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THE MAGAZ INE OF CA L I F OR NI A B A P TI ST UNI V ER SI TY
On Stage with Phil Wickham Students perform with the musician at Harvest Crusade PAG E 12
The Department of Aviation Science is doing its part to fill pilot seats
Students engage with other cultures through overseas trips
The goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team learns about resilience
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In This Issue
FAL L 20 23 • VOLUME 66 • ISSUE 1
FEATURE STORY
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Performing with Phil Wickham lets students experience the professional world while sharing the love of Jesus.
Contents
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Academic Advising The office revamps its approach to provide holistic advising and support services to students.
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AI Chatbot Faculty members give their view of text generators on campus.
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Alum News The latest news from Lancer alumni.
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Devotional A column by Dr. Greg Cochran provides an opportunity for introspection and inspiration.
Filling the Pilot Seat
The Department of Aviation Science is doing its part to meet the industry need.
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Nolan Premack
The goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team learns resilience on and off the field. 2 | R O U N DTA BL E M AGA Z INE
Global Engagement
CBU seeks to have students learn about other cultures and engage with the people.
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The Pizza Prof
Matt Leonard loves philosophy and pizza, and he works with both.
President’s Note RON A LD L. EL L IS, Ph. D.
THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY FALL 2023 VOLUME 66 • ISSUE 1
Fellow Lancers,
EDITOR Angela Meluski
Welcome to the fall Roundtable! With a new academic year well underway, students at California Baptist University are busy with academic pursuits, athletic endeavors and various extracurricular activities.
MANAGING EDITOR Vivian Quezada
In this edition, we explore those facets of student life, offering insights into how our students are not only preparing for their careers but also for life beyond our campus. Three programs in the Department of Aviation Science propel our students toward soaring success in the aviation industry. Whether it's aviation flight, aviation management or the online professional pilot program, these avenues empower students to learn about aviation business, safety, airport management and planning. Through a blend of classroom knowledge and hands-on experience, students are equipped to navigate the skies with confidence.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kristeen Farlow, Lauren Rios, Amanda Warner ART DIRECTOR Edgar Garcia SENIOR DESIGNER Kyle Ready PHOTOGRAPHY CBU Athletics, Edgar Garcia, Nathan Byrne, William Landers, Harvest
CBU's commitment to global awareness remains unwavering with various overseas opportunities beckoning our students. Aligned with one of CBU’s Core 4 outcomes — being globally minded — these programs are more than just travel experiences. They are journeys that enable students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, make connections with people around the world and engage in impactful service. In this issue, I hope you enjoy a peek into the experiences our students encountered on their global adventures.
CONTRIBUTOR CBU Athletics
In another life opportunity, approximately 200 students found themselves in the limelight as they shared the stage with contemporary Christian musician Phil Wickham at the Harvest Crusade this past summer. This event served as a valuable window into the professional world, while allowing students to spread a message of faith and love.
Alumni and Donor Information Division of University Advancement 800.782.3382 calbaptist.edu/advancement
Back in the classroom, CBU faculty members are at the forefront of exploring the potential of artificial intelligence text generators. They discuss the benefits of this technology and the possible downsides. We also look at the inspiring journey of Nolan Premack, the goalkeeper of the men’s soccer team, who learned about resilience both on and off the field. Branden Higa, the head women’s volleyball coach, shares insights about being a coach and a Lancer. Additionally, we take a closer look at the thrilling new season as our men’s and women’s basketball teams take the court. Lancer Nation seeks to make a difference, both in and out of the classroom, on and off our campus. We trust that you will enjoy this issue and savor the stories of the CBU community.
SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES California Baptist University Division of University Advancement advancementservices@calbaptist.edu 951.343.4226
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 Postmaster, Please send address changes to: CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504-3297 Non-profit permit No. 3078 THE ROUNDTABLE REPRINT POLICY Contents copyright 2023 by California Baptist University.
May the Lord continue to bless! Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D., President California Baptist University
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 ameluski@calbaptist.edu. EDITORIAL INQUIRIES Contact Angela Meluski at 951.343.4474 ameluski@calbaptist.edu STAY CONNECTED
Around Campus NEWS AND EVENTS
Enrollment grows for the 23rd consecutive year Fall 2023 marks the university’s 23rd consecutive year of enrollment growth.
look forward to how they impact the world with Lancer enthusiasm.”
At the fall Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, announced that fall 2023 enrollment totaled 11,580 students. The number represents an increase of 84 students over fall 2022.
The increase in student population brings with it a new financial milestone for the university, which for the first time exceeded 12,000 full-time enrollment (FTE) credits among its students. The new FTE record speaks to the financial stability of the institution and of its continued growth.
“The growth we have seen over the past 23 years is a testament to the commitment of university leadership, faculty and staff to ensure CBU is a place where students can live their purpose,” said Ellis. “We are thankful for the students who have chosen to pursue their academic careers at CBU and
Since Ellis arrived as president in 1994, CBU enrollment has grown from 808 students to 11,580, more than 13 times larger in 29 years. The university now offers more than 100 bachelor’s degree programs, 40 master's programs and eight doctoral programs.
CBU recognized in college rankings
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California Baptist University was recognized in the Wall Street Journal’s 2024 ranking of the Best Colleges in the U.S., tied for No. 1 in the country for career preparedness and ranked No. 2 for best student experience. The new Wall Street Journal/College Pulse survey ranks the top 400 colleges based on an outcomes-focused methodology, which moves away from rewarding “colleges’ wealth or reputation in and of themselves,” according to WSJ. This new approach measures the value added by colleges in helping create success for students. CBU was tied for No. 1 for colleges that best prepare students for careers. The No. 2 ranking for best student experience was a result of high marks in the areas of diversity, community and social life, and campus facilities. “The ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the U.S. The ranking was developed and executed in collaboration with our research partners College Pulse and Statista,” according to WSJ. In U.S. News & World Report’s annual 2024 Best Colleges rankings, CBU received a No. 30 spot for Best Regional University in the West. The 2024 rankings mark the 10th consecutive year CBU has received a top-50 ranking in the publication’s Best Regional Universities category for public and private colleges in the West. It is also the 18th year CBU has appeared in the Best Colleges list. CBU also earned significant placement in several other U.S. News categories: No. 26 for Top Performers on Social Mobility (based on enrolling and graduating students who received federal Pell Grants), No. 22 for Best Colleges for Veterans and No. 29 in the Best Value Schools category.
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CBU signs educational agreement with Naval Surface Warfare Center California Baptist University and the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division signed an Educational Partnership Agreement on Aug. 29, 2023, extending a collaboration between the two entities that was formed in 2014. The new five-year agreement will aid in the education experience of CBU students by providing access to NSWC Corona Division staff expertise, unique facilities and equipment related to academic disciplines including data science with emphasis on but not limited to data analytics, data visualizations and networked environments. “Extending our partnership with NSWC gives CBU students unique educational experiences through emerging technologies utilized by the military,” said Dr. Charles D. Sands, provost
and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at CBU. “Through this collaboration, we will inspire and better prepare students with the skillsets required for employment with high tech employers such as the Department of Defense.” As part of the updated agreement, NSWC will make Corona Division personnel available to teach courses at CBU or assist in the development of curriculum and materials within fields of study such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business. CBU faculty and students will be involved in defense laboratory research and technology transfer projects. Furthermore, faculty will have sabbatical opportunities, and internship and volunteer opportunities will be provided to students.
“We are committed to cultivating a qualified defense workforce that can both develop and anticipate future technologies that help keep our communities safe,” said Captain Michael P. Aiena, USN Commanding Officer, NSWC Corona Division. “Partnering with universities like CBU to share resources and technologies ensures we intentionally prepare for the evolving defense needs that are to come.” Since first signing an Educational Partnership Agreement in 2014, NSWC Corona Division has taken on more than 50 CBU interns and hired more than 70 graduates, making them the No. 1 employer of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering graduates.
“Extending our partnership with NSWC gives CBU students unique educational experiences through emerging technologies utilized by the military. Through this collaboration, we will inspire and better prepare students with the skillsets required for employment with high tech employers such as the Department of Defense.” — Dr. Charles D. Sands FA L L 2023 | 5
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MIND. BODY. SPIRIT. “Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:15-16 (NASB)
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Aviation Science ACA DEMICA L LY P RE PARE D
PILOTS TAKE FLIGHT THROUGH CBU AVIATION PROGRAMS Flying is an adventure. Travelers visit family or head to far away vacation destinations. But lately, the adventure is experiencing turbulence. As the number of passengers flying returns to prepandemic levels, airlines are scrambling to keep up with demand. Last year, record numbers of flights were delayed or canceled, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. While weather and computer snafus played a role, there is another major component: a shortage of qualified pilots. Overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031 — about 18,100 openings each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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he Department of Aviation Science at California Baptist University is doing its part to fill the pilot seat. The aviation programs, which started in 2013, have graduated 127 students thus far. In 2023–24, enrollment is soaring with 198 aviation majors and 23 aviation minors.
“Flight instructors are in demand, but they meet those minimum flight hours and move on,” Marselus said. “With fewer flight instructors, it makes it a challenge to teach students. However, the climate and culture at CBU continues to attract our graduates and others to join staff and become flight instructors.”
“The pilot shortage is due to a number of factors that have added up over the years,” said Dr. John Marselus, chair of the Department of Aviation Science at CBU.
Flights take off year-round, six days a week, from 5:10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in CBU’s program. Because of this, students can fly and take classes in the summer, with many completing flight training and earning a bachelor's degree in the program in three years.
A major source of pilots used to be the armed services, but the number of aircraft and pilots in the military has reduced over the past several decades. Then, after the Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash in 2009, a law was passed requiring all pilots in the U.S. to have 1,500 hours of flight time before being eligible to fly for a regional or major airline. With the increase in flight time, Congress authorized graduates of certain university programs to go to the airlines with reduced aeronautical experience recognizing the excellence in those programs. CBU is one of those universities. In response, the FAA amended the ruling for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. For universities that qualify, students can begin working for an airline with 1,000 hours of flight time. CBU received its authorization in August 2021. “That gave universities an advantage for students to attend; 500 hours is a good year and a half of flying,” Marselus said.
“Every student we graduate, whether it’s aviation flight or aviation management, has multiple job opportunities. They find themselves in the enviable position of having to choose between multiple job options,” Marselus said. Students graduate with around 250 flight hours. It takes another 1½–2 years to earn the remaining 750 hours. Flight students and graduates often become CBU flight instructors to earn those flight hours and then go to the airlines and obtain their ATP Certification. This puts them on the path to piloting at a major airline. Alumni have taken off to regional airlines, the military and the mission field. CBU has partnerships with several regional airlines, forming an airline bridge program, which provides students with guaranteed interviews and potential conditional job offers prior to graduation. Graduates of the aviation flight major have the character, knowledge and skills to obtain the certifications and licenses they need to fly single-engine and multi-engine aircraft.
When COVID hit, fewer people flew. To lessen their financial losses, airlines offered pilots buyouts and early retirement. This resulted in even fewer pilots available when travel resumed.
The character of the graduates is as important as meeting the standards, Marselus said.
“This tsunami hit the airlines and accelerated a problem that we knew was coming,” Marselus said.
“The biggest thing CBU does is provide graduates with a strong ethical and trustworthy foundation,” Marselus said. “Those two things become known, and you earn a reputation that provides even more opportunities for your graduates.”
Every part of aviation is stressed right now.
Flying by the numbers PROFESSIONAL PILOT, B.S. Students can graduate as a professional pilot with about 250 total hours of flight time and various certifications and licenses.
AVIATION MANAGEMENT, B.S. Students learn about airport and airline management, aviation consulting, airport planning and design for careers at airports and airlines.
AVIATION MANAGEMENT, B.S. (ONLINE) This degree is intended for students who achieve professional certificates and ratings elsewhere, but they wish to have more knowledge as they prepare for professional careers in the field of aviation.
3 SIMULATORS
Two FRASCA simulators — with 210-degree visibility — provide state-of-the-art training. A third simulator is paradigm. A fourth simulator is being built with an engineering student team led by aviation adjunct faculty.
40.5 HOURS IN SIMULATORS
2.5 private, 14 instrument and 24 commercial hours for a total of 40.5 hours in a simulator can count toward the respective certificates/ratings.
35 FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS
28 are current or former CBU students
FLEET
17 Pipers 2 Cessnas FA L L 2023 | 9
Why did you want to become a pilot? I did not always want to become a pilot, but I have always loved to travel. My first year at CBU was the first year of the flight program. I became friends with some of the flight students, and they told me about how they got to fly during class. I thought it was very cool. I talked with my mom's friend who was a pilot at American Airlines, and she explained the process to me. I decided I wanted to try it. The summer after my freshman year I took my first flight in a small plane and loved it.
How did CBU aviation help you build an ethical foundation and strong work ethic?
LAURA WALKER ('17) FIRST OFFICER AT ALASKA AIRLINES (SINCE JULY 2023). CAREER GOAL IS TO BECOME A CAPTAIN AT A MAJOR AIRLINE. A PREVIOUS FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AT CBU.
How does it feel to be with a major airline? It feels like a dream. It is nice to fly a bigger plane to more exciting destinations.
CBU helped me to have integrity in everything I do. It taught me to be respectful to others I work with and always try to be a positive influence in the work environment. It taught me to work hard and have good time management, which has helped me pass airline training and be successful in my career.
As an early graduate of the program, do you feel you are paving the way for others? Most of the students become instructors and give back by training other students and being good examples. I would hope I am doing well to give back and help students reach their goals like I reached mine. It takes a lot of years of hard work and dedication to become an airline pilot, but it is worth it.
CARLOS MEDINA (’19) FIRST OFFICER AT SKYWEST AIRLINES. A FORMER CBU FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR.
What is your career goal? I am leaving that door open for God to lead me. I may want to continue pursuing a military pilot slot or continue up the ladder to a major airline such as United or Delta. Perhaps even come back to teach at the college level.
How did CBU help you on your professional journey? CBU’s aviation program has prepared me to take the next step in my career. Professors like Dr. Elisabeth Murillo, associate professor of aviation science, prepare you in the classroom for the industry beyond academics. However, I have learned the most from being a flight instructor. I would not be the pilot I am today without the challenge of teaching someone how to fly. Some students challenge your knowledge, and it forces you to grow as an aviation professional. Without being an instructor at CBU I do not feel I would have the confidence to fly for an airline carrying people in the back.
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How did CBU aviation help you build an ethical foundation and strong work ethic? Everyone in the aviation department does a lot of hard work. We are always flying, and it takes a village to keep our planes flying. Outside of that, CBU’s aviation department is working to train students and get them certified.
What are you looking forward to in the profession? I am excited to travel with my family. I am also excited about the opportunity [to be a pilot]. The industry needs pilots, and I hope it translates into better working conditions and greater opportunities for pilots across the board.
RYAN BECK (’21) CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AT NEXTGEN FLIGHT ACADEMY. CAREER GOAL IS TO BECOME A CAPTAIN FOR UPS AIRLINES.
How did CBU help you on your professional journey? CBU provided access to world-class technology and wise subject-matter experts who were able to build and mold me into the person and pilot I am today.
How did CBU aviation help you build an ethical foundation and strong work ethic?
Anything else you would like to add? I loved my time at CBU and learned a lot of valuable skills that will stick with me for life. I recommend this school to anyone who is interested. They are flexible and able to work with a busy school schedule. I am a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and was an ROTC member during my time at CBU and graduated on time in four years. Busy but it can be done.
The CBU aviation program will often push and test your limits mentally. They strive to break bad habits early and form healthier ones that help you achieve your goals in the flight world. Showing up on time and dressed professionally goes a long way in this industry.
What is it like being a pilot right now? This is the absolute perfect time to become a pilot. It has become one of the most rewarding and highest paying career fields in the United States, exceeding that of median-range doctors and lawyers. The need for young pilots is so high, every airline is desperate to hire.
How did CBU help you on your professional journey? CBU helped me understand the importance of teamwork and being respectful of those around you. I have learned to listen and talk to different people and to handle difficult situations. Working as a flight instructor, you have to work with students of all ages and experiences. This has taught me how to properly instruct and adapt to different learning styles.
How did CBU aviation help you build an ethical foundation and strong work ethic?
RYAN SCHADE (’21) FIRST OFFICER AT SKYWEST AIRLINES. A FORMER CBU FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. CAREER GOAL IS TO BE A CAPTAIN AT UNITED OR DELTA.
Why did you want to become a pilot? Ever since I was little, aircraft fascinated me. I was always interested in planes. I also wanted to understand the science behind flight and how everything works.
CBU helped me learn to be a professional pilot, which will help me as I transition my career into the airlines. I was able to build a strong work ethic as I was expected to be on time and ready for my lessons, which helped me to understand the importance of always being prepared. As a flight instructor, I wanted to give my students the best instruction as well as give them the correct information, so it was vital to be prepared.
What are you looking forward to in the profession? I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and learning more about behind-the-scenes operations. I am also looking forward to meeting people and building strong relationships. A rewarding career in aviation is the ultimate goal.
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Worship
BIBLI CA LLY ROOTE D
CBU singers share the stage with Phil Wickham 12 | R O U N DTA BL E M AGA ZINE
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ore than 16,000 people filled the Honda Center in Anaheim on July 1 for the first night of the 2023 Harvest Crusade.
Phil Wickham, a contemporary Christian musician, kicked off the evening. About 200 California Baptist University students sang with him as they led the throng in worship and introduced Wickham’s new song “I Believe.”
“This experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to do what God has called us to do. We shared our love of Jesus with thousands,” said Alexis Aldama, a studio production sophomore. “Performing with Phil at the Harvest Crusade was an exhilarating and deeply rewarding experience. To share the stage with someone as talented and passionate as Phil was an honor,” said Donoven Gomez, a studio production junior. “The sheer size of the crowd was breathtaking. But beyond the awe-inspiring spectacle of the event, the most impactful part was the knowledge that we were there to deliver a message of hope, faith and love.”
Joy Galvan, social work graduate student, performed on Wickham’s “The Jesus Way” music video. “When you record a video that goes to a public platform, it can feel like a performance, but in that room, Phil made sure to express that we were doing it for the glory of God. Not for fame, not to show ourselves off, but to truly worship God and share that with the world,” Galvan said. Aldama also performed on that music video. “These opportunities have shown me yet again how powerful music is and when you combine your love for Jesus with music, how incredible it becomes,” she said. “These experiences have also helped me realize that so much goes into this career path. However, you don’t have to do it alone; you can always call on others to help.”
This was not the first time CBU students performed with Wickham. He is a longtime friend of Tom Brooks, director of commercial music studies at CBU. They started brainstorming several years ago on how to collaborate. The first time was when CBU students performed in Wickham’s Christmas Tour in December 2022. Since then, students have recorded six songs and three music videos with Wickham. “The connection between Phil and our students is just over the top! Phil loves the passion our students bring to his events, and it makes a perfect opportunity for our students to experience the professional world of touring, music and concert production at the highest level,” Brooks said. “It’s the awesome kind of synergy that only God can create."
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Academic Advising ACA DEMICA L LY P RE PARE D
Star Wildes, left, and Kara Uhlinger
Guiding students to success in their educational journey The Office of Academic Advising at California Baptist University revamped its approach in April 2022 to help students succeed through graduation by providing holistic advising and support services to students. With the merger of CBU online and traditional on-campus student services, the Office of Academic Advising saw the need to integrate traditional academic and online advisors into one team, said Dr. Wayne Fletcher, associate provost for academic services.
“He has provided help by assisting me with all my questions I have when it comes to academics, future classes, whether I will graduate on time, and helping me arrange my classes so that I do not have any hardships for the upcoming year,” Abraham said.
Previously called academic advisors, staff members are now referred to as student success coaches, reflecting their expanded role as student advocates. The purpose in shifting to this model was to take interactions with students from transactional to relational, Fletcher said.
Manuela Juan-Tomas, a student success coach, said each coach is invested in the success of their students.
“No longer does an advisor limit themselves to assisting with a student’s schedule,” Fletcher said. “Coaches are charged with helping students envision their future and providing guidance as students navigate their college journey — serving as the single point of contact for students to have their non-academic questions answered.” The success coaches partner with students to support them and develop their student experience at CBU. The coaches shepherd students along in their academic journey. Nijel Abraham, a biology junior, wants to go to medical school. His student success coach, Robert Santana, is helping him toward that goal. 14 | R O U N DTA BL E M AGAZINE
“My goal is to help students feel welcomed and supported and to help them navigate CBU and be successful with their degree completion and overall goals,” Juan-Tomas said. Sam Anich, a student success coach, recommends students visit their coach at least once a semester. He said students are more motivated in their academics when they see how their classes are leading them to their goals. “My goal is to make navigating university life much easier for students,” Anich said. “I want to help students get excited about their education as they see how their goal of earning a degree connects with their goal of living God’s call for them in the workforce.”
Andrew Powell
Michelle Murray
A student success coach helps students with the following: • Course sequencing and scheduling • Class registration • Degree planning • Graduation checks • Various academic appeals • Goal setting as students seek to live their purpose • Discussions on selecting or changing majors or adding minors
• Effective academic study and time management habits • Academic recovery following adverse academic outcomes • Advising on the benefits or disadvantages of dropping courses • Making payments • Connecting students with other institutional resources • Serving as the primary intake point for student questions and non-academic grievances FA L L 2023 | 1 5
ChatGPT
GLOBA LLY MIN D E D
THE MUSE OF MACHINES: AI TEXT GENERATORS IN THE CLASSROOM ChatGPT burst onto the scene late last year, swiftly spreading everywhere. The artificial intelligence, or AI, chatbot effortlessly formulates essays, papers, and even computer code, among other written work. This AI is causing concern on college campuses. How this will affect higher education has been featured in columns, news stories and podcasts. Some faculty think it will lead to students cheating and missing out on learning opportunities. Other faculty see possibilities of how AI could be used within parameters. Users simply type in a question or a prompt — “write a paper about poet Robert Frost” or “write a poem similar to Robert Frost’s style” — and the bot does the rest, searching for information from the web’s database. The more specific the prompts are, the better the bots will perform. Users can turn the results into a starting point for their project or decide to turn it in as their final paper. ChatGPT, from company OpenAI, is the most well-known, but there are other AI text generators available.
He has found that ChatGPT-based coding tools have freed him from needing to remember every syntax feature of every coding language and allowed him to focus on the bigger picture of providing an algorithm to solve the problem. “It frees me to actually think about the flow of the program and the algorithms behind them. I find more and more that I can write English sentences describing what code should do, and there appears the code right in front of my eyes,” Grissom said. “I still have to know what I'm doing; I just don’t have to remember every detail of the programming language.” As a computer science professor and practicing industry professional, Grissom strives to bring new tools and platforms into the classroom.
Dr. Dan Grissom, chair of the Department of Computing, “I don't see ChatGPT-based tools as any different,” Grissom Software and Data Sciences at California Baptist University, said. has taught coursework in AI for nearly a decade, consulted When Grissom covers AI in his classes, he includes that it in machine learning and uses ChatGPT-based productivity is becoming more difficult to distinguish what is true or tools for programming and coding. not. For example, images and videos also can be generated “I may be more pragmatic than most, being an engineer and using generative models. computer scientist, but it is here and not going anywhere,” “I’ve mostly discussed it, and other emerging trends, from Grissom said. a more spiritual and societal level,” Grissom said. “I will ChatGPT is extremely good at doing what it was designed to encourage my students to use it but make sure they do, which is provide realistic chat responses to just about understand what things they'll still need to demonstrate any question it is asked, Grissom said. It keeps record without it and where the boundaries are.” of your conversations, making the chat responses seem all-the-more aware of your questions and intentions, but is still fairly limited in the types of problems it can solve.
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How might ChatGPT be incorporated in the classroom? We can teach students to use the natural language processing capabilities of the service to help direct their initial investigation. We can then train students in information literacy by teaching them to evaluate the accuracy of what ChatGPT provides. The key is to get students to adopt the approach of seeing ChatGPT as a tool to guide their research into the primary and secondary source material, rather than seeing ChatGPT as a source.
— Dr. Chase Porter, Chair of the Department of History and Government
What are the main concerns about the use of ChatGPT in a university setting? Educators are rightly concerned with the impacts of AI as it creates conditions for academic dishonesty, decreases engagement and motivations among students and potentially hinders critical thinking which is essential to learning. However, if used appropriately, AI can be a boon to students and professors alike by providing instant feedback and tutoring as well as helping to generate ideas in the classroom. While we know AI can augment teaching and learning, it is important to note that it cannot replace human professors or peers who are vital to education.
— Dr. Yvonne Thai, Director of Online Education for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
How will AI such as ChatGPT change how teaching is done? Educators can embrace the use of generative AI tools while maintaining the human element in learning. For example, educators can employ Universal Design for Learning principles and culturally responsive teaching practices to help students express what they have learned through the lens of their cultural backgrounds and the communities that they represent — this type of expression is difficult to generate artificially. Educators will benefit from exploring the capabilities of these tools and leveraging them to help facilitate learning.
— Dr. Robert Shields, Assistant Director of the Teaching and Learning Center
How might ChatGPT affect instruction in creative writing? Creative writing instruction is very process-based, emphasizing brainstorming, multiple drafts and peer workshops to guide students' writing. So, in some ways, ChatGPT won't have a large impact on the teaching of creative writing. Could a student use ChatGPT (without instructor permission) for a first draft? Yes, but ChatGPT writes bad poems. The student choosing to use ChatGPT for creative writing will miss out on the pleasure of crafting something new that only he or she can make. Creative writing invites our participation into God's story — of a broken world in need of redemption. ChatGPT offers no such invitation.
— Dr. Laura Veltman, Professor of English
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Culturally Aware GLOBA LLY MIN D E D
Excursions give insight into living in a global village When students arrive at California Baptist University, they “It’s a privilege to go to these places and learn about the cultures are here to study, grow and prepare for their futures. Along and people,” said Dr. Carol Minton-Ryan, professor of sociology. with studying, CBU offers limitless possibilities for students to “It also helps students to understand what it's like for others connect with each other through clubs, programs and service who are in this country, who don't speak the language. It just projects. CBU also provides opportunities to go overseas — gives you a different perspective.” from International Service Projects to academic programs. More Wallace, also a professor of sociology, said on his travels he than just a chance to travel, these programs allow students to learn about other cultures, engage with the people and serve. has learned that people around the world are more alike than different. “To be educated in the 21st century, you have to have a global awareness,” said Dr. Doug Wallace, associate dean of the Division “We've got hopes and dreams. We've got people we love and care about. We hope somebody loves us. I think it's good for of Family and Culture in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. “Students at a minimum should have one cross- students to see that human interaction,” Wallace said. cultural international experience before graduating.” From business to architecture to nursing and education, students traveled around the globe this past year. Here is a Learning about a country and meeting the people can provide glimpse of where some groups went and what they learned. another viewpoint, a benefit for both students and faculty. Adrianna Thomas (clockwise from back), Lauren White, Isabella Esquivel
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Nursing group in Thailand: Dr. Rebecca Meyer (clockwise, from front), Cindy Xiong, Yakira Tollefson-Webb, Madison Swalls, Michelle PearsonLoGiudice, Lexi Swaney, Lauren Goodell and Chloe Lee. Cindy Xiong talks with a local resident in their language of Hmong.
Nursing students explore and serve in health care while in Thailand California Baptist University has partnered with the International Mission Board to send nursing students to mission fields in Thailand since 2018. These trips, known as International Faculty-Led Experiences, are part of a global practicum with a learning focus. In a move that demonstrates its commitment to serving the global community, CBU and the IMB formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding in early 2023. Three times a year, CBU nursing students travel to Thailand to serve. They conduct community health needs assessments; evaluate cross-cultural healthcare for individuals, families and communities; and collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams. They work with field workers, who say CBU students are an encouragement and a blessing, and have opportunities to share the gospel, said Dr. Rebecca Meyer, professor of nursing at CBU.
about the Hmong people's impoverished past and the life they led before migrating to America,” Xiong said. Visiting medical facilities was eye-opening, she said. In Thailand, urgent care centers were primarily managed by nurses, with limited or no doctor presence. “It was intriguing to discover that nurses in Thailand are permitted a higher level of autonomy in patient care compared to the United States. This allows them to provide care to patients with fewer limitations,” Xiong said. Lauren Goodell, a nursing senior, also went to Thailand in the spring of 2023. The team provided health education in the schools and villages. They toured a hospital and clinic and observed the differences between Thai healthcare and American healthcare. They also conducted home visits to those who cannot travel to receive medical care.
“While in Thailand, students show the love of Jesus to everyone,” “It changed my view on healthcare in other countries,” Goodell said. “The hospital was understaffed and did not have updated Meyer said. “CBU nursing students report that the academic technology like we do in the States. It made me appreciate the service-learning experience helps them see how they can use healthcare that I have a lot more.” their gifts and talents to show love, care and compassion to everyone.” Goodell enjoyed the generous hospitality the Thai people showed. For Cindy Xiong, a nursing senior who went to Thailand in the spring of 2023, a highlight was visiting a Hmong village. Xiong, who is Hmong, was able to speak to the people in their language. Her grandparents and parents migrated from Laos to Thailand before coming to the U.S.
“It confirms a goal of mine to use my nursing degree to be a short-term missionary at some point in my life,” she said. “Being able to experience a different culture showed me that I enjoy learning and being immersed into other cultures.”
“This opportunity held profound significance for me personally, as I had only heard tales from my grandparents and parents FA L L 2023 | 1 9
Caring for and respecting all students Nine students and three faculty from the Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education traveled to Malaysia in June to learn about various educational systems. They visited schools run by the Malaysian government and British and American systems that served refugees, international students and local children. The CBU students also learned about the beliefs of Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. The trip is tied to courses focused on teaching diverse students and comparative education. “The goal was for CBU students to have a better understanding of various cultures and how to meet the needs, care for and respect all students,” said Dr. Stacy Meyer, assistant dean of the School of Education. “We want our students to understand how their profession could be used globally.”
Two students kept journals during the trip. Here are some of their entries. Maddie Adcock,
Rachel Thompson,
elementary education junior
elementary education senior
June 2
June 15
In less than two weeks, I leave for Malaysia on a trip that will most certainly change how I view the world around me. I am looking forward to how God uses this time to grow me not only as a future educator but as a follower of Jesus. As someone who has never been outside of the United States, I am incredibly excited and slightly nervous about the unfamiliarity I will encounter on the other side of the world.
Adcock June 17 I watched thousands of Muslim men gather for Friday prayers and witnessed thousands of Hindus celebrating and parading. Living in the United States, it is easy to forget that rituals like these still exist all over the world.
Adcock June 18 Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet two young men — students and refugees from South Sudan. As we talked, the young men expressed their faith in God, which led to an incredible conversation about their inspiring walks with the Lord. Witnessing others talk about their faith while on this trip inspired and encouraged me to participate in the sharing of the good news.
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We visited Dignity for Children, a refugee school that serves over 2,000 students. The most amazing part is their trade schools, which gives high schoolers the chance to learn practical skills alongside their studies. We visited woodworking, baking, sewing, hairdressing and the garden while also visiting classrooms.
Thompson June 17 We had the opportunity to meet with 13 young adult refugee students. CBU students developed a lesson plan to spend time with these students. Later we met with the director of the program. He explained the work he does for refugee students, while also talking about the difficulties refugees face in Malaysia.
Thompson June 21 We went to a Chinese government school, the equivalent of a public school here. This school is taught in Mandarin, but students are also required to learn Malay and expected to learn English as well. The school planned for us to have activities with a group of students. This gave students a chance to practice their English, and it gave us an opportunity to see the students in their environment.
Jada Hines
Live
Dr. Stacy Meyer
Isabella Esquivel
Love
Lessons Learned Adcock In America, we are surrounded by idols: money, popularity, vanity, etc., but these idols are not always easy to see. This was not the case in Malaysia. I was able to witness thousands of people worshipping statues. To see the hands and feet of God at work in Malaysia was an incredibly encouraging experience. We met local Christians. All these people showed me what it really means to live to make Christ known. This trip has grown me in more ways than I ever could have imagined. I pray that God continues to loosen my grip on my own life and show me how to better trust in His plan.
Thompson
Laugh
I will mainly use this knowledge to pray. I am praying for the people not only of Malaysia but of the world, as I now know more about the experiences of people in other countries. This trip was a confirmation of my calling overseas … that I am supposed to end up somewhere else one day. I am a very anxious person, yet I experienced this supernatural sense of peace the entire time we were in the country.
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Learning about cultural humility in the classroom and in Fiji Two faculty members teach a unique course to make students aware they are part of a global village. In Cultural Social Service Engagement Practicum (BEH 334), Dr. Doug Wallace, professor of sociology, and Dr. Carol Minton-Ryan, professor of sociology, want students to think globally. The course focuses on a specific country, its history, people and social issues. Groups have visited countries such as Malawi, the Netherlands and Australia. The class prepares students for a crosscultural international experience. “We get them used to cultural humility — the idea that you're going to be a learner,” Minton-Ryan said. “You're going to experience some culture shock. What happens when you feel uncomfortable?” This past spring, students studied and visited Fiji. The course looked at the country’s history — including the British colonization — its healthcare system, the environment and tourism. The group then traveled to Fiji for 10 days to learn about coral reef health, ecotourism and the Fiji healthcare system. They visited a wild adventure park, snorkeled with manta rays and stayed overnight with families in a village. Hailey Martin and Madison Swain Lilly Griffing
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Back: Cynthia Lara, Sabrina Abundis, Vanessa Herrera, Esmeralda Gonzalez, Evelyn Campos, Si’era Pickering, Sophia Fernandez, Dr. Doug Wallace, a resort guide, Hailey Martin and Isiah Rosales. Kneeling in front: Emma Cayman, Caitlyn Rosales, Lilly Griffing and Madison Swain
We talked with Lily Griffing, a biomedical sciences sophomore, and Madi Swain (’23) about the experience. How did the coursework help prepare you for the trip? Griffing: We went over the core values of Fijian culture, discussing the country's conservative nature in terms of the various religions. We also talked a lot about the ethnic diversity of the country as well as the different languages. This helped tremendously when trying to understand why so many people practice other religions and why so many people look so different. in the sense of learning historical context when trying to understand another culture. Additionally, the history we learned gave insight in understanding the Indian population/ culture in Fiji. Learning a few words in Fijian was very helpful. It was nice to show our respect as visitors by saying greetings and other small phrases in Fijian.
beautiful. From raising kids, to preparing food and cleaning up — all men, women and children do their part. Playing with the children of the village was also a great way to experience the culture. When the children are not at school, they run through the village playing rugby, climbing coconut trees or chasing the chickens that roam in the village. We were astonished at the fearlessness these children have to run, climb, jump and play freely.
What is something you learned?
Share a highlight from the trip.
Griffing: While tourism is incredibly important to Fiji’s
Griffing: One of my most favorite memories was at the village. All of us were just running around with the kids, picking flowers, chasing dogs and looking at the ocean. I was reminded about the beautiful simplicity of life and the significance of small things. I have never seen people so welcoming, eager to offer a helping hand or so down-to-earth as those in Fiji.
Swain: Learning about the British colonizing Fiji was important
economy and is the No. 1 industry, it is also detrimental to the environment. Water pollution, coral destruction, trash disposal and labor exploitation are all factors that stem from Fiji’s large tourist population. However, this market provides a huge number of jobs to the Fijian people that support their growing families. So, on the one hand, it is a necessary industry but on the other hand, it is harming the ocean and the environment as a whole.
Swain: Our overnight homestay in Komave Village was the best way to experience Fijian culture. Seeing how members of different clans who live in the same village work together was
Swain: One of the highlights of the trip was getting to swim with manta rays and snorkel above the beautiful coral reef. While snorkeling, we saw fish of all colors, the soft corals we had learned about previously, a barracuda and even a whitetipped reef shark. As a lover of marine sciences, I thought this was an incredible highlight.
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College of Nursing EQUIPPED TO SE RVE
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND FOR THOSE WHO PURSUE A DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
E
ach student at California Baptist University brings to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program their own, often personal, reasons for pursuing an advanced degree. Some come from a long line of family in the medical field, others have always wanted to help those around them, still others feel called by God to fulfill this as their life’s purpose. Whatever their reasons, the CBU DNP supports and cultivates their practice as they move through the program.
“The program is incredibly effective at preparing nurses to excel in their careers,” said Dr. Lisa Bursch, associate dean for CBU’s division of graduate nursing. “It is an education guided by a theoretical perspective grounded in a biblical worldview for students committed to compassionate service, lifelong learning and professional development.” Professors in the program have years in their field of expertise. Their diversity of nursing experience adds to the quality of the program as professors share work-related case scenarios and examples in their courses.
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“The DNP program continues to grow, meeting the needs of our community partners,” said Dr. Karen Bradley, vice president for CBU Health and the dean of the College of Nursing. “Because healthcare and patient care are becoming increasingly complex, nurses must be educated to the highest level to impact health outcomes and become innovative leaders of change.” At the start of the program, students pair with a faculty advisor to develop a project proposal that will improve the practice and/or patient outcomes. While in the program, students complete the proposal, then implement and defend it. Projects have included creating a nurse-managed heart failure clinic and developing an app with resources for nurses and leaders to address compassion fatigue. In May 2023, CBU’s College of Nursing received a 10-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for its DNP program. The accreditation required five months of work on a self-study report and preparation for the accreditation site visit. This accreditation is further affirmation of the quality of the program.
LORI PUTT, DNP CLASS OF 2022
“I was so motivated by Scripture from my excellent professors that I not only completed my Master of Science in Nursing, CBU prepared me in my leadership journey by incorporating Christian Family Nurse Practitioner, but I decided to values into my everyday work. return for my DNP.” I loved the message “Live Your Purpose.” While working on my DNP, there were many times what I was studying was being applied in my everyday practice as the director of nursing at Kaiser Permanente. As a nurse leader, I was prepared at CBU to engage in lifelong learning opportunities to ultimately promote a positive culture as well as to improve the quality of care that a patient receives.
— Corazon Brittain, DNP
My compassionate care has been the foundation for excellence during my career. My commitment to serve and my intense desire to grow within my leadership role will ultimately empower my staff to provide safer care with positive patient outcomes. I will continue to be a liaison between nursing staff, physicians and management by addressing problems or concerns and suggesting changes and improvements.
I knew it was God's calling to become a nurse. I was born in the Philippines and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Registered Nurse license. I was the first person in the family to attend and graduate with a college degree. I valued education and wanted to make a difference to my patients; therefore, I decided to return to school. I chose to attend CBU, a faith-based university, to integrate my faith into nursing or clinical practice and live my purpose and beyond. From my first tour of the CBU campus, I knew I found an exceptional environment to continue my education. I am blessed and grateful for the supportive and passionate professors of CBU. I was so motivated by Scripture from my excellent professors that I not only completed my Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, but I decided to return for my DNP. The CBU College of Nursing has provided me with quality, faith-based education that exceeded anything I could have dreamed of.
WENDY A. CORTEZ, DNP CLASS OF 2023 I chose CBU for its impeccable reputation as a faith-based academic institution. The College of Nursing offers an exemplary learning environment for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in the care of patients and our community. The faculty and staff effectively partner to optimize the learning experience. Dr. Lorraine Shields, associate professor of nursing; Dr. Lisa Bursch, professor of nursing; and Dr. Jeffrey Gage, professor of nursing, have guided me through doctoral-level academic studies and the implementation of a project for patients at my organization. Their collective knowledge, kindness and engagement in the learning process have made my studies exciting. Dr. Dinah Herrick, my clinical advisor, championed my strengths that I bring to my studies. She always knew when to challenge my thought process/approach and when to meet me with compassion and understanding.
“While working on my DNP, there were many times what I was studying was being applied in my everyday practice as the director of nursing at Kaiser Permanente.”
CORAZON BRITTAIN, DNP CLASS OF 2023
JOSEPH TOLENTINO, DNP CLASS OF 2021 CBU provided the foundational knowledge base to not only better understand nursing practice but to positively influence it through quality metrics, financial data, evidenced-based practices and, most importantly, through relationships and servant leadership. CBU surrounds you with an incredible caliber of nursing professors, support staff and community, allowing you to practice in the best hospitals and simulation labs and learn from those who have done the work, from the frontline to the executive level. It is a patient-centered nursing program with a purpose to graduate ambassadors of God.
— Lori Putt, DNP FA L L 2023 | 25
LANCER ATHLETICS C OMMUN I TY
LANCERS BASKETBALL TAKES TO THE COURT Blondeau Tchoukuiegno
Chloe Webb
The basketball teams at California Baptist University have started their 2023–24 season. The Western Athletic Conference schedule features 20 conference matchups, with all teams slated to play their opponents twice, once on the road and once at home.
In 2022–23, the CBU men’s basketball team made its mark in the Division I era with its first victory over a Power-5 program when they defeated the Washington Huskies of PAC-12, 73-64, in Seattle. The team went 17-16 with an 8-10 conference record. CBU was the eighth seed in the WAC Tournament and defeated Abilene Christian University in the opening round en route to a quarterfinals loss to No. 1 seed Sam Houston State University. The 2023–24 season began on Nov. 6 against San Francisco State University at the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center. “We are very excited about the young men we get to coach this season,” said Rick Croy, head men’s basketball coach. “Our team and staff look forward to playing an exciting brand of basketball that Lancer Nation and our community will be proud of and enthusiastic to support.” In 2022–23, the CBU women’s basketball team earned the No. 4 seed and a first-round bye in the WAC Tournament, making it to the championship game. The Lancers ended their season as Women’s Basketball Invitational champions, with a 22-13 overall and 13-5 conference record. The women’s basketball 2023–24 season began on Nov. 6 against University of California, San Diego. “We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. We have a great group of women who are committed to each other, our team’s goals and values and the CBU community,” said Jarrod Olson, head women’s basketball coach.
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The WAC Conference begins for the CBU men with a matchup against Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, on Nov. 29. CBU’s first WAC game at home will be against Utah Tech University on Dec. 6. The CBU women start league play on Nov. 28 in Cedar City, Utah, against Southern Utah University. The women’s first WAC home game comes against Utah Valley University on Jan. 4.
JOIN US AT THE GAMES TO CHEER ON THE LANCER TEAMS! SCAN HERE FOR TICKETS
BRANDEN HIGA HEAD WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL COACH WHY DID YOU BECOME A LANCER?
I played for Pepperdine University, and it profoundly affected my life. I was surrounded by coaches, faculty and staff who poured into my life, and I was able to grow athletically, academically and spiritually. Since then, a place like that has always been my goal to work for. When CBU came open, I thought, “Wow, this is the type of place I’ve had in mind ever since I started coaching.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING AT CBU?
It’s all about the people. Faculty and staff really care about others and making an impact. I think it’s something that’s very prevalent across the entire campus.
WHO INFLUENCED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
The most influential coaches I’ve played under were Kent Stanley at Pierce College and Marv Dunphy at Pepperdine. Dunphy is one of the greatest coaches in American history. Another would be Brandon Rosenthal, my college roommate, and my late father-in-law Paul Westphal. He played and coached in the NBA. As I started my own coaching journey, I had a lot of great conversations with him, and he was a great man of God.
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR CBU’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM?
The tangible goal is to win a championship, but within that is to build a program with a legacy of student-athletes who excel athletically, academically and spiritually. CBU is a unique place in that it values people deeper than their GPA or what they can do on the court. We are allowed to have an entry into a student’s life, so we know what they are really pursuing.
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE STUDENT-ATHLETES TO LEARN?
I want them to excel on and off the court and know that they can leave a legacy no matter what role they play. Some of our greatest Lancers didn’t play a lot, but they made a huge impact on the team. They can achieve personal goals and help others achieve their goals as well.
WHAT IS A HIGHLIGHT FOR YOU FROM THE PAST YEAR?
We played Utah Valley University late in the season and their team has been the top for the last couple of years. We executed the game-plan flawlessly and had a big win. Another was our international trip in May to Croatia and being able to travel and get out of our comfort zone.
YOUR FAVORITE
Childhood memory: Taking trips to Hawaii. My dad is from there, so it was great to have that connection. Sports memory: In high school, I tried out for the volleyball team despite never playing the sport before. It was love at first spike. Food: Anything Mediterranean! Greek, Lebanese, Israeli, anything along those lines. Movie: “The Princess Bride” TV show: No time for TV! Music: Anything from Christian, pop punk, Hawaiian jams to classic rock to top 40. Hobby: Cooking. It’s a great stress reliever. My signature dish is salmon tacos with guac, and I love to make my own pasta sauce. FA L L 2023 | 27
LANCER ATHLETICS MEN 'S SOC C E R
GOALKEEPER LEARNS RESILIENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD Nolan Premack, a biomedical sciences senior, has learned resilience being on the men’s soccer team for California Baptist University. The trait has helped the goalkeeper on and off the field. Coe Michaelson, head men’s soccer coach, talked a lot about resilience, especially during Premack’s first two years. “It seemed like every other sentence had the word resilience in it, and the players joked about how often the term was used. Yet we knew how important building resilience would be in achieving our goals as a team,” Premack said. Resilience helped take the team to the Western Athletic Conference Tournament in fall 2022, which was played at CBU. The Lancers played three games in five days. The championship game came down to penalty kicks. Before the shootout, Premack took time to look around and soak it all in. “It was a cool moment to be seeing everything, and then it was like, ‘OK, now it's time to come up with the save here,’” Premack said. “I've done everything I could, so I just had to trust our preparation.” While the goalkeeper is the last line of defense, Premack sees the position as an opportunity. “There's pressure, but there's also reward. You could do something cool and change the game or make a big save when your team needs it,” Premack said. “That's how I see the pressure. I see it as more of an opportunity to do something good for the team.” He blocked the first penalty kick and CBU went on to win, 0-0 (3-1 PKs). Premack had 13 saves and two shutout games during the tournament. He was named the WAC Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. He was
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appreciative of the recognition but said the award wasn’t just his. “You can only put one name on the award, but it's so much more. It's a team award and it's a community award because there are so many people that go into the award,” Premack said. Receiving the award made Premack think about the journey he had been on the previous 18 months, when he needed resilience off the field as well. In August 2022, his mom died from brain cancer. “She had the WAC Tournament marked on her calendar for a long time, and she wanted to be there,” Premack said. “It was cool to get that award for her and for our family.” During that season, focusing on the game was a challenge. “There is a lot of downtime as a goalkeeper. When the ball is on the other side of the field, you just start thinking about stuff that's happened, and I thought a lot about my mom during games,” Premack said. He developed routines with the assistance of the coaches and Dr. Ed Garrett, professor of sport and performance psychology. This included building time several hours before a game for grieving and looking at his goalkeeper gloves, taking a deep breath and refocusing during the game.
FAVORITE FUN FACTS Free time activity
Going to the beach or playing Call of Duty on PlayStation with friends at home
Snack Fruit — berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries
Music Country music, especially Morgan Wallen
Movie or TV show Documentaries and things based on true stories
Resilience also kept him going in 2021 when he missed the season because of two surgeries for hip impingement. He was on crutches for six weeks after each surgery, which were six months apart. He had about three weeks between the two where he could do some practice on the field. “I could see the joy before I had to do another four to five months of recovery,” he said. Coach Michaelson said the team has taken lessons from Premack in terms of his resilience — from maintaining a 4.0 as a pre-med major to being WAC Tournament MVP — and he is still only 20 years old.
“That's something I really like about CBU,” Premack said. “With almost all the professors, you can walk in and ask a question or have a chat with them and pick their brain on something. Just the little day-to-day interactions with professors have been cool.” Premack plans to go to medical school. He has always been interested in medicine, but his mom’s battle with cancer solidified his choice. He’s interested in how new research changes and transforms medicine. “As a doctor, you're the last resort for hope and
to get help. They're coming to you in desperate need of help, and you're going to do everything you can to help them,” Premack said. The resilience that he has learned the past few years from his coaches, the surgeries and his mom’s passing has helped him to succeed, Premack said. But he is still trying to improve his ability to bounce back from difficulties. “There are always going to be setbacks in life. Finding ways to use them as motivation and to improve rather than as a setback will be something I take with me,” Premack said.
“Nolan is an outspoken leader with a presence that commands respect, and he is also someone who sets an example for his teammates through his focus and work ethic,” Michaelson said. “The fact that he has accomplished all of this while facing tremendous adversity both in life and soccer defies any reasonable expectations.” Premack is appreciative of the community at CBU. From the athletic trainers and coaching staff who helped him get back to competitive fitness to the professors who want the best for their students. FA L L 2023 | 29
CBU
FUN FACTS
CBU RING
The CBU Ring sits in front of the Wallace Theatre in Stamps Courtyard on CBU’s campus. It was a gift from the class of 2007 and was sculpted out of bronze by nationally recognized sculptor Edward L. Hankey. The purpose of the gift is to leave a lasting legacy at CBU.
ANGELOS YEARBOOK
The Angelos yearbook has been a long-standing tradition at CBU. The first Angelos yearbook was published in 1953, the same year California Baptist College moved under the wing of the California Southern Baptist Convention. The name Angelos is a Greek word meaning “messenger” and seeks to tell the stories of importance at CBU.
CBC TO CBU
In September 1998, California Baptist College officially became California Baptist University. The reasons behind the change included having the degrees issued by CBU accepted by other institutions, expanding the graduate program and development of different colleges within CBU, according to an article in the Banner, the student newspaper.
YEAGER CENTER
The Eugene and Billie Yeager Center was constructed in 2003 and named after the longtime friends of CBU. The Yeagers donated significantly to CBU and its mission for many years. The 100,000-squarefoot Yeager Center is a multi-purpose building that houses administrative offices, faculty and staff offices, classrooms, Wanda’s and Chick-fil-A.
ACCREDITATION
CBU received full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 1961. Some of CBU’s schools and colleges have separate accreditations that are unique to their areas of study. For example, the College of Nursing just received a 10-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for its Doctor of Nursing Practice, and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences received an accreditation for its Master of Social Work program. 30 | R OUN DTA BL E M AGA ZINE
CBU / T H R O U G H T H E Y E A R S James Building The W.E. James Building is one of the oldest buildings on CBU’s campus. Facing the Front Lawn and Fortuna Fountain, the James Building inspires the campus’s architecture with its mission revival style. The building is named after Dr. Whitley E. James, the former chairman of the Christian Education Committee of the Los Angeles Southern Baptist Association. James approved the formation and adoption of the college by the California Southern Baptist Convention as part of the Christian Education Committee and was one of the first to help establish California Baptist College in El Monte, California. The building has two sections. The two-story section facing the Front Lawn was built in 1925, constructed by the Neighbors of Woodcrest. The four-story section was added in 1934, originally to serve as a retirement home. The James Building has served many purposes during the growth of CBU. It housed student dorms and the campus post office. Wanda’s Place opened in 1991 in the basement before it was moved into the Eugene and Billie Yeager Center in 2003. In 1962, the building provided an air raid shelter during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Students practiced drills that required them to go into the basement. In 1968, Smith and Simmons residential halls were built, and the James Building dormitories were converted into classrooms and offices. To meet the demand of CBU’s campus growth, the north wing of the James Building was renovated in 2005 to create additional study spaces and biology labs for students. Today, the James Building houses the Lancer Media Group, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design. The W.E. James Building is a staple to campus life, and its bell tower is represented in the CBU logo. It has been a campus icon for generations, showcasing CBU’s rich history.
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PASSIONATE FOR PHILOSOPHY AND PIZZA Dr. Matt Leonard, assistant professor of philosophy, is a researcher at heart. He loves asking questions and pursuing answers. “Philosophy investigates some of the oldest, most fundamental questions human beings ask,” Leonard said. “Questions such as does God exist? Does the evil in the world disprove the existence of God? Do you have free will? Or is everything already determined by the laws of physics?”
He came back home, determined to perfect the pie, making it for family and friends. In June 2021, he had a few friends over for pizza. His wife, Hillary, and daughter Cosette said he should sell them. They started developing the business idea, and Cosette also came up with his handle, The Pizza Prof.
There is just something about these questions that captivate him.
He started selling pizzas out of his house (with a health permit) and then at craft fairs. He now cooks and sells them at two major farmers markets in Los Angeles on the weekends. It’s a family business, with his wife, three children and parents rotating to help. He also occasionally hires CBU students.
But his pursuit of knowledge doesn’t end with existential questions. He became obsessed with different ethnic cuisines in graduate school when he began giving lectures around the world. “I really enjoyed the research and science that goes into cooking. I began by simply trying to re-create at home some of the foods I fell in love with while traveling,” Leonard said. Those dishes included Italian beef, Chicago dogs, smash burgers and Santa Maria style tri-tip. While in Italy in 2013, a friend recommended a pizzeria in Venice where Leonard discovered Neapolitan pizza. The pizza is cooked 60 seconds at 850–1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, producing a charred yet chewy crust — “the perfect combination.” The go-to Neapolitan pizza is the margherita pizza: tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, basil and Parmigiano Reggiano. “I was blown away by the freshness of the pie and the combination of flavors. It was incredibly light and yet packed with flavor,” Leonard said.
He uses up to five portable Ooni pizza ovens to cook the pizzas on busy days. He mostly makes traditional kinds found in Neapolitan pizzerias. Leonard said he brings philosophy into the pizza business. In fact, he is convinced that business majors should double major in philosophy: Studying philosophy and contemporary logic develops skills that are valuable in most professions, especially business. “Managing a successful business requires the ability to solve very difficult problems — all the time,” he said. “Problem solving in business and problem solving in philosophy are very much identical. Both require thinking about the implications of a decision or a thesis three, four or five steps down the road, while conceptualizing all the theoretical consequences along the way. Both feel a bit like mental chess.” While he enjoys cooking, Leonard finds teaching philosophy energizing. If he is out of the classroom for too long, he gets a bit antsy. “I want my students to fall in love with the questions of philosophy. I want my students to walk away with a certain set of critical thinking skills that will set them apart and set them up for success after college,” he said. “I want my students to be deep thinkers, not merely knowing what they believe about life’s ultimate questions — but why they believe what they believe. I want them to love the Lord with all of their minds.”
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Quick Facts How many pizzas do you typically sell on the weekend?
MORE THAN
200 How many pounds of flour do you use?
How much cheese?
ABOUT
120
ABOUT
60
LBS
LBS
of Caputo Blue 00 Flour
(a high-quality, fine-grain flour)
How many tomatoes?
Which pizza is the fan favorite?
OVER
50
LBS
CLOSE TIE – garlic rosemary mushroom – sausage ricotta hot honey
of canned tomatoes
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GUEST ARTIST
ANTHONY EVANS
Join us for a joyous performance of A CBU Christmas After months of rehearsals for the vocalists, instrumentalists and actors, the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Performing Arts is nearly ready to present its sixth annual performance of A CBU Christmas. Over 400 talented students, faculty, staff and guest artists will present The Spirit, Songs and Story of the Season at three performances during the first weekend in December. “Over the past 10 months, students and faculty have invested hundreds of hours of preparation for this performance,” said Dr. Joseph Bolin, dean of the School of Performing Arts. “Through the outreach of A CBU Christmas, we are excited to showcase the wealth of talent God has brought to the performing arts community at CBU and, in so doing, highlight the timeless spirit, songs and story of the season.” Along with the tradition of featuring various Christmas songs, this year’s performance will include actors portraying the Christmas story. Multiple ensembles under the roof of the School of Performing Arts will combine forces to create the Festival Choir and Orchestra. This year’s guest artist is Anthony Evans, a contemporary Christian singer and songwriter.
Performances are Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center. Tickets are available now at cbuchristmas.com.
Great authors brought to the stage The 2023–24 theatre season at California Baptist University is being called a Season of Great Authors. It features “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, “Dietrich and Maria” an original musical about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” by Victor Hugo.
Lastly, there is just nothing like the immediacy of live performance, so I try to encourage it whenever possible to keep the arts alive.” The stories chosen this season also have a redemptive theme woven throughout, said Zachary Bortot, associate professor of theatre.
“Great plays often are based on great books,” “When we started the process of looking at said Lee Lyons, director of the theatre program. shows, we had these criteria in mind — How is it God honoring? How is the redemption The idea came after Lyons had lunch with reflected through the story and the characters?” David Isaacs, instructor of English. He and Bortot said. “The idea of what makes a man a other English faculty sometimes incorporate man and a monster a monster really started to emerge.” Shane Moser as Monsieur Alphonse Frankenstein and Nicholas Hernandez as Constable
The works benefit the students and audiences, Lyons said. “We want to dig deeper and do plays that reflect great stories that have moved audiences for hundreds of years,” Lyons said. “Also, we want to train these students in craft and character.” “Frankenstein” opened on Oct. 13 — appropriately Friday the 13th. The book is frequently considered the first science-fiction novel ever written. “Dietrich and Maria” looks at Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and author who joined the resistance movement against Hitler. The new musical — with the score by Dr. Glenn Pickett, professor of music — makes its debut in November.
one of the season’s plays into a literature class and then have students see the play. His students have read scripts such as “Into the Woods,” “Silent Sky,” “Life Is a Dream” and “Babette’s Feast.” “Knowing the story can help students appreciate a play more. Class discussions and analysis help them understand some of what they might otherwise miss,” Isaacs said. “Also, having a visual reference and seeing how adaptation works can lead to interesting discussions.
Kaleb Bravo as The Creature and Brianne Jackson as Elizabeth Lavenza
Each show will stretch the producers and designers in various ways: They’ll have to create the Frankenstein creature, make room for an orchestra on stage with “Dietrich,” make a train car for the “Murder” set and create the illusion of pouring hot lead in “Hunchback.” “To give the students the education and the preparation they need to be actors and designers, you need to push, you need to challenge, and we're willing to do that,” Lyons said. “We're willing to push them with great works and to raise our production values as high as we can.”
In February, Hercule Poirot will find himself on a train, trying to solve a murder. The Guinness World Records lists its author — Christie — as the best-selling novelist of all time. Her estate claims that her works have been outsold by only Shakespeare's works and the Bible. “The Hunchback” is based on Hugo’s novel and includes songs from the animated Disney film. Hugo’s story is one of love and sacrifice, and it will premiere in April.
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Alum News
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’50s
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Corrine Gonzalez (Rios, ’53) turned 94 years old on Aug. 15, 2023. At California Baptist College, Corrine was the first homecoming queen and a member of the first graduating class.
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’60s
Walt (’62) and Marilyn Crabtree (’62) celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
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’70s
Wilson McDuffie (’72) and his wife, Nancy, celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on June 22, 2023. Wilson is a retired school administrator. 3
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David Livingston (’76) and his wife, Pam, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 1, 2023. David is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Hawaii and volunteers with YMCA, the United Way, the Navy League and more. Bryant Sinkler (’79) celebrated the 75th anniversary of Camp Conrad Weiser in Pennsylvania. Bryant was a former staff member at the 600-acre international summer camp.
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’80s
Nina Atwood (’84) graduated May 6, 2023, from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Jimmy Don Hudgins (’85, ’88) joined veterans on a Veterans Honor Flight from Dallas to Washington, D.C., in June 2023. He is a retired Southern Baptist minister who now counsels disabled military veterans in obtaining VA assistance.
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’90s
Michelle Gifford (Battson, ’92) and her husband, Michael, celebrated 30 years of marriage on Aug. 14, 2023. The couple has 15-year-old twin daughters, Sophia and Savannah. Priscilla Grijalva (’95, ’00) was named 2023 Assembly District 58 Woman of the Year. Priscilla is a counselor with the San Jacinto Unified School District.
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’00s
Colleen Chao (Langley, ’00) published two books: “In the Hands of a Fiercely Tender God” and “Out of the Shadow World.” Rebecca Langston-George (’01, ’04) published her 13th children's book, the graphic novel “Virginia Hall: Clever Spy.” She recently retired from teaching.
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Heidi Harriss (Rotz/Montano, ’03) has moved to Florida and is working at P.K. Yonge K–12 Developmental Research School, which is run by the University of Florida.
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Emma Perez-Singh (’06, 08) and her husband, Joe Singh (’08), celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary.
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’10s
10 Aubrey Redinger (Stetzner, ’11) was featured in the May 2023 edition of OC Parenting Magazine for her work with perinatal mental health. She is also a finalist for Irvine Chamber’s 40 Under 40.
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Mendy Mejia (’18) passed her licensing exam in 2021 and is a private practice owner of Mindful Mending Therapy, working with underprivileged first-generation Americans as a therapist. 11
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Bertha “Betty” (Lopez, ’18, ’21) and Andrew Vaughn (’19) have two daughters. Betty works as a marriage and family therapist.
’20s
12 Lindsey Hanlin (’20) received her master’s from Loma Linda University and is now working as a child life specialist at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. 13
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Butch Maier (’21) is a filmmaker. He wrote and directed “Mother of a Day,” which was produced through his company, Sumbadhat Productions. “Mother of a Day” landed a distribution deal with Maverick Entertainment and is featured on several streaming platforms. Tiara Richardson (’21) is executive director of student success and family engagement at Real Journey Academies in Ontario, California.
14 Shay Ryan (’21) was honored with four awards by the National Catholic Media Association: first place for Social Media Professional of the Year, Best Use of Graphics on Social Media and Best New Website, and third place for Best Freestanding Presentation of Online Video — “Catechesis.” Shay works as a digital brand and marketing manager. Eduardo Cisneros (’22) is a quality assurance manager at Eclypse International in Corona, California. Clayshia Hill (’22) is a registered nurse at Riverside Community Hospital. She was chosen to be part of its new graduate program for training as a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse.
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Alum News
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Marriages
15 Drew Eisenman (’16) married Evelyne on Dec. 10, 2022. 16 Berenice Rodriguez (’21) married Noah Jones (’19) in October 2022. Berenice works as a clinical therapist for the County of Riverside, and Noah is a broadcast technician at the University of California, Riverside. 17
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Jacob Diaz (’23) married Kelly on May 20, 2023, in Jurupa Valley, California. Jacob is the head athletic trainer at Moreno Valley High School.
18 Kenna Morrison (’23) married Martin Martinez shortly after graduation. She is a technical solutions engineer at Epic.
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Little Lancers
Kevin and Jennifer Gray (Binggeli, ’08) welcomed a girl, Noelle Lauren, in December 2022.
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19 Christopher (’13) and Lauren Smith (Bissell, ’15) welcomed a second daughter, McKenna, on June 3, 2023. 20 Evan (’23) and Samantha Allen welcomed their first baby on May 31, 2023. Evan is a project engineer with Gray Construction in Charlotte, N.C.
In Memoriam
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21 Frances Smith Leonard, a longtime supporter of California Baptist University, passed
away on June 28, 2023, at age 92. She served as president of the Women’s Guild of California Baptist College during the 1990s. Her son David graduated from CBU in 1977. She also donated to both the David and Kim Leonard Performing Arts Endowed Scholarship and the David and Kim Leonard Visual Arts Endowed Scholarship.
Alum Q&A
Tell us about a professor who helped your CBU journey.
JUSTINE JACKSON ('19, '22) SCHOOL COUNSELOR AT LAKE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN RIVERSIDE
Why did you choose to attend CBU? My parents met at CBU, so it has always been in my life. I also was in AVID and had the opportunity to visit different universities. No school felt more like home than CBU. I also wanted to attend a school that would help me grow in my faith and knew CBU was a great place for that.
Share a favorite memory of your time at CBU. I had the honor of speaking at my hooding ceremony. My family was in attendance, and I was able to speak on a message I felt God put on my heart based on my full experience at CBU from undergrad through grad school.
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A professor who will forever have my respect and gratitude is the late Dr. Daniel Robinson, assistant professor of education. This man was genuine, God-fearing, confident and intentional in anything he felt God led him to do. He was the first person to tell me I would make a great school counselor.
What advice would you give to a CBU student? Current students should not waste the time, opportunities and resources available and at their hands right now. There are many professors, clubs and courses as well as lifelong friendships readily available to help shape them and prepare them for life after college. I would also add that sometimes they will need to go outside their comfort zone and seek courage to access these resources and connect with people.
How did CBU equip you to live your purpose? For a long time, I had no idea what career was for me. CBU not only provided opportunities to explore my options but more importantly pointed me in the direction to seek God’s word and calling through it all. In every course I was pushed to do my best while being biblically rooted and that has stuck with me within my career. No matter what I am doing I fall back on my faith, which is my foundation, and CBU played a big part in helping me realize this. There is no stronger foundation, and with God leading I am more than equipped for what is ahead.
Devotional
Confidence in Our Shepherd This devotional column, penned by a guest author, is to offer God’s wisdom to you — our readers — while providing an opportunity for introspection and inspiration for your daily life.
Research indicates that 85% of adults suffer from a lack of confidence. Little wonder that experts promote self-confidence. An anonymous quote says “Self-confidence is a super power. Once you start to believe in yourself, the magic starts happening.” Unfortunately, life has a way of disrupting the magic. Self-confidence easily gives way to overconfidence. For example, leading up to Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby, the favored contestant — Pete Alonso — proclaimed, “I’m the best power hitter on the planet.” In reality, he lost in the first round of competition. The struggle for (and against) self-confidence threatens our lives and our work. A lack of confidence paralyzes to the point of inaction. Overconfidence deludes with illusions and miscalculations about the present and future. Social psychologist Scott Plous once said, “No problem in judgment and decision making is more prevalent and more potentially catastrophic than overconfidence.” With the stakes so high, how might one navigate between overconfidence and a confidence deficit? King David found help. He sings about this helper in Psalm 23. This psalm offers a way out of the internal struggle with and against confidence by pointing to an external “Shepherd.” While we cannot always be confident about our performance, we can place complete confidence in the Lord, our Shepherd. Psalm 23 encourages confidence: The living God is a shepherd keeping watch over his people. The shepherd’s rod — for correction and protection — is a comfort, as is the shepherd’s staff. Having such a shepherd means never walking alone, even through the deepest darkness (v. 4). And having God as the guide means no danger can break the bond between God and his people (vv. 5–6). The point of the psalm — and the point of a Good Shepherd like Jesus (John 10) — is to take away both the fear of failure and the foolishness of self-conceit, allowing those trusting God to thrive, resting in green pastures alongside still waters where enemies have been shut out. The only forces allowed to approach the souls of God’s people are goodness and lovingkindness (v. 6). Live and work confidently — confident that God is shepherding your soul. Dr. Greg Cochran Professor of Christian Studies Director of the Bachelor of Applied Theology program FA L L 2023 | 39
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