PURPOSE-DRIVEN then,now,always
The James Building, now and then.
MESSAGE from the president
This fall, we welcomed the incoming class of 2028 and celebrated another record enrollment of 11,931 students who will discover their purpose and learn how to live it. This fall also marked a significant expansion of CBU’s undergraduate and graduate programs with 12 new academic degrees.
CBU appeared on the Best Colleges list for its 19th year and claimed the No. 2 spot for Most
Innovative Schools in Regional Universities in the West in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report. CBU ranked No. 3 for Best Campus in America and No. 4 for Best Food in America on Niche.com (ranking over 1300 colleges); and No. 5 for best student experience in The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 ranking of the Best Colleges in the U.S.
Reviewing University Advancement’s FY24 Annual Report, you will discover just a few things the Lancer Nation celebrated this past year. From dedicating a new Baseball & Softball Clubhouse that provides our teams and staff with 14,411 square feet of magnificent space to the early culmination of CBU’s $40 Million Endowment Challenge, God is using the Lancer community to build His Kingdom.
CBU continues to be blessed with campus expansion, student enrollment, and generous donor support. I invite you to keep updated on university news and events by visiting our website at https://calbaptist.edu/about/newsevents/.
I remain honored and pleased to serve the CBU community, in this, my 30th year as president. Your prayers and support are important to the success of CBU’s mission, our students, and the entire community. Please know that I am thankful for you.
May the Lord continue to bless!
Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President
The Yeager Center was an incredible addition to campus. Scan the QR code to learn more.
CBU COMMEMORATES NAMING OF HAE AND SHINA PARK BUILDING
California Baptist University celebrated the naming of the Hae and Shina Park Building in recognition of the Parks’ generosity over the past 14 years. The building houses the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business, Career Center and Innovators Auditorium.
Since a friend introduced Hae Park to CBU in 2009, Mr. and Mrs. Park, their children— Eugene and Eunice Park—and their business have given many generous gifts to CBU. The most significant gift came late in 2021, when the Park family established a new endowment focused on the School of Christian Ministries, double major students, and South Korean students. This gift, along with matching funds by a private donor and CBU institutional matching funds, created one of the single largest endowment funds in the history of CBU, at $19 million.
During the naming ceremony, Hae Park shared his story of immigrating to the U.S. from South Korea. While attending California Polytechnic University, Pomona, he almost dropped out because of
language barriers and financial difficulties. A professor mentored him, and Park went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and later his MBA. Park encouraged students to ask the faculty for advice or help when needed and, in turn, encouraged the faculty to provide it.
“Your words can impact the future of those students here at CBU,” Park said. “Giving back to the community is very important to our family, and we are proud of the relationship we have with CBU to allow us to continue investing in the university and its future.”
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, said the family’s kindness will touch the lives of many students to come.
“The Park family has shown that investing in Christian higher education and in young lives is the most profound investment one can make,” Ellis said. “It’s an investment in generations to come, in the countless lives that will be touched by the ripples of their generosity.”
The spirit of generosity isn’t just about making a donation. It’s about a vision. A vision to see communities thrive, individuals rise to their potential and institutions like CBU continue to help young people live their purpose,” Ellis said. “Hae Park’s journey, his accomplishments and his remarkable narrative of faith and persistence resonate with all of us because they epitomize the very essence of CBU.”
2025 NATIONAL RANKINGS
#2 Most Innovative
#26 Best College for Veterans
#28 Best Value College
#29 Top Performers on Social Mobility
#30 Best Regional University, West
Hae Park speaks at the naming of the Hae and Shina Park Building.
ENDOWMENT growth
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY COMPLETES ITS $40 MILLION ENDOWMENT CHALLENGE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
The start of fall semester at California Baptist University was buzzing — and not just because students were back in session. The university also announced the successful early completion of a fiveyear $40 Million Endowment Challenge. The challenge began in March 2021 when a generous donor committed up to $10 million in matching funds toward various School of Christian Ministries endowment
opportunities. Thanks to the support of the CBU family — trustees, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends, churches and a university institutional match — the challenge concluded in just 3.5 years.
“Finishing this five-year endowment challenge early is a direct reflection of the Lord’s favor on CBU and the School of Christian Ministries,” said Dr. Ronald L.
“This past summer, I had the privilege of participating in a medical relief trip to villages in Kenya. We ran a medical camp for patients with various illnesses. It was an eye-opening experience that solidified my passion for serving medically underserved countries worldwide.
Thank you so much for supporting my dream of becoming a globally-minded physician. I am deeply grateful!”
Sharon Asariah Senior
Ellis, CBU president. “We are eternally grateful for the vision and generosity of our friend who started this campaign with his transformational commitment, and those who, with incredibly generous hearts, contributed to the successful completion of the challenge.”
The funds received will help these students become Christian leaders in their chosen vocations and impact their local churches and the world.
“These endowment funds are a special gift, providing long-term sustainable funding for scholarships and academic programs,” said Paul J. Eldridge, J.D., vice president for University Advancement.
“The impact these gifts will have on the School of Christian Ministries will continue for generations.”
Over $24.8 million was committed to double major endowed scholarships, over $10 million to Bachelor of Applied Theology scholarships, and over $1.6 million was committed to the School of Christian Ministries Excellence Fund (funding excellence of scholarship, presentations, writings, relationships and matters the dean determines will bring excellence to the school). Over $3.5 million also was committed to various School of Christian Ministriesrelated programs and projects, including its lecture series and other scholarships.
CBU ENDOWMENT SUMMARY
“God continues to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:2021),” said Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries. “By God’s grace and through so many generous friends, students are blessed, churches are strengthened and God is glorified. What a privilege to experience God’s hand in all of this!”
Each year, CBU’s University Advancement office works with generous donors who commit funds to the university for a variety of purposes. In the past two years, over $67 million has been committed to CBU to further its mission.
An endowment provides long-term stability and is critical to the health and wellness of the institution. In 1994, the CBU Endowment stood at $3.3M—the chart below shows the significant growth over the years, especially since 2016. At the close of the last academic year (June 2024), the endowment stood at $152,900,000, and on October 11, 2024, it stood at $164,196,844.
LANCER ATHLETICS DEDICATES NEW BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL CLUBHOUSE CAPITAL projects
California Baptist University dedicated its new Baseball and Softball Clubhouse on Sept. 4, 2024, in front of a crowd of donors, fans and student-athletes.
The new building provides 14,411 square feet of space where both teams and staff will work to bring CBU more championships from the diamond.
The main floor houses the locker rooms for both teams, each equipped with audio and visual hookups so teams can follow conference live action during the season. Both spaces include showers, team laundry facilities, athletic training suites and kitchenettes.
In addition to the state-of-the-art locker rooms, the clubhouse also features a lobby with an interactive database of the two programs’ rosters, statistics and biographies going back to 2002. Encompassing the height of the entire building, the wall behind the interactive screen is a visual feature referred to as the Rain Wall, where over 11,000 backlit holes pull the visitor’s eyes to the focal point where championship trophies are prominently displayed.
The second floor has five coach offices for each program, balconies that overlook each fields, additional workspace for support staff and a shared meeting room that will host full team meetings and study hall sessions throughout the school year.
The completion of this project caps a years-long effort to improve the facilities of two of CBU’s winningest programs.
“This building alone can’t bring success, but I know what our coaches and our student athletes can do with these resources,” said Dr. Micah Parker, vice president for Athletics. “It certainly helps us tell the recruits and their families that we care about athletics here.”
Dedication and Ribbon-cutting ceremony.
PALM DRIVE legacy society
COUPLE ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO ENSURE THEIR LEGACY AT CBU
Palm Drive Legacy Society members Steve and Peggy Brown met at California Baptist College (before it became a university), got married and are still happily together all these years later. Peggy’s parents valued education and ensured she could attend college by using church bonds to finance her education. Peggy became an educator for twenty years. For 16 of those years, she taught 4thgraders at an inner-city school. Steve attended Golden Gate Seminary after finding his purpose at CBC and pastored several churches before retiring. When he was a bivocational pastor, he worked part time with the CBC Development Foundation, Golden Gate Foundation and the California Baptist Foundation as well as seven years as a Hospice Chaplain.
The Browns have been very active as alumni, and when their two sons attended CBU, they also spent much time on campus with them. Two of their grandchildren graduated from CBU, and one grandchild is currently a senior. Having so many CBU alumni in the family, it isn’t surprising that the Browns have shown their commitment to Christ-centered educational experiences by leaving a planned gift to fund scholarships for future CBU students in need.
When asked what others should know about CBU, Peggy said, “The quality of education and the rich
campus life might surprise people.” Steve says he found the finest woman he’s ever met at CBC, who loves God and has worked with him through the years.
The Palm Drive Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends who have invested in California Baptist University’s future through a planned gift (such as a gift in a will/trust, an IRA or retirement plan beneficiary designation, annuities and charitable remainder trusts). The Browns encourage CBU alumni and friends to look at their finances and consider giving to the future, saying an estate gift can provide a significant contribution in a way that perhaps wouldn’t be possible now.
PALM DRIVE LEGACY SOCIETY
The Palm Drive Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends who have invested in California Baptist University’s future through a planned gift. Examples of planned gifts include a gift to CBU from a will or trust, naming CBU as a beneficiary on retirement funds, life insurance policies or annuities and charitable remainder trusts.
Membership in the Palm Drive Legacy Society demonstrates commitment to improving future generations through Christ-centered educational experiences. An estate gift commitment positively impacts CBU and inspires others to make the decision to support the mission of CBU through purposeful giving.
Estate commitments to CBU leave a lasting legacy that will impact students for years to come.
Steve and Peggy Brown
ESTATE GIFT COMMITMENTS TO CBU
$19,814,402
$71,363,895
“The scholarship I received has made a profound impact. My mother’s cancer diagnosis and my father’s emergency surgery led to substantial medical costs over the past year. This scholarship was a tremendous relief, allowing me to focus on my education. It brought me closer to achieving my goal of becoming a BSN RN at CBU. As I approach graduation, I am excited about specializing in pediatric care, particularly in the NICU, as I believe this is where I have been called.
Thank you for making a significant difference in my life and supporting my journey.”
Alyssa Ramos Senior
TOTAL KNOWN ESTATE GIFT COMMITMENTS:
$97,316,797
Undesignated Student Scholarships Programs and Other Initiatives GIFT DESIGNATION
More and more, CBU alumni and friends are choosing to make an estate gift commitment to CBU. $97,316,797 in estate gift commitments have been designated to different scholarships, programs, schools and colleges at the university. An estate gift commitment not only helps CBU but it secures a lasting legacy of impact.
CAMPUS news
CAVAD NAMES NEW DEAN
Donor-Funded Scholarships Awarded Since 2017
$12.45M
Amount awarded has seen a 357.15% increase in the last eight years.
Dirk Dallas is the new dean of CBU’s College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD). When CAVAD began in 2012, it had three programs and 160 students. Now, it is one of the largest Christian art and design colleges in the United States. CAVAD is comprised of 601 students and 21 program offerings embracing the entire spectrum of design-oriented disciplines. CAVAD strives to help launch a student’s creative career so they can live their purpose.
CAVAD’s founding dean, Mark Roberson, handed the baton to Dallas in July 2024 with the directive to move the college into the next chapter. Dallas is married with four children; the oldest (14 years) can’t wait to attend CBU. He credits the success of CAVAD to the Lord’s continuous gracious blessings and the high-caliber faculty—working professionals with their fingers on the pulse of their respective industries. This success means that CAVAD students are winning prestigious national awards and making names for themselves in their various fields at a variety of internationally recognized brands, firms, and ministries across the globe.
Dallas brings 23 years of multidisciplinary design work to CBU, including graphic design, art, cinematography, photography, motion design, 3D, print, social, and web design. He has developed award-winning brand and advertising campaigns for major brands that include Nike, Google, Disney, Ford, NASA, and General Electric. Dallas believes that all his prior hard work was the Lord’s way of preparing him for his dean role.
Keeping tabs on alumni (and having alumni volunteer to mentor students) shows Dallas that top firms are hiring graduates. Integrating faith with studies, Dallas considers the classroom his mission field. He says he is “disciplining and mentoring students for life, not just a job.” He wants students to leave school better than when they come in, becoming leaders who make disciples and take light into the workplace. Dallas says, “The people at CBU are incredible. I’m constantly learning from my colleagues and students, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow each week simply by being part of this incredible university.”
Dirk Dallas
HOFSCHROER NAMED DEAN OF STUDENTS
Chris Hofschroer started his journey at CBU as an undergrad student and is now moving into his 21st year on staff with the university. He currently serves as the dean of students and leads the Community Life and Campus Recreation teams in producing purposeful co-curricular programs and services for our students.
As the dean of students, Chris strives to “start with why” (see Simon Sinek’s book). He says, “As long as we know and are focused on our why, we can be purposeful in our goal setting and decisions become clearer.” One goal for Chris and his team is to ensure that CBU is an authentic place that feels like home to its students. He
NEW ACADEMIC OFFERINGS
knows that goal has been reached when students head back to campus after a break and tell their parents, “I need to head back home now.”
During his time at CBU, Chris and his team have created and enhanced several different programs and services that have become beloved university traditions for students, alumni and friends. Introducing events like Lancer Madness (formerly Midnight Madness) to CBU and growing the Fortuna Bowl into a time-honored Lancer tradition are hallmarks of his time at CBU. He credits these accomplishments to his great team for their hard work and dedication to improving each program every year.
Although events and programs help make the CBU experience one to remember for most students, what Chris and his teams are more focused on is helping students “transform from young 17 or 18-year-olds to academically prepared, biblically rooted men and women of high integrity, who have a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ and use their skills to serve in a local church.”
New majors, programs and certificates for Lancer students.
Majors
• Broadcast and Media Production, BA
• Data Science, BS
• Digital Media Communication, BA
• Early Childhood Education, BS
• Health and Human Sciences, BA
Master’s Programs
• Criminal Justice, MS
• Early Childhood Studies, MS
• Educational Psychology, MS
• Integrative Nutrition, MS
Post-Master’s Program
• Educational Specialist in School Psychology, EdS
CBU CELEBRATED THE UNIVERSITY’S OLDEST GRADUATE PROGRAM
The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program began in 1982 with 13 students enrolled in the program and 11 total graduates in the class of 1984. Forty years later, it is now one of the largest graduate programs at CBU.
This program meets the requirements for licensure in the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and graduates can become licensed professional clinical counselors. The program transitioned to online learning in 2012 with a virtual hybrid format.
Doctorate Programs
• Medical Sciences, DMSc
• Public Health, PrPH Other
• Information Technology Management Certificate
• Management Certificate
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.
2025 NATIONAL RANKING #5 Student Experience
Chris Hofschroer
LANCER athletics
HISTORIC SEASON FOR THE 2023-24 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM
For the second time, California Baptist University women’s basketball is the cream of the Western Athletic Conference crop. The Lancers clinched the outright championship with the program’s first-ever win at Grand Canyon, 85-81, in overtime, earning them the 1-seed for the WAC Tournament.
The Lancers took on 3-seed Stephen F. Austin at the WAC Tournament. The Ladyjacks led most of the way, but the Lancers persevered and chipped away an 11-point deficit to ultimately earn the 75-74 win. Four years since winning the Western Athletic Conference Tournament for the first time, the California Baptist University women’s basketball team claimed their
second title and accepted the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The win put CBU in uncharted but welcomed waters as the focus shifted to the NCAA Tournament where they would be matched up against the UCLA Bruins. The historic 2023-24 women’s basketball season culminated in an 84-55 loss to the Bruins. The Lancers made Riverside and the entire CBU community proud with a strong effort as the 15-seed.
The Lancers finished with a DI record 28 wins, eclipsing the previous mark of 26, set during the 2020-21 season.
The 2023-24 team was among the best in the country this year as a top-10 in points (10th, 81.2), three-pointers made (5th, 9.9 per game) and assists (8th, 19.3 per game). They also led the WAC in points per game, assists per game, rebounds, and assist-toturnover ratio.
This was also the Lancers’ fourth undefeated home season in program history, matching the best mark of 14-0 first accomplished in the 2015-16 season. All four unblemished home stands have come under the leadership of Jarrod Olson, who earned the conference Coach of the Year award each season the team accomplished this mark.
CBU STUNT CHAMPIONS ... AGAIN!
The CBU STUNT team won its fourth consecutive national championship against the University of Kentucky.
Under the direction of Head Coach Brandon Seagondollar, CBU has achieved four national titles in four years and a perfect 80-0 program record.
HISTORIC SEASON FOR CBU’S MEN’S SOCCER TEAM
The most successful season in California Baptist University men’s soccer history ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to the top-ranked team in the nation, Marshall University.
CBU ended the 2023 season with a 10-6-4 record overall and a 5-1-2 record in the Western Athletic Conference.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY EARN FOURTH STRAIGHT WAC TITLE
The CBU men’s cross country team earned first place at the WAC championships and the women earned a second place finish in the races.
For the men, it was their fourth straight conference title, and for the women, it was the sixth consecutive season they have finished first or second in the race.
Scan the QR code to learn more.
Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center now and then.
ALUMNI award winners
Ray, ’66 and Penny Young, ’66 Lancer Lifetime Achievement Award
Ray and Penny have spent a lifetime serving others. Whether it be as a pastor as Ray was, as missionaries, as a teacher for Penny, or as volunteers for various organizations — they have answered the call.
God called them to an additional ministry to serve the grieving when their beloved son, Matthew Ragan, was tragically killed in an automobile accident at 19 in 1994. Penny’s book, I’ll See You in the Sunrise, A Mother’s Odyssey in Grief, has given comfort and support to countless grieving families. Penny served for 20 years on the board of directors for Alive Alone, Inc.
The Youngs have dedicated their lives to the Gospel, service and the mission of CBU.
Michelle Adair, ’93 Alumni Philanthropy Award
Store Owner, My Room My Way & Training Assistant - SDSU Research Foundation
Mike Staver, ’84 Alumnus of the Year
Founder, The Staver Group & Published Author
Bill Williams, ’81 Distinguished Service in Christian Ministries Award
Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church - Rancho
Marissa Figueroa, ’19 Alumni Service Award
Athletic Trainer, NFL Buffalo Bills
Wil Byers, ’11 Young Alumni Achievement Award
Partner, Merrill Private Wealth Management
“I am pursuing a degree in Christian Behavioral Science and Intercultural Studies. This scholarship brings me one step closer to achieving my post-graduation goals. My passion lies in selfpublishing books and sharing the gospel of Christ. Despite having cerebral palsy, I have embraced the challenge of writing books with my nose, and the ability to do this brings me immense joy.
Attending CBU has been a blessing. It’s the best school I could ever have chosen. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity because of your generosity.”
Fawzi Haziel Gramajo Junior
Cucamonga
These eight graduates are just a glimpse of the thousands of CBU graduates who have entered the workforce in professions for which they studied diligently at CBU. They are Living Their Purpose!
SEO & Content Specialist
IDIQ
First Officer
Skywest Airlines
Field Engineer
Whiting Turner
SEL Counselor
Julian
Project Engineer
McCarthy Building Companies
Registered Nurse
Providence Hospital
Arizona
Tyler Brunell, ’22
Eric Chavarria, ’24
Michaela Dunn, ’23
Carlos Medina, ’19
Jacob Singhavong, ’22/’24
Charter School
Yakira Tollefson-Webb, ’23
Kaelin Hahn, ’24
Head Stunt Coach
Christian University
Raymond Vargas, ’22
Manufacturing Associate Poseida Therapeutics, Inc.
PARENT leadership circle
FAMILY HAS GROWN CLOSER TO CHRIST AS PART OF THE LANCER COMMUNITY
2025 NATIONAL RANKING
#3 Best Campus in America
#4 Best Food in America
#27 Best Dorms in America
#32 Best Christian College in America
CALIFORNIA RANKING
#2 Best College Campus
#2 Best College Dorms
#2 Best College Food
#4 Best Christian College
#5 Best Colleges for Education
#7 Best College Athletics
#8 Best Colleges for Nursing
#10 Best Colleges for Accounting & Finance
#32 Best Colleges in California
Tom and Sonia Bilaver have been CBU parents for seven years. The couple’s son graduated after attending the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business and Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education and is now a full-time CBU employee. Their daughter, a senior at CBU, wants to continue after graduation to pursue her master’s degree.
The Bilavers became members of CBU’s Parent Leadership Circle (PLC) when a friend recommended the PLC as a way to stay informed and attuned to campus activities. Sonia says being a PLC member is not a huge time commitment, but the work is very important. Tom is pleased to be part of the PLC, saying, “Kids feel good when parents are involved.”
The Parent Leadership Circle is a group of CBU parents who play a pivotal role in the life of the CBU community and the overall success of the university. The PLC enriches the spiritual and academic environment at CBU through prayers, service, special events, and financial support. PLC members commit to praying for CBU and giving generously to CBU annually. Tom and Sonia established and funded “The Bilaver Family Endowed Scholarship” to help other students attend the university their family found to be transformative. As part of CBU’s (now concluded) $40 Million Endowment Challenge, their gift was matched by CBU and matched again by a generous friend of the university, quadrupling their investment.
If your child considers attending CBU, the Bilavers would tell you, “Don’t think twice. It will be the best decision you make for you and your kids. Faculty, administration, and even the president will talk to your kids and call them by their names. There is ‘life’ on the beautiful CBU campus, and students receive an amazing educational experience in a positive environment.”
The Bilavers believe being part of the Lancer Community is an honor. They say their “Kids have grown at CBU and have become great human beings. Because of CBU, our entire family has grown closer to Christ in our faith. We could have drifted and grown apart from the Lord, but CBU has truly reformed our faith and brought us closer to our Lord and Savior. CBU has been a great experience for our whole family.”
Tom and Sonia Bilaver
WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR THE GENEROSITY OF ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORT CBU!
As we strive to help students understand and engage through a Christ-centered educational experience, you are making a kingdom impact on them. Because of you, their skills, integrity and sense of purpose will glorify God and distinguish them in the workplace and the world.
California Baptist University
8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
Lancer Plaza, now and then. Scan the QR code below to learn more.
