark Tank” of CBU.
Each semester, students in the Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program find a client, investigate their workplace challenges, conduct research and provide solutions. Then they present their findings and recommendations to an audience that includes CEOs from the community for evaluation.
Sometimes the audience likes what they hear. Sometimes they don’t.
And that’s part of the program.
In those experiences, “the students are asked to fail. You only learn when you fall down,” said Dr. Nathan Iverson, program director. “The next semester, they work twice as hard.”
I-O psychology is the science of people at work, the combination of business, psychology and statistics, Iverson said. Alumni typically work for governments, in city and county roles, or as consultants, providing solutions to fix a challenge, whether it be high turnover or low employee satisfaction or challenges on inclusion.
The program’s approach encourages students to try new things.
“You’ll have a safe place to learn from failures. For a lot of people, failure is a bad word, but failure is where growth happens,” said Teanna Fink-Keith (’23), who started the I-O psychology program at another university and then
transferred to CBU for the program’s hands-on approach.
CBU students do a consulting project every semester, even their first semester. Iverson is not aware of another program that offers that. Students usually work with a different client each time, allowing them to graduate with two years of consulting experience.
“The consulting projects taught me about asking questions, being genuinely curious and listening to the challenges an organization faces,” Fink-Keith said. “It’s about what my client wants and what I have the ability to give them. It’s a practice I still incorporate with my current job, and it’s been invaluable.”
She now works at Southern California Edison in the human resources enterprise learning and development department where she supervises training programs.
The program equipped Gonzalo Munoz (’21) with a comprehensive understanding of organizations and how
Fink-Keith
Fink-Keith Munoz Teel-Bardon
⊳ Dr. Nathan Iverson
to analyze and develop solutions. He is now a senior knowledge analyst with Boston Consulting Group.
“It taught me to always have a growth mindset, to believe that if you work and hone your skills, you can achieve what God wants you to achieve,” Munoz said.
Each fall, he takes the new group of students on a team-building retreat to a local Bible camp. He also holds gatherings at his house, allowing students to learn from each other and connect.
Munoz, who is from Spain, attended undergraduate school in the U.S. He said he enrolled in the I-O psychology program because he felt called to help large organizations thrive and become catalysts for positive change.
“I wanted a program that would allow me to learn and apply concurrently. I also valued CBU's values and mission of living your purpose. Being a person that has a very strong sense of purpose through God, I wanted a place that would fully support this vision,” Munoz said.
RELEVANTWORKWITHIN 4 MONTHSOFGRADUATING RETENTIONRATE IN THE FIRSTYEAR
BY
THE NUMBERS
based on a typical cohort of 30 students
For one of her projects, Rachel Teel-Bardon (’21) partnered with Olive Crest, where she now works as a recruiter. She said she learned about motivation, change management and leadership development in the workplace.
“The majority of my growth came through the student consulting projects where we were pushed to form real connections with community businesses and partners to create practical deliverables for their business's needs,” she said. “To see my graduate experience come full circle into my current role is really rewarding.”
The program has a 90% retention rate. For Iverson, the program succeeds not only because of the practical experience it provides but also the relationships developed with the students.
industrial and organizational psychology graduate program was ranked the top campus-based program in California by OrganizationalPsychologyDegrees.com.
The majority of students are women and of color. I-O psychology became a federally designated STEM field in 2022. This has brought an increase in international students, who receive a two-year visa extension if they are working in a STEM field in the U.S.
Most of the students come from collectivist cultures, Iverson said.
“European culture is individualistic and our universities were built on individualistic standards, so we need to add additional collectivist values — Jesus was from a collectivist culture — into our program if we want to retain these students,” Iverson said.
He was part of the United Nations team for the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
“My role is full of challenges every day, which keeps me growing. Navigating complex systems, meeting urgent deadlines and having to think critically to solve real-life questions are very challenging,” Munoz said. At CBU, “the supportive community and emphasis on purpose-driven work have continuously inspired me to strive for excellence.”
Teel-Bardon encouraged I-O students to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the program.
“The most valuable part of this program is the connections you will make along the way,” she said. “Your classmates, professors, mentors, all will be valuable assets for the future and will remind you of your purpose when things get hard.”
Iverson often quotes John 10:10: “I came so that they would have life and have it abundantly.”
“That's why we equip people. Because Jesus came to give life and life abundant. That means it's Jesus’ heart that I equip my students for abundant life,” Iverson said. “I love that whether our students are Christian or not, they're being equipped to make the workplace more kingdomly.”
ALUM BREWING UP SUCCESS
Watch Stevie’s interview
tevie Hasemeyer (’10) and four business partners opened the first Arcade coffee shop in Riverside in 2017. The second location opened in 2021, and the next one in 2022. Then they bought Backstreet, a popular Riverside cafe, in 2023.
All that work culminated with the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce naming Hasemeyer, the majority owner, Entrepreneur of the Year for 2023.
“It was overwhelming. I was not expecting it at all,” Hasemeyer said. “It was really cool to be affirmed by my peers and people to say what we’re doing is meaningful. For a long time, I thought it was just my parents and my friends supporting us, and so to have that outside affirmation was really cool.”
But being a business owner was not Hasemeyer’s plan when he attended California Baptist University. He planned on being a missionary. He started as a pre-nursing major and then changed to Christian studies.
After college, he lived in China for three months,
spending time with missionaries to see what the future could look like. While there, he met some missionaries who roasted coffee for their visas. When he returned to the States, he learned more about coffee and started roasting beans. He and his wife, Ashley, still wanted to be missionaries, but life, including a baby, happened. Meanwhile, the coffee hobby grew into something bigger.
A friend explained to them that even if they stay in the States, they can be a “rope holder” — providing financial support to missionaries.
“That for us was very impactful — we got to be a part of mission work and still build the business here,” Hasemeyer said.
He also came to another realization.
“For a long time, I thought the mission field had to do with going. It took me a couple of years, but I started to realize that the mission field actually is here,” Hasemeyer said.
That led to his desire to support Riverside, his hometown, and going from roasting coffee to having a café. Arcade still roasts its own coffee, which comes from all over the world.
“That is why we’re doing it. Coffee is not the end of this for us, food is not the end of this,” Hasemeyer said. “It’s creating a meaningful place where people feel like they belong. I love it when people don’t know each other, and they meet in line or sitting next to each other in the cafe and they strike up a conversation and then they become friends.”
He also feels that his purpose is to inspire others, especially the young adults on the staff. He seeks to show Christ’s example by living out what he believes, treating people fairly and praying for opportunities to be able to share Christ.
“I love getting to meet the young people and challenge and encourage them and do the stuff that my business partners and my mentors have done for me, getting to help them and inspire them to become the best version of themselves,” Hasemeyer said.
QUICK TAKES FROM STEVIE
ADVICE FOR ENTREPRENEURS: Start right away. Get your product out to market to find out if people like it or not. Don’t be afraid of failure. You’ve got to learn from your mistakes.
BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Don’t do this alone. I have great business partners. I have an incredible wife. I have an incredible team. I have a support group because it is a very difficult journey, and the world beats you up a lot.
FAVORITE COFFEE DRINK: Gibraltar
FAVORITE AFTERNOON DRINK: Iced Airecano (on the secret menu)
“We had more of a heart for our city and wanting to get young people and people with all these talents to stay in the city,” Hasemeyer said. “I wanted to create a place where people felt like they belong to this community.”
Arcade’s purpose statement is “to enrich lives by inspiring others to create shared moments, relationship and a sense of belonging for all.”
Hasemeyer does not have a specific plan for the company; he just wants to take one faithful step at a time. He and a partner have sons about the same age. They are hoping their sons will run the business together when they’re older.
“I don’t know if there would be anything more fun than getting to watch them enjoy the fruit of our labor and the years of work that we’ve put in and getting to labor alongside each other,” he said.
GLOBALLY MINDED
“Our mission is to develop professional public health practitioners who can respond to these various demands in a Christ-like manner.”
–
Dr. Dominick Sturz
CBU INTRODUCES DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH ONLINE PROGRAM
s the pandemic strained the U.S. healthcare system, facilities and organizations sought skilled workers to fill important public health roles.
Dr. Janet Bonome, chair of the department of public health sciences at California Baptist University, describes public health as “population doctors.” While physicians, nurses and other clinicians typically focus on treating one patient at a time, public health professionals focus on preventing illnesses, diseases and injuries among groups of people.
“We aim to change behaviors among communities,” she said. “For example, we are promoting healthy lifestyles — encouraging healthy eating and smoking cessation — and also researching disease and injury prevention — educating the public on the use of proper bicycle helmets or child safety restraints.”
Public health is one of the fastest growing occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of medical and health services management positions is expected to increase by 28% between 2022 and 2032 — a gain of 144,700 new jobs.
To address the growing demand for public health professionals, CBU launched a Doctor of Public Health online program this fall.
“The need for advanced public health training is more critical than ever given the complex health challenges facing the world today,” said Dr. Dominick Sturz, director of the program.
for enrollment and retention in the College of Health Science.
Graduates of the DrPH program can pursue diverse career paths in governmental public health agencies, non-governmental organizations, private industry and academia. They may become directors of public health programs or agencies, policy advisors or leaders of research teams.
“As a core function of public health, health promotion supports governments, communities and individuals to cope with and address health challenges,” Bonome said. “This is accomplished by building healthy public policies, creating supportive environments, and strengthening community action and personal skills.”
The program's flexible online format can be completed in 36 months.
The courses connect theory with practical applications, allowing students to apply strategies to real-world public health issues. For example, the Evaluation and Measurement course will help prepare students to improve health programs’ effectiveness by analyzing data. These programs may be large-scale or targeted at small community groups. Public health analysts might evaluate strategies for encouraging regular cancer screenings among the general population or work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and advise Congress on urgent health issues.
The program emphasizes health education and promotion, enabling students to build healthy public policies, create supportive environments and strengthen community action and personal skills.
“Students in the DrPH program will tackle complex public health challenges, including chronic disease prevention, mental health, health disparities, infectious disease control and emerging global and environmental health issues,” said Sturz, who is also assistant dean
CBU also offers an undergraduate degree in public health, both in-person and online. All the programs maintain strong partnerships with local public health agencies, nonprofit organizations and other health organizations, providing internships and practical experiences for the students. Additionally, the programs give students a biblical foundation as they seek to make a difference in the field.
“Our mission is to develop professional public health practitioners who can respond to these various demands in a Christ-like manner,” Sturz said.
CBU is ranked second in the state of California for best on-campus food, according to Niche.com.
restaurants pay homage to the early days of CBU.
dining destinations for CBU students, faculty and staff. Whether you are a busy student on the go or looking to fellowship with friends, CBU’s options are perfect to satisfy any craving.
Wanda’s is named after Wanda Price, who worked at CBU for 46 years. Price held a variety of jobs on campus and became everyone’s surrogate grandma.
El Monte Grill is named after CBU’s original campus location in El Monte, California.
750
15
meals served weekly campus wide. gallons of ice cream served daily
125 Waffles served daily pizza slices served daily
California Baptist University offers students the opportunity to excel academically even before they become Lancers. One of the key initiatives supporting this mission is the Pre-College Credit program, available to eligible high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who wish to get a head start on their academic careers.
The Pre-College Credit courses are fully online with each course spanning eight weeks. These courses are asynchronous, allowing students to access lectures, readings and assignments at their convenience.
“I was able to manage my Pre-College Credit class well alongside my high school work,” said Jermaine Hart, now a graphic design and digital media student at CBU. He took an art course before starting at CBU.
With CBU’s flexible online courses, high school students can effectively balance their workload between their regular homework and the weekly assignments due in their PCC classes.
“The work provided in my online courses prepared me for what to expect in college. The process was a lot easier than I thought it would be,” Hart said.
A significant benefit of the Pre-College Credit program is the interaction students gain with college classmates and professors. This experience prepares them for the transition to college and allows them to get some general education classes out of the way.
“THE WORK PROVIDED IN MY ONLINE COURSES PREPARED ME FOR WHAT TO EXPECT IN COLLEGE. THE PROCESS WAS A LOT EASIER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE.”
– Jermaine Hart
Emma Moriel, a Beaumont resident and high school student, shared how the courses have prepared her for future academic success.
“The Pre-College Credit classes have helped me prepare for college by teaching me how to write APA papers,” Moriel said. “The professors have been kind and responsive.”
Moriel, who is homeschooled, enjoys taking these classes at her own pace and convenience. She particularly enjoyed her American Government class, which sparked her interest in pursuing similar subjects as she advances in her education.
Students have the freedom to explore a wide range of courses through CBU, from business to psychology. These classes allow high school students to discover their interests before declaring a major in college.
CBU has identified four core outcomes that each student will have once they have completed their courses. These Core 4 are integrated into all courses, including online. They are to be Academically Prepared, Biblically Rooted, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve.
“Having classes that were biblically based helped me learn more about God through my studies,” says Raquel Anaya, an accounting student at CBU.
During high school, Anaya took classes at a few universities, including CBU, amassing 30 units and enabling her to graduate in two years with a projected graduation date of May 2025.
Choosing CBU after high school was an easy decision.
“The connections I made with professors made me want to attend CBU. After visiting the campus, I knew this is where I am meant to be,” Anaya said.
CBU / THROUGH THE YEARS
EUGENE AND BILLIE YEAGER CENTER
Upon entering California Baptist University’s campus, guests and the CBU community are greeted by the Eugene and Billie Yeager Center.
While the Yeager Center took years to plan, building happened quickly. Just 364 days after the groundbreaking ceremony, the Yeager Center was dedicated on Sept. 26, 2003.
The building is named after Eugene Yeager, a powerhouse in the construction industry, and his wife, Billie, who donated to the university for decades. Other parts of the building are named after major contributors and honorees.
The building’s design captures the charm and detail of the mission revival style. The 94,800-square-foot building doubled classroom space at the time to meet the demands of the growing campus.
The Yeager Center also has spaces for the Lancer Nation to connect and fellowship with one another. It includes a prayer chapel and several of CBU’s eateries: Wanda’s, Chick-fil-A and the Alumni Dining Commons, also known as the ADC and “The Caf.” The latter dining destination has 400 indoor and 100 outdoor seats, almost tripling the seating capacity of the previous dining room.
The building also includes the Ronald L. and Jane Dowden Ellis Great Commission Plaza. Here sits the Kugel, a floating granite globe sculpture. Kugel is a German word for sphere or globe and is a symbol of Christ’s Great Commission.
During the dedication ceremony in 2003, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis called the Yeager Center “a wow building with wonderful great spaces for learning, work, reflection, relaxation and restoration.”
“I am proud of the way the Lancer Nation has rallied to do what could only have been done by a large number of individuals focusing on the Almighty, by stepping out on faith, by giving sacrificially, by rolling up our sleeves and working long and hard,” he said. “What you see today is tangible evidence of what can happen when we commit to a shared vision that is larger than any one of us could achieve alone.”
HEAD MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVING COACH
WHY DID YOU BECOME A LANCER?
I have had the opportunity to choose to be a Lancer twice! I attended CBU from 2010 to 2014 as a student-athlete on the swim and dive team. I grew up in a Christian household, and incorporating my faith into my education and sport was important to me. It helped form me into the young woman I am today. CBU was also close enough to home that my family could attend competitions, and I could visit them whenever I wanted. I chose to return to CBU a decade later for the same reasons. I also chose to come back because of my experience as a student-athlete. I want to be able to impact the lives of my athletes the same way I was impacted.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING AT CBU?
I love that I can pray openly, speak about my faith and use the Word as reference whenever I have an athlete dealing with something. Being able to reference Scripture during those times is special. CBU also has a different community, holistically, compared to other universities.
WHO INFLUENCED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Our former Head Swim Coach Rick Rowland and former Dive Coach Jeff Couto were my coaches in college and meant so much to me. My family was going through some things, and I was always able to talk with them. Knowing they would give me biblical advice was comforting. They both have been mentors, great supporters of my coaching journey and were/are always just a phone call away.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GOAL FOR DIVING AT CBU?
I want to continue building the legacy that Coach Couto has built the last 15 years. Now that we are Division I, I want to continue to have people notice the CBU diving program not only for our talent and performance but also because we represent Christ through our athletic abilities. I want people to see that there is something special at CBU and that we are about more than just sport.
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE DIVING STUDENT-ATHLETES TO LEARN?
Trust. Diving is a tough sport — mentally and physically. I must gain their trust as their coach — when I tell them they are ready for something new, when they ask me to call them out of their dive and when they are jumping from the top of a threestory building. Trust is not an easy thing to earn, and it can be taken away easily.
YOUR FAVORITE
Sports memory: During my freshman year at CBU, the women’s swim and dive team won the NAIA National Championship. Two months later my roommate and her women’s golf team also won the NAIA National Championship. It was awesome being roommates and both national champions!
Childhood memory: Traveling with my family to Costa Rica
Food: Anything Italian, with balsamic vinegar on top
Movie: “Facing the Giants”
TV show: “The Big Bang Theory”
Music: Country and worship
Hobby: Photography
BASKETBALL SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
▼ Yasna Petrova
▼ Valentin Soca
he cross-country program at California Baptist University has enjoyed immense success during the Division 1 era.
The men have won four straight Western Athletic Conference Championships and the women have finished first or second in the WAC Championship for six consecutive seasons. The year 2022 marked the first season in which the Lancers were eligible for NCAA postseason play, and they showed they belonged, with both teams placing fifth in the West Regionals. In 2023, the men and women teams competed in the NCAA West Regional Race, both placing fourth. They also competed in the NCAA National Championship Race.
This summer Sean Smith became the new head coach of the crosscountry and track program. He took over a team that has won eight cross-country conference titles since becoming a DI program in 2018 and has reaped over 120 All-Conference awards in that span.
We talked with a couple athletes about the upcoming season.
Valentin Soca, a business sophomore, is from Uruguay. At NCAA DI West Regionals in 2023, Soca was the men’s top runner for CBU, finishing third in the 10k at 29:02.0, a personal best. He was named the Freshman of the Year in the Western Athletic Conference after also finishing third at the WAC Championships. At the 2024 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Soca placed 16th in the men’s 10k and was named to the Second Team AllAmerican.
Championships in Athletics held in Brazil and competed for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
At CBU, team members support and motivate each other.
“I am grateful for this opportunity because I significantly improved my sports performance. When I have a problem, I handle it calmly and trust in God,” Soca said. “The goal for next year is to improve and perform better in the cross-country season.”
For Yasna Petrova, from Bulgaria, her most memorable race was at DI West Regionals for cross country in 2023, where she placed eighth and qualified for nationals.
4 consecutive first or second place finishes for women’s cross country
straight men’s Western Athletic Conference Championships
“I remember how painful it was, but the prize was more than worth it,” Petrova said. “I will always remember how happy the whole team was. It felt good to see that the work the whole supportive crew had been putting in paid off.”
Petrova, who is seeking her MBA, holds the program record for the women’s 10k at 32:36.97.
“When you have given your all, it feels immensely rewarding,” she said. “If I am satisfied with the result, I always find extra energy to smile and express my joy.”
120
6 All-Conference Awards since 2018
“That was a very important achievement because it is very difficult to study and compete at that level as a foreign student,” Soca said. Soca has also competed internationally. He won the 5,000 meters in the 2023 South American
Petrova was one of four CBU runners selected to participate in the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in December 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. She placed 10th in the 7,000 meters.
Her goal this year is to improve her personal records and maintain a healthy mind and body.
“I focus on my journey and the simplicity of the sport I love. A core thing to keep in mind is that everyone’s story in athletics is personal,” Petrova said. “There are ups and downs, and an athlete has to find the best way to respond in any situation.”
LANCERS SET GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON
⊲ Logan Puhl
⊲ Bhodi Bowden
the pool, but we leave it there and continue to hang out on a daily basis outside of the pool deck,” Teraoka said.
Team chemistry is built by hanging out, Bowden said.
The Lancer men’s water polo team has the West Coast Conference Championship in its sight again this season.
In 2023, the team competed in the West Coast Conference Tournament. The Lancers accomplished a historical win against No. 5 Pepperdine University in the semifinals, but they came up short in the championship match against San Jose State University.
“This is my final season at CBU, so my goal is to make it back to the conference championship game,” said Bodhi Bowden, a senior who plays attack. “Win it, then get an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. That would be the best end to my water polo career.”
Other teammates share this goal, such as Caleb Teraoka, who also plays attack.
“We were so close last season, and since it’s my last year I want to go out with one more ring,” Teraoka said. He was on the Lancer team that won the Western Water Polo Association Championship in 2021.
A key strategy is to focus on intensity, Teraoka said.
“Whether that is on defense or offense, we have to stay locked in and ready to attack,” he said. “There is always a time in the season where intensity takes a dip, so the key to our success is maintaining that throughout our games.”
To help prepare the team mentally, the coaching staff carries out high intensity practices, which include competition and drills. They also schedule matches with successful teams, such as University of California, Los Angeles, and University of Southern California, to bring CBU’s level of play up to that standard, said Kevin Rosa, head coach.
“We are hungry to do better than we did last year,” Rosa said.
During the first couple weeks of the season, the focus is on team building and chemistry. This includes playing games and having meals together. Freshmen are paired with senior mentors. The bonding continues throughout the season with team members often eating meals together and cheering on other CBU athletic teams.
“We focus on having those close relationships. We may fight in
“Doing things unrelated to practice and games sort of takes the tension away from always being together in the pool,” Bowden said.
The coaches encourage the team’s leaders to participate in bonding activities.
“We are at our best when we trust in each other and work for each other,” Rosa said.
Teraoka will be playing his fifth season with CBU in 2024. His NCAA eligibility extended because of the pandemic. He wants to show his teammates what it takes to compete at a high level and tries to push them, whether in the weightroom or the pool.
“As the old guy on the team, I want to lead by example,” he said. “I also want to be the one people can go to whether that is seeking advice for polo or anything that goes on in life. For that, that requires trust.”
Bowden also seeks to be a role model both in and out of the water.
“I try to maintain a positive and encouraging attitude, even during challenging times,” he said. “I also try to show good sportsmanship by respecting opponents, officials and coaches, and handling wins and losses with grace and dignity.”
While the players and the coach enjoy the competition, there is more happening in the pool.
“I like seeing the growth of my athletes,” Rosa said. “From 18-yearold freshmen who ‘know everything’ coming out of high school to developed and mature 22-year-old seniors who have grown into men.”
Bowden, who started playing the sport when he was in third grade, said water polo made him disciplined and resilient.
“It has taught me the importance of maintaining a consistent routine. Overcoming setbacks, losses and tough training sessions helped me develop a strong, never-give-up attitude,” Bowden said.
Teraoka, who was named 2023 American Water Polo Coaches Association All-America Honorable Mention honoree, said water polo had a large impact on his life.
“WE ARE AT OUR BEST WHEN WE TRUST IN EACH OTHER AND WORK FOR EACH OTHER.”
– Kevin Rosa
“It has led to many lifelong friendships because of the countless hours we spend together as a team. It has also taught me how to work with others and how to adjust when things are not going according to the plan,” he said.
⊲ Caleb Teraoka
’70s
1 James E. Florence (’74) was appointed dean of public health at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy. James also began a new interprofessional doctorate in public health leadership in fall 2024.
2 Susan Barackman (Perricone, ’75) retired in 2013 after 27 years of teaching in the public school system in Texas and started Susan’s Saddle Stands, where she designs and sells custom saddle stands.
’80s
Jamie (’83) and Gail Elam (Gilliam, ’81) served as minister of music and youth in churches and taught in schools. They retired and live in Roberts, Illinois. Jamie plays organ for various churches.
’90s
3 Paul (’99) and Callie Jones (Logan, ’99) celebrated 25 years of marriage in August 2024. Callie is an elementary school assistant principal for the North Thurston School District in Washington state. She completed her Master of Education in Educational Leadership with a principal certification in June 2023. Paul has been the lead pastor at Reality Church in Olympia, Washington, for 16 years. They have three children: Kayla, Kelsi and Logan.
’00s
Dr. Alycia Benson (’03) is an adjunct professor for the Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education. Her son, Robert, was married April 14, 2024.
Doris Chamberlain (Parker, ’04), at 77, is teaching again, this time in an elementary school in Texas. She began her college experience at the age of 50.
Carolyn Cummings (Bennett, ’05) is a student in the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program at CBU. She presented at the American Association of Suicidology Conference in May 2024 in Las Vegas.
4 Zina Runyan (Anderson, ’05) and Travis celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on May 29.
Carissa Potter (’07) works for Via, an agency that equips believers to be missionaries to the unreached within their reach. She designed and launched a department focused on mobilizing entire families. In September 2023, it celebrated 10 years.
’10s
5 Aubrey Redinger (Stelzner, ’11, ’14) obtained her certification in perinatal mental health in June 2024 through Postpartum Support International.
6 Joshua (’12) and Katie Atkinson (Stein, ’13) celebrated their 10th anniversary on April 6, 2024. They have two girls, Harper and Holland.
7 Logan Altman (’14) is chief impact officer at Doing Good Works. He was the Advertising Specialty Institute 2020 Bess Cohn Humanitarian of the Year for outstanding demonstration of social and environmental impact. He married Kaitlin in 2016 and they have two children, Ella and Liam.
8 Sabrina Clayvon (’14) published her first book, “Broken Truth.”
9 Jennifer Lozano (Morgan, ’18) launched Playing Our Part Speech Therapy in Yucaipa, California, in 2022. She specializes in speech sound disorders, augmentative and alternative communication, early language development and family coaching.
Mark Sigman II (’19) works at Riverside University Heath System .
10 Kasaan Hammon (’20) teaches English in middle school and writes music as a Christian artist under the name Rigsi. She released a single — “Daughter” — in March 2024.
’20s
11 Nichole Y. Stinson (’21) graduated in June 2023 from Drexel University with an MFA in creative writing. She is pursuing a master’s in holocaust and genocide studies at Stockton University.
12 Karla Alvarez (’22) is a director of a mental health outpatient program at a residential home.
13 Stephen Olufemi Bankole-Wright (’22) released an album, “Your Journey Begins Here,” featuring the single “Brand New.” He also received an award from the State Assembly for his performance in the Young, Gifted and Black event held during Black History Month.
Frank Richard Chacon (’23) is a campus operations lead at Sandals Church Banning. At Inland Leaders Charter School, he developed a leadership conference for middle schoolers. He also has a daughter, age 1.
Maria LaZor (Medrano, ’23) teaches special education at King Middle School in San Bernardino, California. Her students participated in Sunshine Day held at the National Orange Show.
Terry Valadez (’23) is the IT project manager at Kern County Superintendent of Schools.
Marriages
14 Brittany Peterson (’15) married Adam Myregard in November 2021. They welcomed a daughter in March 2023.
15 Payton Masterson (Roth, ’20) married on Oct. 26, 2023. She also graduated with her master’s degree in sport business from Temple University.
16 Samantha Emerick (’21) married David Romero (’21) on Aug. 18, 2023.
Little Lancers
17 Zachary and Jana Cunningham (Moore, ’12) welcomed son William on April 3, 2024.
18 Allen and Mikayla Long (Lammons, ’14) welcomed a son on March 16, 2024. Cameron Anthony Long joins brother Jaylen, 2.
19 Marissa and Austin Mercadante (’14) welcomed a son, Silas Timothy, on April 17.
20 Emily and Bradford Gerl (’16) have a son. They have been married two years.
21 Eric (’22) and Eilene Gonzales (’22) welcomed son Elias Benjamin on Dec. 1, 2023.
22 Brenda and Vasile T. Giulea (’23) welcomed a third son into their family.
In Memoriam
ALUMNI
Darrell Adcock Sr. (’62)
Vaughn Brewster (’66)
Dr. Henry Peterson (’66)
FACULTY
AND FRIENDS
Dr. LeVern Young, faculty
Calvin Sparkman, associate vice president for financial services
Jan Stanfield, faculty
Alum Q&A
STEVEN BELL (’15) TRANSMISSION STRUCTURAL ENGINEER FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
Why did you choose to attend CBU?
I initially considered attending CBU because it was close to home, and my wife encouraged me to apply. When I discovered it participated in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a benefit that supports veterans, I knew it was the perfect choice for me.
Share a favorite memory of your time at CBU.
As a first-generation college student, it was crucial for my wife and me that our kids understand the significance of attending college and be part of this journey whenever possible. One memorable moment at CBU was when I had to be on campus for a project on the Front Lawn, where we had to build a plane out of Styrofoam and fly it across the lawn and back. I brought my kids, who were 2 and 4 years old at the time, and they had a blast watching the planes and interacting with my classmates.
Tell us about a professor or staff member who helped your CBU journey.
There are so many incredible staff members who helped me on my journey at CBU. The one who supported me through a particularly rough time was Dr. Rod Foist.
A week after I began classes, my mother passed away from cancer. I reached out to my professors, and they were incredibly understanding, telling me to take as much time as I needed and assuring me they would help me catch up on the classwork. When I returned to school about a week later, Dr. Foist called me into his office to check on how I was doing. Even though I was a civil engineering student, and he was an electrical engineering professor, we built a strong bond. We both were veterans, started back to school later in life and lost a parent during our undergraduate studies. Dr. Foist continued to check in on me throughout the next four years until I graduated.
What advice would you give to a CBU student?
My advice to any CBU student is to communicate openly with your professors. Let them know if you’re struggling with concepts or facing personal challenges. They genuinely care about students and want to see you succeed. Remember, you are more than just a seat filler; you matter to them.
How did CBU equip you to live your purpose?
CBU equipped me to live my purpose by creating a supportive and enriching environment that promoted both academic and personal development. The community at CBU encouraged me to explore my passions, connect with others and develop a strong sense of purpose, ultimately preparing me to make a meaningful impact in my career and life.
New Beginnings
This devotional column, penned
by a guest author, is to offer God’s wisdom to you — our readers — while providing an opportunity for introspection and inspiration for your daily life.
In an incredibly dynamic moment in the New Testament, a man named Onesimus walks down a familiar road, approaching his former home. Old friends likely looked on from afar, horrified that Onesimus was back. He walked up the driveway to Philemon, someone he used to know well, and handed him something: a letter from the Apostle Paul. One can observe several such situations in the New Testament given that Paul wrote prolifically and often used couriers to send letters. What makes this situation so serious? Philemon was a Roman slave owner and Onesimus his runaway slave.
In a world where this situation usually yielded vengeance and death, Philemon read the letter in silence. The tension? Unbearable. In a totally countercultural moment, instead of reprisal, these two men reconciled. Paul had written to Philemon, “You [will] have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but … as a beloved brother,” (Philemon 1:15-16). The saving work of Jesus flipped the societal norms, crushed the institution of slavery and gave these men a new beginning.
Through the power of the gospel, any who trust Jesus are given such a gift, a point that is profoundly expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” A majestic truth indeed.
Dr. Joe Slunaker
Associate professor of Christian studies
Director
of online education for the School of Christian Ministries
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
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EARN COLLEGE CREDIT NOW
Eligible high school students can now earn college credit by enrolling in one online course every eight-week session at California Baptist University.
