CBU University Advancement Report 2020–2021

LANCERS

UNITED UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT REPORT | 2020-2021

AS I LOOK BACK OVER THE PAST YEAR, I am grateful for the prayers and generous support of the many friends of California Baptist University.

I am thankful that even amid the current disruption to our nation, our local communities, and our campus community, friends of the Lancer Nation have remained faithful to CBU’s students and mission.

Founded 70 years ago with an initial class of 42 students, CBU has grown dramatically, with another record enrollment of 11,317 students this fall. We currently offer more than 150 majors, minors, and concentrations; over 45 master’s degrees and seven doctoral programs in both traditional and online settings.

At CBU, we believe that each person is created for a purpose. Our goal is to help students understand and engage this purpose through a Christcentered education. At the heart of this mandate is CBU’s “Core 4” – outcomes designed to help students become Biblically Rooted, Academically Prepared, Globally Minded, and Equipped to Serve. CBU students are continually challenged to glorify God as they live their purpose wherever the future may lead.

Even during this extraordinary time of uncertainty, CBU has been blessed with remarkable growth in student enrollment, up 2.5% from last year.

The 2020 CBU graduating class

represented the largest graduating class yet with 3,140 candidates. Over 30,000 alumni are living their purpose undergirded by the Christ-centered education received at CBU—thanks in part to the support of many generous donors. Our campus has grown as well—Magnolia Crossing, CBU’s beautiful new student-housing complex, is open, with capacity to house 540 students.

Of course, some things at CBU are currently modified by the pandemic, such as in-person education and athletics. While our goals and mission remain the same, most of our students are receiving live/synchronous remote instruction for Fall 2020. Additionally, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Board of Directors voted to suspend fall sports through the end of 2020.

Winter sports competition is pending WAC Board decisions.

continued growth. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together during this academic year.

May the Lord continue to bless!

Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President

In spite of the challenges we are currently facing, I remain hopeful for the future, grateful for God’s blessings, and humbled to remember that no matter the circumstance, God is still on the throne.

Thank you for being a part of California Baptist University, for caring about the future of the university and our students, and for being a part of our

TABLE OF contents CBU Responds to COVID-19 2

Lancer Athletics

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Homecoming 2020

Faculty Notes

CBU Endures

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2021 Rankings 5 “God Led Me to Give” Capital Projects

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Alumni Give Back 12

Engineering Thriving

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Prestigious Award for CBSS 14

Endowed Scholarships

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Dr. Ellis Honored for 25 Years 15

Ways to Give

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Palm Drive Legacy Society

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CBU RESPONDS to ACADEMICS TRANSITION to Online Format Due to a county-wide mandate by Riverside County health officials ordering the closure of schools and universities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, California Baptist University transitioned to an online format during the Spring 2020 semester.

Over spring break, as the situation unfolded, the staff in Information Technology Services and Online and Professional Studies spent many hours prepping and transitioning more than 2,000 traditional undergraduate and graduate courses to an online format. Then, as the virus continued to surge, the decision was made to deliver the fall semester through live/ synchronous remote instruction as well.

“This is uncharted territory for almost all of us,” said CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis. “As we move forward together and adapt to this extremely challenging and fluid situation, I appreciate the cooperation of everyone affected by these decisions.”

Through it all, high-level instruction and top-notch service was provided by CBU faculty members and university staff.

This commitment to excellence is what the Lancer Nation has come to expect and what they deserve.

SPIRITUAL LIFE: God is of Comfort During COVID-19 CBU Dean of Spiritual Life, Dr. John Montgomery, encouraged the Lancer community to look to God’s attributes for comfort during the COVID-19 crisis.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic kept people at home and caused uncertainty, people should not get trapped in a cycle of ‘what if?’ scenarios,” said Montgomery.

“Instead, we must first and immediately go to the truth of God’s word, the Bible, and focus on who God is in His nature and character,” Montgomery said. “While God never promises that we will never experience trials, He does promise that He will never leave or forsake those who are His.” “God has not left you,” he said. “Sometimes, God is near through His people who can offer assistance to meet your needs. Be bold and reach out for help.”

Despite the many changes in people’s lives, Montgomery said people have the chance to grow personally and serve others in the current environment.

“We have an opportunity to rely on and trust God more deeply. It is difficult times like this that allow us to increase our faith and trust,” he said. “Second, opportunities are all around us to serve others.”

11,317!

RECORD FALL ENROLLMENT Defies Pandemic Disruptions California Baptist University recorded its largest fall enrollment ever this year despite significant disruptions related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trustees established the current goal in 2015 after CBU surpassed its previous enrollment target of 8,080 by 2020 five years early.

Fall 2020 enrollment at CBU totaled 11,317 students. That figure is 272 more than the previous record enrollment of 11,045 students in fall 2019, an increase of 2.5 percent.

Ellis reported this year’s enrollment growth follows three years of 600-plus increases (610, 698, 618). With the latest increase of 272 students, CBU enrollment has seen an increase of 176 percent in the past 11 years.

“Fall 2020 is another record-breaking enrollment increase on top of a sustained 26 years of significant growth,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis. He noted the increase puts CBU ahead of schedule to reach an enrollment goal of 12,000 students by 2025.

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CBU officials said this year’s greatest enrollment increases were recorded in traditional graduate and online programs.

COVID-19 THE UNIVERSITY CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA’S “Sing the Story (Hallelujah Amen)” Virtual Choir Experience

“Sing the Story (Hallelujah Amen)” can be found on YouTube.

Despite being quarantined, members of the University Choir and Orchestra (UCO) at California Baptist University remotely produced a virtual choir video experience for its latest release, “Sing the Story (Hallelujah Amen).” The video, released shortly before Easter, quickly became a source of encouragement throughout the CBU community and beyond.

Travis Maclay, assistant professor and director of operations at the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music, edited and completed the final product. In editing, he took all the individual video and audio recordings and synchronized them. He also designed an on-screen layout that would incorporate all the students and John Bolin, adjunct professor of worship arts, who led the worship song. The video was released on YouTube in April 2020.

“We were excited to have the unexpected opportunity to continue our collaboration with LifeWay Worship,” said Steven Dahlgren, the UCO conductor. “There’s a strong message in this song that the world needs to hear, especially during this pandemic.”

“Sing the Story (Hallelujah Amen)” was co-written by Hector Gabriel, assistant professor of music, and Bolin, a member of the School of Music’s worship arts advisory board. The song was arranged by Bolin and orchestrated

by Bradley Knight.

“Many people have commented on how impactful it was for them while stuck in quarantine,” said Allison Holliday, a freshman public relations major. “The final project was awesome. I loved seeing so many of my choir friends. It felt like we were together again, even though we were spread across the U.S.” Delaney Young, a music education junior and one of the UCO altos, admitted it was a bit awkward singing her part alone.

“I think it was a great opportunity for UCO to continue to be able to create music together while being separated from each other,” Young said. “I thought that the final project was great. It was fun to be able to see everyone come together to create this project.”

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FACULTY Notes and Aca Dr. Seung-Jae Kim, professor of bioengineering, was named CBU’s 2020 Distinguished Scholar for his research proposal, “Artificial Intelligence in Human Movements.”

Beginning his 10th year at CBU, Kim says he had just finished post-doctorate work at MIT when God led him to CBU. Since that time, Kim has developed many bioengineering courses, and he helped launch CBU’s biomedical engineering department.

Kim’s neurorehabilitation research explores the use of machine learning methods in the biomechanics of human movement. Using artificial intelligence as it applies to rehabilitative engineering, the research may help health professionals optimize training as it relates to normal and abnormal walking ranges. One goal of Kim’s research is to enhance the process of acquiring and retaining motor learning. Kim says that artificial intelligence and bioengineering may accelerate rehabilitation programs for neurological disorders, as well as improve clinical decision-making.

In Kim’s biomedical engineering classes, students learn engineering as it relates to health science applications.

Research methods Kim has developed to evaluate the human gait are incorporated into class projects, as are the research results. Kim says that he nurtures his students and challenges them in ways that will prepare them for what they need to learn, and he trusts that they appreciate the knowledge they gain.

Kim enjoys playing the piano, reading essays, and spending time playing tennis with his sons—which he was able to do almost daily over the summer break. He defines success as “how much we can be content with what we have.” Kim says, “Everyone has a different purpose, and we are to make use of what has been given to us.” As a Christian, Kim believes that CBU is a good place to find principles he values, as well as an intellective faculty and student body.

Dr. Erin Smith is an associate professor of psychology and the director of research for CBU’s Center for the Study of Human Behavior.

Smith graduated from the University of California Riverside and is beginning her 10th year at CBU. Since July 2019, Smith has served as a science advisor in psychology and neuroscience for the Science in Seminaries Program, organized by the Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion, a division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the largest international and interdisciplinary science organization.

She has served as a curriculum advisor and is a designated advisor at two seminaries.

Smith takes her role in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS) seriously because she feels she is working for the Lord. As a professor, she meets each student where they are and believes her role in developing students within a Christian context is to show them the incredible diversity within science and religion.

Because students often come to her class with the belief that they must choose between science and faith, she facilitates explicit conversations to move students “beyond black and white, either/or thinking.”

By exploring how worldview and evidence interact, she hopes to move students into a space where they can critically engage information with nuance and integrity. By studying the different ways of understanding knowledge and beliefs in science and Christianity with students, she hopes to see more Christians represented in scientific fields as students discover that science and faith are not mutually exclusive.

Smith minored in French as an undergraduate student and still adores the French language, saying had linguistics been a choice for a major in graduate school, she may not have chosen to study psychology. She spent a great deal of the summer making and eating ice cream with her three children, ages 15 months, 5, and 7 years.

Smith says at CBU, every student is treated as a “wholeperson” and encourages anyone considering attending “to come to campus and notice the people who will look you in the eye, smile at you, and really see you.”

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demic News DIVISION OF ARTS & LETTERS Created at CBU A new division has been created within the College of Arts and Sciences at California Baptist University.

The Division of Arts and Letters will consist of three departments: communication arts, history and government, and modern languages and literature. Approximately 630 students are pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree in those departments.

The college already has the Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Aviation Science.

“The College of Arts and Sciences is so big and so diverse,” said Dr. Lisa Hernández, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “I hope by creating the Division of Arts and Letters, this is something bigger that the students can identify with and get a bigger feel for the different disciplines within the new division.”

Dr. James Lu, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the goal is to expand the students’ talents in the humanities and social sciences.

“Our diverse programs all contribute to the healthy development of our students’ critical thinking ability. The faculty in this division serve as professional mentors to students,” Lu said. “We hope that by exploring the dynamic human experiences in society and at cultural and crosscultural levels, our students will strengthen their spirituality and deepen their understanding of the real world, so as to thrive in their future professions and community services.”

THANK you!

“Words cannot explain the amount of gratitude I have within me. I am grateful to both you and God. I am grateful to you for being so generous to give to those in need and I am grateful to God that He blessed you the way He has so that you are in the position to help others. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me.”

Rainier Gracial, ’23 Scholarship Recipient Business Administration

2021 RANKINGS and course offerings #40 BEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITY #13 Most Innovative Schools #23 Best Colleges for Veterans #25 Best Value Schools National Rankings

California Rankings

#5 Best College Campus #5 Best College Food #15 Best Online Colleges #22 Best College Dorms

#1 Best Online Colleges #2 Best College Campus #2 Best College Food #3 Best College Dorms

2020-21 NEW MAJORS - Elementary Education - Liberal Arts 150+ Majors, Minors and Concentrations 45+ Graduate Programs 7 Doctoral Programs

NEW DIVISION - Arts & Letters NEW MASTER OF ARTS - Leadership & Management Studies NEW DOCTORATES - Social Work - Organizational Change and Administration 5

CAPITAL Projects

CBU ADAMS STREET ENTRANCE Receives Riverside Beautification Award The new entrance to California Baptist University located at Adams Street and Lancer Lane received the Mayor’s Award during the City of Riverside Mayor’s State of the City address on Jan. 30. The award is part of the Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful (KRCB) program.

Mayor Rusty Bailey and Donna Little, chair of KRCB, presented the award. Mark Howe, CBU vice president for finance and administration, accepted the award on behalf of the university.

KRCB is a community program sponsored by the City of Riverside and the Greater Riverside Chambers of

Commerce. Its mission is to foster a sense of community pride by creating partnerships that work toward the city’s beautification.

The summer of 2019 marked the opening of the new main entrance to CBU at Adams Street and Lancer Lane. Features include a new monument arch, signature campus fencing, expanded roadway, and hardscape with outdoor seating areas. These elements combine to welcome visitors and guide them past award-winning facilities, including the Recreation Center, Events Center and the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building into the academic core of the CBU campus.

COUCH’S CORNER OPENS AT CBU

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California Baptist University opened its newest eatery, Couch’s Corner, to the campus community’s excitement on Oct. 8, 2019.

Couch’s Corner also features Shake Smart that allows individuals to create custom shakes, enjoy a cold brew coffee, acai bowls, and other healthy options.

Located at Lancer Plaza near the Campus Store, Couch’s Corner is designed for the on-the-go lifestyle.

Within the establishment is Delect-a-Bowls, which among its many choices, offers build-to-order poke bowls with fresh seafood, custom sauces with fresh topping options.

Students waited eagerly to try out the new dining options on opening day. Brodie Arbeiter, a kinesiology senior, wanted to be among the first to eat at Couch’s Corner. “I am excited to have something different on campus, something healthy that will make my body feel better throughout the day,” Arbeiter said.

MAGNOLIA Crossing

NEW HOUSING COMPLEX Opens for CBU Students Magnolia Crossing apartments is the newest living area at CBU. The multi-story building offers spacious suite-style housing for residential students.

Conveniently located adjacent to the main campus, Magnolia Crossing features fully furnished two bedroom/two bathroom and three bedroom/three bathroom suites complete with a living room, full kitchen, and dining area.

comfortable lobby area or hanging out in the outdoor community courtyard complete with BBQs. Magnolia Crossing residents are also able to use their meal plan at The Market, a grab-and-go food venue conveniently located in the lobby of the building.

The gated apartment complex includes various community and study spaces, onsite parking, and shuttle access to different CBU campus locations.

Residents enjoy spending time with friends in the

Amenities Aside from being fully furnished, Magnolia Crossing apartments also include wireless internet, SpectrumU streaming cable service, central air conditioning and heating, card swipe access control on all exterior doors, and laundry facilities within the complex.

Shake Smart & Delect-a-Bowls

Couch’s Corner Patio

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LANCER Athletics Brandon Boyd, ’20

Logan Mena, ’20

Kiree Lowe, ’22

Men’s CHEER BASKETBALL For the ninth straight

Men’s SWIM & DIVE WATER POLO The CBU women’s

Three Lancers earned All-WAC honors. Milan Acquaah was named the WAC Player of the Year, Brandon Boyd was voted the Newcomer of the Year, and De’jon Davis earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team.

CBU logged its first-ever, top-three finish in the WWPA Championships with Logan Mena named NCAA Division I All-American honorable mention by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches.

De’jon Davis has since signed a professional contract with Beşiktaş Sompo Japan Istanbul men’s basketball team in the first division Turkish Basketball Super League.

year, California Baptist University’s cheer team took home the United Spirit Association Collegiate Championship.

The Lancers dominated the final round, finishing with 94.71 points for the win. CBU executed their routines with zero deductions.

“I am incredibly proud of the team’s performance this weekend,” said head coach Olivia Miller. “Being able to execute two zero deduction routines is a great way to start competition season.”

Kevin Rosa was named the Western Water Polo Association Co-Coach of the Year. The team ended the season with a 17-15 record and ranked 15th in the NCAA.

THANK you!

“CBU gave me a sense of belonging. Being an international student, I think that CBU’s community is very welcoming, and it has become a place of comfort for me. Overall, I have grown a lot as a person, student, and athlete and I would not trade this experience with anything else.”

—Jocelyn Chee, ’21 Women’s Golf 8

swimming and diving team finished second, and the men’s team took fifth at the WAC Championships.

Fifteen Lancers (eight men, seven women) qualified for the 2020 College Swimming Coaches Association of America National Invitational Championship.

COVID-19 DELAYS FALL COMPETITION Lancer Schedules, for Multiple Sports, Postponed In consideration of the global COVID-19 pandemic and challenges faced by its member institutions, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Board of Directors has voted to suspend all fall championship and nonchampionship athletics competition through the end of the calendar year.

“It obviously was a difficult decision, and not one made lightly,” said WAC Commissioner Jeff Hurd. “But it was one made after extensive discussion and consideration of all relevant factors as well as input from conference administrators and the Medical Advisory Committee.

The health and safety of our student-athletes, the many others associated with our athletics programs, and all those in our campus environments will always be the highest priority.”

The fall conference championship sports affected are CBU men’s and women’s cross country, volleyball, and men’s and women’s soccer. NCAA fall championships have been moved to the spring, and if feasible, the WAC will conduct the respective sports during the same time frame.

The fall competition schedule for CBU men’s water polo, a member of the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA), has also been postponed. Additionally, in alignment with the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), CBU has delayed its wrestling season based on the recommended competitive schedule adjustments recently

provided by the NWCA with a potential restart after Jan. 1.

The decision also affects the non-championship portion of the schedule for CBU men’s and women’s golf, baseball, and softball, with Jan. 1 set as the earliest opportunity for competition in these sports.

Men’s and women’s basketball and men’s and women’s swimming and diving competition will be postponed through the end of October, pending Board discussion on winter athletics competition.

Conditioning, strength training, and other practice opportunities in all sports will be permitted per institutional discretion.

This news comes after a previous announcement from the NCAA Division I Council that approved providing spring-sport student-athletes who had used a season of competition, an additional season of competition, and an extension of their period of eligibility. The Council allowed schools to self-apply a one-year extension of eligibility for all spring-sport student-athletes who used a season of competition, effectively extending each student’s five-year “clock” by a year.

CBU gave all senior student-athletes, affected by a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the option to return to competition for the 2020-21 academic year.

THANK you!

“CBU has been more than just a university, it’s become a home where I’ve been able to develop into a greater teammate, friend, and individual. I’m excited to see what’s in the future for all CBU athletics and look forward to the success ahead!”

—Reuben Dass, ’21 Men’s Soccer 9

CBU ENDURES becaus FUND CREATED TO HELP Sustain CBU During COVID-19 The CBU Endurance Fund was created to help sustain California Baptist University during this unprecedented crisis amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided an opportunity for the Lancer Family to come together and meet the immediate needs of our beloved university.

THANK you!

“Because of the pandemic, my work hours have been few. Most weeks we’ve had just enough to cover rent, which has left me short on my tuition. You have no idea what a blessing your generosity is to me. I’m beginning my final semester and this helps me finish my degree. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness.”

—Kari East, ’20 Scholarship Recipient Accounting

Paul J. Eldridge, J.D., vice president for University Advancement, said, “We all had to adjust to the new normal the coronavirus pandemic created – and the adjustment was not easy.”

In response to the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, CBU encouraged Lancers to embrace the CBU Endurance Fund challenge that includes a request to Pray, Promote, and Provide for CBU. And the Lancer Family delivered.

Beginning March 31 through this publication, the campaign has received almost $600,000 for the CBU Endurance Fund.

The campaign continues as CBU navigates COVID-19 related issues that have extended beyond predicted timelines.

“My heart goes out to the families that have been affected by this situation,” Eldridge said. “I am especially burdened for our CBU students who needed to make significant changes on short notice.” This pandemic was a trial for many individuals and our society at large, Eldridge acknowledged.

“The CBU community unified under this campaign to help

“GOD LED ME TO GIVE” Donor Generosity a Blessing to CBU After COVID-19 shut down the campus, California Baptist University established the CBU Endurance Fund to help sustain the University during the unprecedented crisis and ensuing challenges that impacted Lancer Nation. When George and Carol Tillery were asked if they would consider giving a gift to CBU’s Endurance Fund, George considered the challenges COVID-19 presented to CBU. He prayed about how to respond to Dr. Ellis. George, a faithful CBU supporter, felt that God led him to give twice the amount that was asked, and CBU was blessed with their generosity and their obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

The Tillerys’ generous giving to CBU didn’t start with the Endurance Fund; they have been supporters for years. They recently established the Tillery Family Funded Scholarship to support students enrolled in CBU’s Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education and the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business. These scholarships connect Carol’s extensive background in education and George’s lifetime business experience with their charitable giving.

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e of Lancer Family & Friends CBU come out resilient on the other side,” he said. “What a great blessing to all of us here at CBU.” The campaign had a three-fold approach: seeking God through prayer, calling for Lancers to unify in their solidarity of the University, and for those who can to provide financial support.

CBU Endurance Fund Challenge: • PRAY for CBU students, faculty, staff, leadership, and the entire Lancer Family.

• PROMOTE CBU through recommendations of prospective students and the promotion of the CBU Endurance Fund.

• PROVIDE for CBU by making a sacrificial gift to the newly established CBU Endurance Fund.

“I love Lancer Nation, and it was a great encouragement to see Lancers facing this challenge head-on. This campaign provided an opportunity for our alumni, parents, and friends to help CBU continue to fulfill its mission as a University Committed to the Great Commission,” Eldridge said.

Because biblical stewardship is important to the Tillerys, completing a Dave Ramsey financial stewardship course is a prerequisite for students receiving scholarship funding.

With their scholarship giving, George and Carol hope to mitigate some of the hardships inherent in student debt, and they hope the financial education will benefit the students as they move through life.

Additionally, the Tillerys have been avid supporters of the Dr. Paul and Annie Kienel Leadership Institute at CBU, both as donors and as advocates of the Institute’s goals to “develop competent, virtuous, and engaging members of society who make the right things happen the right way.” From establishing a generous endowment to graciously hosting “Cave Events” at their Corona home, to hosting a dinner tour of Puget Sound on their yacht, the Leadership Institute has benefitted from their generosity.

THANK you!

“Thank you for graciously supporting the students with the Tillery Family Scholarship. Thanks to donations like yours I will be able to continue to pursue both my majors. After graduating from CBU I hope to open my own small business with Christcentered values while also having a social impact in the community around me.”

—Brandon Villasenor, ’22 Scholarship Recipient Christian Studies and Business Administration

George says that “God became real” to him when he was just 19 years old. Carol described her husband’s “innate sense of caring and giving,” and said that George is “conscious to give as much as he spends.” George replied that he has been blessed and quoted a favorite Bible verse: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

–Luke 12:48 (NIV) George and Carol Tillery give to CBU because the organizational mission is aligned with their conviction of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and because they say CBU’s leadership is trustworthy. For others who are similarly aligned with CBU’s mission, the Tillerys would highly recommend supporting the mission of CBU. 11

ALUMNI Give Back

Dr. Ronald Ellis, Sandy Young, Alan Young and Jane Ellis.

Alan, ’69, and Sandy, ’69, Young, have been residents of Riverside and supporters of CBU for more than 50 years. Both graduated from then California Baptist College (CBC) in 1969. Alan obtained his Bachelor of Arts in History and Sandy her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

During their senior year at CBC, Alan and Sandy were selected for teaching internships in the Jurupa Unified School District. Both went on to serve in the field of education and obtained master’s degrees. After retiring, both Sandy and Alan taught as adjunct professors at CBU and National University.

Alan and Sandy have also been great supporters of Lancer Athletics through their financial gifts.

“We wanted to model for our kids, and especially our grandkids, the importance of giving to others,” Alan said.

The Youngs are Lancer basketball season ticket holders, and Alan is a member of the Lancer Athletics Association Development Board. In 2019, Alan and Sandy created the John Caleb Williams Memorial Endowment Fund to support Lancer Athletics in honor of their late son-in-law.

THANK you!

“Thank you so much for your generosity and choosing me for this scholarship. This is a true unexpected blessing. This season has been filled with countless ups and downs and this gift has brought so much hope. My heart is filled with so much thankfulness.”

—Sabrina Santana, ’21 Scholarship Recipient Christian Studies 16 12

HOMECOMING 2020

More than 5,000 Lancer friends and family enjoyed various activities for the 2020 Homecoming weekend at California Baptist University on Feb. 28-29, 2020.

These four graduates are just a glimpse of the thousands of CBU graduates who have entered the workforce into professions for which they studied diligently at CBU. They are Living Their Purpose!

Lisa Bangean, ’19 Edgar Marquez, ’20 Registered Nurse, Loma Linda Graphic Designer, University Medical Center Archtelecom

Benjamin Novoa, ’20 Labor Compliance Analyst, GCAP Services

Blake Gordon, ’18 Computer Engineer in Test, Apple

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WE LIVE FOR OT COLLEGE OF BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Receives Prestigious Award The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire honored the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences as its 2019 Partner of the Year.

In the past five years, the college has collaborated with the organization as mentors in the program, and CBU Master of Social Work students served as interns for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Additionally, faculty members at CBU have provided staff training on various issues. The Center for the Study of Human Behavior at CBU helps the organization identify positive outcomes from its mentoring program.

The partnership has also provided children and their families in the program opportunities to visit CBU for a campus tour.

“The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences has come around us to support our mission,” said Jennifer O’Farrell, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire. “The faculty and students are fantastic.”

Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, has been on the nonprofit’s regional board for five years.

“Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and CBU demonstrates a commitment to working across sectors for the common good,” Gustafson said. “Together, we can be the difference, one culture, one community, and one person at a time.”

Dr. Nathan Iverson, assistant professor of psychology, has been a big brother for three years.

“It has been a tremendously rewarding experience to get to know a young man in our neighborhood. His life has been far from easy, and it has been an honor to be a friend with him through this season,” Iverson said. “I know no other organization that such a small commitment can have such a large impact.”

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SPEECH-LANGUAGE STUDENTS Assist Through Telepractice Graduate students from California Baptist University’s Speech-Language Pathology program continued to serve their clients, ages 2-95 years, via telepractice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Danette Bonillo, director of clinical education, taught students how to use technology to conduct virtual speech therapy sessions known as telepractice.

“I had the students transform everything we were doing at the clinic before COVID-19 into an online format,” Bonillo said. “They did a fantastic job.”

“Think about these people who were already feeling isolated, especially stroke survivors, and now they’re more isolated than ever,” Bonillo said. “We really have to provide that opportunity to engage.”

Graduate students in speech-language pathology are also providing telepractice speech therapy with private clinics, schools, or earning hours with web-based simulated case studies.

“In telepractice speech therapy, the goals remain the same as if it were an in-person session. The delivery is just different,” Bonillo said.

Students learned effective use of technology, such as adjusting lighting, so their faces are well lit. While in a session, the students need to alternate between showing their faces and materials they are reviewing.

Megan Macias, a speech-language pathology student, said she was initially nervous about telepractice. She would practice what she was learning with her family and friends. In the end, her sessions with clients went well.

“Learning these skills and creating a growing repertoire of teletherapy materials will greatly benefit the clients that I will serve in the years to come and me,” Macias said.

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year program.

THERS at CBU DR. RONALD L. ELLIS HONORED FOR 25 YEARS of Transformational Leadership

THANK you!

More than 200 people attended an event celebrating the 25 years of Dr. Ronald L. Ellis as president of California Baptist University on Jan. 16, 2020. Ellis officially marked his 25th anniversary as CBU president on Nov. 1, 2019.

Since Ellis became president of then-California Baptist College, enrollment has grown from 808 to 11,317, an increase of 10,509 students. Under his leadership, CBC became California Baptist University in 1998 and now features 11 colleges and professional schools, offering more than 150 majors and minors, more than 45 graduate programs, and seven doctoral programs.

Lancer Athletics has grown from five teams competing in the NAIA to 18 teams competing in the NCAA Division I. CBU’s main campus now comprises more than 160 acres and 30 buildings. The latest architectural additions to campus are the Athletics Performance Center, the East Parking Structure, the new main entrance to the campus from Adams Street, and a new residence hall, Magnolia Crossing.

Ellis, during brief remarks, credited God’s blessings for the success and growth at CBU. He reminded the audience that CBU is a “University Committed to the Great Commission.”

“No one person can do anything close to what’s been done here. You’ve got to have a team,” Ellis said.

“There’s really no external limitations on what we [at CBU] can accomplish for the Lord,” Ellis said. “The only limitations that I think we have are our own internal things. I think the Lord will continue to bless this organization as we continue to walk in faith, getting out of that boat, and walking on water. Thank you so much for making the last 25 years a ‘wow!’”

“I am so thankful that God has led me to you. You have encouraged me to give back to others in any way that I can.

One day, once my career takes off, I hope to do the same thing that you are doing and touch someone’s life just as you touched mine. I cannot thank you enough. You have truly helped change my life with this scholarship!”

Taylor Curtis, ’21 Scholarship Recipient Liberal Studies

“GO THEREFORE AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL THE NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THAT I COMMANDED YOU; AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE.” — GREAT COMMISSION MATTHEW 28: 19-20, NASB

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PALM DRIVE The Palm Drive Legacy Society exists for the purpose of honoring the charitable commitments of our members and to encourage a spirit of philanthropy throughout the California Baptist University family.

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 charitable bequests, trusts, annuities, beneficiary designations from life insurance and/or an IRA. These gifts positively impact CBU and inspire others to make the decision to support the mission of CBU through purposeful giving.

When including CBU in estate plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID. Legal Name: California Baptist University Location: 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504 Federal Tax ID Number: 95-1890710 Estate commitments to CBU leave a lasting legacy that will impact students for years to come!

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? If you have already designated a planned gift to CBU or if you would like to learn how to do so, please contact: Dan Westermann, MBA, CFRE Associate Vice President University Advancement 951.343.4355

THANK you!

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“Growing up on the mission field in third world countries, I have seen first hand the massive need for medical training and improved care.

My desire and prayer is that one day I can return to the mission field and provide medical assistance. More importantly, I hope this will open doors for the gospel to be shared. Your gift helps make this possible and I could not be more blessed.”

—Abigail Kula, ’21 Scholarship Recipient Nursing

Legacy Society SECURING A LEGACY and supporting CBU in the process More and more, CBU alumni and friends are choosing to make a planned gift to CBU. Since 2018, over $11 million in planned gifts have been designated to different scholarships, programs, schools and colleges at the university. A planned gift not only helps CBU but it secures a legacy at the university.

TOTAL KNOWN PLANNED GIFTS COMMITTED TO CBU:

$12,195,000

$2,700,000

$4,095,000

GIFT DESIGNATION

$1,521,000

Student Scholarships Bachelor of Applied Theology Program

$1,388,450

Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music Other

$1,125,000

Undesignated

$1,365,000

College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design

THANK you!

“As I continue in my studies toward a Bachelors of Applied Theology, this scholarship will set me on a positive trajectory for a life serving our Lord in His local church. I am prepared to serve our Lord with all I have, knowing it will not always be financially beneficial. Thank you for your generosity; I pray the Lord will use it for His glory.”

—Jeremy Flye, ’22 Scholarship Recipient Applied Theology

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ENGINEERING PROG ENGINEERING STUDENTS’ Robot Talents on Display Freshman engineering students displayed their robotic constructions during the Robots Got Talent event on Dec 2, 2019. The event featured nine teams who competed in a semester-long process to construct robots designed to perform a unique set of functions.

THANK you!

“This is so much more to me than just a scholarship. I see it as support from people who believe in me and what I have set out to achieve. Thank you for supporting me through my academic journey. I cannot express my gratitude enough for this opportunity.”

—Alejandro Lule, ’23 Scholarship Recipient Biomedical Engineering

“The competition is called Robots Got Talent because it allows students to have an open slate to create a robot that will impress the audience,” said Dr. Matthew Rickard, professor and chair of bioengineering at CBU. “The aim is for students to be able to work in a team, gain experience with design, and be able to present what they created to an audience.”

Students enrolled in the Introduction to Engineering course (ERG 101) are given a design kit to create customized robots at the beginning of the semester. The kit consisted of remote controls, motors, sensors, and LEGO pieces.

The audience voted on its favorite robot, and the members of the winning team received 3D printed trophies. This year’s winner was The Itsy-Bitsy Spider robot, designed to climb

ENGINEERING PROGRAM Highlights

•T he SAE Lancer 4 Formula race vehicle competed in a virtual event in June. While there was no physical competition, the team received high praise on their presentation and knowledge.

• J oseph van Haaster, ’20, a mechanical engineering and electrical and computer engineering double major (a rare major combination only completed once prior) was accepted to USC to complete his graduate studies.

•A n education partnership agreement was made with Vandenberg Air Force Base in collaboration with the Bourns College of Engineering and the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design.

•T he department launched a three year degree completion program for incoming students with AP credits.

•D r. Rod Foist, professor of electrical and computer engineering (ECE), presented a paper titled An Electronics Project - Tutorial and Design of Printed Circuit Board “big blinky,” at the 2020 American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) virtual conference in June 2020. This paper is co-authored by Dr. Foist with Dr. John Butler, assistant professor of ECE, and Gibson Fleming a 2020 graduate of the ECE program.

•D r. A. Abdelmessih, was elected a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This is a privilege given to only four percent of the members, in recognition of their contributions and achievements.

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The Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering at CBU hosted the event in the multipurpose design hall of the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building.

GRAM Thriving at CBU

FOUR new scholarships for the benefit of the School of Christian Ministries

ONE new scholarship for the benefit of the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business

TWO new scholarships for the benefit of the general student population

ONE new scholarship for the benefit of the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music

TWO new scholarships for the benefit of the College of Arts and Sciences

ONE new scholarship for the benefit of the College of Health Science

TWO new scholarships for the benefit of the College of Nursing

ONE new scholarship for the benefit of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

132 FY 18 149 FY 19 168 FY 20

ONE new scholarship for the benefit of the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design

120 FY 17

FOUR new scholarships for the benefit of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering

93 FY 11 93 FY 12 93 FY 13

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NEW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS in 2020

86 FY 08 91 FY0 9 92 FY 10

“The competition also allows freshman students to understand the differences between the engineering disciplines including electrical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering, as a way to help them choose an engineering major they enjoy,” Rickard said.

103 FY 15 112 FY 16

Other teams in the competition presented robots that performed tasks such as lifting objects, drawing, and detecting hazardous odors.

“CBU gave me great opportunities to connect with the community and teach the younger generation about the amazing STEM career, engineering. As a woman, I plan to continue working to shrink the gender gap in the engineering field. My education is of the utmost importance to me so I will not let you down!”

—Gabrielle Mesropian, ’23 Scholarship Recipient Civil Engineering

93 FY 14

up a wall and then display a flag when it reached the top of its journey. Members of the winning team included Max Duff, Logan Sorrell, Berabe Estrada, Blake Shah, Courtney Khong, and Jennifer Nishimura.

THANK you!

TOTAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS SINCE 2008

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Ways to GIVE

CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY MAKES GIVING EASY AND CONVENIENT.

ONLINE

M AT C H I N G G I F T

BEQUEST

R E A L E S TAT E

RETIREMENT ASSETS

IN KIND

CHECK

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GIVE NOW ONLINE Whether you are giving a onetime gift or you would like to enroll in monthly giving, you can do it all in one place with your credit or debit card. It’s quick, easy and best of all it is completely secure. Visit us online at ua.calbaptist.edu/ give to learn more.

MATCHING GIFTS: DOUBLE OR TRIPLE YOUR GIFT! Over 75,000 companies match their employee contributions to nonprofit organizations. Your company may be one of them! Go to our Matching Gifts page located at ua.calbaptist.edu/match to see if your company matches charitable contributions.

GIVE A BEQUEST Join the Palm Drive Legacy Society at California Baptist University by providing current and future funding through cash, equities or real property. Planned gifts can be given for any amount and for any purpose whether

for current or deferred use.

Types of gifts include: • Wills and bequests • Charitable IRA rollovers • Beneficiary designations GIVE A GIFT OF STOCKS OR BONDS A gift of stocks or bonds is a great way to support CBU. This charitable gift is typically tax-deductible and may avoid capital gains taxes.

GIVE A GIFT OF REAL ESTATE A gift of a property (such as your home, vacation property, vacant land, farmland, or commercial property) can make a great gift. If you own appreciated real estate, you may avoid paying capital gains tax by donating it to CBU. GIVE A GIFT OF RETIREMENT ASSETS A gift of your retirement assets, such as a gift from your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension or other tax-deferred

plan, is an excellent way to make a gift.

GIVE A GIFT-IN-KIND You can also help make a difference by donating non-monetary goods that can be used to help advance the mission of CBU. Gifts-in-Kind range from real estate, equipment and books to intangible personal property like securities, patents and licenses. These gifts are highly valuable and can greatly benefit the university both now and in the future.

GIVE BY CHECK If your preferred method of giving is by check, please make your gift payable to CBU, denoting your designation, and mail it to: California Baptist University Office of University Advancement 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504

Explore the ways you can leave a lasting legacy. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of University Advancement at 951-343-4226 or by email at GivetoCBU@calbaptist.edu.

California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504

Magnolia Crossing Residence Hall – Opened August 2020