WINTER 2015
THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
10 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Dr. Ellis celebrates 20 years as CBU president
28 HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND WRAP-UP
NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Fellow Lancers, After a very busy fall semester, students at California Baptist University are back on campus, engaged in spring classes. Amid the hustle and bustle all around us, it is important to stop and celebrate the good things taking place at CBU. There is so much for which to express gratitude. Fall enrollment of 7,957 represents a record number of students. Outstanding new faculty and staff have joined the CBU community who will impact those students. CBU is fortunate to have a community of scholars devoted to serious engagement with the culture, and we commend the research, the publications, the presentations and the opportunities for service. Most of all we celebrate excellence in teaching, prized and prioritized across this university. As a university committed to the Great Commission, we are grateful for the deep commitment we see by both faculty and staff as they engage students in the community around them. We are appreciative of the transformation taking place in the lives of so many students. They will make an impact on families and on individuals, in communities and in cities, in churches and in society, in our nation and in our world as kingdom citizens. In this issue of The Roundtable, you will read about celebrations we experienced on campus, including my 20th anniversary as president of CBU. A record number of alumni converged to reunite during Homecoming and Family Weekend in November. CBU dedicated the new Nursing Annex and the Robert and Phoebe Lambeth Prayer Garden and opened Lancer Plaza North, as well as new dining facilities: El Monte Grill, Chick-fil-A and Campus Xpress, a convenience store. For the ninth year in a row, CBU was recognized as a top tier institution among universities in the West by U.S. News and World Report. You’ll also read about alumni who have found their purpose and are living the life God intended for them. There is much for which to be hopeful as we take the next steps together thinking about the possibilities for this great university in coming years. As we do so, we stop to celebrate the obvious favor and blessing of God on this institution at this particular time—and we do so with deep gratitude in our hearts. Thank you for your support and continued interest in California Baptist University.
May the Lord continue to bless. Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President
The Magazine of California Baptist University Winter 2015 * Volume 59 * Issue 1 Editor: Dr. Mark A. Wyatt Managing Editor: Dr. Kathie Chute Associate Editor: Jeremy Zimmerman Art Director: Edgar Garcia Graphic Designer: Kyle Ready Photography: CBU Athletics, Edgar Garcia, Jessica Bills, Ryan Welsh, Jacob Armstrong, Nick Francis, Kim Kothlow Contributing Writers: Kathie Chute, Gail Ronveaux, Carrie Smith, Samantha Sheppard, Andrew Shortall Subscription Inquiries: California Baptist University Division of University Advancement advancementservices@calbaptist.edu 951.343.4226
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Alumni and Donor Information Division of University Advancement 800.782.3382 www.calbaptist.edu/ua
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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
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FEATURES 10
Ellis 20th anniversary
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Fall Commencement
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ROTC instructor retires
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CBU alumni teaching abroad
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Flying Lancers compete for CBU
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Cheer team keeps winning
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CBC alumni reunite
30 Homecoming wrap-up with photos
DEPARTMENTS 04 CBU News 20 Athletics 27
Coach Q&A
34 Alumnews
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ABOUT THE COVER: President Ronald L. Ellis talks with CBU athletes outside the Lancers Outdoor Athletic Complex. From left: Chris Brown, Krista Mann, Mary Hanson, Tina Yang and Brady Bersano with Dr. Ellis (right).
Postmaster, Please send address changes to: California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504-3297 Non-profit permit No. 268 calbaptist.edu www.facebook.com/CalBaptist The Roundtable Reprint Policy Contents copyright 2015 by 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 kchute@calbaptist.edu. Editorial Inquiries Contact Dr. Kathie Chute at 951.343.5067 kchute@calbaptist.edu
CBU NEWS
He also is chairing the campaign to fund construction of a new building to house the CBU engineering college that now bears his name along with that of his wife. “We thought this would be a tremendous opportunity to share the blessings God has given us and to inspire others to give also,” Bourns said. “We are thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord by serving CBU.”
Gordon and Jill Bourns pose with an architectural drawing of the new engineering building.
CBU announces naming of “Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering” Officials at California Baptist University announced July 7 the naming of the “Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering” in honor of the Riverside couple’s longstanding support for the CBU engineering program. Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, said the naming recognizes the Bourns’ recent $5.5 million lead gift in the college’s “Equipping for Impact” campaign. Ellis said it was the largest single gift from individuals ever received by CBU and provided an auspicious launch for the fundraising campaign.
“I am very grateful to Gordon and Jill for their continuing support of California Baptist University and for this latest example of their wonderful generosity,” Ellis said. “This gift demonstrates their strong commitment to help prepare the engineers of the future and, more than that, it models an amazing spirit of philanthropy that I believe can inspire others to join us in funding this exciting project.” Gordon Bourns is chairman and CEO of Bourns Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components.
The Bourns’ lead gift in the campaign is the latest demonstration of the couple’s support for the private university’s engineering program. A previous contribution in 2008 was recognized with the naming of the Bourns Engineering Laboratory at CBU. Campaign proceeds will help fund construction of a planned three-story building encompassing 100,000 square feet of classrooms and state-of-theart equipment for the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering. Preliminary plans for the innovative building design will utilize green technology and sustainable construction, and feature two blocks of classroom, faculty and administrative space bracketing a massive engineering hall, providing multipurpose space for labs, projects, exhibits, presentations and student collaboration, as well as an interactive studio for K-12 STEM education.
CBU advances in 2015 “Best Regional Universities” rankings U.S. News & World Report has included California Baptist University on its list of the nation’s “Best Colleges” for the ninth straight year. CBU is ranked No. 38 in the West in the publication’s “Best Regional Universities” category for 2015, up from No. 42 in the previous year’s rankings and No. 58 in 2013. The ranking places CBU in the top tier of educational institutions across the nation.
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“This year’s ranking once again reflects the improvement in quality that California Baptist University continually strives to provide in order to enhance students’ overall experience,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president. “Being named a ‘Best Regional University’ in this influential ranking affirms California Baptist University for the value of the educational and related opportunities it offers and also serves to validate the choice that students make to attend CBU.” “Best Colleges” rankings are featured in U.S. News & World Report each year to aid prospective students and their parents looking for the best academic
values for their money. Now in its 30th year, the annual comparative listing uses a quantitative system of 16 weighted indicators of academic excellence to rank universities. Those indicators include: student selectivity, retention and graduation rates; assessment by peer institutions; faculty resources; financial resources and alumni giving. For 2015, the category of Best Regional Universities includes 620 institutions that offer a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and master’s degrees but few, if any, doctoral programs. A full list of the rankings can be viewed at www.usnews.com/colleges.
CBU dedicates School of Nursing Annex and Prayer Garden
From left: Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president; Dr. Geneva Oaks, dean of the School of Nursing; and Walt Crabtree, chair of the CBU board of trustees, cut the dedication ribbon for the new Nursing Annex Sept. 25, 2014.
Nearly 200 nursing students were among those who gathered Sept. 25 for the dedication of the Nursing Annex and the Robert and Phoebe Lambeth Prayer Garden at California Baptist University. The annex nearly triples the space available for classrooms and laboratories for the nursing school that was established in 2005 and now numbers 597 students. In remarks at the dedication, CBU President Ronald L. Ellis spoke about the growth of the School of Nursing and acknowledged the generosity of Dr.s Robert and Phoebe Lambeth for their decades of financial support of CBU. The Lambeth’s attended the ceremony along with their son, Pike, and his family.
The Robert and Phoebe Lambeth Prayer Garden provides students a place for quiet reflection. Inscribed on a fountain in the garden are the words of Matthew 25:35-40, in which Jesus speaks about feeding the hungry and visiting the sick. Ellis noted the scripture fits well with the school because nurses serve those in need. Dr. Geneva Oaks, dean of the School of Nursing, offered the prayer of dedication at the ceremony. Dr. Phoebe Lambeth, who is also a CBU trustee, reflected on the dedication of the garden. “It was lovely and touching,” she said. “I was so glad our family was there to see it and to see what it means to us.” Following the dedication and ribbon
cutting, attendees toured the prayer garden and the Nursing Annex classrooms, offices and state-of-theart labs, as well as a simulation room designed to give nursing students realistic clinical scenarios.
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CBU NEWS
and a 94 percent increase in five years. Fall 2009 enrollment was 4,105. “We’ve had an amazing five-year run,” Ellis declared. The current student body is 9.8 times larger than the 808 students enrolled when Ellis began his tenure as president in 1994. During the 64-year history of the institution, enrollment has jumped by triple digits 14 times – all of those since fall 1995.
CBU announces record fall enrollment of 7,957 students Enrollment at California Baptist University for the fall 2014 semester was a record-high 7,957 students—an 11 percent increase above the fall 2013 enrollment figure, President Ronald L. Ellis announced Sept. 26.
This year’s enrollment number represents an increase of 813 students over the fall 2013 total of 7,144. All enrollment segments, including undergraduate, graduate and Online and Professional Studies, are included in this year’s figures.
“This is a day of celebration,” Ellis told the university’s Board of Trustees at their fall meeting. “That is a huge increase and we are very grateful for the way God has been blessing CBU.”
“This size of increase is extremely rare in institutions the size of CBU,” Ellis said. He noted that 2014 marks the fifth consecutive year of 600-plus enrollment growth compared to the previous year
California Baptist University offers 158 undergraduate majors and concentrations and 41 master’s degree programs. Founded in 1950, CBU is a private comprehensive institution located in Riverside, Calif., and affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. CBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities and the Consortium for Global Education.
CBU students pause to view solar eclipse California Baptist University students, faculty and staff peered through special glasses or looked through telescopes equipped with solar filters to view the partial solar eclipse Oct. 30. Dr. Kyle Stewart, assistant professor of physics, with assistance from CBU’s astronomy club, arranged the event outside Mission Hall. Participants were able to see the moon partially blocking the sun. “Solar eclipses are rare events to be able to witness,” Stewart said. “I think eclipses hold fascination for people because they are an extremely hands-on, visual way to think about the solar system.” Amanda Snodgrass, a sophomore aviation flight major, had not
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previously seen a solar eclipse. “It’s super cool,” she said. “It’s something you don’t see every day.” Stephanie Lee, a senior biology major and president of the astronomy club, said it was a great event because it gave students an opportunity to view something they would not have known was happening otherwise. “It’s amazing to see how an eclipse works and to get a glimpse of how the universe was designed,” she said. Valarie Ramirez, a junior biology major, was grateful to have the opportunity to see the eclipse and the sun spots. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to use a telescope like that,” she said.
Students use special glasses to look at the solar eclipse.
Stewart commented that solar eclipses are rare events that enable viewers to learn about the motions of bodies in the solar system, like the earth, moon and the sun. “It’s also a great way to think about the ‘big picture,’” he said, “and to give God the glory for the intricate balance and abundant majesty we see in the universe.”
Genocide survivor tells CBU of God’s love and power “If there is a God who cares for his children, who created his children in his own image, why would he watch while a million of his children are being killed?” asked Rwandan genocide survivor Alex Nsengimana. Nsengimana, who works with Operation Christmas Child, spoke during chapel services at California Baptist University Nov. 3 and 5. He was born in Rwanda and was a child in 1994 when the Rwandan genocide occurred, when approximately 800,000 people were killed and thousands of children were orphaned, including Nsengimana. He saw family members killed, and he escaped a few times being killed himself. “I was so angry and I was so hungry for something, but I didn’t know what,” he said. “I wanted to figure out why I was alive.” Nsengimana was living in an orphanage when the children received Christmas gifts from America, through the Samaritan’s Purse ministry Operation Christmas Child. It was his first
Christmas gift. The box included school supplies, a toothbrush, socks, a hair comb and a candy cane. “Every time I see a candy cane, I remember receiving my Operation Christmas Child gift,” he told the audience. “[It was] a gift that brought promises of hope and love in my life, but at that moment I wasn’t seeing it because I was so excited.” A year later he joined the African Children’s Choir, began learning English and reading the Bible. Nsengimana knew about God and faith from his grandmother. He struggled with why he survived and how God could let the genocide happen. He was 9. Then he read Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
saw God in the circumstances each time his life was spared. He still struggled with anger and bitterness toward the people who killed his family. For 12 years, Nsengimana prayed God would heal him so he could share God’s love with those people. He traveled with the choir, moved to the United States and later became involved with Operation Christmas Child. He returned to Rwanda with Operation Christmas Child in 2013 and planted seeds of hope and love. On that trip, he met the man who killed his uncle. “It was the toughest day of my life, but also the most freeing day of my life,” Nsengimana said. “The man who caused me the most pain is also loved by God just as much as he loves me. I tell that story, that detail, to show you his power, to show you the freedom that he wants us to have.”
“For the first time I saw God’s presence in my life,” he said. Looking back, he
New CBU dining options provide students more choices, flexibility with Wanda’s Place, Brisco’s Café and the Alumni Dining Commons (ADC), are operated by Provider Food Services.
The addition of new dining facilities at California Baptist University for the 2014-2015 academic year means not only increased food options but also greater flexibility for students. El Monte Grill and Chick-fil-A, both opened in August provide two more options for campus dining. The new Campus Xpress (CX) convenience store is also open for those who want to grab a quick bite to eat. The new facilities, along
“It gives students more flexibility,” said Kipp Dougherty, director of food services. “As the campus expands and grows, depending upon where they live, where their classes are, what their other activities are, they now have many options all over campus where they can get food.” Senior Kayla North said she likes the variety the two new restaurants offer without having to go off campus. Junior Yaritza Salas said she frequents El Monte because of its convenience because she spends a lot time in that area of the campus. Junior Rachelle Hardin said having more options mean students won’t tire of the same food. Sophomore
Bryce Hargis also liked having the nutritional information that Chick-fil-A offers, since it is a national chain. Because there are more dining options available for students, the ADC is closed Friday nights and all day Saturday. For the first time, however, Brisco’s Café is open for breakfast seven days a week. “Because we have a large residential population on that side of the campus, we felt that those students were being underserved having to come all the way to the ADC,” Dougherty said. “It’s a convenience for students. We now have both locations where they can eat.” This year, the students also have Dining Dollars in addition to their meal swipes. If they just want a smoothie, a coffee or snack, they can use their Dining Dollars, Dougherty said. “They have more options than they ever had, which is a great thing,” she said.
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MIND. BODY. SPIRIT.
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TAKE IT OUTSIDE More than 2,600 people watch as CBU wrestlers grapple against Stanford in the “Take It Outside” dual on the Front Lawn.
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Mike Poma, recently elected chair of the board of trustees, commented that it is an exciting time to be part of such a vigorous enterprise. “I am eager to see what unfolds at CBU in the days and years ahead as the Lord blesses this university through one of the most effective leaders in higher education today,” Poma said. Walt Crabtree, immediate past chair of the board, announced gifts from the trustees to Ellis and remarked, “I have been looking forward to this evening for quite some time. It is an occasion that has been two decades in the making.”
President Ronald L. Ellis shows the Fortuna Bowl crowd framed versions of the coin customized for his 20th anniversary used in the game’s coin toss.
California Baptist University honored President Ronald L. Ellis for two decades of service in a series of events Nov. 3-7 under the theme “Celebrating 20 Years of Great Commission Leadership.” Receptions by faculty, staff and students expressed thanks to Ellis for his vision for turning a small Baptist college into a thriving university. Dr. Dawn Ellen Jacobs, CBU vice provost and professor of English, recalled that Ellis brought a plan to transform the institution when he became the fifth president of California Baptist College on Nov. 1, 1994. “There were about 40 of us when he came in 1994,” Jacobs said. “We cared about our teaching and enjoyed relationships with our students, but President Ellis brought a sense of purpose and a vision for something more. Under his leadership, we matured as a faculty. We became a university.” “I was present at the board of trustees’ meeting where he was elected,” said Dr. Mark A. Wyatt, vice president of marketing and communication. “All of us who have observed and have been part of the CBC/CBU family over the past two decades know the amazing impact that Ron Ellis has had on this place.”
Speaking at a reception with CBU staff, Ellis compared building the university to assembling a puzzle. “Putting the pieces of the puzzle together is how we have built CBU,” he said. “There are the building blocks: getting the right people—getting champions to direct key programs and offices and efforts; getting the right programs to offer in the marketplace. It’s kind of like a big puzzle. It’s really difficult if you don’t know what the picture looks like.” CBU’s board of trustees honored Ellis at a dinner at which about 120 friends of the university gathered, including present and former trustees, donors and community leaders. Dr. Mary Crist, professor of education in the Division of Online and Professional Studies, brought remarks as a faculty member who has served throughout the Ellis presidency. “Dr. Ellis is a man of faith and vision, an inspirational leader, and a man with a good sense of humor,” she said. “He came here because he felt God’s call to lead a Baptist college, especially one that was struggling. God equipped him with a vision needed to be a phenomenal ‘turn around’ president.”
Others who brought testimonials during the dinner were: Dr. E. Glen Paden, retired pastor and president emeritus of the California Baptist Foundation; Dr. Anthony Dockery, pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church in La Puente and a former chair of the CBU board of trustees; and Dr. Ronald O. Loveridge, former mayor of Riverside. Dr. E. Bruce Heilman, chancellor of the University of Richmond and a longtime friend and mentor of Ellis, was keynote speaker for the celebration dinner. Ellis also was honored by CBU alumni during homecoming festivities Nov. 7-8. Under Ellis’ leadership, California Baptist College officially became California Baptist University in 1998. New schools and colleges have been established, including the School of Music, School of Nursing, College of Engineering, the College of Allied Health and the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design. Today, the university comprises 10 colleges and professional schools, offering 158 undergraduate majors/concentrations and 41 master’s degree programs. Enrollment has grown from 808 in the fall of 1994 to 7,957 in the fall of 2014, a 980 percent increase. About 75 percent of CBC/CBU alumni graduated during the Ellis presidency.
To view video retrospective of Ellis’ leadership, visit: http://vimeo.com/111238816
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CBU FALL COMMENCEMENT
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FALL COMMENCEMENT 2014 Corts urges graduates to change society for the better Dr. Paul Corts, retired president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, urged fall commencement candidates at California Baptist University to maximize the education they received at CBU by serving others. “You can’t help make the world a better place if you don’t connect with it and actively work to change society for the better,” Corts said. “A Christian worldview accepts responsibility to be salt and light—spicing up life and brightening the dark places.” Corts delivered the commencement address to undergraduate and graduate students during fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 11 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.
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During his remarks, Corts used examples of CBU graduating students and alumni who have found their purpose and are living in service to others. He charged graduates to do the same. “Seek God’s will and make it yours,” he said. “True happiness comes as we find joy in living our purpose, serving others, stewarding well our gifts to leave more and better rather than less and worse.” Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, reminded graduates that they share a special kinship with those who have gone before. “All of you came to CBU to prepare to ‘live your purpose’,” he said. “What we have seen in so many of you during these years
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gives us great confidence that you will do just that.”
1. Friends and family of spring graduates pack the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.
Michael Poma, chair of CBU’s board of trustees, brought greetings from the board and congratulated the graduates on their achievements.
2. Caleb Garcia, an English major who achieved the highest traditional undergraduate grade point average, opens the commencement ceremonies with the ringing of the bell.
“No one can foresee what lies ahead as a result of what you—and others in many cases—have invested to earn the degrees will receive,” he said. “My hope is that for each of you, the return on that investment will be great through the blessings that you experience, and as you bless others throughout your lives.” Ellis conferred degrees on 162 graduate students and 388 undergraduate students for a total of 550 graduates. He also presented an honorary Doctor of Higher Education Leadership degree to Corts in recognition of his contributions to higher education. December graduates will be counted in the Class of 2015, which will also include graduates from the May commencement services.
3. Britni LeBan of Riverside, who received a master of science in education degree, gives the student address. 4. The CBU Army ROTC Color Guard salute the flag during the National Anthem.
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5. Michael Poma, chairman of CBU’s board of trustees, extends greetings from the board. 6. Kent Dacus, CBU vice president for enrollment and student services, adjusts the doctoral hood as Dr. Paul R. Corts is presented an honorary degree. 7. Desmond Clark of Riverside, who received a bachelor of music degree in composition, presents a vocal selection for the commencement audience. 8. A graduate acknowledges family members after receiving his diploma.
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CBU FACULTY
RETIRING TO BECOME STUDENT
“He’s hard when he needs to be, but he’s also fair at the same time,” she said. “Everything he does, he does for a purpose.” The most memorable moment for Villasenor came when the cadets won first place in the color guard event at the John J. Pershing Memorial Drill Competition held in Richmond, Va., in March 2014. Too often in the past, the team came back empty-handed, he said. Villasenor (right) wraps up a field training exercise at Camp Pendleton with cadets from CBU, CSUSB and UCR.
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gt. 1st Class Jay Villasenor has new marching orders. Villasenor, the military science instructor at California Baptist University’s Army ROTC for the past six years, retired in October. Like any good disciplined soldier, he is following those orders. Only this time, he put in the orders himself, with plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Villasenor served 20 years active duty in the Army and retired from active duty in 2003. He became a civilian instructor working for the Army ROTC at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona for two years before coming to CBU as the non-commissioned officer in the program. Capt. William Brookshire is the officer in charge. The goal of the program is to commission cadets to become 2nd lieutenants in the United States Army, Villasenor said. Since he has been here, he has commissioned 37 cadets. “I’m really proud of them, for achieving at that level,” he said.
Shannon Garcia, a nursing junior, said he supported his cadets. “He’s very straightforward. You do something wrong, it’s guaranteed that you’ll know it. But also if you accomplish something, he makes sure to make you very proud of it,” she said. When Garcia earned the highest score on her physical fitness test, Villasenor announced the honor to everyone. “He made me feel even better about myself,” she said. Villasenor acknowledged he could be tough because he wanted the best for his cadets. “Most of the instructors will tell you that you I’m hard on cadets, but I’m also fair. I’ll give you all the TLC you want, but you’re going to learn something.” Jazmin Lupercio, a junior majoring in cellular and molecular biology, joined ROTC after being a student worker in the office and seeing how Villasenor cared for the cadets.
“Last year I told the cadets that we’re not coming back here with nothing,” he said. And they won. “When they won, the trophy came straight to me because they knew it is very special,” Villasenor said. Brookshire commented that it won’t be easy to replace him. “He brought valuable Army and life experience to help mold students for their Army careers,” he said. “He’s an irreplaceable coach and mentor. He’s learned how to coach and mentor young adults and make them successful officers.” In spring 2015, Villasenor will be taking classes through Online and Professional Studies to earn a bachelor’s in organizational leadership. He will miss parts of the job, Villasenor said. “One thing I’m going to miss the most is the cadets,” he said. “Ever since I started with the program, the one thing I wanted to do is interact with them.”
On average, about 40-45 cadets enlist each semester. Villasenor’s purpose was to instill discipline in them. “Discipline is very, very important in the Army,” he said. “To me, it’s a lot easier for a team to build camaraderie, to build cohesion, if the whole team is disciplined. It’s very easy. When they go and deploy and are in a firefight, they all work together.” Maj. Hany Noureddine, left, and Capt. William Brookshire present Sgt. 1st Class Jay Villasenor with the CBU Lancer Company guideon.
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CBU STUDENTS
TEACHING ABROAD
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Top (left to right): Jordan Martinez, Mathew Shade, Ryan Atkins, Daniel Rodriguez, Sam Anich 2nd row: Lauren Whitlock, Laura Waterbury, Ryan Corbin, Wiley Snedeker 3rd row: Cassandra Kitchen, Joelle Tajima, Katelyn Schwab, Sierra Van Leeuwen Bottom: Nicole Jessen Shade, Renee Flannery and Christopher Kyle
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In 2013, California Baptist University sent five alumni to teach English at a university in China. In 2014, 16 went to China and Japan. The Teach Abroad Program (TAP) is operated through the Global Initiatives office. Bryan Davis, director of the International Center, said the program has two missions: first, it is designed to help CBU build stronger partnerships with the overseas institutions; and second, it helps CBU alumni who want to teach overseas. “We’ve learned that we have many CBU students that are looking to teach overseas after graduation to get some experience or because they want to go overseas long term,” Davis said. “We thought why allow them to continue to go through other placement agencies when we can build a process here for them to teach through the university.” Every applicant needs to be a CBU graduate, hold a bachelor’s degree and commit to one year teaching overseas. All the participants earn a certificate for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Predictably, the group includes a fair share of English teachers, Davis said, but it also has attracted students with majors such as journalism, criminal justice and mathematics. “CBU is such a globally minded place. Obviously it’s one of our core four objectives,” he said. “Students in their time here have such a passion for intercultural relationships and global work, really, that we see (students from all majors).” Cassandra Jo Kitchen (’14) graduated with a major in foundational mathematics and will be teaching at a high school in China. While she will be teaching English through TAP, her ultimate goal is to teach math.
language, but that is what drives me to go,” she said. “I am so comfortable in my American world that I believe a little uncomfortability will be good for me.” CBU provided the group with six weeks of training over the summer, including lesson planning, teaching methods, and cross-cultural understanding. They also received practical experience while teaching more than 400 international students who came to CBU for language camps. The first group in 2013 went to a university in China. This year the group went to universities and high schools in Japan and China. “In international education, something that’s really crucial to good partnerships globally is reciprocity,” Davis said. “What we found is there’s such a high demand for English teachers in these institutions, good English teachers. That’s what’s really important in terms of CBU growing globally is that we have sustainable relationships.” Joelle Tajima (’13) graduated with an English degree and a Global Studies minor. She will be teaching in Japan. She has been there a few times and is excited about going back. “As an English major, teaching English seemed like a logical option for me, and from the limited experience I’ve had, I enjoyed teaching,” she said. “I was so thrilled when I found out I’d be returning. I see myself nowhere else but overseas.”
“I have worries or fears of not reaching my students, getting homesick, eating different food, and not knowing the
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AVIATION SCIENCE
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FLYING LANCERS COMPETE FOR CBU
Members of the Flying Lancers flight team display their awards. From left: Howard Dang, Kyle LeVesque, Jared Tapsfield (flight instructor and coach), Ryan Rosales, Hannah Guajardo, Jennifer Endeman, Aaron White (flight instructor and coach), Philip Marlin, J.R. Riggs, Lacey Schimming, Daniel Urban and Andrew Canonicato. Opposite page: Some of the team members pose after the competition.
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viation majors at California Baptist University already are flying high. Recently, however, they began flying a little higher. In October the department of aviation science formed the CBU Flight Team, known as the Flying Lancers, with 18 students. The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) provides an opportunity for collegiate aviation programs and student teams to compete in events, said Dr. Daniel Prather, department chair. “Having a team to compete in NIFA events provides an opportunity for aviation students to interact with students of other collegiate aviation programs in a competitive environment,” he said. “It enhances skills and builds team spirit. Plus, it brings visibility to CBU’s aviation science program.” Sixteen members participated in their first NIFA regional competition in San Diego Nov. 12-14, competing against pilots, including commercial level, from five other schools. Categories took place on the ground, such as aircraft recognition and preflight inspection,
and in the air, such as landing events, message drop and navigation. Despite having only three weeks to practice, many of the team members placed in individual categories, and the team placed fourth overall. The top three teams go on to the national competition. Jennifer Endeman, an aviation flight junior, received the Top Female Pilot Award, which is presented to the top female contestant who accumulates the most points in the events used for determining the national championship. She competed in the two landing events and the message drop. “I went home after all the events, thinking that I didn’t do well at all,” she said. “I wasn’t going to go to the award ceremony.” But a flight instructor called her, saying she won an award. So she drove two hours back to San Diego. Receiving the award was “overwhelming,” she said. The team also won the Top Team Sportsmanship Award, which is chosen by the teams.
Jennifer Endeman with Dr. Daniel Prather
“The Flying Lancers were not only kind and supportive to each other, but also cheered and prayed for the other teams at the competition as well,” said Aaron White, flight instructor and team coach. Michael Tafoya, an aviation flight senior, placed fourth in the ground trainer event, which tests the competitors’ competency and skill in a flight-training device. “Leaving the competition, I felt like I did poorly, but I was pleasantly surprised that I placed,” he said. “I’m so proud of our team for doing so well being the new kids on the block.” Although team members were surprised at how well they did, White was not. “We have very bright students, and I knew they would give their best effort. Everyone on the team was eager to train and soaked up every piece of advice we offered,” he said. The team is already looking toward next year’s competition. “Now that we actually know what each event is about, I think that we’re going to be able to prepare a lot easier and know what we’re actually getting ourselves into in each event,” Endeman said. “I think we’ll do well next year.”
19 19| |THE THEROUNDTABLE ROUNDTABLE| |WINTER SPRING 2015 2014
CBU ATHLETICS
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL With just six returners, nine newcomers and one senior, the Lancers came together quickly and showed they could top some of the best teams in NCAA Division II. CBU ended the year at 16-12 overall and 12-8 in the PacWest for sixth place in the conference. The Lancers earned their highlight win of the season during the GNAC-PacWest Crossover Tournament, as they defeated ninth-ranked Western Washington in straight sets. Four players represented CBU on the All-PacWest teams, including Freshman and Newcomer of the Year Lauren Hackett and Michelle Waber, respectively. Waber and Hackett were also All-West Region and All-American picks, with Hackett being named the Freshman of the Year in the region and NCAA Division II.
MEN’S WATER POLO Rick Rowland coached his last game of 16 seasons at the Lancer Aquatic Center against Concordia Nov. 15 before shifting his focus solely to CBU swim and dive in 2015-16. The Lancers went 9-2 in front of their fans, and posted a banner 10-9 win over 11th-ranked UC Davis at home. Overall, CBU posted a 15-20, 1-5 in WWPA record this year and was ranked 20th in the NCAA at the end of the season. Four players – Eric Carnohan, Joseph Moorman, Brent Teraoka and Preston Shore – made all-conference.
MEN’S GOLF Youth marks California Baptist University this season, as four freshmen joined the squad. The Lancers played four tournaments this year and posted a teambest 12th-place finish at the Western New Mexico Fall Intercollegiate to open the year. Freshmen Kavan Eubank has posted team-best finishes at all four tournaments this year, with Greg Gonzalez sharing those honors with him at the final two events. CBU resumes its season on Feb. 16th at the Folino Invitational.
WOMEN’S GOLF CBU is ranked eighth in the NCAA Division II at the break with top-10 finishes at all four of its tournaments this year. The Lancers finished top three at three events, including a victory at the WNMU Fall Intercollegiate. CBU resumes its season on Feb. 16.
WOMEN’S SOCCER CBU’s women’s soccer team finished with an 11-4-3 overall record and a 9-0-3
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LANCER NATION
PacWest record. The Lancers also ended the year ranked No. 8 in the NCAA Division II West Region rankings. Eleven Lancers were named to the All-PacWest conference teams, including the third-straight PacWest Player of the Year award going to CBU. Lindsay Vesling grabbed the Player of the Year honor, while Justene Kesterson was named the PacWest Newcomer of the Year. Joining Vesling and Kesterson on the all-conference lists were Audrianna DeGraw, Courtney Shutts, Sara Escobedo, Lauren Wallberg, Kimberly Allard, Riley Phillips, Rachel Witz, Silvia Sanchez and Mikala Gillis. Vesling, Kesterson and Allard received two All-West Region honors.
MEN’S SOCCER CBU men’s soccer ended the 2014 season with a three-game winning spree to finish 8-9-1 overall and 7-5-0 in the PacWest. Aidan Apodaca had a stellar collegiate debut, leading the Lancers with seven goals scored to be named the PacWest Freshman of the Year. Five other Lancers were named to the all-conference teams, including Paul Oliver, Josue Soto, Chris Gaitan, Josh Robinson and Bryan Portillo. Oliver was also named to the Daktronics, Inc./NCAA Division II All-West Region team
WRESTLING The Lancers opened things up with the inaugural “Take It Outside” dual against Stanford on CBU’s front lawn. The event set a record for attendance at an outdoor collegiate dual, with 2,620 people. The Cardinal won the dual, but the Lancers bounced back with an 18-15 win over NCAA Division I opponent Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Since then, the Lancers have won four-straight duals and sit at 4-1 overall. CBU is currently ranked 12th in Division II.
SWIMMING AND DIVING Last year, Mary Hanson set an NCAA Division II record in the 100-yard backstroke to win CBU’s first NCAA Division II title. Hanson and the rest of the swimmers and divers have started out strong and are predicted to finish strong in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference once again. The teams came off runner-up performances at the Colorado Mesa Invite and secured top-10 finishes at the elite A3 Performance Invitational. The men took fifth at the A3 Invitational, beating out USC and Hawaii, while the women took ninth and defeated the University of San Diego, Bakersfield and USC.
MEN’S BASKETBALL WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The Lancers’ women’s cross country team won its second PacWest title in four years, edging out Azusa Pacific by three points. Caroline Barkechir led the Lancers with their highest placing, taking second in the race. Four CBU runners earned All-PacWest honors in Barkechir, Veronica Hall, Alicia Williams and Katie Deimling. The Lancers finished eighth in the NCAA Division II West Region meet with Barkechir qualifying as the first women’s cross country runner to represent CBU at the national meet.
Prior to the 2014-15 season even starting, CBU put itself on the map with a No. 24 preseason ranking in the NCAA Division II poll. Last year, the Lancers set a program record with longest winning streak and best start to the season by opening 16-0. Ryan Berg was a major factor in CBU’s success, earning PacWest Player and Freshman of the Year. Before this season, Berg was named the Preseason PacWest Player of the Year and was named to multiple preseason All-American watch lists. The Lancers have started strong, moving up to a No. 11 ranking in the division.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Men’s cross country has established itself as a powerhouse in the PacWest, grabbing its fourth consecutive conference title. The Lancers won by a landslide, beating out their competition by a dominating 41 points. Taylor Guske claimed the individual title, crossing the finish line at 24:49.98. Joining Guske with all-conference honors were Abdel El-Hajjami, Valentine Robert, Bryton Reim, Hector Hernandez and Lucas Graham. The men qualified for the championship meet for the second time in a row. In the final meet, CBU took 24th overall.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Kamille Diaz picked up Preseason AllPacWest honors earlier this year after being named the conference Freshman of the Year last year. As a team, the Lancers were picked to finish third in the preseason coaches poll. CBU started strong with two newcomers, Courtney Nelson and Darsha Burnside. The duo have earned PacWest player of the week honors and helped CBU get on the map to receive votes in the USA Today/NCAA Division II Coaches Poll.
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CBU ATHLETICS
CBU CHEER CBU’S CHEER TEAM IS WORKING TOWARD A THIRD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
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They jump, they tumble, they fly. The California Baptist University cheerleading team is flying high. For the second year in a row, the team won the National Cheerleaders Association Championship, remaining undefeated for the past two seasons. The last time a team won back-to-back was 2004-05.
“Not a lot of people know that cheerleading actually takes athletic skill,” she said. “The team work and the team ethics that we had was really cool to watch. And as we developed from summertime to being this well-oiled machine by the end of the year was really cool to watch and be a part of.”
“When the team won, it was very cool. It was very validating,” head coach Tami Fleming said. “It made us all feel like the first win wasn’t just a fluke.”
Fleming admits she’s a tough coach.
The team will compete to be the best again this spring. At a National Cheerleaders Association/USA camp in July, the team earned a gold bid in its pursuit of a third straight NCA Championship in 2015. It also earned a gold bid to the 2015 USA College Championships.
“I would say that I’m very hard on my girls in the best way possible. I expect a lot of them and I make that very clear to them upfront,” she said. “I’m really strict about how they represent the program when they’re not here. I try to help them understand, even when they’re not in uniform, even when they’re not a cheerleader, they’re still representing our program and our school.”
“It’s great exposure for our school,” Fleming said. “It’s awesome for CBU. It’s great to be able to say we have a national championship cheer program. I think it’s really helped put CBU on the map. There’s a lot of people who know the name of our school now who didn’t before.”
Her cheerleaders concur that their coach expects a lot.
Becoming a national team takes a lot of work. Practice is usually 2-2.5 hours Monday through Thursday, September through April. When it’s competition time, that can increase.
“I definitely learned hard work and determination,” said Caitlyn Jones (’14), who was on the team three years. “Coach Fleming and Coach Josh Larkins taught us how to be classy, young women and how to live by Christian morals.”
“It’s a lot of work. Nobody really knows how much work the athletes put in for this because we’re so behind the scenes,” Fleming said. “I think there is often an impression that cheer is easier than it actually is. The few people who have attended our practices simply say, ‘oh my goodness, this is crazy intense.’” Sophomore Mara Gates agreed cheer is a lot of work, but that it is worth it.
“Tami is our mom so we can come to her for anything, but she still disciplines us,” Gates said. “She will tell you what you’re doing wrong and have no problem with it.”
The first year Fleming coached at CBU, the team came up with the motto: Passion, God, Success. “We really try to ingrain in them our team motto,” Fleming said. “Be passionate about what you do, let God be the center of all of it and success will come.”
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ALUMNI PROFILE
CBC Students Reunite
Dorothy and Robert Young’s wedding in 1964. All the bridesmaids were students at CBC. From left: Pauline Tarr (now Spangenberg), Sue Graham (now Calvi) and Pat Brentlinger (now Roberts).
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riendships. They can start in elementary school or college. They can last a few years or decades. Sometimes lost friendships can be found again. Dorothy (nee Burdette) Young and Carole “Pat” (nee Brentlinger) Roberts became friends in seventh grade. They attended high school together. They were roommates at California Baptist College in the early 1960s when they befriended Susan (nee Graham) Calvi, who now goes by Ellen. Together they sang in choir and performed in a musical. Dorothy also met Robert Young her first year. Both were involved in the Baptist Student Union; he was president, she was secretary. They married in 1964 with Pat and Sue as bridesmaids. After the wedding, the friends went their separate ways and lost contact.
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“Life goes on, you get busy with your life,” Ellen said. “Your attention is what’s right in front of you.” After Robert graduated in 1965 and attended Golden Gate Seminary, the Youngs moved around California as he pastored various churches and Dorothy led music and the children’s choirs. Then they moved to Oregon. Ellen lived in several states, including Georgia, Texas, Oregon and Montana. She returned to California Baptist College, earning a degree in business administration in 1984. She taught piano and worked in construction. One day, Pat decided to look for Dorothy and contacted CBU’s Alumni Office for information. The two were connected about five years ago.
“We found out we were less than 20 miles apart and had no idea. Isn’t that amazing?” Dorothy said. “We’ve been in contact and pretty close ever since.” Later they decided to search for Ellen. After some detective work and using Facebook, they tracked her down at a school in Montana. Dorothy left a message and waited for Ellen to call. “I saw Dorothy Burdette [on the note] and I said ‘I knew somebody by the name of Dorothy Burdette,’” Ellen said. “Then I looked underneath [that message] and it said Pat Brentlinger and I went, ‘oh my goodness!’ I thought how cool is that. So I called them up right away.” “The very next morning, about 8:30 in the morning, she called me,” Dorothy said. “And it was just fabulous. So I told her we were having our 50th anniversary
and I said, could you come. And she said absolutely, yes, I’ll be there.” In June, Ellen made the 10-hour drive from Montana for Robert and Dorothy’s 50th anniversary. She sang “Whither Thou Goest,” the same song she sang at the wedding, and stayed with them for about a week and a half. Unfortunately, Pat was unable to attend because she was in a car accident shortly before the event. Another friend from college, Cecelia (nee Griffin) Alway also attended the anniversary event. (The Youngs reconnected with her after they started going to the same church in Gresham, Ore., eight years ago.) The three friends also sang at the event. Bob retired from the ministry, but he still works part-time substitute teaching. He
and Dorothy have five children and 24 grandchildren. Ellen teaches piano and has two sons and nine grandchildren. Pat has a son and a grandchild. “I was happy that several of my friends were in good health and happy with their lives,” Ellen said. “It was wonderful to make those connections again and to feel such love and acceptance.” “It’s exciting to see what everyone has done in their lives and where they are now,” Dorothy said. “We were immature, crazy college students and just to see them all walking with the Lord, it’s amazing.”
This page, from top left: Dorothy and Robert Young in 1964; the Youngs on their 50th anniversary; from left: Ellen CAlvi, Dorothy Young and Cecelia Alway
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BAPTIST U N IA I N
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T H U RSDAY, APRI L 2 3 , 2 0 1 5 EAG L E G L E N G OL F C L U B | CO RO N A , C A TITLE SP O NSO R B E L AI R/ PRO - SWAP- ME E T, I N C . C AL B AP T I ST.E DU / L ANCE R GO L F CL A S S I C
RICK ROWLAND
Men’s Swimming and Diving Head Coach
What is your favorite thing about CBU? We have a relational institution. The thing I like about CBU when I walk around campus with recruits is the number people I bump into walking around campus. They always greet and make conversation. CBU has a family feel about it. What are you most proud of during your time as a coach or as a player yourself? The number of people that have found Christ. Many of my student-athletes that have come here have not always come from a faith background. It’s awesome when they leave here with God in their hearts and a different outlook on life than when they first arrive. I always tell my athletes that life isn’t just swimming or just water polo. The wins and titles are great, but leaving here a complete person is what it’s all about during their time as a student-athlete. What is the most valuable skill or attribute you’ve developed over your career? Coach with energy, excitement and joy. Be willing to make fun of yourself, you’re always one step away from being humbled as a coach, husband and father. Each day has its own special challenges, attack them with energy. Who do you look up to? I look up to my wife for putting up with my many, many hours of coaching. She’s
allowed me to be a coach and follow my passion, which can take me 12-14 days gone and on the road. She encourages me when I’m down. I’m not the best loser. I also look up to my mom and dad. Mom and Dad have so much energy for their age and have accomplished so much. They always put God and family first, which should always be our goal. My dad is also my mentor. We coached together at Pepperdine and now here at CBU. My dad, Rick Rowland Sr., has had a lot to do in my development as a coach. His walk is an example to me as a Christian coach.
FAVORITES Holiday: I love Halloween. I like to dress up, be somebody else. I also love to carve pumpkins and eat candy. Sugar is my friend. Food: Italian, especially Pasta Spaghetti al Carbonara. I learned to make it while living in Italy. Movie: Forrest Gump. It created a story with history and classic rock and roll. TV Show: ESPN Sports Center
What’s the biggest goal for your team? Our goal in water polo has always been to remain in the top-20 rankings with all the NCAA Div I schools and to win a conference title. In swimming and diving, the goal is also to win a conference title with a high finish at NCAA’s and ultimately to win a Division II national title for both the men and women. What can we look forward to next season? Our goal is to win the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title for the men and women, as well as a top 10 finish for the men and a top 5 finish for the women at the NCAA Division II Championships.
Place to Visit: Any island with waves Hobby: Surfing Music: Classic Rock and Roll Childhood Memory: Christmas when I was about 4 years of age. My parents shuttled us to a back room and we heard Santa’s sleigh, “Yo Ho Ho” and “Merry Christmas” bellowed out on the roof. We returned to the front room where all of our toys and presents were, along with a great note from Santa to each child. It made it all so real.
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CBU HOMECOMING
HOMECOMING
FAMILY WEEKEND
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HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND ATTRACTS 7,500 TO CAMPUS Homecoming and Family Weekend at California Baptist University drew an estimated 7,500 alumni and friends to the campus Nov. 7-8. The Anniversary Reunion Tea held Friday afternoon recognized the classes of 1954, 1964 and 1989, who celebrated their 60th, 50th and 25th reunions. The 2014 Alumni Dinner held that evening showcased the growth of world-wide relations and partnerships under the leadership of Dr. Ronald L. Ellis during his 20 years of service to CBU. Christian music artist Jonathan Thulin, a Swedish-American recording artist and songwriter, provided the entertainment. (Cont. on next page)
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CBU HOMECOMING
SUE ETHERIDGE
DR. JAMES FORKUM (Cont. from pg. 29) Awards were presented to outstanding alumni during the dinner. Eva De La Rosa (’02 and ’07) received the Distinguished Service in Christian Ministry Award. De La Rosa founded California’s first Christian Women’s Job Corps. She is executive director of the California Woman’s Missionary Union and Women’s Ministries, overseeing women’s ministries and missions groups for more than 2,200 churches. She also serves as education director at New Hope Community Church in El Monte, where her husband is pastor. Josh Moss (’03 and ’07) was honored with the Young Alumni Achievement Award. Moss started teaching with Alvord Unified School District in 2003. In 2007, he became program manager, overseeing after-school programs and
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EVA DE LA ROSA activities for at-risk youth within Alvord USD, and was named principal at a middle school this past summer. He also teaches as an adjunct in CBU’s education credential program. Sue (nee Rogers) Etheridge (’68) received the Alumna of the Year Award. When she left CBU in 1968, she was one semester shy of graduating with a degree in Spanish. She returned to college to get her bachelor’s and then her master’s in art therapy. For the next 24 years, she worked in the federal correctional system as an art therapist, providing psychiatric assessment and treatment of inmates through the analysis of their artwork. Earlier this year, she was honored as an “Unsung Hero of Compassion” by the Dalai Lama Foundation. She works in the state prison system.
JOSH MOSS
Dr. James Forkum (’69) was recognized as the recipient of the highest honor given by the CBU Alumni Association: the Lancer Medal for Lifetime Achievement. His career has included positions as professor, head coach, academic and athletic administrator, admissions director and recruiter at numerous colleges. He was inducted into CBU’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1987 for men’s basketball. In August 2014, Jim and his wife, Sherry (’73), began a new adventure at Schutz American School in Alexandria, Egypt. Jim will establish and oversee the first official interscholastic athletics league in Alexandria. Saturday featured the fifth annual Block Party. The program included the artisan walk, live entertainment, gourmet food trucks, interactive booths and children’s activities. Saturday night’s program included meeting former NFL players, including Kermit Alexander. It also featured the crowning of seniors Joshua Perez as Mr. CBU and Catherine Rice as Ms. CBU. More than 4,000 people cheered for the men’s and women’s intramural teams competing in the Fortuna Bowl. In a rematch from last year’s game, the Bus Drivers women’s team beat SWAT, 18-0, while in the men’s contest, The Webelos beat Fruit of the Boom, 8-0.
CBU’s Alumna of the Year discusses her work among inmates
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rt therapist Sue Etheridge spoke to an audience of students and faculty at California Baptist University Nov. 10. Etheridge was named CBU’s 2014 Alumna of the Year during homecoming festivities for her 25-year career working among North Carolina’s prison inmates. “If you are locked up in prison, your life is worthwhile. If you are dying in prison your life is worthwhile, and the people who take care of them, their lives are worthwhile,” she said. Etheridge also received the Unsung Hero of Compassion award by the Dalai Lama Foundation for her role in “The Missing Peace: Artists and the Dalai Lama,” an art exhibit by contemporary artists honoring the Dalai Lama’s peacemaking efforts. She served for 23 years at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, N.C., which is the largest medical, surgical and psychiatric facility in the federal
prison system. She now works as an art therapist in the North Carolina state prison system. “My job [at the medical center] was to enhance the therapeutic environment throughout the hospital through artwork,” she said. “Imagine what a prison is like. It is gray walls, no imagery, no color. So we knew we could do better than that.” Etheridge spoke about the highlights of her career, recalling her work with therapy groups and the impact it had on their lives.
The mobile, which took a year to create, portrayed images that represented the facility’s centers for oncology, diabetes and dialysis, as well as other symbols that the inmates were proud of. “This was a very memorable day in my career, the day we raised the mobile,” she stated. Etheridge said she got to know the inmates she worked with well. “I know you aren’t supposed to use the ‘L’ word in prison,” she said, “but the fact is I love them, and I grieve for them, the ones that I was closest to.”
One of her therapy groups created a mobile. The idea for the project came about when an inmate said, “We just come to this place to die.” Another inmate who volunteered at the prison hospital replied, “That is not true. We have success with some cancers.” That became the theme for the mobile, the story of the facility’s “untold success.”
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CBU HOMECOMING
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ALUM NEWS
1950’s
1980’s Ron Sanfilippo, Jr. (’80) and his wife, Jennine, have been married for 29 years. They have two children, Jayna and Johnnie, and three granddaughters, Jaiden, Tessa and Aliyah. Sanfilippo retired in July 2014, after being employed with the Riverside Police Department as a police officer since 1981 and serving for 22 years as a homicide detective.
Moyna Faye Smith (’54) and her husband, Glen (’56), have been married for 63 years. They have five children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Moyna worked as a teacher in Texas public schools for 26 years, and has spent the last 23 year enjoying her retirement. Glen served as a pastor for 42 years in both Texas and California. They have both worked as volunteers with the Texas Baptist Men Retiree Builders for a number of years. Glen is still actively serving as a supply preacher for local churches in their area of West Texas. Bill (’54) Tritten and his wife, Rose Ann, are enjoying their retirement in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Trittens have three children (their daughter has passed away), seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Debra Converse-Johnston (nee Steward ’82) works as an elementary science teacher for the Jurupa Unified School District in Riverside, Calif.
1990’s Jodi Arellano (nee Lezotte ’90) serves as office manager for the Bayside Financial Group in Riverside, Calif.
2000’s
Jessica Griffith (nee Arcuri, f.s. ’05) and her daughter make their home in Nampa, Idaho. She is working toward the completion of her bachelor’s degree. Jordan Monroe (’06) completed his service with the United States Army in 2012 and went on to Texas A&M to earn a master of business administration degree in 2013. He currently works as a commercial loan officer at Crockett National Bank in San Angelo, Texas. He and his wife welcomed a daughter to their family in April 2014. Ryan Douglas (’07) serves as a senior consultant with Marketplace Ignition where he works with top online retailers on marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon. Douglas and his wife, Page (nee Schiller ’09), welcomed their daughter, Winnie Anne Douglas, on March 11, 2014. They reside in Riverside, Calif. Kevin Adams (’09) works as the associate head coach of the women’s basketball team at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Dawn Pugh (nee Brady ’01) resides in Riverside, Calif. Sherri Downing Saucedo (’01) serves as department chair of world history and National History Day coordinator at Frank Augustus Miller Middle School in Riverside, Calif. She is also minister of creative arts at Living Way Christian Fellowship in Moreno Valley, Calif.
1970’s Dr. Sherry Forkum (’73) and her husband, Dr. James Forkum (’69), are serving in Alexandria, Egypt at Schutz American School. Sherry has returned to teaching first grade after having been a professor at the college level. Jim is the athletics director for K-12 at Schutz American School and was awarded the 2014 Alumni Lancer Medal for Lifetime Achievement at Homecoming. William L. Bathe (’77) is enjoying his retirement in Woodland, Calif.
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Mary Davidson (nee Pryfogle ’05) completed her master of science degree in counseling psychology on May 3, 2014, and was awarded the Merit Award for Academic Excellence and Commitment from the School of Behavioral Science at California Baptist University. Davidson is continuing to work full-time as the administrative assistant for the College of Allied Heath at CBU and part-time as a marriage and family therapist trainee at Crossroads Church in Corona, Calif.
Margaret Marquez (’09) works as a bookkeeper for Inland Counties Legal Services Inc. She makes her home in Riverside, Calif. Eric Allen Speyer (’10) works as an operations manager for Wheel Pros Inc. He makes his home in Wildomar, Calif. Frances Luciel M. Esteem (’11) is pursuing a master of family therapy degree.
Sergio Washington (’12) received a promotion in May 2014. He now serves as logistics team leader for Target. Washington makes his home in Encino, Calif.
Weddings Andy Musser (’12), CBU financial aid counselor, married Kaleen Musich (’12) on June 15, 2014.
Veronica Espinoza (’13) works as a caretaker with I’m Here To Help You Inc. She makes her home in Moreno Valley, Calif. Channing Perea (’13) was awarded a 2014 ATHENA scholarship award as part of the ATHENA group’s ongoing mission to open doors of leadership opportunity for women through inspiration, education, cultivation and mentoring. Perea works for The Honest Company.
Little Lancers David (’11) and Becca (nee Ubrun ’10) Brinkley welcomed Marie Elizabeth Brinkley into the world on March 13, 2014. She weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. David currently works as a telecommunications project manager and Becca is a stay-at-home mom and owns her own photography business. They live in Riverside. Stacey Schoellerman (’13) works as a junior graphic designer for BrandingIron Worldwide. She resides in Calabasas, Calif. Robin Boyer (’14) works for One Legacy harvesting donated organs, preparing them for transport, and shipping them to their destination.
Brittany Neece (nee Watkins ’06, ‘10), lecturer in the School of Behavioral Sciences at CBU, and Taylor Neece (’07, ‘09), director of graduate admissions at CBU, welcomed twin boys on July 8, 2014. Cohen Michael Neece weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and Jones Andrew Neece weighed 6 pounds. The twins join sister Norah, age 2.
In Memoriam Richard Bates Ivey (friend of the University) Vera Ruth McRae Harper (’61) Doug Reed (’62) James Dale Brown (’69) Barbara Ann Gross Ensign-Bowen (’70) Tom C. Ruiz (’73) Glenn Allen Rutledge (’78) Lt. Comm. John Frederick Keith (’97) Vickie Ann Arciniega (’12) Jasper Bernard “Bernie” Stymus
GET INVOLVED The CBU regional network now includes Sacramento, Fresno, Dallas, the Inland Empire and Phoenix to help you maintain and develop rich connections with CBU alumni and parents in your area. If we don’t yet have a network in your area, help us start one! Contact Carrie Smith at csmith@calbaptist.edu or 951-343-4439.
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