The Roundtable Magazine Volume: 59 Issue: 3

SUMMER 2015

THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

8 SHARING STORIES

Journalism students document the stories of inmates

24 CHRISTIAN STUDIES

Two alumni find their purpose in serving others

NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Fellow Lancers, On first blush, activities such as camping, journalism and chaplaincy may seem to have little in common. But for students and graduates of California Baptist University, these pursuits and countless more provide opportunities to give daily expression to the CBU tagline, “Live your purpose.”® Among the many interesting articles in this issue of The Roundtable are inspirational stories about how those three words are taking root in the lives of:

• CBU students, chronicling a ministry event at one of America’s most notorious prisons and coming away with not only a great story and powerful images, but also bold new perspectives on life and family and ministry in the midst of difficult circumstances

• The director of a Christian camp, working on an advanced degree at CBU to gain greater knowledge and enhance his leadership abilities

• A career military officer and CBU alumnus, answering a divine call to serve his country by serving others in the armed forces

• A recent master’s degree graduate and former Lancers student athlete,

representing her alma mater for the second time in a half marathon and celebrating sister cities on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean

• The founding dean of CBU’s College of Allied Health, stepping into his new role as provost and vice president of academic affairs

Live your purpose® is more than a registered trademark — it is a positive, can-do attitude. It is how many students, staff and faculty in the Lancer Nation view what they are doing at California Baptist University. For some, it means studying and preparing for a career even if they’re not sure just yet what that will look like one day. For others, it means serving with passion and dedication in the many jobs that combine to help actualize the vision of CBU as a “university committed to the Great Commission.”

As you read these pages, I hope you will sense the drive and determination that is such an integral part of the California Baptist University community, where our purpose is to help you “Live your purpose.”® May the Lord continue to bless!

Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President

The Magazine of California Baptist University Summer 2015 * Volume 59 * Issue 3 Editor: Dr. Mark A. Wyatt Managing Editor: Vivian Quezada Associate Editor: Jeremy Zimmerman Art Director: Edgar Garcia Graphic Designer: Kyle Ready Photography: CBU Athletics, Edgar Garcia, Ryan Welsh, Jacob Armstrong, Nick Francis, Tim Kothlow, Michael Elderman, Robert Ewing, Mario Minwary Contributing Writers: Vivian Quezada, Gail Ronveaux, Carrie Smith, Leslie Roberson, Samantha Sheppard, Andrew Shortall, Isaiah Aguirre

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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/advancement Admissions and Information Department of Admissions 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504-3297 877.228.8866 The Roundtable is published three times annually for the alumni and friends of California Baptist University.

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FEATURES 8

Angola Prison

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Bell Tower Society

14 Faculty News 15

Being water wise

16

New Student Orientation

18

Piece of Baptist History

24

Alumni Profiles

26 Alumni Events 28 Homecoming 2015 31

Alumni Award Recipients

DEPARTMENTS 4

CBU News

20 Athletics 23

Coach Q&A

34 Alumnews

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ABOUT THE COVER: A team of CBU journalism students, staff and faculty step behind prison fences for three days in Louisiana to document inmate participation in the programs of Awana Lifeline.

Third Class Postage at Riverside, California Postmaster, Please send address changes to: California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504-3297 Non-profit permit No. 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 iaguirre@calbaptist.edu.

Editorial Inquiries Contact Dr. Mark Wyatt at 951.343.4474 mwyatt@calbaptist.edu

CBU NEWS

CBU Gallery features work from renowned architect’s collection the California Home” featured historic drawings and photographs from the collection of the renowned Southern California architect.

The exhibit was the gallery’s “first museumgrade show,” meaning it was similar to those presented at a museum such as the Getty or Norton Simon, said Dr. Katherine Papineau, assistant professor of architecture and art history.

The CBU Gallery usually presents works by California Baptist University students and local artists.

“We want to put CBU on the art map and we are doing that by hosting a museum show,” she said.

Now a new type of exhibit has been shown at the gallery. “Cliff May and

May is known as the “father of the ranch house,” a sprawling, single-story home. The home is usually designed around a private courtyard with thick adobe walls, inspired by indigenous dwellings. His exploration of the ranch house promoted the California lifestyle and indoor-outdoor living. He built homes throughout Southern California and a substantial development in Long Beach. The work in the exhibit, which covers 1931-1965, is on loan from the “Cliff May Papers, Architecture and Design Collection” at University of California, Santa Barbara.

“This kind of show elevates the status of our gallery,” Papineau said.

The gallery in downtown Riverside sits adjacent to the established UCR ARTSblock, which consists of three University of California, Riverside, art institutions.

CBU named one of the best for intramural sports Almost 1,300 California Baptist University students participated in intramurals during the 2014-15 academic year. Thirty teams – 19 men’s and 11 women’s – competed in flag football. Several thousand came to watch the last games of the season at the Fortuna Bowl during Homecoming in November 2014.

BestColleges.com named CBU as one of the best colleges for intramural sports. Colleges were vetted based on the number of intramural sports they offered, the qualities of team management and coaching, and student surveys, which assessed how enjoyable intramural sports were to play at each school, according to the website.

Flag football, volleyball, basketball and soccer are the main intramural sports offered at CBU. Wiffle ball, kickball, ping pong, racquetball and dodge ball are available for one or two weeks or a single day event.

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 04

Intramural sports are popular for several reasons, said Tyler Cox, director of recreation programs.

Students spend more time out of class than they do in, so intramurals give them something to do. Athletes who do not play at the collegiate level enjoy the competitive outlet.

“The No. 1 thing, it just builds relationships,” Cox said. “People are going to have a more enjoyable experience while they’re here because they feel a part of something. They’ve made some deeper connections. I think that’s going to overall just enhance the students’ experience while they’re here.”

One of the most popular options is flag football. The season culminates with the Fortuna Bowl, which includes fireworks and brings an exciting end to Homecoming Weekend. Students often join a flag football team because they hope to make it to the end and be part of the event, Cox said.

At new student orientation, students learn about different opportunities for participation, from service projects to clubs to intramural sports. Sports is a popular activity that draws people together, Cox said.

CBU Flight School now has FAA testing center 2013. Previously, CBU aviation science students had to use an off-site testing center. Aviation flight majors typically take one test each semester to earn their rating or certificate in various areas, such as instrument rating or flight engineer.

“Having the testing center in-house just helps us provide the total package,” Prather said. “Students can come into the program, learn how to fly, earn their ratings and certificates, take their FAA written exams and earn their college degree.”

California Baptist University’s Department of Aviation Science has reached another milestone. The CBU Flight School now has an approved FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Center located in the Flight Operations Center.

The onsite testing center allows students to take their FAA exam in an environment they are familiar with and is convenient for them, said Dr. Daniel Prather, chair of the department of aviation science, which had its inaugural class in the fall of

The test center is available to anyone wanting to take FAA-required knowledge exams, not just CBU students. The Flight School has 11 aircraft, six flight instructors with more being hired and now a test center.

“It’s yet another piece of the puzzle that allows us to continue growing and realizing our vision,” Prather said.

CBU again receives national ranking for online programs for veterans

California Baptist University’s online programs have earned the No. 20 spot in the 2015 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Veterans rankings

by U.S. News & World Report.

CBU was also ranked in the top 100 nationwide for their Online Graduate Education and Online MBA Programs for Veterans.

“I’m delighted that once again we have been ranked by U.S. News as a Best Online Programs for Veterans,” said Dr. David Poole, vice president for Online and Professional Studies at CBU. “Online courses offer our service men and women the flexibility and convenience to complete their college education, regardless of where they may be stationed or live.

This national ranking is a strong testament to the University’s continued commitment to our nation’s veterans and active military personnel.”

CBU entered the online education market in the spring of 2010 with programs offered by the university’s Division of Online and Professional Studies. Also named by G.I. Jobs magazine as a 2015 Military Friendly School, CBU Online offers 21 bachelor degree programs with 30

major concentrations, and 14 master degree programs. Degree and course offerings are accessible fully online or in a hybrid format (virtual and synchronous) at educational service centers near some of California’s largest military bases.

To help veterans choose affordable, accessible and reputable distance education, U.S. News has launched its annual rankings of the Best Online Programs for Veterans, according to its website. All of the ranked programs belong to institutions that are certified for the G.I. Bill and participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, two federal initiatives that help veterans reduce the cost of school.

05 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

MIND. BODY. SPIRIT. Onward and upward!

Members of the CBU men’s basketball team teach at a youth basketball summer camp.

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07 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

ANGOLA Prison presents unusual setting for CBU journalism students

“What hit me the hardest at the women’s prison was a woman who thanked me simply for coming to their graduation and being interested in their lives.”

The overcast, humid Saturday proved to be the perfect day for children and their incarcerated fathers, grandfathers, uncles and godfathers to spend together at a carnival. Dark storm clouds threatened to overtake the event, but the sun broke through in the afternoon when everyone gathered to say goodbye by releasing hundreds of balloons into the air. Inmates climbed the rodeo arena stairs and clung to the fences at the top, trying to wave goodbye one last time before their children boarded buses to leave the Louisiana State Penitentiary. It will be a year before they can see each other again without Plexiglas between them.

A team of California Baptist University journalism students, staff and faculty stepped behind the razor-wire fences at the Louisiana State Penitentiary and Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW) for three days, documenting inmate participation in the programs of Awana Lifeline,

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 08

a branch of the children’s and youth ministry organization dedicated to prison ministries.

The CBU team slept and worked on the prison grounds without the use of cellphones or the Internet. The women on the team stayed in the women’s officer quarters and the men roomed in the officers training center.

Dr. Michael Chute, professor of journalism, Jim Veneman, lecturer of photojournalism, and writing coach Sonya Singh led the team. Eight students — current undergraduates Courtney Coleman, Sydney Funderburk, Lauren Koski, Jared Overstreet, Randy Plavajka and Katie Ring, as well as 2015 graduates Matthew Swope and Rebekah Wahlberg — made the journey. They provided Awana Lifeline with media coverage of the ministry programs through stories, photos and video.

“This is a unique opportunity for our students to partner with Awana in covering the Returning Hearts event at a maximum security prison. It gave our students an opportunity to use the skills they’ve learned in our journalism and new media program, and they did exceptionally well,” said Chute, who is also director of the Journalism & New Media and Public Relations program at CBU. “As the media team for this event, we produced an abundance of the students’ stories, photos and videos for Awana to use in their print and online publications. This annual event is a ‘win-win’ for CBU’s Journalism and New Media program and Awana,” Chute said.

AT LCIW, the CBU students celebrated with female prisoners graduating from Hannah’s Gift, an Awana program that helps incarcerated mothers reconcile with their families and embrace godly motherhood through the biblical example of Hannah. The inmates shared stories of brokenness and redemption, praising God and rejoicing in their freedom in him as they cope with continuing separation from their children.

“What hit me the hardest at the women’s prison was a woman who thanked me simply for coming to their graduation and being interested in their lives,” Koski said. “‘We are not normally seen as human. … Your support means everything to us,’ she told me.”

The team spent two days at Louisiana State Penitentiary, more commonly known as Angola prison because of its prior history as a plantation worked by Angolan slaves. The largest maximum security prison in America, Angola houses more than 5,000 inmates, many of whom are serving life sentences. It sits on 18,000 acres bordering the Mississippi River. It is largely farmland where inmates grow fresh produce for Angola and 10 other prisons.

Jared Overstreet, senior biology major and one of the team’s photographers, said that before he participated in the project he only saw prisoners for their crimes.

“Then you actually shake hands with them,” he said, and “begin to understand the men are more than their pasts.”

As they did at the women’s prison, the CBU team attended the graduation ceremony for the Awana Lifeline program called Malachi Dads, named for the Bible passage in Malachi 6:8 that talks about the relationship between a father and his children.

Much like Hannah’s Gift, Malachi Dads is dedicated to teaching male inmates how to be godly fathers to their children and helping to reconcile incarcerated dads with their family members.

The team’s last full day at Angola was jam-packed with activity as the students shadowed visiting families

during the day and wrote stories, edited photos and sorted video footage that night. At the annual Returning Hearts Celebration, hosted by Awana Lifeline and held at Angola’s rodeo grounds, inmates were reunited with their children for a day of festival activities ranging from a Ferris wheel to a dunk tank to booths serving cotton candy and slushy drinks.

“In the final minutes of the Returning Hearts Celebration, two young boys, not much older than 5 or 6, approached me and asked if they could say something to the camera,” said Randy Plavajka, a sophomore journalism major and one of the team’s videographers. “The boys exclaimed to me with smiles on their faces how this was the best day of their lives and how spending time with their dad was the best thing ever. For me, that was the defining moment of the trip.”

For students, the trip was an opportunity to view a journalism career in a different way.

“Living your purpose as a journalist looks different than other careers,” said Lauren Koski, a senior journalism major and one of the team’s writers.

“While we are not physically serving, we are responsible for sharing the experience with others. We are responsible for documenting raw reality. We are responsible for giving a voice to the individuals whose stories will positively affect other people or situations.”

09 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

Evening of Celebration

The Bell Tower Society hosted its inaugural “Evening of Celebration” event May 21 to honor and recognize some of CBU’s most generous supporters.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, opened the evening with stories of the past and visions for the future. He noted how he and his wife, Jane, felt an immediate connection to CBU (then CBC) when they saw the cornerstone of the James Building engraved with Matthew 28:19-20, which says, “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.” (NASB). This verse has become a cornerstone of CBU as a university committed to the Great Commission.

During the evening, individuals and organizations that are part of the Bell Tower Society were recognized for various levels of annual and lifetime giving. The highlight of the night was honoring five of those at the Founder

Level of the Bell Tower Society: Dr. Gordon and Jill Bourns; Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth (represented by their daughter, Lisa Collinsworth); Drs. Robert and Phoebe Lambeth; The James L. Stamps Foundation (represented by Richard and Cheryl Salyer); and Dr. Billie Yeager and her late husband, Eugene.

As a special gift of thanks, the founders received a signed and numbered limited edition print of an original watercolor painting of the James Building by Jessica Schoellerman. Schoellerman is a CBU graphics design student and was featured in the 2014 CBU electronic Christmas card video, which showed her painting this picture.

To view related video visit: calbaptist.edu/christmas2014

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 10

As the evening concluded, guests heard from Makenna Lammons, the incoming president for the Associated Students of CBU (ASCBU), and Trent Ward, the ASCBU president for the past two years. “CBU is a place where students can talk about their passions and see them come to life,” Ward said. While thanking CBU’s supporters, he quoted G.T. Smith, saying, “Donors don’t give to institutions. They invest in ideas and people in whom they believe.”

The Bell Tower Society was established in 2014, but its roots run to the founding of California Baptist University. Since 1955, the iconic James Building, with its bell tower and cross, has been a symbol for CBU, and it was the inspiration for the naming of the Bell Tower Society.

The society symbolizes a commitment to recognize and honor some of CBU’s most generous supporters. CBU would like to say thank you for all that they have done to support students of CBU. Those gifts, whether modest or monumental, support the students through much-needed scholarships, the development of premiere academic programs, the construction of strategic campus facilities, and the recruitment and retention of esteemed faculty.

Opposite page top: From left: Dr. Billie Yeager, Dr. Robert Lambeth, Dr. Phoebe Lambeth, Lisa Collinsworth, Jill Bourns, Dr. Gordon Bourns, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, Cheryl Salyer and Richard Salyer Opposite page middle: Jessica Schoellerman, graphic design student, with her painting of the James Building.

This page, middle: From left: Tim Pierce and Dottie Pierce, representing Ayres Hotels, and Dr. Ronald L. Ellis This page, bottom: From left: Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, Kelly Tillery and Jonny Tillery, on behalf of George Tillery and Carol Tillery

11 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

Lifetime Levels Founder - $1,000,000 to $4,999,999 Benefactor - $5,000,000 & above

Annual Levels

Ambassador - $10,000 to $24,999

Member - $1,000 to $2,499

Builder - $25,000 to $49,000

Associate - $2,500 to $4,999

Patron - $49,000 & above

Champion - $5,000 to $9,999

Lifetime Recognition Levels The Bell Tower Society is honored to recognize the following individuals and organizations based on lifetime gifts through Dec. 31, 2014, to California Baptist University.

Benefactor

California Southern Baptist Convention

Dr. Gordon Bourns & Mrs. Jill Bourns California Baptist Foundation Mr. Shelby Collinsworth & Mrs. Ferne Collinsworth Mr. M. Jack Hawkins & Mrs. Karen Hawkins Dr. Dana Horn & Dr. Melba Horn James L. Stamps Foundation Inc. Dr. William Johnson & Dr. S. Sue Johnson

Founder

Mr. David Green & Mrs. Barbara Green

Dr. H. James Knuppe & Dr. Bobbie Knuppe Dr. Robert Lambeth & Dr. Phoebe Lambeth and The Lockman Foundation Mr. Dennis Troesh & Mrs. Carol Troesh Mr. Michael Van Daele & Mrs. Linda Van Daele Dr. Eugene Yeager & Dr. Billie Yeager

Annual Recognition Levels The Bell Tower Society is honored to recognize the following individuals and organizations based on the annual gifts given to California Baptist University in 2014.

Patron

Dr. Gordon Bourns & Mrs. Jill Bourns Canyon Institute Estate of Erwin D. & Mable J. Bulen Fletcher Jones Foundation

Mrs. Ruby Kerby Mrs. E. Linn Landers Dr. David Maddox Dr. Richard Phillips & Mrs. Judy Phillips

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis & Mrs. Jane Ellis Gary McDonald Homes

Dr. Robert Lambeth & Dr. Phoebe Lambeth Marsden Holding & Haynes Building Service

Caddock Electronics Inc. Hakes Sash & Door Inc. J.W. and Ida M. Jameson Foundation

James L. Stamps Foundation Inc. Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf Provider Contract Foodservice

Builder

Ambassador

Mr. George Tillery & Mrs. Carol Tillery W.M. Keck Foundation Dr. Gilbert Zimmerman & Mrs. Maria Zimmerman

Mr. Hae J. Park Tovey/Shultz Construction Inc.

Mrs. Phyllis Smith Stilwell Construction Inc.

Alderwood Manor Community Church Ayres Hotels Mr. James Beazley & Mrs. Patricia Beazley Calvary Chapel of San Jacinto Ms. Cynthia Cloar Du Cook Me Tacos LLC Mr. Paul Eumurian & Mrs. Kathleen Eumurian Fellowship in the Pass Dr. K. Milton Higgins & Mrs. Jarrene Higgins

Brickman Group Inc. Mr. Mike Brister & Mrs. Ellen Brister Chesterman Family Foundation Mr. Mike Crabb Mr. William Crist & Dr. Mary Crist Mr. John Donaldson & Ms. Clare Rosander Fullmer Construction Corp Dr. Robert Gates Grace Baptist Church Grove Community Church

Champion

Mr. Bob Hollis & Mrs. Margaret Hollis Hope for the Heart Immanuel Baptist Church Mr. Ronald Kavern Magnolia Church Mr. Jack Nesselroad & Mrs. Ruth Nesselroad Perera Construction & Design Inc. Mr. Chaithawat Pimpanit & Mrs. Rina Pimpanit Mr. John Ring & Mrs. Sue Ring

Associate

Mr. Chia En Hsu Mr. Richard Jacobs & Dr. DawnEllen Jacobs Mr. Harry Kern & Mrs. Chrystal Kern La Societe Des Voiture 3-94 Laveen Baptist Church Mr. William Lewis & Mrs. Mary Lewis Mr. Timothy Maloney McCarthy Building Companies Inc. Mr. Gary Messner & Mrs. Sherry Messner National Cornerstone Healthcare Services

Member

Mrs. Barbara Roach Dr. Russell Tuck & Mrs. Debbi Tuck Mrs. Michelle Vickers-Adair Mr. James Walters & Mrs. Kathy Walters Mrs. Juanice Williams Mr. Craig Wilson & Mrs. Marianne Wilson Mr. Stephen Wu & Mrs. Jenny Wu

Mr. Don Oaks & Dr. Geneva Oaks Mr. Bill Pierpoint & Mrs. Marilyn Pierpoint Revival Christian Fellowship Rick Engineering Co. Roripaugh Family Foundation Spectrum Business Mr. Mike Staver Valley Baptist Church Dr. William White & Mrs. Patricia White Mr. Richard Yu & Mrs. Rita Yu

AGC of California Inc. First Baptist Church Del Cerro Northpoint Evangelical Free Church Mr. Bradley Ames & Mrs. Zana Ames Mrs. Marianne Fitzgerald Dr. Franciszek Pankowski Mr. Robert Anderson & Mrs. Debra Anderson Mr. Willard Foster Dr. Jonathan Parker & Mrs. Linda Parker Ms. Georgiana Arakaki Mr. John Foster Mr. John Parks & Mrs. Cathy Parks Mr. Chris Arranaga Mr. Glenn Gaines Mr. Michael Poma & Mrs. Vicki Poma Mr. Jong-Wha Bai Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden Mr. Steve Popkin Balfour Beatty Construction Dr. Marion Hammarlund Dr. Daniel Prather & Mrs. Grace Prather Mr. Michael Berg Mr. Robert Harper Mr. Edwin A Reed Mr. Jim Bishop & Mrs. Lisa Bishop Dr. Mark Hawkins & Mrs. Dawn Hawkins Riverside Medical Clinic Dr. Henry Blackaby & Mrs. Marilyn Blackaby Mr. Richard Herman & Mrs. Loris Herman Riverside Sports Commission Dr. Daniel Blair Ms. Dinah Herrick RMC Charitable Foundation Mr. Brian Bloom Dr. Andrew Herrity & Mrs. Terry Herrity Mr. Gary Dale Roberts & Mrs. Lynne Roberts Mr. Sean Boissiere & Mrs. Sandy Boissiere Mr. Rex C. Hiatt Mrs. Peggy Rose Mr. James Booth High Definition Solar Inc. Mrs. Lola Ruffin Ms. Brenda Borchmann Mr. John Higley Ms. Deborah Ryan Bud’s Tire and Wheel HMC Architects Security Bank of California California Produce Wholesalers Inc. Rev. Thomas Holladay & Mrs. Chaundel Holladay Mr. Robert Sherer & Mrs. Donna Sherer Calvary Church of West Hills JCJ Architecture Ms. Sara Anne Shine Calvary Southern Baptist Church Mr. Scott Johnson & Mrs. Cherlyn Johnson Skanska Mr. Eldon Carlson & Mrs. Janet Carlson Dr. Scott Key & Dr. Mary Key Mr. Jackson Slover & Mrs. Dolores Slover Mr. John Carney & Mrs. Jana Carney Mr. Steve Kienle & Mrs. Cathy Kienle Rev. R. Wayne Stacks & Mrs. Nancy Stacks Dr. Walt Carney Dr. David King & Dr. Patricia King Dr. H. Bruce Stokes & Mrs. Linda Stokes Dr. John Carpenter & Mrs. Arlene Carpenter Mr. Brenton Kuipers Dr. Sean Sullivan & Mrs. Michelle Sullivan Dr. Patricia Catalano Dr. Steven Larson & Dr. Catherine Larson Sunrise Church Ms. Diana Christiansen Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler SVA Architects Mr. Stephen Cockerham & Dr. Barbara Cockerham Dr. Nathan Lewis III T. James Williams & Co. A.C. Concord Korean Baptist Church Mr. Jeff Lewis & Mrs. Elaine Lewis Tilden-Coil Constructors Inc. Mr. Michael Cook & Mrs. Cynthia Cook Mr. Roy Linsenbigler TR Design Group Inc. Mr. Phillip Cothran Living Hope Baptist Church of Hemet Mr. Graden Travis & Mrs. Stacey Travis Mr. Walt Crabtree & Mrs. Marilyn Crabtree Dr. L. Dean Lowe & Mrs. Joyce Lowe Mr. William Trimble Crosspoint Church Dr. James Lu & Mrs. Rosalind Lu Trinity Baptist Church Dakota Blossom Enterprises Inc. Lucky Air Inc. Mr. Harold Robert Trout & Mrs. Barbara Phillips Mr. Richard Danforth Mr. Jon Lundstrom Dr. Richard Tworek David Leonard Associates Mr. Michael Malmquist & Mrs. Vicky Malmquist Mr. Charles Van Dyke & Mrs. Sandra Van Dyke Mr. Vernon Davis & Mrs. Judy Davis Manhattan Plumbing & Heating Ventura Baptist Church Design West Engineering Mr. Phillip Martinez Mr. Gary Vick & Mrs. Rebecca Vick Mr. Christopher Deulen & Mrs. Angela Deulen Ms. Julie Mason Mr. Darrel E. Walker & Mrs. Annette Walker Dr. Harkeerat Dhillon Ms. Alaina Mathews Dr. Tracy Ward Dr. Anthony Donaldson & Mrs. Darla Donaldson Maykov Inc. Mrs. Michele Watkins Dove Builders Inc. Dr. Jeff McNair Mr. John Watterson Mr. Gregory Dunn Mr. Casey Meadows Ms. Virginia Watterson Ms. Frances Dunniway Millie and Severson Inc. Mrs. Cindy Westphal DynTek Services Inc. Mrs. April Moore Windermere Tower Properties Mr. Tommy Ellis Mrs. Marilyn Moore & Mr. Dennis Moore Yardney Water Management Enterprise Rent-A-Car Mr. Richard Morris & Dr. Elizabeth Morris Dr. Billie Yeager Rev. Frank Fahnestock & Mrs. Deborah Fahnestock Ms. Joyce Morris Mr. Kyung Yi & Mrs. Sanghee Yi Filice Insurance Agency Dr. Glen Newman & Mrs. Nancy Newman Mr. Alan Young

FACULTY NEWS

KEEPING UP WITH THE CHANGES The new provost looks forward to the challenges of a growing campus

When Dr. Charles D. “Chuck” Sands arrived in 2010, the School of Business building or Recreation Center did not exist. Lancer Plaza was still Adams Plaza. Housing options did not include The Colony or The Point. The university had approximately 4,700 students.

“Stepping into a new role like this, that’s a lot of the fun for me. I’m going to assess and evaluate and then begin to try to make some recommendations,” he said. “I think my role as provost is going to be important to balance and grow what we have.”

Today, those buildings have been constructed or added. The enrollment reaches almost 8,000. Sands, the founding dean of the College of Allied Health (CAH), has seen his college grow from more than 300 students to more than 900 students and from 7 faculty to 22.

Sands also realizes there are challenges to maintaining CBU’s growth and the variety of students who will come with that growth. When Sands learns a student isn’t a Christian, he asks why CBU was chosen. Most say they came for the values embraced at CBU and for the education, he said.

His first office was in the basement of the James Building (South) before moving to the first floor of James North. This summer brought another move – and change – when he became the provost and vice president for academic affairs on July 1.

Sands looks forward to the challenges that come with a growing campus and a higher education institution, such as ever-changing technology, the cost of education, accreditation and assessment and remaining true to the core purpose. His goals include continuing to enhance and develop academic programs, continue to focus on excellent teaching, and to concentrate more on faculty scholarship.

“I like the fact that we have a wide range of students from a faith perspective. I think that’s a positive for CBU and it makes us better, but it also presents its challenges,” he said. “We have to manage this balance well. We have to communicate effectively with people who choose to come here who don’t subscribe to all of our beliefs.”

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Despite the growth, Sands said he believes CBU can keep that smallcampus feeling because of a culture of faculty and staff who seek to have direct contact with students.

“They want to maintain the ability to communicate well. I think as long as

we have that as an emphasis, I think we’ll be able to keep a lot of the small campus feel,” he said.

Sands will miss having direct contact with faculty and students in his department. He is most proud of the team in the CAH, committed professionals who desire to do their best to serve students. Other accomplishments include launching the student leadership program, the Global Health Engagement and multiple degree programs.

Sands and his wife, Jennifer, have been married 21 years and have four children. This fall, his oldest child, Amber Leigh, will attend CBU. Sands was raised in South Korea where his parents served as missionaries. That exposed him to different cultures and combining faith with one’s profession, he said. He sees his discipline as an educator as a tool to share the gospel and influence others.

“I think CBU has a lot of influence and as we go from 8,000 to 12,000, I see CBU having even more influence in a positive way,” Sands said. “That’s something I’m very excited about … we’re reaching out and inviting many people to come join us.”

WATER WISE T

he expansive Front Lawn at California Baptist University is home to flag football and soccer intramurals, the Fortuna Bowl, the Homecoming Block Party and the campus Christmas Party. The lawn has great practical value, but it also is the 200,000-square-foot heart of CBU. “There’s an iconic imagery,” said Steve Smith, director of facilities and planning services (F&PS). And the imagery will remain green even in the most severe droughts in California history.

Aware of public perception as one drives by the Front Lawn, Smith wants people to know that 80 percent of the irrigation is provided by two wells on campus that tap a local groundwater basin. One well was drilled before the founding of CBU, the other in 2012.

The well water is non-potable, but well suited for irrigation.

Thanks to the campus water source, the signature Front Lawn is expected to retain its verdant beauty. But CBU continues making a number of other changes in response to California’s record drought. For Smith, conserving water has been an ongoing process for the past several years.

Low-flow plumbing fixtures have been installed. Sprinklers have been changed

to drip lines and landscaping switched to drought-tolerant.

“We should all strive to be good stewards constantly,” he said. “The biblical call on us is to care for these resources and make them long-lasting.

That sounds idealistic, but I think that can be done and we’re doing a good job of that here.”

For landscape and irrigation, F&PS created an Xeriscape plan. Xeriscape refers to landscaping and gardening practices and design that reduce, mitigate or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation.

Water-wise plants and drip systems have been installed in front of the School of Nursing, in planters and strip areas in the housing areas and parking lots. Fewer annuals are being planted. Landscaping associated with new construction will follow that model.

“There is a strategy to convert more and more turf area to what we call our CBU native or sustainable planting,” Smith said. Several areas on campus have been identified for turf removal that has already begun in some locations.

collaborating on a garden. There F&PS will test what new plants grow well; environmental science will use a portion for projects, and Provider will use herbs grown there for food preparation.

Along with conserving water, CBU is conserving energy. Lights are going to LED. In the newer buildings, light and temperature control sensors are linked to occupancy. Lancer Palms on Wayne Court is powered partially by solar.

More solar panels may be coming.

Several years ago, CBU also started CBU Cares. Signs were installed on trash cans giving users a choice where their trash went – landfill or mixed recyclables.

While the goal is primarily to conserve natural resources, there’s a higher goal, too.

“Biblically, this idea of conserving and sustainability and stuff was not an invention by man,” Smith said.

“God appointed us stewards of these resources.”

By the athletic fields, F&PS, the environmental science program and Provider Food Services are

15 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

ORIENTATION BEGINS EARLY AT CBU “We want you to feel confident in your choice of CBU.” Nicci Hinderaker, of Long Beach, Calif., strolled on campus at California Baptist University, excited to visit classrooms and meet other new students.

starts when students are moving in can be overwhelming, Welzel said. Last year, about 3,500 parents attended orientation. It’s difficult to program for that many people.

information, such as financial aid and parking, earlier.

Hinderaker, whose sister, Tori, also attends CBU, will play on the volleyball team. She was one of the incoming freshman, with family members in tow, who streamed onto campus in June for Step Ahead Orientation.

“We’re growing, so we’re trying to meet a growing need and still offer the same feeling of intimacy,” she said.

“We believe it showcases the university well and what the university has to offer to students.”

Jamie Croix, of Corona, Calif., is transferring to CBU as a nursing student. Orientation made her feel as if she was part of the student body, and it gave her more time to prepare, she said. It also calmed the nerves, said her mother, Tricia Croix.

“It takes away the anxiety of starting someplace new,” she said.“It gives you a chance to become familiar with the campus.”

Orientation, which previously had been held right before classes started, came early and often this year. Step Ahead Orientation happened four times for freshmen and three times for transfer and non-recent high school graduates.

During orientation, incoming students met with faculty from their school or college, registered for classes and learned about financial aid and other services. The freshmen spent one night on campus. The students also participated in the Kugel walk.

The Kugel, a floating granite globe sculpture, is a symbol of Christ’s Great Commission. CBU tradition calls for newly enrolled students to touch the Kugel as they begin their educational experience at CBU.

Several reasons led to the change, said Kelli Welzel, director of new student programs. Students and parents have questions about services and academic programs. Providing all that information the weekend before school

Sarah Graham, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., an incoming freshman, liked the opportunity to meet other students and to prepare herself for the college experience. Her parents, Richard and Kelly Graham, appreciated getting

Hinderaker’s mother Beth liked that orientation was held early. “It gives them time to prepare and to get excited,” she said.

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 16

“We can get everything ready before the last minute,” Richard Graham said.

A final orientation day before classes start will be held for international and out-of-state students who could not attend during the summer. This will be followed by Welcome Weekend, when new students move in and get connected socially and spiritually.

Welzel told participants she did not want them to leave orientation with any questions.

“We want you to feel confident in your choice of CBU,” she said. “If you’re a parent, you can feel confident about your student coming here.”

CBU TEAM FINDS PIECE OF BAPTIST HISTORY DURING SERVICE PROJECT TO RUSSIA A team sent to Russia as part of California Baptist University’s International Service Projects (ISP) program returned with a piece of Baptist history after also experiencing life-changing moments along the way.

CBU’s flagship mobilization program sent some 370 participants on 42 teams during this summer’s ISP, United States Projects and Summer of Service programs.

One of their primary goals for the teams was to spread the gospel message to areas where it is relativity unknown, said Aura Opris, who oversees coordination of the service projects.

The method for sharing the gospel was simple and relational and done in a non-threatening way, said Samantha Sonke, ITS help desk manager and team leader. Sonke’s team consisted of six students whose project involved a state-run university in a city they visited.

“We prayed that the light of Christ would shine through us in our interactions,” Sonke said.

The team invited students to play English trivia games. Since most Russians are taught English from a young age in school, learning more about the variations of English from Americans can be a fun activity for them, Sonke said.

“We would ask questions such as, ‘What sport did Muhammad Ali play?’

Or we would watch a movie clip in English and have them write down the words they didn’t understand and then we would discuss the meaning of the words afterward,” Sonke said.

Team members also invited students to a coffee shop where similar games continued. The ultimate goal for such outings would be to conduct a Bible reading and discussion period where the gospel message would be presented.

One young student made an instant connection with the team.

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 18

“God had been preparing him to meet us,” said Sonke. “He had been listening to Christian music already because he didn’t like the other stuff out there.

He was listening to Skillet (a Christian rock band) in English.”

The Russian student followed the team throughout their visit. The student would eat, play and even go to church with the team. He also became a stand-in translator and local tour guide for the team.

While attending a local Russianspeaking Baptist church the team noticed a small bookstore nearby in a basement of an old brick building.

Sonke remembered that CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis had mentioned to the team before they departed to look out for books specifically about Baptist history to add to CBU’s growing Southern Baptist Depository and Archive at the Annie Gabriel Library.

With the help of the Russian student, Sonke’s team discovered a Russianlanguage book. Its title, translated into

English, is “History of Evangelical Christian Baptists in Russia, Ukraine, and Belorussia.”

Dr. Steve Emerson, director of the library, said the depository and archive is “a broad collection” that is becoming “a prominent source of information on Southern Baptist life and thought.” He noted the book acquired by the ISP team was the first historical book written in Russian to be added to the depository.

The second floor of the campus library holds the Southern Baptist Depository and Archive along with a section dedication to CBU history. The depository contains nearly 2,900 books on topics pertaining to Southern Baptist publishing of church history, biblical studies and theology.

The archive wing of the collection contains information from Baptist organizations such as articles of incorporation, church constitutions and Baptist newspapers.

“The depository and archive reputation is growing,” said Vi Estel, archivist at the library. “I don’t go a week without someone saying, ‘I hear you (CBU) were the place to go.’”

Estel said research requests are received from church historians, alumni, researchers and even homeschoolers.

“Our goal is to become the primary place of information on Southern Baptist history in all of the western United States,” Emerson said.

Sonke and the students who participated on the team expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

The ISP team visited this church in Russia.

“I did not quite know what to expect, yet I can honestly say my experience was absolutely extraordinary,” said Regina Gosney, CBU student.

“Perhaps the most rewarding outcome of this experience, however, was the spiritual growth. This was truly a life-changing moment.”

Shortly before the team returned home from Russia, Sonke received a hand-written letter from the Russian student that expressed his thankfulness.

“Thank you for changing my life. You should all know that all of you are incomparable and unique,” he wrote. And as if in response to Sonke’s pre-trip prayer, he added, “You all are like a sun ray – radiate warm joy, good vibes and give a positive charge.

Don’t let anyone deprive you [of] this shining.”

19 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

LANCER ATHLETICS

LANCER NATION member. The Directors’ Cup is awarded to the institution with highest overall performance across the division, with CBU finishing as the highest West Region school.

BASEBALL In the middle of the season, CBU was in precarious playoff standing. A strong push at the end of the season, winning 19 of 24 heading into their final regularseason series, led to the Lancers advancing to the NCAA Division II West Regional as the No. 3 seed for the second year in a row. CBU won its playoff opener over PacWest rival Dixie State but was upended by ninth-ranked and eventual region winner Cal Poly Pomona. Nine Lancers earned All-PacWest honors, headlined by Player of the Year Antonio Chavarria and Defender of the Year Andy Crowley. Chavarria was also named a semifinalist for the Josh Willingham Award, which is given to the top player in Division II, and received three All-West Region accolades from Daktronics, the American Baseball Coaches Association and National Collegiate Baseball Writer’s Association.

Adam Hofacket became CBU’s fourthhighest drafted player in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft June 9 when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim took him in the 10th round at 315th overall. It extends CBU’s streak of having a player selected in the MLB Draft to six years in a row. Twenty-six Lancers have been drafted over the last 33 years, with 15 players taken during Coach Gary Adcock’s 12-year tenure.

MEN’S GOLF ATHLETICS For the second year in a row — and third time since joining the conference — California Baptist University won the PacWest Commissioner’s Cup, becoming the first school to do so. CBU is also just the second school to take home backto-back awards after claiming the Cup last year. The Commissioner’s Cup is awarded to the athletic program with the highest overall performance based upon

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 20

average finishes in PacWest sports. CBU has never finished outside of the top two in the standings. With the conclusion of both baseball and softball’s regular seasons, CBU finished the year with a score of 12.682, towering over rival Azusa Pacific’s 11.091 mark. The Lancers also improved upon last year’s 26th finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup, moving up 10 spots to No. 16 in CBU’s second year as a fully fledged NCAA Division II

A historic season led to CBU Baptist freshman Kavan Eubank being named the PacWest Freshman of the Year.

The individual conference champion posted a 73.46 average score in 28 rounds in 2014-15, helping him clinch one of the conference’s top postseason honors. Eubank was joined on the AllPacWest team by Lancer teammates and underclassmen Greg Gonzalez and Tai Kuida.

WOMEN’S GOLF After advancing to the NCAA Division II West Regional for the second year in a row, CBU just missed qualifying for the Division II Championship by four strokes.

Laura Scrivner earned All-West Region accolades from the WGCA after taking sixth place at the postseason tournament.

She was joined by teammates Tina Yang, Marvi Monsalve, Tayler Hoag and Natalie Park on the All-PacWest teams, with the Lancers becoming just the second team to qualify its entire starting lineup on the all-conference team. Yang earned PacWest Co-Golfer of the Year honors.

SOFTBALL For the second year in a row, CBU softball advanced to the NCAA Division II Softball tournament as the No. 3 seed in the West Region. The Lancers battled against a strong field, making it to the last day, but

couldn’t overcome a tough Dixie State — who finished the season as the national runner-up. Post-season honors came pouring in for the Lancers as the season closed. Loie Kesterson made a stellar debut for CBU, earning herself PacWest Newcomer of the Year, all-conference first team and two All-West Region nods (NFCA and Daktronics). Savannah Miller and fellow pitcher Kayla Hatch joined Kesterson on the Daktronics All-West Region teams, while also grabbing All-PacWest honors with teammates Krista Mann, Jacque Lopez and Tayler Castro. Academically, Mann, Hatch and Kailey Willingham were honored for their successes both on and off the diamond, each picking up Capital One 2015 Academic All-District 8 Softball first team honors.

TRACK AND FIELD CBU track sent four athletes to the NCAA Division II Track and Field Championship for the first team in program history. The first day of the three-day meet was full of success as both Veronica Hall and Valentin Robert qualified for the finals during the preliminary round. Robert went on to finish 10th in the 3000-meter steeplechase after entering the championship meet as the No. 12-ranked runner, earning himself All-American second team distinction. Hall became the first Lancer to grab NCAA Division II AllAmerican first team honors after placing seventh in the 1500-meter race to put herself on the podium. She finished the event in four minutes, 26.36 seconds — a new school record.

21 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

LANCER ATHLETICS

CBU GRADUATE RUNS HALF MARATHON IN JAPAN Jacqueline Lutz crossed the stage May 2 to receive her master’s degree in education from California Baptist University. A week later, she ran in the streets of Sendai, Japan.

Lutz was one of two runners representing the city of Riverside in the Sendai International Half Marathon on May 10. Riverside and Sendai are sister cities. Other participants included runners from Sendai’s other sister/friendship cities, such as Rennes, France, and Minsk, Belarus. More than 10,000, some of them world-class runners, took part in the event.

“The experience of running with athletes from all over the world is just so exciting and such an honor to be lined up on the start line with them,” Lutz said.

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 22

Lutz also was chosen to run in the half marathon last year. This year she was joined by Michael John Stanley as the men’s runner and Adrian Aros as the delegation leader. She finished 79th in the women’s group with 1 hour, 36 minutes and 51 seconds, which was more than 3 minutes faster than her time last year. While in Japan, the team also met with the sister city athletes, visited a mausoleum, a Buddhist temple and the Sendai International Center.

“I was really excited with the results and just being able to meet the new sister city athletes and coaches and also the returning athletes and coaches,” she said.

Lutz, who received her bachelor’s degree from CBU in 2012, was a

member of the Lancer cross country and track team as a 5k and 10k runner. Her biggest challenge last year was training. Since she no longer was part of the team, she had to determine what worked for her, she said. To prepare this year, she ran several half marathons as well as a 5k and 10k.

She was thankful she had the opportunity to run in the event twice and would like to apply to go again.

“For me, what comes to mind, is how much of an honor and a blessing it is to be chosen to represent the city of Riverside, and along with that, representing California Baptist University, and most importantly the Lord,” she said. “I’m just very grateful that he allowed me to run again.”

DEREK SCHMITT Head Men’s Volleyball Coach

What is your favorite thing about being at CBU? The people I work with. I especially enjoy working with everyone in the athletic department. We have great people throughout Athletics. I equally enjoy working with the men’s volleyball student-athletes. I’m super excited at the group we have returning along with the incoming recruiting class.

What are you most proud of during your time as a coach or as a player yourself?

Winning the Conference Carolinas regular season and conference tournament at Erskine College in 2014. I started the program and we accomplished those achievements in just our second season of existence.

What is the most valuable skills or attribute you’ve developed over your career?

I’ve become very detailed oriented, probably borderline OCD. In all of my previous head coaching positions, I’ve been the only coach so I’ve had to oversee all aspects of a collegiate athletic program: recruiting, practice planning, match preparation, managing budget expenses, etc.

Who do you look up to?

My parents. I appreciate everything they did for me growing up and everything they have done for me and my family.

What’s the biggest goal for your team here at CBU? It would be easy to say “win an MPSF Championship and win a National Championship” and while those will always be goals of mine, I want our program to be a program that lives up to the mission statement of the athletic department, “Honoring Christ through excellence in Athletics.” Our mission statement comes from Romans 12:1 and Romans 12 is probably my favorite chapter in the entire Bible. I want our program to excel in the classroom, on the volleyball court, in the weight room, in the community, etc.

FAVORITES Holiday: Christmas Food: Ruth’s Chris Ribeye Steak Movie: The Dark Knight Trilogy with Miracle finishing a very close second TV show: I have to go with two: 24 and Seinfeld Place to visit: Florida (especially Orlando and Miami) Hobby: Golf Music: ‘80s music... is there another kind?

Childhood Memory: Doing things with my family: playing golf and tennis with my dad, playing wiffle ball in the front yard with my brother, eating all of mom’s good cooking.

What can we look forward to this season?

We were very young last season, and we are going to be very young this season as we are adding nine players, including seven freshmen, with our 2015 recruiting class. We are going to be very athletic, and we are going to go out and compete every day in the gym, not just in matches, but in practice as well.

23 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

SERVING OTHERS AT TAHQUITZ PINES

W

hen he graduated in 2009, Michael Jewell did not plan to return to California Baptist University.

But return he did, in two different ways: first as an employee, then as a graduate student.

Jewell is director of guest services and marketing at Tahquitz Pines Conference Center in Idyllwild, Calif., which is owned by CBU. He also is pursuing a master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies. As a CBU undergraduate, he majored in Christian studies.

“I love being part of that extended CBU family,” he said. “Even though we’re at Tahquitz Pines, I’ve got some great working relationships and even some personal relationships with staff and faculty here at CBU. It’s been terrific.”

lowest on the totem pole there but I loved it. Even doing that, I loved it.” So he kept going back.

After graduation, Jenness Park offered him a full-time job in guest services. He remained there for more than two years before leaving to work at a hotel in the Central Valley. Jewell began working at Tahquitz Pines in October 2012.

“I’m the point man for all the guests,” he said. “I love sitting down and talking with guests, getting to know them and hearing a little bit of their story. I love just seeing to their needs and really eliminating distractions so that they can come up and just focus on the Lord.”

As an undergraduate student, Jewell worked each summer at Jenness Park, a camp operated by the California Southern Baptist Convention in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Sonora, Calif. He started in the kitchen.

Tahquitz Pines houses about 120 retreats a year. It sits on about 20 acres and features 200 beds, conference rooms, basketball court, sand volleyball pits and a pool for guests. Churches and nonprofit organizations often hold retreats for men, women, couples and youths at Tahquitz Pines. CBU staff and faculty retreats also have been held there.

“I worked in the dish pit in the kitchen, which is probably the

It was during a retreat for the School of Education faculty

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 24

and staff that Jewell talked with the dean, Dr. John Shoup. That conversation led Jewell to pursue a master’s degree.

“Working in a Christian camping environment, I learn more and more how much we need good Christian leaders,” he said.

“What I love about the School of Education’s leadership degree is that it’s all from the Christian perspective. So it’s kind of taking some of these Christian ideas I’ve learned and the book knowledge and putting it into a practical application.”

Jewell lives at Tahquitz Pines with his wife, Breanna (’11), who is the lifeguard at the camp and a stayat-home mom of their two young children, John and Joelle.

Even at a camp, Jewell can have crazy days at work, but he doesn’t mind.

“After hours, if there’s a problem, I’m the person you call,” he said.

“Even after those (long) days, I still love my job, because it’s a ministry. I love it. That’s how I know I’m living my purpose at Tahquitz Pines.”

FOLLOWING GOD’S CALL

INTO THE MILITARY K

ehmes Lands (’00) is a soldier first, then a minister.

“I have to take a (physical fitness) test just like everybody else,” he said. “I have to get up at 6:30 in the morning like everybody else.”

Now a major in the U.S. Army, Lands says he joined the military to be a chaplain and to fulfill God’s call for his life. While he was in his mid-20s, Lands went through a 21-day fast with his church as he sought God’s purpose in his life. During that time, he heard God calling him back into the military to minister to those who served, Lands said. He had previously been in the National Guard.

“I had no desire of ever going back.

Zero. But God had other plans,” he said.

Lands enrolled in classes at California Baptist University to get a degree in Christian studies. The class that stands out in his memory is Greek.

“It truly prepares you to learn the language for yourself, not to depend on other translations and other books and commentaries as a foundation,” he said. “The language itself has its own foundation, where you can go back and research for yourself and get an idea of what the text is really saying.”

Though Greek helped prepare him, it was a challenge. Another class helped get him through the experience.

“I took Greek right before ceramics, and Greek stressed me out so much and ceramics calmed me down so much,” he said. “It was the perfect combination.”

After he graduated from CBU, he went to Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary to earn his master’s degree.

He worked with youth and young adults in churches before being commissioned into the Army. Lands has been stationed in Texas, Georgia, South Carolina and Colorado and has been deployed twice, to Iraq and Kuwait. In March, he, his wife and two daughters moved to his latest assignment in Stuttgart, Germany, where he manages military chapels.

As chaplain, Lands does much more than conduct worship services. He teaches marriage retreats, single retreats and financial class. He does memorial ceremonies, funerals and death notifications. He briefs the commander on the religious, moral and ethics of the soldiers in the unit.

One of challenges he faces is being seen as an equal to other staff officers.

“It’s hard for them to see how you improve morale of a unit. It’s hard for them to see how you can improve the spirituality of a unit,” Lands said.

He says the biggest reward for his work is seeing soldiers come to know the Lord.

“The ministry is not in vain,” Lands said. “Many soldiers have developed a relationship with God through the ministry of chaplaincy.”

He and his wife have been married 20 years and have moved more than 20 times. Some moves have been across campus and others across the country, but all of them were part of God’s plan.

“I know I’m living my purpose,” Lands said. “When you know you’re in the center of God’s will, it’s all a reward, and CBU had a large part in getting me to that place of where God wanted me to be in my life.”

25 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

ALUMNI AND PARENTS

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

Families also had the opportunity to enjoy concerts by the Women’s Choir and the Jazz Band. A large group of grandparents and families learned to cheer and stunt with CBU’s national championship cheerleaders.

Grandparents ate with their students at one of several dining facilities on campus.

Nearly 400 grandparents and students participated April 13 in Grandparents’ Day 2015, where they enjoyed a wide range of classes and events throughout the day giving them opportunities to learn, see, hear, taste and experience CBU. Families were greeted by Dr. Arthur Cleveland, vice president for university advancement, during the kick-off and welcome session. Also featured was the CBU Army ROTC posting of the colors, a message from Dr. Micah Parker, CBU athletic director, and a few words from Ryan Perez, a

graduating exercise science major, who shared what brought him to CBU and what kept him here.

Professors created and taught a variety of classes throughout the day, including: The History of Disneyland; Drones: What are they? Where are they? What are they doing?; New Testament Manuscripts; God’s Heart for the Nations; Beginning Ceramics; and Online Education. Campus tours were offered on air-conditioned CBU buses, and aviation and School of Nursing students and faculty conducted tours of their facilities.

Afterward, one parent wrote: “[My in-laws] had the best day at Grandparents’ Day … They walked away extremely impressed with the campus and everything that CBU offers. They also enjoyed special time with their grandson … [My husband] and I occasionally talk about the choices and the sacrifices we are making to make CBU possible for [our son], but because of Grandparents’ Day, [my in-laws] have a much better idea why we’ve chosen to do so. It is terrific to feel their support now in a way we hadn’t previously. They are now more excited for [their grandson] and have become ardent CBU fans!”

SAVE THE DATE: GRANDPARENTS’ DAY 2016 FRIDAY, APRIL 8

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 26

ALUMNI & PARENTS SPORTING EVENTS

The second annual CBU Night at Angels Stadium was held on May 5, with more than 300 alumni, parents and friends. Baseball fans celebrated Cinco de Mayo and broke a Guinness World Record for wearing the most sombreros at a game.

Brendan Provance, son of Dr. Brett Provance, associate professor of humanities for Online and Professional Studies, was the honorary bat boy at the Angels baseball game that night.

He is pictured in the official uniform issued to him that night.

In February, more than 60 alumni, parents and friends attended CBU Night at Ontario Reign, a minor league hockey team. Lance, the CBU mascot, and Trent Ward, outgoing president of the Associated Students of CBU, represented the university by riding the Zamboni ice resurfacer between periods, while sporting new CBU scarves, which were given to each CBU guest as a gift for their attendance. Ward also opened the game with a rendition of “God Bless America.�

Check out the Alumni & Parents web page for upcoming events that you and your family may enjoy!

calbaptist.edu/alumnievents

To view photo albums from alumni events, visit: calbaptist.edu/alumniflickr

27 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

H O M E C O M I N G A N D F A M I LY W E E K E N D

H

omecoming and Family Weekend is scheduled for Nov. 6-7. It will provide many opportunities to reconnect with old friends, meet someone new, chat with faculty members and enjoy the beautiful CBU campus. Homecoming events are open to all alumni, students, family and friends.

The festivities begin Friday, Nov. 6, with chapel services at 10 and 11 a.m.

Daniel Bishop, recipient of the 2015 Young Alumni of the Year award, will be the featured speaker, and acclaimed Christian recording artist Danny Gokey will lead worship. That evening, the 2015 Alumni Awards Dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Recreation Center. The accomplishments of the 2015 Alumni Award recipients and prior winners will be celebrated.

Members of the classes of 1955, 1965, 1990 and 2005 also will be recognized.

A delectable meal will be served and Gokey will perform. Tickets can be purchased for $40 each.

Also Friday evening, the men’s water polo team will compete against the

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 29

University of Redlands at 7 p.m., and the wrestling team will compete against Embry Riddle at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Alumni Association will hold the annual board meeting and elections, and the Lancer Athletic Association will host its second annual FLAApjack breakfast.

The women’s volleyball team will play Concordia at 1 p.m.

The Lancer spirit continues on Saturday, starting with the Block Party and ending with Fortuna Bowl. The Block Party, which begins at noon, will feature the Music “Zest”ival with Danny Gokey, interactive academic booths, inflatables, games and gourmet food trucks. The marketplace tent provides an opportunity for sharing home-based businesses or promoting a worthy cause. Tables in the Marketplace tent are limited and may be rented for $40 per business or artist.

The 60th, 50th, 25th, and 10th reunions will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday with Dr. Ronald L. Ellis greeting each class. Refreshments will

be served. There is no cost, however, reservations are requested as Alumni Reunion Medallions will be presented.

If attending the Alumni Awards Dinner on Friday, attendees can pick up their medallion at dinner check-in.

In the Fortuna Bowl, the men’s and women’s intramural flag football teams will play for the championship. Mr. and Ms. CBU also will be announced, and the evening will close with a fireworks display.

For a complete listing of the weekend events, please go to www.calbaptist. edu/homecoming, and/or contact us at events@calbaptist.edu.

Interested in being a CBU Homecoming sponsor?

This weekend is the perfect place to present your company and build a connection with the CBU community.

With customized sponsorship opportunities, there is sure to be one that fits your organization. Contact events@calbaptist.edu for more information on how you can become a Homecoming sponsor.

29 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

H O M E C O M I N G S C H E D U L E + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

HOMECOMING SCHEDULE 2015

Events are open to all alumni, students, family and friends

FRIDAY, NOV. 6 10 & 11 a.m.

Chapel Services Worship music led by Christian recording artist, Danny Gokey. Chapel speaker, Daniel Bishop (’04), recipient of the 2015 Young Alumni of the Year Award

1:30 p.m.

Book signing in Campus Store Danny Gokey

5:30 p.m.

President’s Reception for the 2015 Alumni Award recipients and other invited guests

6:30 p.m.*

Alumni Awards Dinner in the Recreation Center. Presentation of Alumni-of-the-Year Awards. Exceptional food with entertainment by Danny Gokey

7 p.m.

Men’s Water Polo vs. Redlands

7:30 p.m.

Wrestling vs. Embry Riddle

SATURDAY, NOV. 7 9 a.m.

Alumni Association annual meeting and elections

9:30 a.m.

FLAApjack Breakfast, presented by the Lancer Athletics Association on the Van Dyne lawn

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Campus Tours on the hour 12-8 p.m.

Block Party on Front Lawn

12-3 p.m.

Academic tents, displays/meet the faculty and deans

12-6 p.m.

Marketplace tents and sponsor tents

12-7 p.m.

Bounce houses and games

12-8 p.m.

Food trucks

1 p.m.

Class reunions Women’s Volleyball vs. Concordia

3 p.m.*

Music “Zest”ival with Danny Gokey in Stamps Courtyard. VIP package: prime seats, meet-and-greet and barbecue

6 p.m.

Fortuna Bowl Women’s championship game Announcement of Mr. & Ms. CBU Men’s championship game

8:30 p.m.

Fireworks display

For more information and class reunion details check the website at www.calbaptist.edu/homecoming *Ticketed events

DANNY GOKEY TO HEADLINE INAUGURAL MUSIC “ZEST”IVAL Top-selling Christian artist and “American Idol” alumnus Danny Gokey will headline a concert in Stamps Courtyard and also perform an acoustic set at the Alumni Awards dinner. After taking his song “Hope in Front of Me” to the top of the Christian charts, Gokey has been touring and performing at Christian concerts throughout the country.

The “Zest”ival is free, however tickets are required and must be reserved in advance. (The Music “Zest”ival will be an annual celebration of Riverside’s rich citrus heritage.) The concert will feature festival-style seating, so concertgoers need to bring blankets and beach chairs. For those who want to make the event extra special, there are a limited number of concert VIP packages available for purchase.

Each $25 package guarantees special seating, a private dinner catered

by Dickey’s Barbecue and a meet-and-greet with Gokey. To learn more about the “Zest”ival, reserve concert tickets and purchase VIP packages visit www.calbaptist.edu/homecoming.

Gokey was a worship leader in Milwaukee, Wis., who rose to popularity with his performances on Season 8 of the hit television show “American Idol.” Just weeks before his “Idol” audition, his wife and biggest fan, Sophia, passed away unexpectedly during surgery.

“American Idol” not only helped Gokey land a record deal and catapulted his voice into the homes of millions, it also helped provide a platform for him to launch Sophia’s Heart, an organization founded to carry on the legacy of giving started by his late wife. The organization provides a place to live for homeless families. Learn more by visiting www.sophiasheart.org.

“I want to deliver a message that feeds the soul but makes you want to move and groove to the music,” Gokey says on his website. “That’s always the goal when I write. I’m a person of faith, so I always want my songs to have a strong message of hope.”

These days, Gokey is in a new season. He’s remarried, and he and his wife, Leyicet, have a son and daughter. Gokey chronicles his life in his autobiography, “Hope in Front of Me.” “Life might not always make sense,” he says. “There’s no justice in it and sometimes it might not seem fair, but it’s not the end of the road.

Turn the page. Move forward and keep putting your life in God’s hands. There is always hope ahead.”

2015 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS

LANCER MEDAL FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Bill Pierpoint

Palm Baptist Church. “When I heard the truth, I went forward and gave my life to Christ and got baptized.”

“I had made a commitment to God that if somebody asked me to preach, I would,” he said.

Another life-changing event would occur that fall – Pierpoint met his wife, Marilyn, and the couple married the following August. He quit school and began working as a programmer for a company in Pasadena.

So Pierpoint began serving as the English pastor at RMBC, with the Chinese pastor, John Lee. When Lee announced he was leaving, Pierpoint’s first thought was he would leave, too.

Four years and two kids later, Pierpoint returned to CBC, and in 1968, he graduated with a bachelor’s in business. Over the next 36 years, Pierpoint worked in the IT field, primarily in management positions for the County of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino Unified School District.

In 2000, Pierpoint retired, and at 58, a different calling began. The couple bought a motor home and traveled.

“I’m thinking about writing my memoirs and calling it, ‘A look in the rearview mirror,’ because I’ve never been able to see out of the windshield worth a hoot,” said Bill Pierpoint (’68).

As Pierpoint looked back on the many ways God has guided him, he recalled that one of the most important turns brought him to CBU. “I was looking for a secular job and a secular life, but God had a different plan, and he led me to CBU,” Pierpoint said. While attending CBU (then CBC) in the fall of 1961, Bill began attending

“We bought a motor home and were traveling and sightseeing, but the whole time I felt like God must have something more for me,” Pierpoint said.

The couple returned to California to serve at a church in Rialto. It was then that Pierpoint felt called to preach.

While making inquiries, he was asked to serve as the English pastor at Riverside Mandarin Baptist Church (RMBC), where the congregation is primarily Chinese. He initially was not interested, but changed his mind.

“I was praying about it one morning, and I clearly heard a sentence in my mind, ‘Who called you to this church – Pastor John or me?’” he said. “So I said, ‘OK, I’ll stay, but you get a Chinese pastor in here right away!’”

It would be nine years before a fulltime Chinese pastor came, but in the meantime God provided what was needed with pastors who filled in, Pierpoint said.

He retired from his position as pastor last December but still serves as needed.

“Here we are once again, looking out the windshield trying to see what God has planned next,” Pierpoint said. “But we are certain of one thing, that if we trust in the Lord, he will direct our path (Proverbs 3:5-6). And when we finally come to the end of life’s road, we’ll take a look in the rearview mirror and see that God has been with us all the way.”

31 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

2015 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS

YOUNG ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Daniel Bishop If you visit Daniel Bishop’s staff page on The Grove Community Church website, you’ll learn that his favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” At age 31, Bishop (’06) is poised to become the senior pastor of The Grove upon the retirement of current senior pastor, Tom Lance. That might make him seem ambitious, but Bishop is simply allowing the Lord to direct his steps.

Bishop served as youth pastor at The Grove for eight years before taking on his current role as lead pastor.

None of this was his plan as a youth.

His plan was to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to study landscape architecture. “It was my dream job to work at Angels Stadium and to be in charge of the grass,” he said. “I didn’t get into San Luis Obispo, and I was devastated.”

missionaries to nurture and equip local churches.

But God started directing Bishop’s heart toward ministry. That same year, CBU launched its bachelor of applied theology program.

Bishop also serves as an adjunct professor at CBU, co-teaching a course with Dr. Dan Wilson, professor of biblical studies.

“I fell in love with the teachers,” Bishop said. “I thank God that in His sovereignty He brought me to CBU to learn under them.”

As he has in years past, Bishop will continue to allow the Lord to direct his steps.

After graduating, Bishop’s steps were again directed to an unexpected place as he sought to develop a stronger love for missions. Bishop spent the next year in Chile, working alongside

and anxiety eventually convinced him he was not suited for the mission field.

But in years to come, Knowles would discover that God had a different kind of mission field in mind.

His first assignment was at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, as an avionics technician working on the B-1B bomber.

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Todd Knowles When Todd Knowles began attending CBU in the fall of 1979, he believed God was calling him to become a missionary. He majored in sociology to prepare for missions. “But as I was getting closer to graduating, I felt like I didn’t really have the right skills,” he said.

Wanting to develop skills in aircraft maintenance that might serve him in a missionary organization, Knowles joined the Air Force after graduating in 1985. His struggle with depression

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE | 32

After five years as a technician, Knowles was assigned as an instructor, teaching airmen B-1B maintenance. “I fell in love with teaching,” he said.

For the next nine years, Knowles continued teaching and discovered that education is his mission field. “The Air Force core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all you do,” he said. “We would discuss this in class, and it was the perfect venue to talk about my faith in God.” Knowles wrote leadership, management and communication curriculum at what is now the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted

“I fell in love with missions,” Bishop said. “I got to see the gospel being shared and people believing.”

After Chile, Daniel began serving as youth pastor at The Grove. It was at this time that Bishop met his wife, Natalie (nee Torna, ’09).

“It was never my dream to be the senior pastor of this church,” Bishop said. “But today, I just want to be faithful with where God has me.”

Education, a branch of Air University in Montgomery, Ala. Also during his time with the Air Force, Knowles earned his master’s degree in human resources development and an MBA from Webster University in St. Louis.

He then earned his master’s in adult education from Troy University.

In 2007, Knowles retired from active duty with the Air Force and became a civil servant at the Thomas N. Barnes Center’s Air Force Career Development Academy. Since then, he has held the position of instructional systems specialist, creating career development courses for Air Force enlisted personnel.

Knowles is also pursuing his doctorate of education at Liberty University.

“I love every moment of life God has given me in my work of being an educator for the Air Force,” Knowles said. “Being able to share Christ as I mentor and teach others is just tremendous.”

2015 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS

Worth, Texas, to attend Southwestern Theological Seminary.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Randy McWhorter The son of a Southern Baptist pastor, Randy McWhorter felt called to be a pastor at the age of 19. “The only thought that went through my mind was, ‘I’ve got to go to CBU,’” he said.

McWhorter didn’t wait to begin serving until he graduated. He joined a team of students that helped with weekend revivals at local churches.

It was during this time that McWhorter met his wife, Leigh. He graduated from CBU in May 1978, got married, and moved to Fort

After graduating with a master of divinity degree, McWhorter returned to California, where he became senior pastor of Calwa Baptist Church in Fresno. “It was a church that had been in decline for a long time,” he said.

“But during the three years we were there, we saw lots of people get saved.”

When CBU welcomed Makenna Nishimoto as a freshman in the fall of 2014, CBU got more than a great student – it also got her mother.

Suzie Omori has been named CBU’s Parent Volunteer of the Year for 2015, carrying on what has become a family tradition.

“When my sister and I were in high school, my mom was ‘the band mom,’”

“With just a few changes, they can become effective and begin reaching the people they want to reach,” he said.

McWhorter then became pastor at First Baptist Church of Fountain Valley (now Shoreline Baptist Church) in Southern California. “When we joined Shoreline, the attendance was smaller than what Calwa had become, but the potential was really great,” he said.

McWhorter also serves as an adjunct professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned his doctorate of ministry. Golden Gate has worked with McWhorter and the Healthy Church Group to develop a Healthy Church Doctorate of Ministry.

After 15 years at Shoreline, he returned to Fresno in 1999 to become evangelism director for the California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC).

With 18 years of experience nurturing and leading two struggling churches, his bigger purpose became clear.

He and his wife also raised the next generation of CBU students. Their three children graduated from CBU.

In 2004, McWhorter pioneered the Healthy Church Group within the

Omori said. “She volunteered all the time and everybody just gravitated around her. We saw her example.”

Suzie’s sister is Kelly Omori, who was named Parent Volunteer of the Year in 2013.

PARENT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Suzie Omori

CSBC. The group helps churches develop a ministry approach that meets the unique cultural needs of indigenous Californians. The goal is for congregations to thrive and grow as the result of this approach.

In the time Omori has been a CBU parent, she has served as a parent advisor to prospective and new CBU parents and has volunteered at events including Homecoming, Grandparents’ Day and Commencement. Whether it’s building a balloon arch, signing in attendees or cleaning up, Omori has been a source of service.

“Jesus came to serve, not to be served,” Omori said. “If I need to wash people’s feet, by golly, I’m going to get down there and wash people’s feet.”

For Omori, serving others is a way of life. She volunteered throughout her daughter’s high school years at Mission Vista High School and received their Volunteer of the Year

“CBU was everything I wanted it to be, and more, in terms of developing the call that God had on my life,” he said.

“CBU continues to equip Christians to live their purpose in whatever God has called them to do.”

Award in 2014. She also volunteers at North Coast Church in Vista.

Omori is no stranger to pitching in wherever needed and is a proud member of the CBU volunteer group known as FAVE’s (Family and Alumni Volunteers Extraordinaire). “During the last Step Ahead, I wore my FAVE T-shirt,” Omori said. “I walked around and told folks, ‘you want this shirt – ask me how to get it.’”

As it turns out, getting a FAVE T-shirt is as simple as saying, “I want to help.”

“We’re really trying to grow this group because the success of any organization depends largely on its volunteers,” Omori said.

If you are interested in becoming a FAVE CBU volunteer, please contact the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations at 951-343-4946 or events@calbaptist.edu.

33 | THE ROUNDTABLE | SUMMER 2015

ALUM NEWS

1960’s Margaret Elaine Lawry Hill Gilden (’69) and her husband, Glen, reside in Visalia, Calif.

Margaret is a retired middle school teacher and would love to reconnect with any other alumni living in the central San Joaquin Valley.

1970’s

CBU FOLKLORE AS TOLD BY MAYNARD BROWN (‘63):

Five seniors from the class of 1960 or 1961 participated in the now-infamous “cow-in-the-elevator” prank. The maintenance foreman had two calves in the maintenance yard, and the students took one of them through the catacombs (as they are known today) to the elevator in the women’s dorm (housed in the James building). The students left the calf in the elevator overnight with a bowl of water and food. The women’s dorm mother found the calf and a mess in the elevator in the morning. She was attempting to coax the calf outside when I came along. I made a half-hitch, slipped it over the calf’s nose and took it back to the barn.

When administration heard about the prank, they said the culprits would be suspended if they were caught, but would receive leniency if they confessed. The boys confessed and their punishment included purchasing a bag of feed for the calves, paying for the custodian to thoroughly clean the elevator and overtime for an elevator maintenance worker. In addition, each student had to write a paper on why there should not be a calf in the elevator.

TO SHARE YOUR MEMORIES OF THE PAST PLEASE CONTACT: GAIL 951-343-5045 GRONVEAUX@CALBAPTIST.EDU VI 951-343-4250 VESTEL@CALBAPTIST.EDU OUR HOPE IS TO MAKE CBU FOLKLORE READILY AVAILABLE TO ALUMNI AS WELL AS FUTURE GENERATIONS OF STUDENTS.

John Robert Bland (’71) serves as a disaster specialist with the Department of Homeland Security in South Carolina. He is the published author of five books, including “Urban Removal: Westside Chicago,” which can be found on Amazon.com, at Barnes & Noble and in other retail bookstores.

Talley Dee Dillard (’77) works as a painting contractor and is self-employed as the owner of Dillard Painting in Rialto, Calif.

Tracy Johnson (’79) serves as a minister at Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland, Calif.

1990’s Richard Lewis (’97) is retired after serving as a computer systems engineer in Security and Operations at The Boeing Company.

2000’s Olivia Shannon (’00) works as a child support officer for the county of Los Angeles. She makes her home in Torrance, Calif.

Sean Adams (’03) is a network administrator supervisor with the County of Riverside. He resides in Winchester, Calif.

Rachel Quintanar (’04) was named California League of Schools Educator of the Year for Region 10 (Riverside, San Bernardino and Inyo counties). She works as a teacher in the Moreno Valley Unified School District.

Diane Ewing (’05) works as a nurse manager with Riverside County Department of Public Health. She makes her home in Moreno Valley, Calif.

Erin Mares (’05) works as a teacher in the Woodcrest Christian School System in Riverside, Calif.

Eric Wiebe (’05) makes his home in Riverside, Calif., where he works as a Realtor with his company, Wiebe and Associates.

Kandice Bangs (’07) works as a student accounts counselor at California Baptist University. She resides in Tustin, Calif.

Lisa Coot (’07) serves as business manager for Inland Christian Home. She lives in Norco, Calif.

Kathryn “Katie” Bucher (nee Reyes ’08) and her husband, John, live in Los Angeles, Calif., where Katie works as a marketing manager with Warner Bros. Studios.

Trevor Misipeka (’08) works as director of operations for Sonic Drive-In in Pasco, Wash.

Carmen Jimenez (’08) makes her home in Ontario, Calif., where she is employed as a social worker.

Marsha Johnson-Sellarole (’09) works as a marriage family therapist in Corona, Calif.

Cynthia Sharon Ridge (’09) is enjoying her retirement living in Sun City, Calif.

2010’s Amy Henderson (’10) works as a facilities management coordinator at University of California, Riverside.

Sonia Olguin (’12) makes her home in Riverside, Calif., and works as a retail associate at Burlington.

John Carter (’13) serves as a digitization assistant for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He resides in Wake Forest, N.C. Claudiu Chiorean (’13) serves as music director at Bethany Romanian Baptist Church in La Habra, Calif. He and his wife, Diana, make their home in Chino Hills, Calif.

Josh Chodakauskas (’13) works as a lifestyle educator with Kaiser Permanente. He lives in Norco, Calif.

Lauren Wright (’13) is a homemaker in Riverside, Calif.

April Devlin (’14) and her husband, Nathaniel (’14), live in Riverside, Calif. April works as director of centralized support service for Jurupa Unified School District. Nathaniel works as a forensic technician for the Corona Police Department.

Ariell Harrison (’14) is a teacher for Del Rosa Christian School. She and her husband, Christopher, live in Yucaipa, Calif.

Weddings

Heraclides Krantz (’14) and her husband, Rudy, reside in Moreno Valley, Calif.

Heraclides works as an eligibility technician for Riverside County.

Hongjun Lin (’14) works at Cheng Lam and Company as an accounting assistant. She and her husband, Jonathan, make their home in Riverside, Calif.

Brian Morris (’11) married Vanessa Hlebowski (’12) in September 2014. They live in Indianapolis, Ind.

Michelle Reynolds-Wendel (’14) lives in Riverside, Calif., where she works as a children’s social worker in the investigative unit of the Department of Protective Social Services of Riverside County.

In Memory

Lizette Zavala (’14) works as a living as a financial representative for Real Journey Academics. She lives in Jurupa Valley, Calif.

Teresa Zavala (’14) makes her home in Corona, Calif., while working as a social worker for ChildNet Youth and Family Services.

Ryan Rindels (’08) and his wife, Janai, welcomed their first child, Josiah Scott Rindels, on Jan. 26, 2015. Ryan and Janai live in Santa Rosa, Calif. Ryan is a pastor for First Baptist Church of Sonoma, Calif., and is working on his doctorate at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Janai is a homemaker and mother who also teaches private lessons in violin and sewing.

Martha Arnold (’61) Thelma Ames (’65) James Hugh Drury (’70) Bobby Magby III (’11) married Patricia Reyes (’12) in June 2014.

Little Lancers

James Holliday (’82) Rebecca “Becky” Cramer (’99) Grace “Kit” Amstead (former hostess to the president of California Baptist College) Ruth Carter (former librarian)

Jammie Darnell (’15) is an office assistant for the County of Riverside, Calif., where she also makes her home.

Alexandrea Hoffman (’15) works for Corona-Norco Unified School District as an instructional aide and lives in Corona, Calif.

John Rigoli (’15) works as a marriage and family therapy intern.

David Blair (’05) and his wife, Leslie (nee Newkirk ’05), welcomed their daughter, Annelise Mercy Blair, on Feb. 26, 2015.

THE LANCER ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION INVITIES YOU TO THE SECOND ANNUAL

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015 | 9:30AM - 11:30AM | VAN DYNE GYM LAWN LAA Members, Student- Athlete Alumni, and Lancer Fans are invited to have FREE breakfast served by Lancer Coaches and Athletics Staff to kick off the Homecoming Festivities.

HOMECOMING WEEKEND ATHLETICS SCHEDULE Friday Saturday

6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm

Baseball vs UC Riverside Scrimmage Men’s Water Polo vs Redlands Wrestling vs Embry Riddle

9:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 1:00pm

Women’s Water Polo Alumni Game Men’s Water Polo Alumni Game Baseball Gold vs Blue Scrimmage Women’s Volleyball vs Concordia

CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED