SUMM E R 2 0 2 0 • VO LU M E 6 2 • I S S U E 2
THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
CBU responds to COVID-19 PA G E 8
CBU president celebrates 25th anniversary
Dr. Marshare Penny, coronavirus researcher
Former CBU hoop star now aiding COVID-19 patients
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PA G E 1 2
PA G E 3 7
IN THIS ISSUE
S U M M E R 20 20 • VOLU ME 62 • ISSUE 2
F EAT URE STO RY
8 Coronavirus (COVID-19) became a reality to the entire CBU community on March 13, 2020. Just one day earlier, CBU was abuzz with classes, activities and highly anticipated upcoming events.
Contents
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COLLEGE OF BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is honored as valuable community partner.
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ONLINE EDUCATION CBU faculty and students make the transition to remote instruction for spring semester.
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CHAPEL Dynamic worship service, Biblically rooted message
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ALUM NEWS
Beautification Award
Adams Street entrance becomes the latest Riverside beautification award won by CBU.
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Milan Acquaah
CBU guard wins the WAC Player of the Year.
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Nursing
Nursing simulations bring real-life health scenarios to students.
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Homecoming
Thousands of alumni and friends attended homecoming activities.
PRESIDENT’S NOTE RON A LD L. EL L IS
THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY SUMMER 2020 VOLUME 62 • ISSUE 2
Fellow Lancers,
I hope this message finds you and your loved ones well.
Since our previous issue of The Roundtable, the world has been impacted greatly by the novel coronavirus pandemic. In more than 25 years as president of California Baptist University, this event is unlike any we have ever experienced. Never have we sent students home mid-semester and closed the CBU campus. Never has remote instruction been the almost exclusive teaching and learning modality at CBU. Never have so many CBU employees worked from home. Never have entire seasons of intercollegiate athletics been canceled. And never have we postponed commencement ceremonies and related events that are beloved traditions of the Lancer Nation. These are but a few of the unwelcome disruptions and innumerable challenges we have navigated in pursuit of safeguarding the CBU campus community. That has been our focus throughout the pandemic. It remains our top priority. That is why, in the middle of the spring 2020 semester, the CBU leadership team determined it was best to transition all but a handful of academic courses online and significantly restrict campus access to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In scarcely two weeks, CBU nimbly and effectively pivoted to remote instruction for all programs.
I am so proud of the work done by the dedicated CBU faculty and staff who committed themselves to making the best out of the difficult situation we all faced together. And I am proud of the CBU students who adapted to unprecedented circumstances to complete this most unique of academic years.
In this issue of The Roundtable, you will read how CBU faculty members and staff are committed to helping students “Live Your Purpose®” amid the coronavirus pandemic. And you will read how CBU alumni are serving on the front lines in the global war against an invisible enemy. While remote instruction has brought about unique opportunities for our community, CBU has always been a place for traditional education. Our beautiful campus is not the same without students. We have created a task force that has developed plans to safely reopen the campus whenever that should occur.
EDITOR Dr. Mark A. Wyatt ASSOCIATE EDITOR Vivian Quezada ART DIRECTOR Edgar Garcia PHOTOGRAPHY CBU Athletics, Isaiah Aguirre, Kyle Ready Edgar Garcia, Vivian Quezada, Madeline Kozelchik CONTRIBUTING WRITER Andrew Shortall SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES California Baptist University Division of University Advancement advancementservices@calbaptist.edu 951.343.4226 Alumni and Donor Information Division of University Advancement 800.782.3382 calbaptist.edu/advancement Admissions and Information Department of Admissions 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504-3297 877.228.8866 The Roundtable is published three times annually for the alumni and friends of California Baptist University. Third Class Postage at Riverside, California
The vision of a “University Committed to the Great Commission” still inspires what we do at CBU. I sincerely believe that California Baptist University can come through this stronger than ever. I look forward to welcoming new and returning students alike to the vibrant campus experience at CBU.
Postmaster, Please send address changes to:
Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D., President California Baptist University
THE ROUNDTABLE REPRINT POLICY Contents copyright 2020 by California Baptist University.
Until then, stay safe, “Lance Up” and may the Lord continue to bless!
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504-3297 Non-profit permit No. 3078
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED None of the content in this issue of The Roundtable may be reproduced in part or in whole without written permission from California Baptist University’s Marketing and Communication Division. To obtain permission, please send your request to mwyatt@calbaptist.edu. EDITORIAL INQUIRIES Contact Dr. Mark A. Wyatt at 951.343.4474 mwyatt@calbaptist.edu STAY CONNECTED
SUMMER 2020 3
AROUND CAMPUS NEWS A N D EV EN TS
▲ From left: Mr. Brent Lee, board member of Riverside Unified School District; Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of College of Behavioral and Social Sciences; Jennifer O’Farrell, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire; and Matthew Stowe, board chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences honored as valuable community partner The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University was honored with a prestigious award from the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire honored the college as its 2019 Partner of the Year.
In the past five years, the college has collaborated with the organization in a variety of ways. For instance, CBU students have served as mentors in the program; CBU Master of Social Work students serve as interns for Big Brothers Big Sisters; and faculty members at CBU have provided staff training on various issues. Additionally, the Center for the Study of Human Behavior at CBU is helping the organization identify positive outcomes from its mentoring program.
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The partnership has also provided children and their families in the program opportunities to visit CBU for a campus tour.
“The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences has come around us to support our mission,” said Jennifer O’Farrell, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire. “The faculty and students are fantastic.” Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, has been on the nonprofit’s regional board for five years.
“Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and CBU demonstrates a commitment to working across sectors for the common good,” Gustafson said. “Together, we can be the difference, one culture, one community and one person at a time.”
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis honored for 25 years of transformational leadership at CBU More than 200 people attended an event celebrating the 25 years of Dr. Ronald L. Ellis as president of California Baptist University on Jan. 16, 2020. Ellis officially marked his 25th anniversary as CBU president on Nov. 1, 2019.
Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey said CBU has transformed dramatically under Ellis’ leadership. “Ron Ellis is the model of what stability and continuity and visionary leadership can do for an organization,” Bailey said. “He is locally minded but globally focused. I have observed Dr. Ellis in action. He is a leader of godly character with integrity, vision, courage and passion.” Ellis, during brief remarks, credited God’s blessings for the success and growth at CBU. He reminded the audience that CBU is a “University Committed to the Great Commission.”
“No one person can do anything close to what’s been done here. You’ve got to have a team,” Ellis said. “Not only people who have the ability. But they have to have that passion that ‘I’m going to help the organization accomplish its mission. I’m going to live my purpose by helping the students and others in this organization live their purpose.’”
CBU Online places high in 2020 U.S. News & World Report rankings CBU Online, the Division of Online and Professional Studies at California Baptist University, placed high in multiple categories in the 2020 national rankings released by U.S. News & World Report (USN&WR). CBU Online earned the No. 52 spot among online bachelor’s programs in the 2020 “Top Online Education Program”—the highest placement among California colleges ranked for best online bachelor’s programs. CBU Online also ranked high in the USN&WR rankings for “Best Online Master’s in Education Program for Veterans” and “Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans,” as these programs earned a No. 23 and No. 34 ranking respectively.
CBU Online faculty members also earned high marks in the USN&WR rankings. The Division of Online and Professional Studies faculty members received a No. 1 ranking for faculty credentials and training for online bachelor’s programs in addition to its Master in Business program and the several degree options within graduate education degree offerings.
CBU Online currently serves approximately 5,000 students online through 23 undergraduate majors and concentrations, 16 graduate majors and specializations, and two doctoral programs in business administration and public administration.
SUMMER 2020 5
MIND. BODY. SPIRIT. “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” Matthew 22:37 (NASB)
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SUMMER 2020 7
COVID-19 RESPONSE
CBU responds to coronavirus During a quarter century as president of California Baptist University, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis is credited with leading the institution into a golden era marked by enormous progress and development. Indicators of CBU’s vitality included the university’s strategic expansion of academic programs, the addition of campus facilities, and the dramatic enrollment growth that resulted with thousands of students seeking to “Live Your Purpose” ®. Ellis is quick to acknowledge the blessing of God and adds that CBU’s position of strength has benefitted from careful planning, strategic decisions and hard work—all while continually pursuing his vision of “a University Committed to the Great Commission.”
Then, early in 2020, the novel coronavirus pandemic broke out around the world. It was unlike any issue Ellis had faced since becoming president of CBU in 1994. The impact and challenges created by the global JAN 31 CBU’s first communication to the community regarding the coronavirus.
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MAR 3 CBU forms a COVID-19 task force. One of first measures is to keep track and document Lancer community’s recent travels.
health crisis required a critical focus of leadership and decision-making to preserve the mission of CBU, ensure its sustainability, and safeguard the university’s students and employees.
“Protecting the health and well-being of the CBU community has been our paramount concern. It informs every decision being made in response to this spreading health crisis,” Ellis said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has required all of us— including California Baptist University—to respond to new challenges, sometimes daily.”
MAR 11 CBU communicates with Lancer community that they are in talks with Riverside County health officials on their recommendations for handling the coronavirus.
MAR 12 CBU cancels events and extends spring break from March 13 – March 27.
COVID-19 Restricts Campus Access Coronavirus (COVID-19) became a reality to the entire CBU community on March 13, 2020. Just one day earlier, CBU was abuzz with classes, activities and highly anticipated upcoming events. With the traditional spring break just two days away, students and faculty members were busily wrapping up their remaining classes and assignments before the break.
However, all of that would change by day’s end as campus life at CBU took a sudden, unprecedented turn.
MAR 14 CBU restricts all domestic and international business travel.
MAR 14 CBU announces moving all classes to remote instruction beginning March 30.
MAR 16 CBU postpones spring commencement.
The COVID-19 pandemic made local headlines as it spread throughout California, including several confirmed cases in Riverside County at that point. The CBU Executive Council, consisting of the university president and vice presidents, convened on March 12 to address the numerous phone calls and emails from concerned parents and students who wondered what the university’s response would be.
Ellis and the vice presidents developed an immediate plan of action. The Executive Council decided a cautious proactive response was needed. That evening, a campus-wide email went out, announcing an extended spring break starting on March 13.
The email encouraged residential students to leave campus and alerted the entire campus community to prepare for alternative methods of instruction. CBU also canceled numerous scheduled events and prohibited outsiders from entering campus.
Ellis encouraged the CBU community to lean into their faith and each other during the trying times. “My prayer for the Lancer Nation—and indeed for our world—is that our shared faith in the providence of a loving God will guide the decisions and actions needed to overcome these challenges and strengthen our vision of CBU as ‘a University committed to the Great Commission.’ May the Lord continue to bless,” Ellis wrote to the CBU community on March 12.
Online and Professional Studies, more than 2,000 courses were offered online at CBU during the spring semester. CBU transitioned to remote instruction for all traditional undergraduate and graduate academic programs effective March 30. The quick turnaround was possible due to the university’s foresight into online education.
Dr. Tran Hong, associate vice president of technology, said his department had been preparing for such an online transition for some time. “Anticipation, forethought and business continuity planning has helped CBU prepare for this transition,” Hong said.
Hong said CBU had prepared for such a situation during previous projects. For instance, software licensing was purchased for the entire campus The following day, March 13, Dr. Cameron Kaiser, community to study online. Internet bandwidth and Riverside County Health Officer, ordered the closure infrastructure improvements also were made for of all Riverside County’s schools, colleges and online growth along with adding new online teachuniversities, except for essential workers to help ing technologies. lessen the spread of the novel coronavirus. “Faculty have several delivery options for their classes,” Hong said. “We applaud those school districts that have taken proactive choices to close their schools in order to Available technologies for online classes include mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Blackboard Learn, WebEx Meeting, Box, and Office Riverside County,” Kaiser wrote in a news release. 365. In less than three weeks, CBU had significantly closed its campus, sent most students home, and Transition to remote learning transitioned to remote instruction. “This unpreceThe university extended spring break to two weeks dented public health crisis clearly impacted every to provide time for academic programs to convert member of the CBU campus community—students, to remote learning. parents, faculty and staff—and society at large,” Ellis said. “I want to thank the entire Lancer Nation for Staff in the CBU Information Technology Services their understanding and patience as we made signifdepartment spent many hours preparing the pivot icant adjustments to address a difficult and dynamic to remote instruction. The result: together with situation.” MAR 19 CBU extends campus restricted access due to County of Riverside mandate until April 30.
MAR 20 CBU extends remote instruction to the end of the spring term.
MAR 25 CBU announces campus housing closure with a prorated housing refund for the five weeks remaining in semester.
APR 2 CBU lengthens campus restricted access to June 19 following another county mandate.
APR 17 CBU announces a new task force that will work to develop plans to reopen campus.
A management group from Provider Contract Food Service provides care packages for its employees affected by the coronavirus pandemic on April 10, 2020, at the Market Broiler restaurant in Riverside.
Provider supports its employees during coronavirus pandemic Provider Contract Food Service, which manages food services at California Baptist University, has been a longtime partner with the university. When the CBU campus closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, Provider had to shutter many of its dining locations. But that did not stop them from helping their food service employees. Provider was able to provide biweekly care packages for all food service employees who were affected by the closure. “Our company is quite unique in that many employees have been with us for decades. We truly are a family, and family sticks together and takes care of each other,” said Rodney Couch, founder and president of Preferred Hospitality Inc., Provider’s parent company. “I am humbled to work alongside such an amazing team and grateful to be able to give back to the employees who have served our loyal guests for over 30 years,” Couch continued. “We are doing everything we can to be ready to re-open all of our dining locations when it is safe for our guests, students, faculty and staff, but until then we hope to continue to support our staff with these care packages.” SUMMER 2020 9
COVID-19 RESPONSE
CBU faculty and students make the transition to remote instruction Christopher Kern, assistant professor of photography at California Baptist University, admittedly was concerned when his class switched to remote instruction due to the coronavirus pandemic. He mostly wondered how working from home would affect his students’ creativity.
However, Kern, who is also program lead for photography in the College of Architecture Visual Arts and Design, saw that his students were exceeding his expectations.
for two nonprofits groups.
However, when the events were canceled, students shifted to create a website, Cavad Agency, to showcase their classmates’ creative talents as well as their own.
Kern and the other photography faculty relied on synchronous classes to maintain a sense of normalcy and a schedule.
Because the pandemic closure affected professional photographers as well, they were available to talk to classes through WebEx, Kern said.
“They are creating some of their best content they’ve ever created,” Kern said. “I knew they were going to rise and be able to create work, “The ‘Brady Bunch’ gallery view on WebEx is but the quality and quantity of work right great to keep the students feeling like they’re now and the thoughtfulness that has gone connected,” Kern said. into it has been awe-inspiring.” Dr. Anthony Chute, professor of church Kern’s Design Thought Practicum (DES 310) history, provided an asynchronous learning classes had been creating content for events environment through recorded lectures. He 10 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
also held a weekly live remote meeting to address students’ concerns and answer their questions.
Chute said he regularly emailed his students to offer encouragement and to let them know he is praying for them.
“I would encourage students and faculty to become acquainted with the Psalms, because they cover our entire range of emotions in times of joy and crisis, and they were written by people who faced similar or even worse situations than COVID-19,” Chute said.
Dr. Veola Vazquez, professor of psychology, teaches undergraduate and doctoral courses. In her undergraduate class, a remaining assignment was an in-class “psychotherapy lab.” Students were required to submit a short video showing them practicing therapy techniques.
“CBU is planning to ensure a safe environment for students, employees and visitors once the campus reopens.” — Kent Dacus
Vazquez encouraged her students to stay in contact especially if they have questions or struggles.
“I’m very available and want to talk to students,” Vazquez said.
Student Perspectives Sami Timblin, an applied theology sophomore, did most of her classwork from her room at home in Cypress, California. Timblin said she set goals for each day to stay on top of her schoolwork.
“I really miss the classroom setting; however, my professors have done a really great job with helping us finish the semester strong and learning the material,” Timblin said.
Cal Ericksen, an architecture freshman, finished the spring semester at home in North Haven, Connecticut. To better comprehend the information taught remotely, he often reviewed lecture material after class.
“Some of my professors are good about having virtual office hours where we are able to pop in any time and ask questions or get feedback,” Ericksen said. Ericksen said he appreciated being on the East Coast.
“The three-hour time difference for me has been surprisingly beneficial, as I have the ability to sleep in and feel more awake when attending my classes that would normally occur in the morning,” Ericksen said.
Reopening Campus The executive council appointed a task force to develop plans to reopen campus for the fall 2020. However, with a surge of COVID-19 cases during the summer, they announced July 30 that courses would be delivered through primarily remote instruction.
“CBU is planning to ensure a safe environment for students, employees and visitors once the campus reopens,” said Kent Dacus, CBU vice president for enrollment and student services.
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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT GLOBA LLY MI N D E D
“Research was showing that over time, when more measures were added, the rate of disease transmission and recovery were effected.” — Dr. Marshare Penny
⊳ Dr. Marshare Penny, professor of public health at California Baptist University
Dr. Marshare Penny Joining the research on COVID-19 Dr. Marshare Penny has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak since its global outbreak. She and a team of researchers from a Chinese university have been learning what it takes to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Penny, professor of public health at California Baptist University, said research has shown that social distancing and isolating sick individuals swiftly is key for containment and control. Earlier this year, as the coronavirus was spreading around the world, Penny served on a team that studied the impact that simulated governmental control measures had on disease transmission.
“Research was showing that over time, when more measures were added, the rate of disease transmission and recovery were effected,” Penny said.
The research was primarily conducted by faculty at the Hangzhou Medical College in Hangzhou, China. CBU’s College of Health Science has a partnership with the medical college. Hangzhou is approximately an eight-hour drive east of the COVID-19 outbreak epicenter in Wuhan City. “From this research and others looking at outbreaks as early as the 1918 12 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
Spanish Flu, persistent public health measures can be effective in mitigating not only the spread of disease, but the sustainment and severity of outbreaks,” Penny said. Measures such as staying home, quarantine and isolation “are the most effective public health interventions we currently have to stop disease transmission and save lives,” Penny said.
Penny joined the research team in early February and the group’s findings were published in the Journal of Medical Virology on March 6, 2020. Penny served as the third editor on the publication titled “Transmission dynamics of the COVID-19 outbreak and effectiveness of government interventions: A data-driven analysis.”
Penny said the team’s data was obtained from the Chinese National Health Commission, in addition to data secured from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other Chinese agencies and media outlets. Penny reviewed the article for its methodology. Penny said she is looking to explore the impact of public health interventions used in the U.S. as officials tried to decrease the spread of the virus.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
G R E AT C O M MIS S ION F OC US E D
John King is Great Commission focused
⊲ John King, Director of Mobilization
John King stepped into the role of director of mobilization at California Baptist University in June 2019, prepared to continue the university’s 20-plus years of mobilization efforts.
“There is an incredible legacy that I get to build on here,” King said. King, who became a Christian at 15, began seeing the world through God’s eyes during his college years.
“I started to see the weight of the Great Commission and the fact that I, as a follower, had a place in God’s mission, sharing the gospel on my college campus, reaching out to international students on campus,” King said. After graduating, he went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While there, he married his wife, Angela, and they started praying about what to do next.
“That’s when God made it clear for that next season, we were going to be on the front lines of advancing the gospel around the world,” King said. They served in the Middle East with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for three years. Then God redirected them toward mobilizing people in the states. King spent six years as a mission pastor in Louisiana, followed by three years as a cross-cultural mobilization pastor in Las Vegas.
When the director position came along at CBU, King said it was exactly what he wanted to do.
“I love to teach. I love to disciple students, but I also love to be mobilize and be a practitioner,” he said.
The goal is to mobilize students to be engaged in Great Commission work at home and around the world, King said.
“Our real wins come years down the road after students graduate. They go lead in local churches in North America and beat the drum for Great Commission work or they go overseas long term,” he said. “That’s the end goal, but it doesn’t happen while they’re here on this campus.”
The treks for the ISP teams were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, team members still had trained for an opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission, King said. Students learn what it means to abide in Christ during ISP training. The training also provided the students with tools they can use to share a three-minute testimony and a format for prayer.
“If we’re going overseas to share the good news of Jesus with people, it makes sense that we should do it here on this campus, too,” King said. King had heard about CBU previously. In 2010, as the Kings finished up “I love this campus. I love the students. I love the diversity of our student their time in the Middle East, one of their last assignments was prepar- population, both in their spiritual background and ethnic background. I’m ing for a CBU International Service Project (ISP) team that would come looking forward to investing in students who are headed to engage God after the Kings had left. in his work around the world.” SUMMER 2020 1 3
SPIRITUAL LIFE BI BLICA LLY R OOTE D
CBU Chapel: Dynamic worship service, Biblically rooted message Greg Laurie, founding pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, delivers a sermon at California Baptist University’s chapel on Feb. 25, 2020.
When Brett Vowell, director of chapel, started working at California Baptist University in 2003, chapel was held at Magnolia Church across the street from campus. The only set up needed was microphones and a mic check.
“I look for musical ability,” Jimenez said. “I look for a heart for the Lord and I look for passion for leading worship and inspiring people through music.”
“I pull all the pieces together, communicating between the parties,” Vowell said.
When chapel moved from the Van Dyne Gym to the Events Center, the production of chapel also evolved. There was more space, better acoustics and a state-of-the-art sound system.
In July, Jimenez and the worship team leaders select the songs to play at chapel. He also brings different sounds onto the stage such as Worship It might be an understatement to say a lot has changed since then. Collective, a choir of 120 students from the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music; stringed instruments; acoustic sets and a brass section. Preparation and execution of chapel in the Events Center at CBU now “The purpose of music in chapel is to help students engage with God on a involves a small crew of student workers. The evening before chapel, more intimate level that encourages them to worship Him,” Jimenez said. students lay carpet tiles and set up chairs. Others set up the stage, drapes and prepare the audio, video, lights and sound. The worship band and Kaylee Garcia, a mechanical engineering senior, is a vocal team lead. The vocal team also rehearse. experience has taught her how to serve her team, her superiors and the student body. During chapel, student workers with scanners check in the students and act as monitors. Other student workers handle the production side, rang- “I know that there is nothing that melts the heart of God more than seeing ing from operating video cameras to posting graphics on the LED screens. His people praise and offer themselves to Him as one body in complete Vowell wears a headset during chapel as he directs the action. surrender,” Garcia said. Weekly production meetings include Vowell; Jason Stephenson, director of media productions for Athletics; Hector Gabriel Jimenez, chapel worship leader; and others.
Thirty students make up the worship bands and vocal teams. Students audition in the spring. 14 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
“The sound system in the Events Center is not a middle range sound system. It’s the same brand that Metallica goes on tour with. It’s very high-quality stuff,” Stephenson said.
Stephenson said he stresses excellence and professionalism to the student workers, who operate the cameras, the lights, the soundboard, graphics, lyrics and videos. Students who cannot attend chapel have an online option – and that has progressed over the years. The online chapel used to be audio only. Now it is interactive video.
“Our staff have always wanted our students to have the best chapel experience they could possibly have. It’s a mandatory thing, but that doesn’t mean we get lazy in what we do,” said Dr. John Montgomery, dean of Spiritual Life. “I’m very thankful that CBU prioritizes chapel. It prioritizes the opportunity for us to be able to explain the gospel multiple times throughout the semester and to encourage students spiritually.” For the message, Montgomery said he looks for biblically minded, dynamic speakers who have experience addressing thousands of people.
“I want students to hear different voices of different speakers from different backgrounds, different ethnicities, but they’re all speaking from the same scriptural truth and they’re connecting with students,” Montgomery said.
Chapel speakers have included pastors Rick Warren, Greg Laurie, D.A. Horton and Dhati Lewis; singer and songwriter Anthony Evans; former NFL player Miles McPherson; author and speaker Chrystal Evans Hurst; and poet, hip-hop artist Jackie Hill-Perry.
Montgomery said that chapel is designed to encourage one’s faith development.
“Our students are all over the map when it comes to their spiritual development,” Montgomery said. No matter where they are at, “we want this to be a time that they leave going, ‘OK, that was encouraging.’”
SUMMER 2020 1 5
Adams Street entrance latest Riverside beautification award won by CBU
Scores of cars piled into the East Parking Structure at California Baptist University on Dec. 11, 2019. Thousands of visitors were on campus to celebrate fall commencement at CBU.
As the visitors entered the new entrance on Adams Street and Lancer Lane, there was a seamless transition into the East Parking Structure. Once parked the event-goers only had a few minutes walk to the Events Center. Getting in and out of CBU for large events has gotten a whole lot easier. The past fall semester marked the opening of the new main entrance to CBU at Adams Street and Lancer Lane. The entrance features a new monument arch, signature campus fencing, expanded roadway and hardscape with outdoor seating areas.
These elements combine to welcome visitors and guide them past award-winning facilities including the Recreation Center, Events Center and the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building into the academic core of the CBU campus.
The East Parking Structure also opened for students use in Lancer Plaza at the corner of Adams Street and Diana Avenue. The massive five-level 16 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
structure features more than 1,450 car stalls for the CBU community, two elevator towers and more than 50 security cameras.
The new entrance and car park have drawn praise from students and the public at large.
“I was amazed the first time I entered campus through the new entrance,” said Miranda Bailey Hald (’20). “The entrance is grand, the access is easy and everything looks so clean.” The Adams Street entrance received the Mayor’s Award during the City of Riverside Mayor’s State of the City address on Jan. 30. The award is part of the Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful (KRCB) program.
Mayor Rusty Bailey and Donna Little, chair of KRCB, presented the awards. Mark Howe, CBU vice president for finance and administration, accepted the award on behalf of the university.
KRCB is a community program sponsored by the City of Riverside and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. Its mission is to foster a sense of community pride by creating partnerships that work toward the beautification of the city.
CBU Beautification awards: Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful program
2019 1st place for New Construction with Landscaping Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building
2018
2017
Mayor’s Award Events Center
2nd place for Exterior Reconstruction with Landscaping College of Health Science Campus
2016
2015
1st place for Exterior Reconstruction with Landscaping of The Point
1st place for Exterior Reconstruction with Landscaping Lancer Plaza North
SUMMER 2020 1 7
SCHOOL OF NURSING ACA DEMI CA LLY P RE PARE D
Nursing simulations bring real-life health scenarios to students Sarah Pearce, director of simulation and standardized patient program at California Baptist University, was preparing her actors for a nursing simulation. They would portray patients suffering from congestive heart failure.
“It’s hard to breathe,” said one of the actors, as she pretended to gasp for air. “Keep telling that to the nursing students,” Pearce instructed the actor. “You’re an instructional actor, be an advocate for the students.”
When Pearce (’10, ’13) attended CBU as a student, she wanted to be a doctor. She also considered teaching fourth grade. And she loved theatre. Then, as a student worker in the Learning Resource Center in the College of Nursing, she learned about simulations. Now she combines all those loves in her role with the College of Nursing.
“I had my hands in it all the whole time and didn’t realize God was saying this is what you’re supposed to do,” Pearce said. “It’s amazing how theatre, education and health care really do go together in simulation.” Her master’s thesis on standardized patients led to creating CBU’s 18 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
program. A standardized patient (SP) is a person trained to exhibit certain characteristics of a real patient. They are then used to teach and evaluate students in a simulated clinical environment.
“If you can create a patient who is just as realistic as the real thing, the students can see that [same] patient every semester,” Pearce said.
In November 2019, the College of Nursing received a five-year accreditation in teaching/education through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, the largest international accrediting body for healthcare simulation. The college’s Interprofessional Education Learning Resource Center is the only accredited program in the Inland Empire.
As director, Pearce trains the SPs and helps faculty create and run the simulations to ensure they meet the accrediting standards.
Pearce uses 50 SPs who are paid. Half are CBU students. Throughout the year, the SPs fill 1,045 roles in 128 different simulations. That includes the interprofessional education disaster simulation that employees 160 actors to portray victims.
“It’s amazing how theatre, education and health care really do go together in simulation.” - Sarah Pearce
“The realism is so important and that’s why we use standardized participants. If the students can forget they are in simulation, then they can perform like they would out in the real world,” Pearce said. “We can give them feedback to help them make a change so that they can care for that patient or client in the best way possible.” “Simulations teach you to think on your feet and to respond to situations quickly and professionally,” said Alyssa Reece, a second-year nursing student. “I take the information I learn from simulation and utilize it when I am in a hospital setting.”
Students run through simulations in skills laboratories and a state-ofthe-art simulation studio that places them in scenarios such a mental health ward or an apartment simulating community health.
While nursing uses simulation training the most, other programs such as physician assistant, athletic training, speech-language pathology, counseling and social work also use it. Additionally, staff from local hospitals have undergone training at CBU.
“This position is very scientific but it’s also innovative and creative and you always have to be problem solving, which I enjoy a lot. It’s the way the Lord designed me,” Pearce said.
SUMMER 2020 1 9
ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT
EQUI PPED TO SE RVE
For CBU nursing grad, “Live Your Purpose®” means caring for COVID-19 patients Melissa Diggory (nee Bennett, ’09) is a nursing veteran. For the past decade, after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CBU, she has worked in the telemetry unit at Redlands Community Hospital (Redlands, California) where patients need constant monitoring and care.
“In the beginning there was a lot of fear of the unknown. I wasn’t sure what to really expect and how to mentally prepare myself, which caused a lot of anxiety,” Diggory said. “Talking to my dad one day, I told him I felt like I was going into battle, but I just didn’t know who I was fighting and if I would make it back. There was fear for my co-workers and I of not Despite her experience as a health care provider, treating her first coro- being protected enough, and potentially exposing our vulnerable family navirus (COVID-19) patient in April 2020 was a scary and intimidating members.” experience. The hospital worked to conserve PPE supplies in various ways including “I was inside the closed unit and felt trapped in my PPE [personal protec- sterilizing the N95 masks and some face shields, Diggory noted. Diggory tive equipment], paranoid that my mask wasn’t fitting right whenever I said she was thankful for community support as the hospital received felt a breeze or smelled something different and worried when my goggles donations of gowns, masks and shields. Diggory also said that her hospistarted fogging up because I was breathing too hard,” Diggory said. “That tal never had a shortage of ventilators. day, I prayed with all my patients, because if I was scared, I knew they were too.” Diggory follows a strict safety routine throughout the day. When she arrives for work, she has her temperature taken and changes into surgiDiggory said the fight against COVID-19 was uncharted territory. cal scrubs. 20 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
“Every day, I say a prayer for protection and safety, but I also pray that I can be present with each of my patients and co-workers.” - Melissa Diggory
Diggory follows step-by-step instructions on how to properly suit up with PPE equipment. Certain staff members called “COVID buddies” help ensure she and others are thorough in the process.
At the end of her shift, Diggory washes her hands, arms and face. Then she changes back into her own scrubs. She also cleans her work shoes before leaving the unit.
“Every day, I say a prayer for protection and safety, but I also pray that I can be present with each of my patients and co-workers,” Diggory said.
Diggory’s husband, Matthew, is a medical optometrist. Since Diggory started treating COVID-19 patients, she and her husband try to practice social distancing measures. They take their dog, Mila, for walks and do yard work just to get outside. She also spends a lot of time reading and catching up on movies and TV shows. While her work is mentally and physically difficult, Diggory says she also has peace.
When she gets to her car, she changes into another pair of shoes to walk from her car to the garage. At home, she changes clothes and puts her scrubs into the washer. She uses cleaning wipes on anything “I know that each day I’ve been given is a blessing and every patient is she brings into the house. When at last she is inside, she showers. someone who needs love, compassion and a sense of security, and each shift God has called me to be that person for them,” Diggory said. “KnowWhile on duty, Diggory tries to sit and talk with her patients, letting them ing that the Lord is in charge and walking through it with me continues share their worries. to give me the strength and the courage to keep going.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to stop and be still when you’re running around trying to get everything done, but it’s important to take time with each patient to let them know you care and that you're there for them,” she said.
On workday mornings, Diggory tries to eat breakfast and drink water since she is not sure when she will be able to slow down for a break at work. She saves time by not doing her makeup or spending too much time getting dressed since she wears PPE all day at the hospital.
Diggory said her time at CBU taught her about adaptability and grounded her in faith.
“These traits have been extremely beneficial in my nursing career because sick patients can be unpredictable and you have to be flexible in how you care for each one,” Diggory said. “I feel that my education and strengthened foundation in Christ makes it easy to be open with my patients when they need it most.” SUMMER 2020 21
WALLACE THEATRE BABETTE’S FEAST
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Theatre program seeks to make “Christian playmakers” Rebecca Patty, a senior at California Baptist University, said her time in the theatre program taught her many aspects about the stage.
reminds me of [authors] C.S. Lewis or Flannery O’Conner, where they’re able to get you thinking about biblical themes, but God isn’t really mentioned.”
“The theatre program does an excellent job of giving us a very well-rounded education Mihelich has a personal tie to the play. Years ago in performance and tech. They do this both when he lived in New York City, he was part of through classes and on the mainstage produc- a team that developed the play from the short tions,” said Patty, a Christian studies and theatre story and produced it. double major. “I’ve learned so much simply by being thrown into the deep end of the artistic “For me, it’s a real privilege to bring it to the CBU process, all the while having the mentorship of community,” Mihelich said. my professors to help me navigate it.” The theatre program brings in Christians in Patty portrayed Martine in “Babette’s Feast,” the industry to address students about being performed at CBU in February 2020. She also “the salt and light,” Lyons said. It prepares the has had roles in the CBU productions of “Pride students for their responsibility as a Christian and Prejudice,” “Lost in Yonkers” and “A Christ- to be a difference, he added. mas Carol.” Patty said she has also appreciated the opportunity to learn about directing and Students in the theatre program meet weekly designing shows. for worship, Bible study and small groups where they discuss what it means to be a Christian That is the goal of the theatre program at CBU, engaged in the arts. In a leadership role, Patty said Lee Lyons, the theatre program director. meets with the small group leaders to discuss discipleship and coordinates with students “We want to make playmakers, Christian play- about planning events. makers. They’re not just actors,” Lyons said. “They can go out and make a play happen from zero to finish. Theatre is not a singular art. Even a one-woman show has 12 people backstage making that show happen.”
Patty, who grew up in the Republic of Slovenia, plans to return there and bring the gospel to aspiring actors. She said her spiritual leadership role “has helped me grow in discipleship and how to facilitate spiritual growth in a community of Christian artists.”
Gail White, of Virginia, attended a February performance of “Babette’s Feast.” She had previously seen the movie.
“They really got the message across. You have to enjoy life,” White said. “Part of living is eating and celebrating with your friends and loved ones. Just because you believe in God doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and enjoy.” Rekha Yadav, of Riverside, also had seen the movie and is a fan of Isaak Dinesen, the book’s author.
“It’s a small intimate theater. I think the kids are very talented,” Yadav said of CBU’s production. “I have seen a lot of plays on Broadway; in comparison, this is really good with the limited budget that they have. These kids could perform on stage anywhere and the director did a fabulous job.”
Lyons said the program seeks to do different types of theatre, including Greek, Shakespeare, post-modern, underrepresented voices in theatre and a faith- or gospel-based play.
The CBU production of “Babette’s Feast” followed two sisters, Martine and Phillipa, who presided over a dwindling and bickering congregation in a village in 19th century Norway.
“This play was saturated with the theme of God’s grace,” Patty said. “My love for the play and theatre itself has grown exponentially because of this.”
Frank Mihelich, associate professor of theatre who directed “Babette,” said the play is like other faith-based plays with ties to C.S. Lewis, Corrie ten Boom and Dietrich Bonhoeffer that CBU has performed.
“’Babette’s Feast’ is just as powerful,” Mihelich said. “I want to start a deep, robust conversation around grace. What I love about the play is, it
SUMMER 2020 23
LANCER ATHLETICS MEN ’S BASK E TB AL L
CBU MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM SECURED THE MOST WINS–37–IN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF TRANSITIONING TO NCAA DIVISION I
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SUMMER 2020 25
LANCER ATHLETICS
STUDEN T ATHL E TE P ROFIL E
Sophomore point guard Milan Acquaah was introduced to Lancer Nation in the 2018-19 season, the inaugural season for California Baptist University in NCAA Division I competition. The 6-foot-3-inch, 195-pound guard became the Lancers’ leading scorer, averaging 19 points a game. Wearing number 0, Acquaah has shown a flair and excitement surrounding his game. Whether it’s draining threes, hitting game-winning buzzer beaters or throwing down dunks, Acquaah’s presence is felt on the court.
20 1 9 -20 20 S E AS O N
31 32.6 18.1 4.9 5.8 26 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
GAMES PLAYED MINUTES PER GAME POINTS PER GAME REBOUNDS PER GAME ASSISTS PER GAME
With Acquaah at the point, the Lancers secured 16 wins in the first year of a four-year transition process to NCAA Division I status. It is the most wins by a firstyear team that is an RPI counter (playing four or fewer non-Division I opponents on its schedule). Acquaah’s impressive first season as a Lancer earned him the Western Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year award. Acquaah helped create a buzz around Lancer basketball. The men’s games soon became the largest events on campus with several games posting 5,000 plus in attendance. “I [came in] wanting to compete to the best of my ability and trust God and trust the work that I put in before games and throughout the summer while playing with confidence and playing to the best of my ability,” Acquaah said. Rick Croy, head coach of men’s basketball, said Acquaah’s presence has been a blessing to the team. “He carries himself as a leader and has been a great fit for our program since day one and we felt that, and I believe he felt that as well,” Croy said. “He puts in a tremendous amount of work and he plays with a special swagger that shows up on game night.”
Acquaah’s second season was even more impressive. The Lancers shattered the NCAA record for most wins in the first two seasons of the transition period into NCAA Division I men’s basketball. The Lancers finished the regular season with a program-best 21-10 overall record and have combined to win 37 games in their first two years. Acquaah finished the regular season averaging 18.1 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. With those averages, he ranked second in points, second in assists, and 16th in rebounds among WAC players. Acquaah scored 20 or more points in 12 games in the 2019-20 season, including a 27-point performance in an overtime win against Seattle University for Homecoming and senior night on Feb. 29, 2020.
S ENI OR DE ’JO N DAVIS EA RNED A SPOT O N T HE WAC 2020 A L L-DE F E N SIVE T E AM
Acquaah inked his name into the CBU record books on Feb. 8, 2020, when his 30-point performance against Grand Canyon University secured his 1,000th point in his two-year career as a Lancer. He also added to his trophy case, as the junior guard from Bakersfield, California, became the first Lancer to earn the WAC Player of the Year award. Acquaah also was named to the 2019-20 Lou Henson All-America Team.
SENI OR B RAN DO N BOYD WAS NA MED WAC 2 02 0 N E WCO ME R OF T HE YE AR
SUMMER 2020 27
LANCER ATHLETICS UPDATES
CBU OFFERS SPRING STUDENT ATHLETES AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE THEIR ELIGIBILITY California Baptist University announced plans to support the return of senior student-athletes who participate in a spring sport, providing them an option for another season of competition.
“I feel blessed that I have been presented the opportunity to come back and play another year for CBU. I chose to come back because the feeling of unfinished business did not sit well with me.” - John Glenn Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Western Athletic Conference Board of Directors canceled all WAC competition and championships through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. CBU’s announcement came after the NCAA approved a measure extending eligibility for spring-sport student-athletes.
the impacted seniors to return, and that we can do so by offering up to the same scholarship amount they have now. We are looking forward to having them back so they may continue to advance academically while competing once again in a Lancer uniform in 2020-21.” CBU expects many seniors will accept the opportunity to return with some of them needing to start graduate studies soon. Some may choose other options, such as playing professionally, pursuing a job opportunity or furthering their education elsewhere. “A lot of factors go into providing this great opportunity that we are proud to be able to offer during a time of uncertainty throughout college athletics and beyond,” Parker said. “We have worked hand-in-hand with our campus leadership and coaches in an effort to serve our student-athletes to the best of our abilities.” John Glenn, a senior student-athlete, said he is thankful the COVID-19 pandemic did not end his collegiate baseball career.
“We are excited about the [NCAA] Council’s “I feel blessed that I have been presented the decision to extend eligibility for our spring- opportunity to come back and play another sport student-athletes,” Dr. Micah Parker, direc- year for CBU,” Glenn said. “I chose to come tor of Athletics, said on April 14, 2020. “It’s also back because the feeling of unfinished busioutstanding that we can provide an option for ness did not sit well with me.” 28 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS IMPACTS CBU ATHLETICS, WAC COMPETITION In consideration of the global COVID-19 pandemic and challenges faced by its member institutions, the Western Athletic Conference Board of Directors voted Aug. 13 to suspend all fall championship and non-championship athletics competition through the end of the calendar year. "It obviously was a difficult decision, and not one made lightly," said Jeff Hurd, WAC commissioner. "But it was one made after extensive discussion and consideration of all relevant factors as well as input from conference administrators and the Medical Advisory Committee. The health and safety of our student-athletes, the many others associated with our athletics programs and all those in our campus environments always will be the highest priority."
The decision also affects the non-championship portion of the schedule for CBU men's and women's golf, baseball and softball, with Jan. 1 set as the earliest opportunity for competition in these sports.
The fall conference championship sports affected are CBU men's and women's cross country, volleyball and men's and women's soccer. Contingent on the NCAA fall championships being moved to the spring and if feasible, the WAC will conduct the respective sports during the same time frame.
Conditioning, strength training and other practice opportunities in all sports will be permitted per institutional discretion.
Men's and women's basketball and men's and women's swimming and diving competition will be postponed through the end of October pending board discussion on winter athletics competition.
The fall competition schedule for CBU men's water polo, a member of the Western Water Polo Association, has also been postponed. Additionally, in alignment with the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), CBU has delayed its wrestling season based on the recommended competitive schedule adjustments recently provided by the NWCA with a potential restart after Jan. 1.
SUMMER 2020 29
LANCER ATHLETICS W IN TER SPORTS RE CAP
WINTER SPORTS California Baptist University had 71 student-athletes earn Academic All-Western Athletic Conference honors for the fall and winter semesters in 2019-20. This year’s honorees are 17 more than the 54 Lancers who received the accolade in the fall and winter of 2018-19. In order to qualify for the honor, each student-athlete must have completed at least one full academic year at the school, maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or better and have competed in at least 50 percent of the team’s contests. The Lancers also set new department records for combined department grade-point averages in a semester (3.475) and academic year (3.445) in 2019-20. California Baptist University built on an impressive 2018-19 debut in NCAA Division I and the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) with an even stronger showing in year two.
BASKETBALL The men’s team finished with a 21-10 overall record and a second-place finish in the WAC at 10-6. The women took seventh in the WAC regular-season standings, with a 7-9 conference record to go with a 16-15 overall mark. Collectively, the two programs combined to win 71 games over the last two years; only New Mexico State University has more combined wins in that time span.
• Milan Acquaah, junior guard, named WAC Player of the Year, NCAA Division I All-Region selection and a Lou Henson NCAA Division I All-American
• Brandon Boyd named WAC Newcomer of the Year
CROSS COUNTRY The CBU women’s cross-country team finished its season ranked No. 30 in the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s National poll. The women’s team placed fifth in the West Region, after winning a second consecutive WAC title. The Lancer men concluded their season as runners-up in the WAC championships and finished with a No. 9 ranking in the West Region.
• Adam Tribble named WAC Women’s Coach of the Year • Anett Somogyi won individual WAC title, named WAC Runner of the Year
• Andrea Kolbeinsdottir named WAC Freshman of the Year • Zlatko Kozuhar named WAC Freshman of the Year
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WOMEN’S SOCCER The Lancers finished the season with a D-I program-best 13 wins and closed out the Western Athletic Conference with a program-best 6-2-0 record.
• Rola Badawiya, Karley Weeks and Tiana Hill all made the All-WAC women’s soccer team.
WOMEN’S SWIM AND DIVE California Baptist University completed its program bestever finish by taking second place at the Western Athletic Conference Championships. An all-underclassmen 400-yard freestyle relay team of freshmen Mackenzie Degn, Hannah Houlton and sophomores Rita Smirnova and Isabella Rhodes took second place at the competition and in the process set a program best mark at 3:21.36. It bested the previous CBU record of 3:22.20.
MEN’S WATER POLO The men’s water polo team ended the 2019 season ranked 15th in the NCAA. The team ended the season on a 7-2 run. Overall, the Lancers went 17-15 on the year with four top-20 wins. The Lancers also placed third at the Western Water Polo Association Championships with a 12-10 win over Santa Clara in the final game of the year. It is the first time CBU has finished top-three at the conference tournament.
• Logan Mena named a men’s NCAA Division I All-American honorable mention by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches
• Kevin Rosa named Co-Coach of the Year by the Western Water Polo Association
SUMMER 2020 31
ALUMNI EVENTS HO MEC OMI N G
â–² Homecoming 2020 California Baptist University
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Homecoming 2020 More than 5,000 spectators attended various activities for the 2020 Homecoming weekend at California Baptist University on Feb. 28-29. On Friday evening, CBU hosted hot air balloon rides for the first time on the Front Lawn. Also that evening, at the Alumni Awards Dinner hosted in the Innovators Auditorium, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, expressed gratitude for the large alumni crowds that return each year for Homecoming weekend. He also thanked them for all the support the university has received throughout the years.
“CBU really changed my life. I met my husband here and the friends that I have today are from CBU. Being here (again) has really reminded me that the longtime friends I have in my life originated here.” - Sandra Heflin (‘65)
CBU alumni recognized at the dinner included: At one point, Bolin asked the audience to Jacob Gonzalez (’17), recipient of the Young call out a favorite hymn; he then played the Alumni Achievement Award; Alexander Clif- requested song. Viola Estel said she appreciford (’98), recipient of the Alumnus of the Year ated the worship at the event. award; Mark Craig (’73), Distinguished Service in Christian Ministry Award recipient; Viola “The last song we sang, ‘When We All Get to Estel (‘64), Lifetime Achievement recipient; Heaven,’ I thought this is like a rehearsal for and Alan (’69) and Sandy Young (’69) Alumni when we all get to heaven,” said Estel. “It was Philanthropy Award recipients. Also at the nice to see how some people didn’t even use awards ceremony, four new inductees into the their [hymn] books and they just knew it by Lancer Hall of Fame were announced: Joseph memory. The blessing of just singing the hymn Pacheco (‘14) for men’s soccer; Taylor Siemens was great.” (‘11) for baseball; Kendall Gorham (‘12), for softball; and Mary Hanson Logan (‘15) for On Saturday evening the focus of festivities women’s swim. switched outdoors for a men’s basketball pregame party featuring games, activities and On Saturday, the festivities included 50-, 25- and food for eventgoers leading up to the game’s 10-year class reunions. For Sandra Heflin (’65), tip-off. it had been years since she visited the campus. The CBU Lancers secured a thrilling 88-87 over“I am just amazed at how it has grown,” Heflin time victory over Seattle University in front of said. “CBU really changed my life. I met my more than 5,000 fans. husband here and the friends that I have today are from CBU. Being here (again) has really Milan Acquaah hit the game-winner with less reminded me that the longtime friends I have than five seconds left in overtime, sending in my life originated here.” Lancer fans into a joyous uproar. Joanne Harper, who participated in the 50-year reunion, said the growth at CBU was remarkable.
“The campus is so big now. We only had the old James Building when I was here,” Harper recalled. “I am amazed with how the whole campus has grown.”
For the second year, there was a time to sing hymns led by Dr. Joseph Bolin, dean of the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music.
“Tonight was special,” said Rick Croy, head coach for the men’s basketball team at CBU. “Both teams were playing at a high level. Really proud of our team and grateful for this senior class. They have so much love for CBU and for each other. We are grateful for the support. I cannot imagine a better college basketball game in the country than what took place tonight in the CBU Events Center. With homecoming, all the alumni, everyone that’s poured into CBU, we all did it together tonight. We don’t win this game unless this place is sold out. We needed everyone pulling together, and our fans were amazing.”
SUMMER 2020 33
ALUMNI AWARDS HO MEC OMI N G
2020 Alumni Awards ▲ Jacob Gonzalez was awarded the NFL Photograph of the Year for 2018.
Jacob Gonzalez (’17)
YOUNG ALU M N I ACH I E V E MENT AWA R D
“When I graduated from CBU, I didn’t think I’d be doing this much cool stuff, so to be recognized for that is pretty awesome,” Gonzalez said. “It means a lot to me because CBU was there for me when I got started and I probably wouldn’t be where I am today without everyone who helped me at CBU.”
Alex Clifford (’98)
A LU MNUS OF TH E Y EA R
In 2017, Jacob Gonzalez was contracted to photograph for NFL teams the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. As a result of his stellar work, the NFL invited him to photograph Super Bowl LIII in 2019. Later that year, Gonzalez was awarded the NFL Photograph of the Year for 2018 and honored during the Hall of Fame week in Canton, Ohio. Since then, Jacob has started a new role as team photographer with MLS soccer team Atlanta United FC. 34 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE 3 4 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
Alex Clifford received his MBA from CBU in 1998. Following a brief management leadership role
with a small start-up company, Alex began working for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 2001, where his positions included general manager and later executive officer in charge of high-speed rail.
In 2011, Clifford was recruited to become the CEO of Metra in Chicago, one of the largest commuter rail properties in the nation. With a history of unethical business practices including political patronage, Metra board members asked Clifford to “clean up the place,” and Clifford was committed to that task. In 2014, Clifford returned to California as the CEO/ general manager for METRO, whose board is very pleased to have a leader in place with a proven commitment to the highest ethical standards.
“CBU instilled both ethical values and strengthened my Christian values that have been a part of how I have behaved in my professional life,” Clifford said. “It’s a foundation that I draw upon frequently. CBU holds a very special place in my heart.”
where he has produced live events for Christian artists and speakers such as Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Steve Green, Chuck Swindoll and Max Lucado. He has produced songs for Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Additionally, he has coordinated various national convention events over the past 20 years.
Viola Estel (’64)
L A NC ER MEDA L FOR L IF E T IME AC H I EV EMENT
“I believe all these people I’ve been able to impact over the years, all over the nation, are actually an extension of CBU,” Craig said. “The bottom line is, it’s not about us – it’s about God, and it’s about Him using us whatever we are doing, wherever we are.”
Alan (’69) and Sandy (’69) Young A LU MNI PH I L A NTH ROPY AWA RD
Mark Craig (’73)
D IST IN GU I S H E D S E RV I C E I N C H R I ST I A N MINIST RY AWARD
Alan and Sandy Young have been residents of Riverside and supporters of CBU for more than 50 years. Both graduated from then California Baptist College (CBC) in 1969. Alan obtained his Bachelor of Arts in History and Sandy her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. During their senior year at CBC, Alan and Sandy were selected for teaching internships in the Jurupa Unified School District.
Both went on to serve in the field of education and obtained master’s degrees. After retiring, both Sandy and Alan taught as adjunct professors at CBU and National University.
Mark Craig graduated from CBC in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He also obtained his teaching credential.
Alan and Sandy have also been great supporters of CBU Athletics through their financial gifts.
As the first member of her family to attend college, Vi Estel entered CBC during the fall of 1960. Having grown up in a Southern Baptist family in Fresno, California, Estel had her eye on CBC from the time it opened in 1950.
Estel met her husband, Curt, at CBC and they married in 1964. After graduating, the Estels moved to Northern California while Curt attended Golden Gate Seminary. Together they served at numerous churches in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2002, Vi and Curt returned to Riverside to be near their sons and grandchildren. Curt was offered the role of director of senior adult ministries at Magnolia Church. After Curt passed away in 2006, Vi was asked to take over the leadership of the ministry in which she continues to serve. Upon their return to Riverside, Estel began working in CBU’s admissions department. Then, in 2004, she took over the role of archives manager in the Annie Gabriel Library.
Estel spent 15 years as archives manager at CBU, where she oversaw the identification, organization, and digitizing of thousands of archival photographs, publications and documents. Also, during this time, Estel served as president of the Baptist Historical Society of California, whose archives are also housed at CBU.
“We wanted to model for our kids, and espe- “The people that I met at CBC back when I was a cially our grandkids, the importance of giving student, and then when I had the opportunity to to others,” Alan said. The Youngs are Lancer be on staff at CBU, influenced me and continue to Craig said he tried to obtain a teaching job after basketball season ticket holders and Alan is influence me today,” Estes said. “That is not only graduation, but the doors only opened in the a member of the Lancer Athletic Association a blessing, it is a unique thing about CBU. As big music field. He accepted a position as a music Board. In 2019, Alan and Sandy created the John as it’s grown, I’m so grateful that we’re keeping director for a church in Ventura, California. Caleb Williams Memorial Fund, in honor of their the main thing the main thing, by keeping this a Today, Craig is still serving at the same church, late son-in-law, to support Lancer Athletics. Great Commission University.” currently in the role of chief financial officer. Craig also created his own production company,
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UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT G IVING BAC K
Lancer Nation supports Endurance Fund during COVID-19 crisis In response to the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, CBU encouraged Lancers to embrace the Endurance Fund challenge that includes a request to Pray, Promote, and Provide for CBU. The campaign had a three-fold approach: seeking God through prayer, calling for Lancers to unify in their solidarity of the university, and for those who can, provide financial support.
CBU Endurance Fund Challenge:
PRAY PROMOTE PROVIDE
for CBU students, faculty, staff, leadership, and the entire Lancer Family. CBU through recommendations of prospective students and through the promotion of the CBU Endurance Fund. for CBU by making a sacrificial gift to the newly established CBU Endurance Fund.
ua.calbaptist.edu/Endurance
Paul J. Eldridge, vice president for University Advancement, said that we all had to adjust to the new normal the coronavirus pandemic created – and the adjustment was not easy.
“We have had such a wonderful and encouraging response to our CBU Endurance Fund campaign. Alumni, friends, parents, and grandparents are praying for CBU, promoting CBU, and providing for CBU by giving over $580,000 to the Endurance Fund. What a great blessing to all of us here at CBU,” Eldridge said.
“My heart goes out to the families that have been affected by this situation,” Eldridge said. “I am especially burdened for our CBU students who needed to make significant changes on short notice.” “I love Lancer Nation, and it was a great encouragement to see Lancers This pandemic has been a trial for many individuals and our society facing this challenge head-on. This campaign provided an opportunity at large, Eldridge acknowledged. “The CBU community really unified for our alumni, parents and friends to help CBU continue to fulfill its under this campaign to help CBU come out resilient on the other mission as a University Committed to the Great Commission,” he said. side,” he said. The Endurance Fund was launched the first week of April and has seen significant generosity and success.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Olivia Weber, former CBU hoops star, now facing off against the invisible killer
Olivia Weber (’17), an accomplished women’s basketball alumna at Cali- Weber was assigned to help determine patient treatment options and fornia Baptist, has joined a new team—one that is fighting an invisible communicate to patients and their families a recommended course of enemy and a deadly foe. Weber, who is a physician assistant, recalls one action. Through it all, patient care remained a high priority for Weber. evening during her night shift that the coronavirus pandemic became a reality for her. “The biggest thing for me was to talk to the patients as much as possible—even if they were sedated—and letting them know what was going “I was assigned a patient that had low oxygen. A few hours later the individ- to happen,” Weber said. “I would also call a patient’s family and discuss ual was given a ventilator and then a few hours later that patient passed the patient’s situation and keep families involved as much as possible.” away,” Weber said. “I was heart-broken.” “COVID-19 patients cannot have visitors, so in many cases I was the hand Weber started working in the emergency room at Aurora Sinai Medical and eyes of the families and I tried to communicate the best I could of what Center located in the inner city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last year. After was happening,” Weber said. the COVID-19 outbreak, she was transferred to an intensive care unit. Milwaukee County has reported more than 3,000 confirmed cases of After a grueling day on the job, Weber turned to her faith and a familiar COVID-19 as of May 4 and has experienced nearly 200 deaths. On April voice to help her cope with the stresses of the job. 4, 2020, the county reached its peak for coronavirus cases. Weber would work 80 hours a week—a task that would require endurance of mind, “There were times I would go home and look for [pastor] Matt Brown body and spirit. sermons to listen to,” Weber said. Weber said CBU’s culture had a big part in preparing her for this crisis. She was part of a powerhouse women’s basketball team at CBU from 2014-2017, when the Lancers enjoyed arguably their best four-year run. CBU won more than 80 percent of its games with a 109-25 record and qualified for the NCAA Division II postseason in three of the four years Weber played. The team won two PacWest Conference and West Region titles, reached the division’s final four twice and qualified for the D-II championship game in 2015. Weber also was named a PacWest Academic All-Conference team member during her time at CBU. Weber said playing on those championship teams were some of the best times of her life that helped her learn mental, emotional, physical and spiritual disciplines.
“CBU promoted learning in all aspects of life. This was a part of the CBU culture that helped me become a well-rounded individual,” Weber said. After graduating, Weber hung up her blue, gold and white Lancer gear to pursue a job where white coats were the choice of uniform—as a physician assistant. After obtaining her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Carroll University (Wisconsin) in May 2019, she found a job at Aurora Sinai Medical Center. Weber recalls seeing an influx of cases at her hospital during a peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. In one evening alone, 17 patients were admitted to the hospital and 15 had the virus. Of those 15 cases, 12 ended up on ventilators.
While she attended CBU, a teammate and staff member introduced her to Sandals Church, where Brown serves as the lead pastor. Weber would attend Sandals regularly during her time at CBU. She also attended a Bible study within the physician assistant program at CBU, led by Dr. Sean Sullivan, department chair of kinesiology, and Dr. Wayne Fletcher, associate provost for academic services.
“I still keep in touch with many people at CBU,” Weber said. While Weber has witnessed a lot of grief and pain through the coronavirus, she also has memories of triumph that she is thankful for. “I remember one patient that was in ICU for a long period of time. When I first saw him, he was gray and looked like he could die at any minute. However, they were able to perform a tracheostomy procedure to wean him off the ventilator. After about a month he was finally able to talk to his wife; that was one of the best feelings ever,” Weber recalled. Weber said she has formulated several insights from her coronavirus experience.
“We need to turn back to God and rely on him,” Weber said. “We also need to make changes to our daily lives. We need to be thinking of hygiene and washing our hands multiple times each day. Our American cultural view of sickness also needs to adapt. If we are sick, we should be able to stay home and not have to work ‘sick.’ We also need to have difficult quality of life conversations with our family members.” SUMMER 2020 37
Alum news Analydia Garcia (nee Bracamonte ’97) lives in Topeka, Kansas, with her husband, Jonathan, where she homeschools her children. Pictured: The Garcia family
‘10s
Kylee (Magby) Jones (’12) started working as a social worker for Loma Linda University Health in January 2020. Dakota McMahand (’15) started the nonprofit Budding Artists in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her organization provided art kits to children in the city of Lynwood, California. Pictured: The “Bringing Home Creativity” kit offered by Budding Artists.
‘60s
Alan Young (’69) is retired. Pictured above: Alan, Alison Young (’94), Bailee Young (current CBU student in chemical engineering), Laurie Williams (’98) and Sandy Young (’69).
‘70s
Susan Carol Buchanan (nee Parks ’70) is retired. She was an elementary school teacher in the San Jacinto Unified School District for 29 years. Charlene Moody (nee Chun ’70) is a retired teacher. She now enjoys spending time with her granddaughter Zoey. Pictured: Charlene and granddaughter Zoey.
‘80s
Rev. Russell Edwards (’80) is a senior pastor at Reformed Congregational Church located in the Marshall Islands. Margaret Myers (’80) is a teacher. She also works as a coach for Weight Watchers and is a worship leader alongside her husband, pastor Douglas Myers (’82). Laurie Cook (nee MacArthur ’83) retired from her position of regulatory compliance manager from Riverside Community Hospital in April 2020 after 43 years as a registered nurse. Laurie’s son is currently a senior at CBU. Pictured: Laurie with her husband, Robert, and son, Jonathan.
38 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
‘00s
Priscilla Grijalva (’01, ’03) is a counselor at Norte Vista High School in Riverside. She received a National College Board School Counselor Recognition in 2020. Clara Lee Barnes (’02) retired from nursing and went on to earn her doctorate in psychology from Walden University. She now serves in various community services endeavors.
Jonathan W. Jarboe (’86) became the president of the Baptist Foundation of California on March 1, 2020. Carla Gain (nee Lupkey ’72) retired from teaching after 12 years. She and her husband, Ken, moved to San Antonio, Texas. They enjoy retired life and spending time with their grandchildren Kendall (14), Connor (10) and Gracie (15).
Brenda Santos (Stark ’98) is a tax preparer and specializes in helping pastors, churches and nonprofit start-ups. Her son, Timothy, started his freshman year at CBU in the fall of 2019.
‘90s
Jennifer Ingram (nee Perzinski ’95) had her first book published, “Adulting for Christians: An Interactive Guide to Keeping the Faith While Learning the Ropes” (March 31, 2020).
Monty Stayner (’07) works for the Arlington Fire Department. He resides in Burleson, Texas, with his wife, Ashlee Stayner (nee Brandt ’08), and their three daughters, Brooklyn (6), Savannah (4) and Charlotte (2).
Sabrina Renteria (’17) works as a chief operations officer for the Bishop Paiute Tribe. She began the Doctor of Public Administration program at CBU in January 2020. Denis Vega (’17) is part of the executive team for the Community Health Systems, a not-for-profit health center for the tri-county area of San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego. Michelle Christine Urrutia (’19) is enrolled in a doctoral program for organizational structure with an emphasis in Christian ministry at Grand Canyon University. She also is a third-grade teacher. Jess Remp (’19) has worked for 15 years at the Corona Fire Department. He is married to Elizabeth Remp (’05).
ALUMNEWS Weddings
In Memorium Alumni Opal Miller '54 George Weaver '62 Charles Newton '65 Jerry “Patrick” Mcgrew '66 Russell Vaughn '68 Sally Cawthon '69 Philip Dabney '71
Faculty & Staff Carole Arnold Raquel Lebredo Charles Watts
William Woody '79 Liam Breunle '94 Sandra Neal '99 Dr. John Paul Husko, ’99 Brian Holmes '05 Eileen Padilla '08 Andrew Peck '10 Ezequiel Galaviz '16
Beloved Alumnus, Trustee and Friend of CBU Brittany Throne (’16) married Nathan Arambula (’16) on June 8, 2019. They live in Florida where Brittany works as the head athletic trainer for Polk State College. Nathan is the head athletic trainer at Warner University.
R. Wayne Stacks (‘63) passed away on Feb. 26, 2020. He was married to Nancy (Carrier) Stacks (‘64) for 54 years. Wayne served many years as a trustee for California Baptist University. He was recognized as CBU’s Alumnus of the Year (1993) and received the Distinguished Service in Christian Ministry Award (2019).
Allisson Silveira (’18) married Salvador Camberos on March 17, 2020. Pictured: Allisson and Salvador Camberos with daughter Audrina (4).
Little Lancers
He devoted his life as a minister to churches in Texas and California. Most recently, he was the director of missions for the Mother Lode Association. Survivors include his wife, Nancy, and three sons: Randy (’90), Geoff (’94) and Jonathan.
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1. Jeffrey (’03) and Erika Travis (nee Keith ’02, ’06) welcomed their son, Luke Cornelius, on May 2, 2019. He joins siblings Anna (13), Adam (10) and Elizabeth (7). 2. Travis and Elizabeth Juneau (nee Meadows ’06) welcomed their daughter Olivia on June 26, 2019. She joined big sister, Ellie Kate (4). The family makes their home in Northport, Alabama, where Elizabeth was nominated for Alabama State Teacher of the Year in 2016 and Jacksonville State Teacher Hall of Fame in 2017. 3. Stephen (’14) and Alyssa Rolle (’15) welcomed daughter Olivia Mae Rolle on Oct. 6, 2019. The family resides in San Diego, California.
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4. Jordan (’15) and Jessicah Singer (nee Chappell ’16) welcomed daughter Adeline Grace in December 2018. Jordan works as a designer for Crossway Publishing. Jordan received an ECPA Top Shelf design award at the annual PubU conference in 2019. Alexander Soto and Erin Fletcher (’18) welcomed their son, Hendrix Lee Soto, on June 18, 2019. The family resides in Perris, California, where Erin is a middle school science teacher. Jeff King (’19) and his wife, Kelly, welcomed Nolan David on Feb. 28, 2020. Nolan joins older brother, Emmett. 5. Sebastian and Jayvelyn Wilczek (’19) welcomed their daughter, Josephine, in May 2019. Josephine joins siblings Jonathan (3) and Jolienne (9). The family lives in California where Jayvelyn works as a school psychologist. 6. Steven(‘12) and Brittany Fruh (‘11) welcomed their son, Keaton Jones, in March 2020. Josephine joins brother Jaxon. The family resides in Timnath, Colorado.
To submit an item for the Alum News section please contact Josh Moss, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, at jmoss@calbaptist.edu. SUMMER 2020 39
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