ENGAGE INSPIRE ENCOURAGE engage inspire encourage
U N I V E R S I T Y A DVA N C E M E N T R E P O R T 2 0 2 6 - 2 7
UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT REPORT
table of contents
New majors, minors and programs for CBU students.
02. Message from the President 03. 75th Anniversary Celebration 04. C onstruction Management Program Receives Gift Toward Endowment
05. CBU Welcomes Two New Deans 06. Endowment Summary 07. The New Grand Arbor Botanical Garden
Read more about these stories and other CBU news at calbaptist.edu/news.
08. Meet Ke’Mya Smith 09. 10 Facts About CBU Scholarship Recipients 10. Alumni Award Winners 11. HIRED! 12. The Big West Just Got Bigger! 14. Leaving a Legacy 16. Parent Leadership Circle 1
As you review University Advancement’s 2026 Report, I invite you to reflect on the many ways Lancer Nation has grown, achieved, and served during an extraordinary year. Last year, as we celebrated CBU’s 75th anniversary, we had record enrollment with students representing 43 states and 59 countries. This year, we continue that momentum with another record-breaking enrollment of 12,613 students, reflecting the enduring appeal of CBU’s commitment to academic excellence, faith-based education and a welcoming community where students are encouraged to discover and live their purpose. The quality of the CBU experience continues to earn national recognition. In 2025-26, for the 12th consecutive year, CBU was ranked among the top 50 Best Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report, while Niche recognized our campus, dining, and residence halls among the best in California. Lancer Athletics also reached new heights. Men’s and women’s basketball captured WAC Tournament championships and advanced to March Madness, while several other teams earned conference titles and national recognition. CBU’s move to The Big West Conference marks an exciting new chapter for our student-athletes and the University. Our students continued to excel beyond competition as well—from award-winning student media and performing arts to entrepreneurship, engineering, and service. These achievements demonstrate what it means to be Academically Prepared, Biblically Rooted, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve. We are also deeply grateful for the generosity of donors and friends. CBU’s endowment has exceeded $220 million, strengthening scholarships, academic programs, and campus initiatives. Thank you for your prayers, partnership, and faithful support of CBU. May the Lord continue to bless Lancer Nation in the years ahead.
Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President 2
engage 75 YEARS OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
On September 18, 2025, CBU marked Founders Day with a student event on campus and historical trivia on social media. Over 500 students gathered to enjoy a live concert, food trucks and cupcakes and to sing “Happy Birthday” to CBU. The day kicked off the celebration of 75 years of CBU at various campus events throughout the year. CBU celebrated its first Founders Day in 1956 to mark the opening of California Baptist College, which occurred on September 18, 1950.
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CBU’S CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
strengthened by endowment A new endowment is set to secure the future of the construction management program at California Baptist University, providing steady funding to support growth and long-term success. James and Barbara Knuppe have committed $2 million to the program, which has been named in their honor. Through its endowment matching initiative, CBU will double the impact of their gift, creating a $4 million endowment. “I am deeply grateful to Jim and Bobbie for their enduring friendship, their continued generosity, and the significant role they’ve played in advancing CBU’s mission,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU. James Knuppe, a housing and mini-storage developer, and his wife are longtime supporters of CBU. “God opened the door to make a gift,” he said. “I’m just a steward of this money, and I’ll use it as He directs.” The gift is the largest commitment to the construction management program, said Dr. Phil van Haaster, dean of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering. “The naming of the H. James and Barbara Knuppe Construction Management Program is a fitting tribute,” van Haaster said. “It represents not only the Knuppes’ extraordinary generosity, but also their enduring belief in the power of Christian higher education to transform lives and professions.” Paul Eldridge, vice president for University Advancement, said the gift will benefit generations of students. “Jim and Bobbie Knuppe have long been pillars of support for California Baptist University,” Eldridge said. “From investing in scholarships to advancing new initiatives, their legacy is woven into the fabric of this campus.” Over the years, the Knuppes have given more than $4 million to areas across campus, including the College of Nursing, the School of Business, the aviation science program and endowed scholarships. The CBU prayer chapel in the Eugene and Billie Yeager Center is named in their honor. The Knuppes have a number of grandchildren who are CBU alumni. 4
2026-2027
new academic offerings DOCTORATE PROGRAMS Marriage and Family Therapy, DMFT MASTER’S PROGRAMS Human Services, MS Performance and Pedagogy, MS Exercise Physiology, MS Athletics Administration and Coaching, MS (Online) Music Education, MM Business Analytics, MS School Counseling Credential MAJORS Integrated Science, BS Biotechnology, BS MINORS Latin American Studies Sports Media 2026-2027
best college rankings NICHE NATIONAL RANKINGS #5 Best College Food #8 Best College Campuses #21 Best College Dorms #25 Best Christian Colleges CALIFORNIA RANKINGS #2 Best College Campuses #2 Best College Dorms #2 Best College Food #2 Best Christian College #8 Best Colleges for Nursing #9 Best College Athletics FORBES #6 Best Online DBA Program
JABS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND METCALF SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
welcome new deans Dr. Rick Hall has been named dean of the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business. Hall comes to CBU from Colorado Christian University where he served as professor and director of the master’s in business administration, master’s in organizational leadership and bachelor’s in healthcare administration degree programs. He assumed the role of dean on July 1, 2026. “It is an honor to be selected to lead the Jabs School of Business into its next phase of growth,” said Hall. “I look forward to building on the school’s strong foundation by expanding innovative programs, deepening regional partnerships and equipping purpose-driven business leaders to serve with integrity and impact in today’s evolving business landscape.” Hall has nearly three decades of experience working in higher education, including at the University of Minnesota and Arizona State University where he led courses in leadership, management, entrepreneurship and healthcare innovation. “Dr. Hall’s experience in higher education, combined with his success in launching businesses and securing major research grants, will be a significant asset to the business school,” said Dr. Chuck Sands, CBU provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Stacy Meyer has been named dean of the Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education. Meyer previously served as the school’s associate dean of administration, providing academic and instructional leadership and overseeing the strategic direction and quality of clinical practice. She assumed the role of dean on July 1, 2026. “This is a full-circle moment for me, having first been introduced to CBU as a parent and now having the privilege to serve as dean,” said Meyer. “I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me. I look forward to building on that momentum by expanding programs, pursuing innovative ideas and advancing our mission with passion and purpose.” Meyer brings a wealth of classroom experience, having served in public, private, homeschool and international school settings. While at CBU, she has played a key role in developing initiatives for a student-support plan protocol, adjunct training and support, and education abroad opportunities. Beyond the university, she has advanced the profession of education through service on board or advisory roles with organizations such as Mosaic Legacy, Riverside County Office of Education, California Council on Teacher Education and the California Association for Bilingual Teacher Education.
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$3,312,287
CBU ENDOWMENT SUMMARY
$10,291,697
6,553.68%
$10,479,571 $11,024,837 $13,495,468 $12,359,855 $14,110,610 $41,026,781
Through the generosity of the CBU community, combined with CBU’s institutional matching funds, our endowment has grown tremendously—from just over $3 million in 1994 to $220,388,899 at the close of fiscal year 2026. This remarkable growth reflects the lasting impact of a community committed to investing in CBU’s future.
$41,201,191 $41,825,411 $47,673,273 $53,351,705 $65,012,864 $82,777,523 $103,979,779 $118,998,900 $132,256,620 $152,900,000 $184,346,462 $220,388,899
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Above: The house at The Grand Arbor Botanical Garden. Right: Frank and Lucy Heyming
CBU RECEIVED GIFT OF HISTORIC PROPERTY AND BOTANICAL GARDEN
the grand arbor botanical garden
A local Riverside couple donated almost five acres with a 6,300-square-foot home and a flourishing botanical garden to California Baptist University. The Grand Arbor Botanical Garden is located just blocks from CBU and includes a house, barn, pool and pickleball/tennis court. The donation from Frank and Lucy Heyming represents a $5.3 million gift to the university. “A lot of the top universities have their own botanical garden, and we knew that CBU didn’t. It just made sense with CBU being so close,” Frank Heyming said. The botanical garden features themed areas including cactus, succulent, rose, butterfly and zones representing the four seasons. They also built a stream, a zen garden and a vegetable garden. “Frank and Lucy’s philanthropic spirit shines through everything they do,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU. “Their generosity and unwavering
commitment to Riverside reflect a deep-rooted spirit of philanthropy that inspires us all. We are profoundly grateful for their support.” Additionally, the couple sold two properties to CBU at below market value. CBU later sold one, generating $400,000 as an endowment gift, which CBU matched. The Heymings then contributed more gifts, which CBU also matched. These gifts and the CBU match have created a $1.2 million endowment to support the garden. The botanical garden consists of 345 trees of 151 varieties. The couple made pathways through the garden’s various areas and allowed their neighbors and friends to walk through. The garden also showcases some of Frank’s sculptures. A former real estate broker, Frank began sculpting after he retired in 2012. He donated one piece to CBU in 2018; “Inspiration” is located between the Wallace Theatre and the Alumni Dining Commons. “Frank and Lucy’s generosity speaks volumes about their character and love for this community,” said Paul Eldridge, vice president for University Advancement. “They’re remarkable individuals and pillars of Riverside, and their impact will be felt for generations.” 7
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT KEEPS JESUS FIRST AS SHE PREPARES TO ENTER THE NURSING FIELD
inspire
“I have always wanted to pursue a career in nursing, but it truly felt like my calling when my grandmother was hospitalized,” recalled Ke’Mya Smith, a student at CBU’s College of Nursing. “During that experience, I was deeply inspired by the nurses who cared for her. They went above and beyond to support not only her, but our entire family.” Ke’Mya, who grew up in the Inland Empire, was immediately interested when CBU hosted a college information session at her high school. “I could feel God leading me to attend, so I decided to sign up for a campus tour. I instantly fell in love with the campus and its atmosphere,” she said. “I remember leaving the tour feeling like this was where God wanted me to be.” The Janis and Wendel Tucker Endowed Nursing Scholarship and the Ruby and Carroll Kerby Memorial Endowed Scholarship have helped Ke’Mya overcome the financial barriers to pursuing her calling. “Nursing school is a commitment in itself, so this scholarship allowed me to fully focus on my studies and maintain a high academic standard,” she said. “Because of this, I have been able to dedicate more time and energy to my studies, which has contributed to me being recognized on the Provost’s List for the past two years.” The scholarship has also given her opportunities to excel outside of the classroom, including being actively involved in the Students of Nursing Association (SONA) and serving as chaplain of her nursing cohort. “Serving as chaplain has reminded me that God placed us here for a reason,” she said. “I believe we were called to become nurses and to care for others.” As she nears the completion of the program, Ke’Mya has gained valuable insights to share with future nursing students. “First and foremost, keep Jesus first. Secondly, remember that it is okay not to know everything,” she said. “Never be afraid to ask questions. Nursing school is a place to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow so that when you enter the field, you are more prepared and confident in the care you provide to your patients.” Through CBU’s nursing program, Ke’Mya is living her purpose, and her scholarship has motivated her to continue working hard. “It is truly a blessing to receive this scholarship,” she said, “and I am honored to be supported by people who believe in students like me and in the future of nursing. Thank you for investing in my education and helping me take another step toward becoming the nurse I have always aspired to be.”
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01.
02.
10
1,377
Total donor-funded scholarship awards, an increase of 230 over 2024-25.
03.
FACTS ABOUT 2025-26
were double majors with at least one major in the School of Christian Ministries.
CBU DONOR-FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
05.
06.
196
144
have majors within the Robert K. Jabs School of Business.
08.
781
are from California
86
are from Out-of-State
43
are International
911
CBU students were awarded donor-funded scholarships!
04.
94
were First Generation college students.
07. 103
are Nursing majors with an additional 20 that are Pre-Nursing majors.
09. & 10. $4.8M
was the total amount awarded in donor-funded scholarships.
138
have majors within the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering.
This is an increase of
425%
from 2019-2020, when the total amount awarded was $912,615. 9
COUPLE COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE ARE AWARDED CBU’S
alumni of the year award Dr. Jay and Dr. Heather Obernolte, both 2020 graduates of the Doctor of Public Administration program at CBU, have been married for 30 years and currently live in Big Bear Lake, California. Together they have built a close-knit family that includes two sons, a grandson, and a granddaughter. Their life today reflects a deep commitment to service, family, and community, values that were strengthened during their time at CBU and continue to guide them in both personal and professional pursuits. Since graduating from CBU, Jay has gone on to serve as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California’s 23rd Congressional District. He currently serves on the House committees for Energy & Commerce, Science, Space & Technology, and the House Budget Committee, and is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Research & Technology. Heather has also dedicated herself to public service, serving on the board of directors for the Library of Congress American Folklife Center with a focus on the Veterans History Project. She also served on the boards of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Foundation and the bipartisan Congressional Club, where she chaired the annual First Lady’s Luncheon in 2024. Both credit CBU as a formative place where shared values were reinforced, meaningful relationships were built, and professors— especially Dr. Elaine Ahumada—left a lasting impact on their faith and lives. In recognition of outstanding professional advancement and vocational excellence, Dr. Jay & Dr. Heather Obernolte received the 2026 Alumni of the Year award. 2025-2026
alumni award winners
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LANCER LIFETIME ACHIEVMENT AWARD
ALUMNI PHILANTHROPY AWARD
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES AWARD
YOUNG ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD
Mike Procter, ’74
Phyllis Escott Nash, ’67
Dr. Randal S., ’79 & Cindy V., ’80, Lanthripe
Jon, ’08, & Angela, ’04, O’Neill
Lucas Wehner, ’11/’12
RECENT GRADS ARE
living their purpose These graduates represent a glimpse of the thousands of CBU alumni who have entered the workforce, putting the knowledge and skills they gained through their studies into practice.
Madison Agar, ’26 Hospice Social Worker Silverado Hospice
Elizabeth Almaraz, ’26 Business Analyst, Associate Specialist Southern California Edison
Alyssa Burton, ’26 Associate Graphic Designer Esri
Daniel Butlig, ’24 Financial Advisor Modern Woodmen of America
McLane Edge, ’26 Project Leader SGH Architects
Cesar Gallardo, ’26 Project Engineer Tilden Coil Constructors, Inc.
Emmalea Ma, ’25 Pediatric Stepdown ICU RN Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital
Garrett Westwick, ’26 Launch Engineer SpaceX
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2025-26 ACCOLADES MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY WAC Champions MEN’S BASKETBALL WAC Tournament Champions 1st NCAA Tournament Appearance MEN’S SOCCER WAC Champions (regular season) WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WAC Champions (regular season) WAC Tournament Champions 2nd NCAA Tournament Appearance SOFTBALL WAC Champions (regular season) WAC Tournament Champions 1st NCAA Tournament Appearance STUNT 6x National Champions 140-0, the longest win streak in college sports history WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY WAC Champions WOMEN’S SOCCER WAC Tournament Champions 2nd NCAA Tournament Appearance
THE BIG WEST CONFERENCE WELCOME
lancer athletics
Effective July 1, 2026, California Baptist University (CBU) became an official member of the Big West Conference. The move to the Big West ends CBU’s nine-year tenure in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). CBU celebrated its best season as a Division I member in their final year of WAC membership, with seven teams winning nine conference championships and STUNT with their sixth national title. Those conference championships included men’s cross country, women’s cross country, men’s soccer (regular season), women’s soccer (tournament), men’s basketball (tournament), women’s basketball (regular season and tournament), and softball (regular season and tournament). With the addition of CBU, Sacramento State, and Utah Valley, Big West membership now stands at 12 schools for the 2026-27 academic year. Returning Big West members include Cal Poly, CSU Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, CSUN, Long Beach State, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara. 12
WE ARE THE
CHAMPIONS!
2025-2026 AN EPIC YEAR FOR
LANCER ATHLETICS!
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$2,272,500
$13,153,750
$20,694,842 $65,506,021
TOTAL KNOWN ESTATE GIFT COMMITMENTS:
$101,627,113
ESTATE GIFT COMMITMENTS
leaving a legacy More and more, CBU alumni and friends are choosing to make an estate gift commitment to CBU. $101,627,113 in estate gift commitments have been designated to scholarships, programs, schools and colleges. These generous commitments are more than financial gifts, they are expressions of faith in the next generation and a desire to help shape the future of CBU for years to come. Through these gifts, alumni and friends are leaving a legacy that will open doors, transform lives and carry the CBU mission forward for generations. An estate gift commitment not only helps CBU, but it secures a lasting legacy of impact.
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GIFT DESIGNATION Undesignated Student Scholarships Programs and Other Initiatives Athletics
17 NEW ESTATE GIFT COMMITMENTS
were made in 2025-26, representing $6,052,237, and bringing the total number of gift commitments to
82!
encourage COUPLE CONSIDERS THEIR GIFT AS AN INVESTMENT IN ETERNITY
Richard (Dick) and Penny Wrobel were introduced to CBU by two good friends from church. Much to their surprise, they quickly fell in love with the University during a campus tour. Penny says she “knew that she knew that she knew” that she and Dick were meant to support CBU’s mission. Dick was struck by the friendliness of CBU students and the obvious presence of the Holy Spirit. Eight years later, the couple considers CBU as family. With 38 years of military service, including time as a fighter-jet crew chief, Dick has a natural connection to CBU’s Aviation Department. As former Director of Public Relations of a well-known culinary institute in the Pacific Northwest, and then co-owner of the Oregon Spice Company for 10 years, Penny’s heart is drawn to CBU’s Dr. Paul and Annie Kienel Leadership Institute, which she says not only teaches leadership skills but also sends students and graduates into the community to teach and share those skills. Penny says having “boots on the ground” is invaluable. The Wrobels are members of CBU’s Palm Drive Legacy Society, whose members invest in the University’s future through estate gift commitments, providing a stable, long-term foundation for CBU’s mission. They have made a generous estate gift commitment and have made gifts during their lifetime to establish an endowed scholarship benefiting students in Missionary Aviation and Leadership Studies.
They are quick to emphasize that the legacy they are leaving is not about them. It is about ensuring CBU continues to grow, bless others, and touch the lives of young people—the leaders of tomorrow. They consider their gifts an investment in eternity. “The Lord has so blessed us that we, in turn, want to be used as an instrument to reach out and bless others,” Dick said. “CBU and its students just seemed to be the right place to help make that happen.” For those considering a gift to CBU, Dick and Penny offer simple advice: take a campus tour, touch the Kugel, and make CBU part of your plan.
THE PALM DRIVE LEGACY SOCIETY recognizes alumni and friends who have invested in
California Baptist University’s future through a planned gift. Examples of planned gifts include a gift commitment to CBU from a will or trust, naming CBU as a beneficiary on retirement funds, life insurance policies or annuities and charitable remainder trusts, among other options. Membership in the Palm Drive Legacy Society demonstrates a commitment to improving future generations through Christ-centered educational experiences. An estate gift commitment positively impacts CBU and inspires others to make the decision to support the mission of CBU through purposeful giving. Estate commitments to CBU leave a lasting legacy that will impact students for generations to come. 15
COUPLE STAYED CONNECTED WITH CBU THROUGH THE
parent leadership circle
Brooks and Tabitha Beaupain were members of the University’s Parent Leadership Circle (PLC) while their daughter, Aliya, attended CBU and pursued a double major in Theater and Creative Writing. PLC members pray for CBU, attend special events, and give generously to support the University. The couple enjoyed the frequent communications sent to PLC members, which helped keep them connected to the Lancer community. The Beaupains speak highly of their daughter’s time at CBU. Beginning with Aliya’s high school tour, Brooks was impressed with the campus culture, saying that the confidence, maturity, and enthusiasm of the students leading the tour reflected positively on the University, and that everything at CBU was done in a very professional yet approachable manner. Tabitha says, “Aliya had many positive experiences as a student. She found ‘her people’ there and built great relationships with peers and teachers.” At CBU, Aliya continued to grow in her faith and, following graduation, is prepared to use her passion and gifts to fulfill a purpose-driven life. Aliya was so certain CBU was the place for her that, as a 4.0 Honors APA student, she didn’t even apply to any other universities. Before her freshman year began, Aliya’s CBU student success coach called to check in with her and asked, “Can I pray for you?” Aliya had never had a school official ask that before; the question nearly moved her to tears and confirmed that she had made the right school choice. The Beaupains would advise anyone considering CBU to take a campus tour and pay attention to the “well-maintained campus and the care that is given to every person, reflecting the pride and purpose that CBU represents.” The family highly recommends CBU, saying it is a first-class institution, and everyone from President Ellis to every faculty and staff member is impressive in their focus on serving the Lord and fulfilling the University’s mission.
CBU PARTNERS WITH MODERN WOODMEN FRATERNAL FINANCIAL TO UNVEIL THE
center for career and professional development
As they prepare for life after graduation, California Baptist University students have access to career preparation throughout their college experience through the newly renamed Center for Career and Professional Development. Formerly the CBU Career Center, the new name reflects the Center’s broader role in helping students develop the skills, experiences and professional connections they need 16
to successfully transition from college to career. The Center also welcomes a new sponsor, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, whose support will help enhance its services and programming for students. “The name change stresses the importance of overall professional development, not just job placement,” said Lisa Blair, director of the Center. “Professional development is not transactional but transformational and covers the ongoing skills, habits and competencies students need to build before, during and after that initial interaction to stay competitive in the workforce.” The new name, expanded programming and employer partnerships reflect CBU’s commitment to preparing students to take what they learn in the classroom into their professions and communities.
WE ARE INCREDIBLY THANKFUL FOR THE GENEROSITY OF THOSE WHOSE SUPPORT STRENGTHENS AND ADVANCES THE MISSION OF CBU.
thank you!
Through your generosity, students at CBU are being shaped by a Christ-centered education that prepares them not only for successful careers, but for lives of purpose and service. Your support helps cultivate their skills, integrity and faith, empowering them to glorify God and impact their workplaces and the world around them.
California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dental Hygiene Building took place on August 25, 2026. The CBU Dental Hygiene Program is one of only two faith-based programs in the country. The program will accept two cohorts of 24 students to start each fall and spring, bringing the program to 96 students at full capacity. The facility will offer over 24,000 square feet of space designed for comprehensive patient care and the clinic will feature 24 clinical operatories and eight radiology operatories and will house a state-of-the-art simulation lab where students can practice techniques before treating patients.