President's Report 2023–2024

California Baptist University is a university committed to the Great Commission. In today's ever-changing world, this is of utmost importance.

The faculty and staff of CBU prepare students to address realworld challenges through a faith-centered perspective. From mission trips to research to classroom experiences and handson learning, CBU students are grounded in the Core 4 that remain essential to our purpose. These principles are designed to help all students become Academically Prepared, Biblically Rooted, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve.

Part of this process includes encouraging students to gain a global perspective and learn how to love their neighbor. The office of Spiritual Life provides multiple opportunities for students to serve, ranging from aiding organizations for a day or a weekend to working along field workers overseas for up to eight weeks.

Meanwhile, CBU is building a culture of research to help faculty make an impact. From offering Internal Research Grants to creating the Office of Research Initiatives and the position of an endowed professor of research, these are some of the efforts to assist faculty to take the next step in research and scholarship, whatever that step may be.

The fiscal year of 2023 was record setting for gift giving — nearly $45 million was given to support student scholarship and success. The most significant gift last year — and in CBU’s history — was the $28.5 million gift commitment from Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler, which led to the events center being named in their honor. All gifts are instrumental in our ability to continue helping our students live God’s purpose in their lives.

As you read about our distinguished scholar, distinguished professor and employee of the year, I hope you gain an understanding of the caliber of individuals who choose to make CBU a part of their lives and guide students on their educational journeys.

As I enter my 30th year of presidency at CBU, I am honored to share with you updates on what the Lord has done at our university and in the lives of those who attend and work here.

May the Lord continue to bless!

Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D.

Supporting a culture of research

Across the campus at California Baptist University, faculty conduct research in a variety of areas — from machine learning in walking biomechanics to the effect of a supplement on hypertension to profound loneliness in adult men.

Dr. Trevor Gillum, director of the exercise science program, and his students are studying how high altitude affects people who work in those conditions. Groups such as wildland firefighters and the military often work in the mountains without having time to acclimate.

At CBU, Gillum has an environmental chamber that can create various environments: temperatures from 40 F to 120 F, humidity levels from 15% to 80% and thin air of mountains up to 14,000 feet. He also has technology that captures data in real time to understand human physiology at environmental extremes.

Gillum is working to create countermeasures that can be used at sea level to improve work output at high altitude.

“CBU has provided incredible resources to carry out these studies,” Gillum said. “Science isn’t cheap. CBU’s internal grant funding has allowed us to carry out these studies, and, more importantly, provide a mechanism to hire students and bring them along in the research process.”

Research has always been a part of a faculty member’s responsibility, but for the past 10 years CBU has taken deliberate steps to further support and build a culture of research.

In 2013-14, CBU began offering faculty microgrants of $5,000 for research. Now faculty can apply to receive an Internal Research Grant for up to $10,000. CBU awarded $84,982 in internal grants in the academic year of 2022-23.

In 2015, the Office of the Provost made research and scholarship one of its priorities. Then in 2016, the Office of Research Initiatives was created to help faculty in their research efforts. This includes identifying funding opportunities and navigating sponsor rules as well as planning and designing projects.

“I work to foster an environment where faculty can confidently pursue their research goals,” said Angelica Diaz, director of research initiatives. “Our goal is to enhance the research culture at CBU and contribute to the broader research community, fulfilling CBU’s mission in a meaningful and impactful way.”

Then in 2019, CBU received endowed funds to create a position to enhance its research environment and opportunities. Since being named the Fletcher Jones Foundation Endowed Professor of Research at CBU in 2021, Dr. Erin Smith has encouraged and supported faculty pursuing research.

“We are committed to continually providing opportunities for faculty and students to work collaboratively in the area of research and scholarship and are excited to see their work come to fruition,” said Dr. Charles Sands, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

Smith and Diaz seek to support faculty members in their research efforts.

“We aim to empower our faculty to make a significant impact. Our active engagement in research funding distinguishes us in this pursuit,” Diaz said. “I find fulfillment in supporting faculty, especially those new to research.”

Dr. Hyun-Woo (Andrew) Park, professor of biology

“We aim to empower our faculty to make a significant impact. Our active engagement in research funding distinguishes us in this pursuit. I find fulfillment in supporting faculty, especially those new to research.”

– Angelica Diaz

Dr. Jenifer Nalbandian, associate professor of chemistry

For some faculty, research is in their DNA and they actively pursue it, Smith said. For others, she finds ways to remove barriers that hinder their ability to conduct research effectively. Some faculty may need to start by presenting at a conference.

“The question is really how can I help you — the researcher — see the possibilities in research and scholarship and take the next step,” Smith said. Oftentimes, the project may seem overwhelming, she said. Faculty need to become learners again.

“When we stand in front of a classroom, we’re the expert. But when you do research, you don’t know the answer. That feels very humbling, I think, in a Christian and good way, but it also can be very scary,” Smith said.

Smith leads or assists with workshops and sessions for faculty to help with their next steps. Dr. Tracy Ward, associate provost of administration, said Smith helped her with feedback on a journal article that needed revisions before publication.

“She normalized the angst I was experiencing from the feedback and helped me to develop a strategy for addressing the revisions and reframing the article in such a way that made it a better piece,” Ward said.

Dr. Nathan Iverson, program director of industrial-organizational psychology

Through research, faculty provide students additional learning opportunities, from gaining their own experience in research to receiving mentorship from faculty, Smith said.

“There’s a direct line between research productivity and the student experience even for students who never want to go into research,” she said. “They will still be the beneficiary of our research inquiry because of how that informs what we do in the classroom.”

Research is not only conducted in a laboratory but also in the fine arts, music and theater.

“We’re not talking about empirical science [in those cases], though we are talking about research and inquiry,” Smith said. “My role is to create space and opportunity for faculty across disciplines to pursue a scholarly agenda.”

Throughout the year, faculty are encouraged to do research, and, increasingly, there are events and meetings to support faculty research progress, Smith said.

“Ultimately, we want to glorify God by helping faculty use the talents that have been given to them, not just in the classroom, but in bringing Christian voice to the scholarly question that’s in front of them, that God has uniquely positioned them to ask,” she said.

Projects funded by Internal Research Grants

Seismic shake-a-thon

Bai and Kim are conducting research on the seismic vulnerability of wood-frame buildings constructed using outdated seismic design methods. With the provided grant, they hired two undergraduate students to conduct research and design and construct a wood-frame structure. In addition, the students tested it on a shake table, which is an earthquake simulator, and applied three retrofit techniques to improve its seismic performance.

Keeping them on their feet

Leisz is researching how to reduce injuries in youth female athletes. Females are at an increased risk of sustaining an ACL (knee) injury compared to their male counterparts due to the fluctuations of hormones over the menstrual cycle, muscle imbalances and anatomical structure. Her research is evaluating the effects of an injury prevention program — FIFA 11+ — on ACL injury risk in female adolescent athletes. The grant purchased new lab equipment, supplies and offered participant compensation.

Finding a way home

Minton-Ryan is researching unsheltered older women in Riverside County. The majority of the grant paid for research assistants — two undergraduate and two graduate students. It also gave financial support to Social Work Action Group, a nonprofit that helped with the study. The team interviewed 16 older unsheltered women. From their stories and the work of Social Work Action Group, the team is developing a model of care for transitioning out of chronic homelessness.

Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management

Assistant Professor of Kinesiology

Professor of Sociology

Professor of Civil Engineering and Construction Management

Dr. Jong-Wha Bai

Dr. Sydney Leisz

Dr. Carol Minton-Ryan

Dr. Yeesock Kim

Core 4 Outcomes

CBU has created a foundation for students that builds on Christ’s example of being a light in a world of darkness. Students are encouraged to use their God-given talents and skills to live their purpose.

To help students reach this goal, a set of outcomes — known as the “Core 4” — are reflective of the impact the university seeks to have in the lives of its students. They include demonstrating spiritual literacy, respecting diverse cultures and perspectives, using critical thinking skills, transferring academic studies to a profession and implementing a personal and social ethic.

It is CBU’s hope that these outcomes become rooted in the character of each Lancer, inspiring and motivating students wherever life leads them at CBU and around the world.

Biblically Rooted

$386,767,378

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$1,305,312

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Dr. Robert LaChausse

Professor of Public Health Science

Dr. Robert LaChausse, professor of public health science, has spent the last eight years at California Baptist University. He has taught courses such as ethics in health care, research methods, statistics and program evaluation.

LaChausse was named Distinguished Scholar for 2023 by CBU’s Board of Trustees. He was honored for his research project titled “Preventing Substance Use Addiction in Riverside County.”

"The world is a much smaller place if you can fly yourself there," LaChausse says.

What does it mean to be named Distinguished Scholar?

I think it’s a recognition of not only excellence in research among peers at CBU, but also that my program of research over the past several years has made important contributions both locally and nationally.

What was your research?

I conducted research over several years that focuses on preventing alcohol, tobacco, drug and substance use addiction. My research has demonstrated the value of implementing evidence-based prevention programs for youth as well as the importance of parent-child communication and parental monitoring. I have also worked with CBU faculty, including Dr. Esther Lee, director of Master of Science in Applied Mathematics program, on statistical modeling of youth substance use behaviors.

All this research is recognized both at the state and national levels, and it’s nice to see that CBU’s name is out there. I’m also blessed to have my colleague Jessica Ducsay, research associate in public health sciences at CBU, along with several students assist me in my research lab. Additionally, it’s great to have extremely supportive administrators such as Dr. David Pearson, dean of the College of Health Science, and Dr. Chuck Sands, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

How would you describe yourself as a professor?

My role is to prepare undergraduate and graduate students to work in public health. I believe in developing students’ skills, rather than just imparting new knowledge, so they can be of value to their organization and impact lives. I believe that much of the learning that occurs at the university level occurs outside of lecture. That is why I give my students real world assignments and encourage them to work with me in my research lab. This gives them an opportunity to develop these skills outside of class. Additionally, I also believe that learning can be fun. That is why most of my CBU students know me for my famous exam review Jeopardy games or other class activities.

What do you hope you impart to the students?

I want my students to understand that what they will do matters. If they cannot write well, use critical thinking skills or analyze data, they will not be able to be of value to their discipline or community they work with. My goal is to support them in their career and life goals. I also intentionally show my students how one can be both a scientist and a Christian and how this is rooted in the Bible.

“I believe in developing students’ skills, rather than just imparting new knowledge, so they can be of value to their organization and impact lives."

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” Matthew 28:20 NIV. This gives me both pause and comfort.

On your faculty profile page, you say you enjoy aviation, running, cycling and fly fishing. What is it about those activities that you enjoy?

I’ve always enjoyed a challenge and enjoyed learning. I like being active, fit and outside. Also, the world is a much smaller place if you can fly yourself there. I regularly go to lunch at the beach or the Grand Canyon.

Anything else you would like to add?

Teaching and research go hand in hand. Good teachers are also good researchers. They can bring to life real world experience and current ideas if they are active scholars and leaders in their field. Support for rigorous research and innovation should continue to be encouraged at CBU and we should support both junior faculty and graduate students in developing their research agenda to continue to add to the knowledge base in their field and bring recognition to CBU.

School of Education equips teachers for their future classroom

Partnership embeds CBU students at an elementary school.

The teacher shortage continues to persist in California. There were 16,491 new teaching credentials issued in California in 2021-22, the most recent fiscal year data available. The previous year, the state issued 19,659, according to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. New multiple-subject credentials, which primarily go to elementary school teachers, declined by 25% from 2020-21 to 2021-22.

Meanwhile, the Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education at California Baptist University is taking steps to enhance the readiness of students for their future classroom.

A cohort of more than 20 students in the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program were embedded at Harrison Elementary School to gain invaluable handson experience working side-by-side with seasoned teachers and directly with students. In spring 2023, the second-semester juniors assisted in classrooms and took CBU courses while at the elementary school two days a week. In fall 2023, the now seniors were at Harrison three times a week. The structure benefits both the college students and Harrison: CBU students observe and practice real-world learning techniques while teachers receive the assistance.

Early in 2022, CBU and Harrison Elementary School in the Riverside Unified School District forged a partnership for this arrangement.

“Harrison, along with RUSD, have been ideal partners in collaborating to prepare our teachers for their future careers,” said Dr. Robin Duncan, dean of the School of

Education. “We desire to serve our communities well, and one impactful way we can do that is through these types of partnerships.”

Dr. Jin-Sil Mock, associate professor of education, teaches Classroom Management and Ethics to the students embedded at Harrison. She said the partnership provides candidates with a structured and efficient approach to fulfill the state of California’s requirements of hours in the classroom before student teaching.

“The main goal of the curriculum we created is for our candidates to experience firsthand best practices in learning and teaching in CBU courses, and an opportunity to see them come alive in the assigned classrooms,” Mock said. “Many classroom teachers at Harrison have given our candidates the opportunity to get involved by having them read with the class or facilitate a small group lesson.”

Jessica Roe (’09, ’11), the principal at Harrison, is an advocate for embedding education students in the classroom setting while they are completing their undergraduate studies.

“This partnership allows us to teach and mentor CBU candidates while also providing our teachers and students with classroom support,” Roe said. “CBU students work alongside their assigned teachers and can apply knowledge gained from their professors and textbooks and see it in action with the elementary students on a daily basis.”

Typically, a cohort will be at an elementary school for two semesters before student teaching, whether at that school or elsewhere. In spring 2024, the partnership grows to two schools — two cohorts of juniors in their second semester will be at two elementary schools. CBU students’ learning experiences have ranged from fluency reading with English language learners to lesson planning. Jayden Seybert, a CBU student embedded at Harrison, is grateful for the opportunity to see classroom management skills in action.

“We get to see our teachers perform that in real-time and maintain a welcoming classroom environment, avoiding chaos,” Seybert said. “When classroom management skills are good, it allows for better relationships with students.”

Naomi Vasquez, a CBU student, has taken her relationships at Harrison to another level by volunteering after school hours with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization on campus.

“I’ve created a lot of relationships at Harrison, not only professionally but with the kids as well,” Vasquez said. “These kids bring light to my day, and they are my reason for wanting to be here all the time.”

Front row: Isabella Rivera, Erika Lopez, Ariel Lopez, Ashley Herrick, Kyra Dickinson and Lauryn DeDoes. Middle row: Priscila Dickson, adjunct professor, Dr. Jin-Sil Mock, associate professor, Dr. Robin Duncan, dean, Delaney Sjursen, Brynn Spence, Isabelle Lopez, Isabella Enciso, Michelle Rosas, Kaylea Snapp, Susan Amaro, Mandy Themm, lecturer, Naomi Vasquez and Andrea D'Aguilar-Biggs, adjunct professor. Back row: Dr. Keith Walters, assistant dean, Mia Segura, Samantha McCarter, Charlotte Klarke, Cydney Cunning, Lilly Roberson, Meghan Balling and Alyssa Garcia.

Samantha McCarter, Ariel Lopez and Kyra Dickinson

Veola Vazquez

Professor of Psychology and Diversity Coordinator

Dr. Veola Vazquez, professor of psychology and diversity coordinator for the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program at California Baptist University, was named the Distinguished Professor for 2023.

Every year, the CBU Board of Trustees selects a professor who has established an impressive record of service to receive the award.

Vazquez has been a professor at CBU since 2011. When she first arrived, Vazquez taught psychology courses in the undergraduate and master’s programs in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. She currently teaches courses in the clinical psychology doctoral program, including Psychiatric Disorders, Cultural Diversity, Personality Testing and Human Development. She also chairs doctoral dissertations. Additionally, Vazquez has a small private telehealth psychotherapy practice.

Vazquez enjoys sketching and painting: "I will normally try anything creative as a way to unwind."

What brought you to CBU?

I came to CBU because I was looking for a place where I could teach psychology while actively integrating my faith in the classroom. I knew CBU would be the perfect place to do that because I was a 1993 graduate of CBC (California Baptist College) and I had already been a part of the university family for many years.

What does it mean to be named Distinguished Professor?

Being named Distinguished Professor is an amazing honor. I am humbled and grateful to have received this award. For me, this award is a symbol of God’s grace and a reminder of the support of my community. All my work is a collaboration, whether it is creating a learning environment in the classroom with my students or engaging in research and writing with colleagues. This award signifies the hard work of many people who have come alongside me. This also includes the consistent love and support of my family.

How would you describe yourself as a professor?

As a professor, I work to be accessible, caring and real with my students. I seek to model how to be a professional who strives for excellence while also showing my students that Christian professionals are also real people who are depending on God for strength and wisdom.

What do you hope to impart to students?

I hope my students come away from my classes with a deeper and broader knowledge of their field and a better understanding of who Christ is and what He has done for them.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,” Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV is one of my favorite Bible verses.

These verses remind me of God’s faithfulness and the hope He provides daily.

Tell us about your hobbies.

I enjoy spending time on creative activities. I love painting with watercolors and acrylics, and I love doing pen and ink sketch work. I also sew and write fiction for women and kids. I will normally try anything creative as a way to unwind and learn something new.

“I seek to model how to be a professional who strives for excellence while also showing my students that Christian professionals are also real people who are depending on God for strength and wisdom.”

Anything else you would like to add?

I am grateful for the role that CBU has played in my life. From my first day on campus as a 17-year-old freshman, CBU has been a place where God’s grace has been evident in my life. I graduated from CBC in 1993 and then was engaged and married on campus in 1994. I returned as a faculty member in 2011 and now both of my sons have been CBU students. CBU has been an important part of my life for over 30 years!

Learning to serve neighbors, wherever they are

Kaitlyn Restrepo has often volunteered for service opportunities at California Baptist University. Some services lasted a day, such as helping a homeless ministry or a food bank. Over a spring break she traveled to New Orleans, serving the homeless, neighborhoods and even cruise ship workers.

“We’re called to love our neighbors,” said Restrepo, a sophomore double majoring in philosophy and Christian studies. “Service doesn’t have to be this big thing, but it can be something as simple as telling someone that you care about them or asking if they need prayer.”

The office of Spiritual Life provides multiple opportunities for students to serve, ranging from helping organizations for a day or a weekend to working along field workers overseas for three to eight weeks. Students experience serving others and sharing the love and gospel of Christ.

The best way to equip students to serve is to point them to the call to love their neighbor as stated in Matthew 22, said Morgan Caver, director of compassion ministries.

“We see that the neighbor is anyone we encounter who’s in need and it gives us a framework that’s preceded first by love for God,” Caver said.

While students may feel they cannot serve for various reasons –lack of time, money, skills – CBU provides many options, she said.

“It’s not a burden to serve. We get to be encouraged to love our neighbor and to grow in that. We will fail, but we have to try because that’s what we are called to do,” Caver said.

Lancers also serve around the world. In 1997, CBU began International Service Projects (ISP). Since then, the university has sent out more than 5,500 volunteers on 625 teams to 69 countries. The teams help in areas such as teaching conversational English, university ministry, refugee ministry, providing healthcare and assisting with various children’s ministries for the purpose of building relationships to share the hope of the Gospel.

Kris Smith, assistant director of mobilization, said ISP helps students grow in understanding God’s mission, grow in cultural awareness and gain a vision for long term cross-cultural service.

“The college years are formative years as students make their faith their own and make important decisions about their future,” Smith said. “Students have the opportunity to grow in a heart of service, learn important tools to make disciples, grow in character, and see how their skills and education can be used cross-culturally to spread the gospel.”

Olivia Francis, a biomedical sciences junior, served in Central Asia at a university for three weeks last summer. Her team helped students practice conversational English and shared the gospel.

She participated because she wanted to learn about global missions and other cultures.

From left: Jesus Reyes, Brandon Rommel, Aaron Carrillo, Joshua Thomas, Faith Ozenbaugh, Evan Calles, Morgan Pounds, Michaella Schaffer, an IMB journeyman, Victoria Hitchcock, Brett Vowell and an IMB journeyman spend time in Western Europe.

“ISP is such a great opportunity to learn what it means to be globally minded. You get a firsthand view of how great the need for Christ is overseas,” Francis said.

Zuriah Verazas, an elementary education junior, has served on weekend trips to Los Angeles and San Diego. She served for eight weeks with GenSend, a program through the North American Mission Board that helps students develop missional skills.

The weekend trips, which involved working with a local church in its homeless or neighborhood ministry, were eye-opening, she said.

“The experience was great, but it was a learning one because I was like, ‘I can’t solve this in the weekend, and I’m probably not going to see a change,’” Verazas said. “But I can still witness what people are doing and what God’s doing there.”

CBU Service Opportunities

Verazas encourages students to take advantage of the service opportunities.

“Do what you can while you’re here. Be obedient to God’s calling because He can use those experiences and things you learn,” she said. “It starts here – where you’re at – right now.”

Restrepo said service opportunities can broaden students’ horizons and perspective and it is a great way to fellowship with others.

“You learn what it means to be serving and loving other people, and how easy and tangible it actually is in our lives as college students,” Restrepo said. “We can make time to love our neighbors, and we learn so much from it. It’s just an incredible experience.”

Day and weekend outings: Students volunteer at local organizations such as Path of Life, Olive Crest and Manna House and with churches in Los Angeles and San Diego.

In the U.S.: In May, teams will go to Los Angeles, Boston, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico for a week to serve in a variety of capacities.

Around the world: In 2024, 22 ISP teams made up of more than 160 participants are set to go to 16 countries.

Ella Noyes participates in ISP, spending eight weeks in South Asia.

Back row: Hector Rodriguez, David Villasenor and Nijel Abraham. Midde row: Ashley Morales, Morgan Caver, Sarah Brungardt, Isaiah Sanborn and Jordan Johnson. Front row: Mackenzie Peters and Victoria Morales Volunteering in Puerto Rico.

Brianna Zepeda

Assistant Director of Housing Maintenance and Operations

Brianna Zepeda, assistant director of housing maintenance and operations in Facilities and Planning Services, was chosen to receive the California Baptist University 2023 Employee of the Year award.

The CBU Executive Council selects the recipient from among staff members chosen as Employee of the Month from throughout the year. Zepeda started at CBU in 2016 as a housing maintenance and operations manager. She was promoted to her current role in 2022.

What was your response when you learned you were named Employee of the Year?

I didn’t learn of the news until the announcement was made at the faculty and staff awards banquet so ultimately it was shock and confusion. Now I just feel honored and am truly grateful for the recognition. I don’t believe I would have received this award without the work of my team. The technicians are truly the front line of this university and keep everything functioning. They deserve all the credit in the world and I always take the opportunity to commend them. I truly appreciate them. There are many other employees that are so deserving of this award and I’m sure were considered, so I feel very honored to have been chosen.

What are some of your daily tasks?

My tasks vary from day to day based on what is going on around campus. The tasks that are most consistent within my days are:

• Keeping in constant communication with the Office of Residence Life and Housing Services to ensure students are informed of repairs and needs within their living areas.

• Maintaining the housing department’s operational budget and ensuring the living areas have the materials needed to function.

• Planning for projects of all sizes, from flooring upgrades to exterior renovations.

• Planning summer turnovers are a year-round process. A lot of the housing areas are occupied all 12 months, with summer students and camps. With all the different groups coming through, we meet great people along the way. The trick to that is having the ability to schedule summer turnovers and projects in-between those time periods and have the housing areas ready to go for the fall semester.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are two things I love equally about my job. The first is my co-workers. We are a work family, and we all have the same mindset that serving the staff and students here at CBU is the goal. Second is the students. CBU students are set apart and we are given the ability to watch them step into their futures. It’s a reward.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25. It’s how I want to live my life and the effect I want to pass on to my loved ones. One of being strong, composed and fearless because of who my creator is. I’ve seen God’s hand in every area of my life as far back as I can remember and for me that is revelation of who He is, and I want to live that out.

“[I love that] we are a work family, and we all have the same mindset that serving the staff and students here at CBU is the goal. Second is the students. … We are given the ability to watch them step into their futures.”

What do you think makes CBU unique?

Its mission: believing everyone has a purpose and helping individuals find their purpose. I believe the university is structured to execute this by prioritizing a Christ-centered education, having engaging faculty and administration, providing various resources and activities for social and spiritual development and well-maintained living and food areas. It’s a great environment for the students.

Tell us about a hobby.

We are empty nesters, and our son lives out of state, so we spend a lot of time in the Pacific Northwest, which we love, and do a lot of walking, running and exploring while we’re visiting him. If we are not doing that, you can find me at the beach. I am a sand and water girl. It brings peace to my soul and allows me to refresh for a new week ahead.

Charitable giving at CBU shatters records

Fiscal year 2023 was another record-breaking success for charitable giving at California Baptist University. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, grandparents, corporations, foundations and friends, over $44.8 million was committed to furthering CBU’s mission. Donors generously contributed to schools, colleges, programs and equipment needs across the university — surpassing the previous year’s giving record of $23.8 million by over $21 million.

CBU’s $40 Million Endowment Challenge, launched in 2021, is 75% to goal with new gifts and pledge commitments. For this challenge, the university will match any endowment gift of $25,000 or more. In addition, a generous supporter and close friend of CBU pledged up to $10 million to match gifts of $25,000 or more for endowed scholarships. These would help students complete two majors — one from the School of Christian Ministries and one from any other CBU school or college — or for other endowment programs associated with the School of Christian Ministries. With the donor match and CBU’s institutional match, these special endowed scholarships are valued at four times the original investment.

California Baptist University received several transformational gifts, including the most significant gift commitment in its 73-year history — $28.5 million— from real estate developer Dale E. Fowler and his wife, Sarah Ann. CBU named its 5,050-seat campus events center in their honor.

“Friends like the Fowlers who invest in future generations unlock tremendous opportunities to enhance the student experience and impact student lives,” said Paul J. Eldridge, J.D., vice president for University Advancement. “It is exciting to think of the many ways the generosity of our donors will help future students reach their educational goals, live their purpose and fulfill their God-given calling.”

Another generous gift resulted in CBU’s first-ever Mobile Health Clinic. This full-service clinic on wheels will provide free and low-cost primary care services to underserved neighbors and clinical practice for CBU’s College of Nursing students. Services offered include health screenings, immunizations, lab testing, diabetes care and more.

Other CBU schools, colleges and programs that received significant gift commitments include the Paul and Annie Kienel Leadership Institute, the upcoming softball and baseball clubhouse and the aviation

science program. From scholarships to endowments to program support, Lancer friends have generously supported CBU and helped our students succeed.

All gifts, whatever the size, help CBU continue to provide students with an educational experience that integrates academics with spiritual and social development opportunities. CBU is thankful for the prayers, friendship, and financial generosity that help ensure the next generation of CBU students become individuals whose skills and integrity set them apart from the world.

“Dear friend of CBU –

I cannot begin to thank you enough for this display of benevolence and generosity. Going to CBU has been one of God’s greatest blessings. Your kindness will not be wasted or forgotten. I thank the Lord for you!

I hope to honor this gift throughout this school year by remaining diligent in my studies, faithful to my ministry and honoring to my witness.

God bless you! Thank you!”

DYLAN, A CBU STUDENT

Bringing a musical to life

Production about Dietrich Bonhoeffer makes its world premiere at CBU

More than four years ago, Dr. Glenn A. Pickett, professor of music at California Baptist University, and Lee Lyons, director of the theatre program, were discussing a musical. During the conversation, Pickett said he thought he could write a better one.

Lyons' response? “Why don’t you try.”

Pickett has about 20 pieces published in the choral world and a symphonic suite, but writing a musical would be different. He also needed a project for an upcoming sabbatical. He took up the challenge.

That led to three years of writing and rewriting music for Pickett and Dr. David Goodman, a former pastor and mentor of Pickett, who wrote the libretto — the script and lyrics.

The result was “Dietrich and Maria,” a story about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor and anti-Nazi dissident, and Maria, his fiancée. The show made its world premiere at CBU in November, selling out its five-show run.

The story tells how Bonhoeffer went to New York to attend seminary. There, in nearby Harlem, he gains a vision for how a church should rescue the oppressed. Returning to Germany, he finds Hitler unleashing a campaign against the Jews and others.

Rather than looking the other way and surviving with Maria, Bonhoeffer chooses to stand and speak for those with no voice and joins a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler.

Several years ago, Pickett wrote a symphonic suite that the Corona Symphony Orchestra premiered.

“The symphonic suite was easier because you’re just writing for instrumentalists. You’re not trying to communicate a message in the same way that you are when you’re using lyrics and melody,” Pickett said.

Goodman became fascinated by Bonhoeffer, also a theologian, after reading a biography about him 15 years ago. One of the challenges was the format — a time limit and then add music.

“You’ve got all these stories you’d love to have in it, and you have to just whittle it down to the very minimum of what you need to drive the story and to keep people’s attention,” he said.

Over the three years, Pickett and Goodman conducted two staged readings. Each reading resulted in changes, such as making the production more in the style of opera. Stefan Miller, adjunct professor of voice, choreographed and directed the production.

Back row: Wyatt Mitchison, Micah Carlson, Mason Hirst and Abigail Durham

Front row: Grace Flemming, Alexis Parsio, Drake Lyons, Brooklyn Savage and Kaylee Cervantes

Days before its debut, the creators continued making revisions. Pickett reorchestrated certain sections in the production because the people in the staged readings had different singing voices than the actual cast. Goodman fine-tuned the lyrics as scenes were cut or adjusted after seeing them come to life on stage. All plays and musicals go through rewriting stages. At one point, the musical clocked in at 2 hours, 40 minutes before being cut down to around two hours.

“We looked at everything – can it be trimmed? Is the story clear to the audience. Is it drawing people back into Act 2? Is the payoff at the end strong enough?” Lyons said.

An orchestra of nearly 20 musicians shared the stage with the cast of about 30 actors. Music style included classical, Broadway and gospel.

“The music is quite good,” Lyons said. “Pickett studied that genre and understood the beautiful, soaring music.”

Although the musical kept him very busy, Pickett said he was created to write, referring to 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.”

“The musical blends everything I love to do. I love writing melody. I love telling the message. I love orchestrating,” Pickett said.

The creators hope another theatre or theatre company will stage the musical.

“I want audiences to meet two of the most fascinating people in the previous century and to be enchanted by them. And then to be challenged by their willingness to engage and speak out for the marginalized,” Goodman said.

“We wanted to tell a story that was engaging and entertaining and at the same time, help people hear Bonhoeffer’s message, which is stand up for those who have no voice,” Pickett said.

Shane Moser and Tori Hitchcock

Sophie Hepton and Drake Lyons portray Maria and Dietrich.

Athletics

In its first year of full status in NCAA Division I in 2022-23, California Baptist University achieved multiple milestones on numerous courts and fields. The Lancers are well-positioned to take on any opponent in the 2023-24 season due to their efforts in previous years.

In cross country, CBU became the first school in Western Athletic Conference history to sweep the WAC Championships multiple times, with both men and women winning the team title.

The new CBU Soccer Stadium, which debuted for the 2022 season, served as the host site of the WAC Tournament that year. CBU’s men’s soccer team made the most of its first year of postseason eligibility, reaching the championship game played on its home turf before Lancer Nation. The Lancers took the match in penalty kicks 3-1. They claimed the championship again in 2023 and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The STUNT squad continued its dominance by claiming its third consecutive National Championship and moved to 56-0 as a program. The Lancers finished their historic season with a program-best 22 wins. In 2023, seven Lancers placed among the College STUNT Coaches Association (CSCA) All-American list, and one earned the CSCA Athlete of the Year title, a true testament to the excellence of CBU’s STUNT program.

Another significant achievement came in women’s golf, when Hailey Loh won the 2023 WAC Individual Championship –becoming the first Lancer golfer in program history to swing to a conference championship. The women’s golf team went onto become the Diamante Intercollegiate team champions in its fall 2023 season.

The Lancers men’s swim and dive team showcased their prowess at the 2023 WAC Swim and Dive Championships. Divers swept the platform event and took the top spot in the 1 meter. In the lanes, they secured victories in the 100 freestyle and the 1,650 freestyle.

At the WAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, CBU claimed three first place spots: the 1500M for men (Valentin Soca), the 1500M for women (Maelle Porcher) and the women’s steeplechase (Greta Karinauskaite). Karinauskaite and Yasna Petrova made program history by putting their best foot forward and becoming the first to qualify for the National Championships. The result was a silver in the steeplechase.

Ongoing enhancements to athletic facilities included the completion of upgrades to the baseball field in September 2023. A full turf infield and outfield with a dirt pitching mound are ready for the Lancers 2024 season. Additionally, a new 14,200-square-foot baseball and softball clubhouse is set to be completed by summer 2024.

Finally, the Lancers also demonstrated success in the classroom. Athletics posted a department GPA of 3.347, the fifth-straight year that CBU has recorded a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.

Breanna Gonzalez

Gael Jimenez

Hailey Loh

Thomas Beecham

Greta Karinauskaite

Live Your Purpose ®

California Baptist University believes we are each created for a purpose. To find theirs, students learn to be well-rounded — from their time in the classroom, in clubs and at chapel — living for God every day.

CBU provides a Christ-centered educational experience that helps students understand their purpose. By integrating academics with spiritual and social development opportunities, students are challenged to push further, go deeper and continue questioning to find what they are meant to do and who they are meant to be.

Through fostering an environment of support and encouragement, faculty and staff intentionally pour into students, providing a safe space to challenge assumptions, explore interests and support each other with their unique gifts. This is where they identify and live their purpose.

It is not only classroom learning that helps them on this journey, but connections made and relationships built during extracurricular activities, club involvement, volunteer work and downtime on campus.

As students prepare to graduate, they are challenged to become individuals whose skills, integrity and sense of meaning glorify God and distinguish them in the workplace and in the world.

To live their purpose, students are ultimately living God’s purpose for their life, making a difference in the world around them.

Students were asked to share their purpose.

Executive Council

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis President

Dr. Charles Sands

Serve the poor with grit and grace. Make music you can feel! Serve others like Christ.

Spread kindness, love, and God's word!

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mr. Kent Dacus

Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services

Mr. Mark Howe

Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration

Paul J. Eldridge, J.D. Vice President for University Advancement

Mrs. Angela Meluski Vice President for Marketing and Communication

Adam Burton, J.D. Vice President and General Counsel

Credit

EDITOR

Angela Meluski

MANAGING EDITOR

Vivian Quezada

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Kristeen Farlow

Lauren Rios

ART DIRECTOR

Edgar Garcia

SENIOR DESIGNER

Kyle Ready

PHOTOGRAPHY

Edgar Garcia

CBU Athletics

Christopher Kern