The Roundtable Magazine Volume: 61 Issue: 3

FALL 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

10

Events Center Opens The new multi-purpose arena opens for business as fall 2017 semester begins.

26 Family & Parent Weekend The inaugural program draws large crowds and plenty of Lancer pride.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 4 Fall 2017 enrollment sets another record at California Baptist University.

FEATURES

08 HECTOR JIMENEZ

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Multi-talented professor aims to ignite a passion for worship.

16 DR. MATTHEW NIERMANN Associate dean studies the link between design and evangelism.

18 DR. ERIK SALLEY

Professor helps students practice health care overseas.

21 KALIDOU DIOUF ABOUT THE COVER: California Baptist University hosts a pregame party for the first men’s basketball game at the Events Center on Nov. 10 as part of Parent and Family Weekend.

The 6-foot-9 center for the Lancer men's basketball team.

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24 MICHELE NISSEN

Alumna and city manger for the City of Eastvale.

30 SCOTTIE PARKER

Alumnus and head trainer for NBA's Atlanta Hawks.

31 JOSHUA MOSS

New director of Alumni and Parent Relations at CBU.

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PRESIDENT’S NOTE

ALUM NEWS

Dear Alumni and Friends: These are exciting times at California Baptist University! With the arrival of the fall 2017 semester, we have experienced yet another record enrollment—9,941 students! Additionally, the campus transformation continues with the opening of the Events Center and ongoing building projects such as the new structure that will house the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering.

We are grateful for these positive indicators of God’s blessings on California Baptist University. We are also mindful of the responsibility that comes with success and resolute in our decision-making to ensure that CBU continues to build a lasting legacy that honors God. For more than 20 years, the vision of a “University committed to the Great Commission” has guided the growth and development of CBU. This vision inspires our dedicated staff and faculty to create an environment where students can thrive academically and spiritually, and become better equipped to influence the world for Christ.

The faith-based educational experience at CBU combines academics with spiritual and social development opportunities to help students learn what it means to Live your purpose.® The challenge for each member of the CBU community is to develop the skills, integrity and a sense of purpose that glorify God and also distinguish our graduates in the workplace and throughout the world. An important way CBU helps meet this challenge is by focusing on CBU’s "Core 4" universal student outcomes.

These are designed to help all students become: Academically Prepared, Biblically Rooted, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve. Ensuring a positive learning environment at CBU means creating a campus community that students can be proud to call home during their time at the university. To that end, this past summer the dreams and prayers of generations of Lancers were realized with the completion of the California Baptist University Events Center. Big, bold and beautiful, the Events Center is destined to serve the Lancer Nation for generations to come. Already it is becoming a focal place for campus life activities, chapel services, NCAA sporting events and multiple commencement ceremonies throughout the year.

Combined with other excellent campus facilities, the Events Center also will help to strengthen CBU's reputation as a premier comprehensive Christian university.

The Magazine of California Baptist University Fall 2017 | Volume 61 | Issue 3

EDITOR Dr. Mark A. Wyatt MANAGING EDITOR

Isaiah Aguirre

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Vivian Quezada ART DIRECTOR Edgar Garcia PHOTOGRAPHY CBU Athletics, Isaiah Aguirre, Edgar Garcia, Vivian Quezada, Jacob Gonzalez, Yong Feng, Nathan Rierson, Kiani Margolis CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Samantha Sheppard, Andrew Shortall SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES California Baptist University Division of University Advancement advancementservices@calbaptist.edu 951.343.4226 Alumni and Donor Information Division of University Advancement 800.782.3382 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.

Postmaster, Please send address changes to: California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504-3297 Non-profit permit No. 3078 calbaptist.edu facebook.com/CalBaptist THE ROUNDTABLE REPRINT POLICY Contents copyright 2017 by California Baptist University.

All rights reserved.

As we move forward in this new academic year and beyond, my prayer is that each student and every member of the Lancer Nation will understand more clearly what it means to Live your purpose® and that everything we do at CBU will be to God’s glory.

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.

May the Lord continue to bless!

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES Contact Dr. Mark A. Wyatt at 951.343.4474 mwyatt@calbaptist.edu

Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President

CAMPUS NEWS

Students gather at the Events Center at California Baptist University to attend the inaugural “Lancer Palooza” event on Sept. 4, 2017.

Enrollment continues record trend at CBU Fall 2017 enrollment at California Baptist University set another record with 9,941 students, an increase of 8.6 percent over the previous year.

The increase numbered 784 more students than the record 9,157 enrollment in 2016. Additionally, the 2017 full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment figure of 9,984 is 902 FTE’s or 9.9 percent greater than the previous year’s figures.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis announced the latest record enrollment at the regular fall meeting of the CBU Board of Trustees on Sept. 29, 2017. He told trustees the triple-digit enrollment growth in 2017 follows three years of 600-plus increases (610, 698, 618) one four-digit upsurge (1,113), and three more triple-digit increases (813, 584, and 616).

“Add the current year increase of 784 and over the last eight years CBU enrollment has grown 5,836 on a base of 4,105 in fall 2009—a 142 percent increase in eight years,” Ellis said.

During its 67-year history, CBU has seen 17 triple-digit or greater year-over-year increases—all of them occurring since fall 1995.

Since Ellis became president in November 1994, CBU enrollment has grown by 9,133 students. This year’s 9,941 enrollment is 12.3 times greater than the 808 students enrolled in 1994.

“Fall 2017 is another record-breaking enrollment increase on top of a sustained 23 years of significant increases,” Ellis said. “It puts CBU ahead of schedule to attain the 12,000 by 2025 goal.”

04 | LIVE YOUR PURPOSE

CBU earns top national and state rankings for high quality of campus life California Baptist University received high marks for campus life in national rankings, coming in at No. 4 for “Best College Campus,” No. 9 for “Best College Food” and No. 12 for “Best College Dorms,” according to a 2018 Niche Best Colleges list.

The Niche 2018 Best College rankings are based on numerous statistical analyses per category, according to the site.

CBU advances once again in “Best Colleges” rankings for 2017 California Baptist University once again has been named one of America's Best Colleges in rankings announced Sept.

12, 2017, by U.S. News and World Report (USN&WR).

It is the 12th such recognition in as many years, and CBU’s fourth-consecutive year as a top 40-ranked "Best Regional University.”

The USN&WR rankings for 2018 place CBU at No. 31 in the top tier of the nation’s educational institutions. That advances CBU’s position from the No. 37 ranking received in 2017 among "Best Regional Universities" in the West.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, said the third-party ranking is an important indicator.

“I am pleased that the continuing advances taking place at California Baptist University are reflected in the national rankings that influence the decisions many students make about where to attend college,” Ellis said. “As CBU rises in the rankings, it increasingly validates the choices made by the thousands of students pursuing their educational goals in both traditional and online settings at California Baptist University.”

“As CBU rises in the rankings, it increasingly validates the choices made by the thousand of students pursuing their educational goals.”

"Best Colleges" rankings are published 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 33rd year, the annual comparative listing uses a system of 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 instance, in the Best College Campus category, Niche used key statistics and student reviews in addition to data from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Best College Campus standings also take into account the quality of housing, food services and students' reviews of the campus.

CBU topped the California rankings at No. 1 for “Best College Campus” and “Best College Dorms.”

The statewide list ranked CBU No. 2 in “Best College Food,” and No. 6 for “Best Christian Colleges,” while CBU received two No. 10 spots for “Best Colleges for Education” and “Colleges with the Best Student Life.”

The category of Best Regional Universities includes more than 600 institutions in four regions of the nation that offer a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and master's degrees but few, if any, doctoral programs.

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 05

MIND BODY Psalm 96:1 (NASB)

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SPIRIT Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.

The inaugural chapel service at the California Baptist University Events Center was held on Sept. 12, 2017.

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 07

Multi-talented professor aims to ignite a passion for worship

08 | LIVE YOUR PURPOSE

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Standing before several thousand students at the inaugural chapel service in the California Baptist University Events Center on Sept. 12, 2017, Hector Gabriel Jimenez (09’) flashed a big smile and, with a booming voice, encouraged the crowd to get on its feet and clap and sing.

Blue and white stage lighting flashed onto Jimenez and the student musicians who accompanied him. The keyboardist, guitarist, several vocalists and a student choir moved in rhythm, offering a variety of corporate praise in the forms of hymns, gospel and contemporary music.

“I have a desire to inspire people to worship God,” Jimenez said about his new role as CBU chapel worship leader and program director for the new Bachelor of Arts in worship arts and ministry.

“I want to help people to connect to their prime purpose, which is to worship God. This is our purpose, this is why we were created.”

Jimenez said that he seeks to provide a chapel experience that offers students a broad range of music styles.

“I want to honor the body of Christ at CBU,” Jimenez said. “We want to replicate what worship looks like in various corporate settings to reflect the diversity on campus.”

“I have a desire to inspire people to worship God.” Jimenez is avid about living his purpose.

Since the age of 10, he has been playing musical instruments in church.

“As I’ve grown, I have developed a more specific passion for leading worship,” Jimenez said, smiling and leaning back in his chair while reflecting on his early childhood memories.

Smiling comes easy and often as Jimenez counts his blessings, among which he includes his wife, Jessica, and their twin toddler daughters, Eden and Sarai.

“They keep us busy,” Jimenez said about his twins with a chuckle. “They are such a blessing.”

Jimenez also has a heart for writing worship songs, which he then shares in chapel. For his preferred inspirational playlist, you will hear him bumping mainstream names such as Elevation Worship, Kirk Franklin, Paul Baloche and Matt Redman in addition to hymns and gospel music. Leading worship in itself is an inspiration, he added.

“There are moments, after singing a song, that melodies and lyrics come to mind,” Jimenez said.

He has a baby grand piano in his office ready for those moments of inspiration to pop up.

In January 2017, Jimenez—who goes by

Hector Gabriel as an artist—released his first solo album titled “Sea of Grace.”

“More than anything, the album is a cry of a thankful heart to God,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez wrote all of the lyrics for the songs and played the piano on several tracks.

“In one of the songs, ‘Thank You,’ the chorus asks, ‘What can I say? What can I offer?’ In the song ‘The Response,’ I sing ‘I love You because You first loved me!’ I’ve heard worship defined as ‘man’s response to a loving God.’ That’s what this project was about,” Jimenez said.

As a professor in the Shelby and Ferne Collingsworth School of Music, Jimenez appreciates the commitment to musical excellence and personal development at CBU. “We’re focused on not just musical excellence but about the development of leaders with pastoral hearts,” Jimenez said.

“We want our students to gain a deep understanding of theology and worship but also be able to succeed at a wide range of leadership skills including leading meetings and casting vision.

“As a teacher, I am grateful that I have an opportunity to help a student grow as a person and develop their passion,” he added.

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 09

Events Center opens to busy beginning of fall semester After decades of dreams and years of planning and construction, the Events Center at California Baptist University officially opened for business with a burgeoning schedule of events as the fall 2017 semester got underway.

From the outset, pent up demand for the new facility helped demonstrate its flexibility as several large events celebrated the start of a new academic year.

One such event, the inaugural CBU chapel service held in the Events Center, featured a dynamic program with Dr. Rick Warren, CBU alumnus, best-selling author and founding pastor of

10 | LIVE YOUR PURPOSE

Saddleback Church, encouraging students to “Live your purpose.®” During Welcome Weekend Sept.

1-4, 2017, CBU faculty and staff received approximately 2,000 freshmen and transfer students who arrived for their first semester.

The first official event in the Events Center was the President’s Welcome held on Sept. 1. Students made their traditional Kugel Walk, but this time the walk extended all the way from the Dr. Ronald L. Ellis and Mrs. Jane D. Ellis Great Commission Plaza to the Events Center.

As new students touched the revolving granite globe, staff and faculty cheered their symbolic commitment to live a life of purpose. As they approached the Events Center, returning students formed a "human tunnel" to offer new students encouragement as they started their journey at CBU. The new students then entered the Events Center where friends and family waiting in the upper seating areas cheered their arrival.

See page 12 - Events Center Continued

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 11

EVENTS CENTER CONTINUED

Above: Dr. Rick Warren ('77) gives the inaugural chapel address at the Events Center on Sept 12, 2017.

“An events center has been a dream at California Baptist University for many years, so it is incredibly exciting to see this vision becoming a reality,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president. “It will be a wonderful addition to the campus and a source of great pride for many of the students currently enrolled at CBU as well as countless more who will follow for generations to come.”

On Sept. 4, the Events Center hosted the inaugural “Lancer Palooza” event that featured several Christian musicians including multi-Grammy award-winning artist Lecrae.

Students lined up hours before the event in anticipation of getting the best spot at the concert.

As the doors opened for the concert, students rushed inside the arena that was

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“If you don’t know your purpose, you aren’t living.” reconfigured to host a large concert. The floor plan included space for students either to experience the concert near the stage or to take a seat in the arena’s stadium seating.

As the concert kicked off, smoke effects poured from behind the stage and stage lights flashed on and around the performers, demonstrating the state-of-the-art sound, lighting and effects now available for CBU events.

Jay Stovall, director of new student program and orientation, said the Welcome Weekend events at the Event Center were thoroughly planned out.

“We want new students, right when they

start CBU, to think, ‘I made the best decision ever.’ And then for the returners, to say, ‘this is going to be amazing year,’” Stovall said.

At the inaugural chapel service on Sept. 12 at the Events Center, Pastor Rick Warren (’77) gave a relevant message about students’ finding their purpose at CBU. “If you don’t know your purpose, you aren’t living. The only way you will know your purpose is to talk to your creator and read your owner’s manual—the Bible,” Warren said. “God made you to love you.

He planned you for His pleasure. God is love, it is the essence of His character. The only reason we can love is because we were made in His image.”

CBU students attend the President's Welcome in the Events Center on Sept. 1, 2017.

Students line up outside the Events Center for the inaugural “Lancer Palooza” event.

“Lancer Palooza” event-goers eagerly await the opening of the Events Center on Sept. 4, 2017.

Lecrae performs to a packed house at the "Lancer Palooza" event.

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 13

CBU ONLINE MOBILIZATION

CBU Online a “university within a university” When California Baptist University changed its degree completion program to a separate division called Online and Professional Studies in 2010, the division offered 12 majors and concentrations to fewer than 600 students. That was then.

In fall 2017, CBU Online now offers 41 majors and concentrations, including 14 master’s degrees and two doctorates to 2,375 students. Dr. David Poole, CBU vice president for Online and Professional Studies, attributes the growth to several factors.

For one, Poole said CBU Online was built on a solid foundation provided by the vision of CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis.

Additionally, CBU Online has brought on staff for areas such as enrollment, student services and academics, who are focused on serving the working professional, making it a “university within a university.”

CBU Online also hired faculty with great operating experience and solid academic credentials.

“We hire great people and give them the tools and resources they need to be

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“We hire great people and give them the tools and resources they need to be successful.” successful,” Poole said. “Our faculty are intentional about helping CBU fulfill its mission,” he added.

“At the end of the day, the students are coming to complete a degree and then go out and make a difference in their communities or the world, which is what we want them to do,” Poole said.

“It’s all about the Great Commission and helping students to reach their full potential and live their purpose.”

Poole said CBU Online is continually seeking ways to expand program offerings.

When deciding on new programs to offer, CBU Online looks at market analysis, examines trends and community needs.

“We need to be able to articulate what is unique. What do we bring to the table versus other programs?” Poole asked in regard to finding a market niche.

CBU Online operates educational service centers in Southern California including Riverside, Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga and Brea. The newest center opened in Moreno Valley,

California, in September 2017. The educational service centers function as enrollment facilities for new students, and as hybrid classroom settings and study lounges for current students.

CBU Online currently enrolls students from 37 states in addition to international students, Poole said.

When people search for online programs, it helps being ranked No. 8 as the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” for 2017 by U.S. News and World Report, Poole added.

“It's puts [CBU Online] on the radar,” he said.

CBU Online programs aim to develop students as leaders and believers, Poole said.

“We want them to have a Christian perspective, the values, and also give them the opportunity for a degree where they can advance [in their careers] so when they walk in and have a seat at the table, they are looking through a different lens than they would be otherwise,” Poole said.

COLLEGE HIGHLIGHT

Faculty and staff at the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University pose for their 2017 department photo.

School of Behavioral Sciences becomes a college The School of Behavioral Sciences at California Baptist University transitioned into the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences on July 1, 2017.

“This transition to a college follows significant growth in enrollment, faculty and degree offerings within the school and more appropriately aligns the offerings in this area with regional and national trends,” said Dr. Charles Sands, CBU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

The college has seen enrollment grow to more than 950 students. With the growth, CBU added two new programs in the fall 2017 semester—a Master of Social Work and a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences will have five majors, five minors and five graduate programs.

Additionally, in the fall of 2018, the college is set to introduce a Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology along with a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology—the first doctoral program in the behavioral and social sciences at CBU. Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, said the transition is an opportunity to build on a solid foundation.

“I see this as building on a legacy of excellence that was started more than 35 years ago,” Gustafson said. “Our alumni continue to be well represented in our communities and beyond.”

In the past decade, the school has seen its number of graduates significantly increase year-by-year, accumulating to nearly 7,000 students.

Phil Breitenbucher (‘00), psychology alumnus and director at the nonprofit Children and Family Futures, said the culture at CBU helped prepare him for his future career pursuits.

"I enjoyed the high expectations and small class atmosphere, which prepared me for graduate school. After graduating from CBU, I was immediately able to apply the knowledge I gained to the field of social work,” said Breitenbucher, who also serves as the program director for the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and Family Recovery Initiative.

“In my professional interactions with CBU alumni, I see them as being passionate and mission-driven individuals,” Breitenbucher added.

Gustafson said the additional programs, including at the doctoral level, will help CBU influence behavioral and social science discussions not only on a regional level but a national level as well.

“Our programs are positioned to offer high commitment to academics with an emphasis on culture and justice issues.

This attracts bright and gifted instructors who want to be a part of our mission,” Gustafson said. “We are about bringing individuals back into relationships… in our communities, this means helping the underserved and sometimes the most vulnerable people.”

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 15

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FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Associate dean studies link between design and evangelism As an architect, Dr. Matthew Niermann aims to use his training and research to understand the relationship between evangelism theories and church design.

Niermann is the associate dean of the College of Architecture, Visual Art and Design at California Baptist University. He has studied evangelism theories that have affected church architecture in the U.S. since the 1970s.

One such theory, known as “architectural evangelism,” proposes that traditional church architecture is an evangelistic barrier because steeples, crosses and other elements of church architecture are unfamiliar and uncomfortable for the nonchurchgoer. Architectural evangelism theory has led to a trend among American Protestant congregations to construct buildings featuring more secular exteriors.

looked more like a church and less like a secular building.

“We need to stop asking what the unchurched find comfortable and start asking what they find beautiful,” Niermann said. “Even their sense of comfort is driven by their sense of aesthetic quality.”

Niermann said architectural evangelism makes an argument for buildings that are simple and austere, so that churches will not be judged as hypocritical by spending more on a building than on serving others. His research, however, found the opposite was true.

Niermann, who has also served as a consultant for several church committees, said many congregations make architecture decisions based on creating a campus environment that is welcoming and comfortable.

“The results actually show that if a church constructs a really plain, low-cost looking building, the unchurched perceive that the church cares more for itself than the community,” Niermann said.

Niermann’s doctoral dissertation at the University of Michigan in 2016 examined the theory of architectural evangelism and ultimately produced research results that challenge the norm.

He reviewed the judgment and perceptions of a cross-section of churched and unchurched individuals drawn from Riverside, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan. In the study, people participated in a series of image-based activities during personal interviews to reveal the underlying structures of individuals’ perceptions and decision-making processes.

“Architecture is public art. Therefore, if the building has a high aesthetic quality, it is perceived as a gift to the community at large and thus the church is perceived as caring about the community.”

One of Niermann’s key findings in his research was that “comfort” or “welcoming” environment was not a primary consideration for the unchurched.

Instead, they based their understandings and judgments on what they found to be more beautiful—typically structures that

His findings ultimately make the case that aesthetic considerations are not superfluous, but fundamentally a mission and evangelism factor, Niermann added.

From a church outreach standpoint, Niermann encourages congregations to engage non-churchgoers to better understand their perspectives.

“We need to be cautious of deducing our own understanding of the unchurched without having spoken with them,” Niermann said.

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 17

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Dr. Erik Salley helping students practice health care overseas

Dr. Erik Salley, assistant professor of kinesiology and coordinator of Global Health Engagement (GHE) at California Baptist University, is a person who wants to “experience God.” When Salley became a physical therapist, life was good. He had a private physical therapy practice in Ontario, California and a growing family that included four boys in Riverside. But through a series of unforeseen circumstances, Salley said, God got his attention.

Business dropped in 2004 due to changes in workers compensation regulations, Salley said. Then in 2005, an old back injury flared up, requiring surgery. Both

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circumstances reminded Salley that he had little control over his life.

During his recovery from back surgery, friends brought him books, including some on missions.

“During my initial practice I was intent on sharing the gospel with those who didn’t know Christ,” Salley said.

“However, I had never thought about mission work. That thought piqued my interest.”

After seeking God’s direction through fasting and prayer, Salley and his wife, Nancy, felt called to mission service in Africa.

“I set out to go be obedient to God and see what he would

do with it,” Salley said.

In 2008, the couple and their children settled in a small, dusty coastal town in Tanzania in East Africa.

Initially, Salley did not have government permission to work as a physical therapist.

In the interim, he worked in community development— digging wells, refurbishing schools and teaching English as a second language.

“During this time I learned to live a life completely dependent on God for everything,” Salley said.

was asked to run a physical therapy clinic in a local hospital.

There, Salley treated a myriad of diseases and medical issues.

While treating patients, Salley also was able to talk about God. He would tell patients that God made them and could heal them, and then he would ask if he could pray with them.

Salley enjoyed explaining to his patients how God cares about people, their problems and their needs.

“I was always looking for whether or not God was at work in some way,” Salley When he finally was granted permission to practice physical recalled. therapy, Salley operated a While in Tanzania, Salley private practice before he

also worked with student teams from California Baptist University through International Service Projects and GHE programs.

The Salley family returned to Riverside in 2014 when one of his sons needed medical treatment.

At the time, Salley was asked if he would consider teaching at CBU after he completed his mission work. Salley said yes, thinking that would be 20 years down the road.

However, when it was determined the family could not return to Tanzania, Salley accepted a CBU teaching position beginning in January 2015.

His work overseas has influenced how Salley teaches at CBU and also how he serves as the coordinator of GHE, which provides students an opportunity to serve in health care roles overseas while gaining course credits.

Advancing the Great Commission The 2018 theme for Mobilization in the California Baptist University Office of Spiritual Life is “Advance.”

In the summer of 2017, the College of Health Science at CBU sent three teams to serve in various health care roles in communities located in China, East Africa and the Philippines.

Jeff Lewis, director of mobilization at CBU, said the theme comes from the Apostle Paul, writing from prison in Philippians 1:12-13, who said his captivity served to “advance the gospel,” to the whole imperial guard.

GHE benefits students by giving them experience related to their profession of interest and the opportunity to share Christ cross-culturally, Salley said.

Lewis said that his team is praying that this theme will challenge volunteers to commit to the centrality of the advancement of the gospel beyond self, to experience the power of the gospel, and to see all things through the lens of God’s purpose.

Students develop cultural competence and sensitivity with respect to global health engagement, he added.

“We are committed to assisting faculty, staff and alumni to fully embrace their calling in Christ,” Lewis said. “Mobilization has already been praying that God would do more than we could ask or imagine this coming year.”

“I tell the students they’re going to pray for every patient they see,” Salley said.

“Every patient we see gets prayed for, unless they say no and then they still get prayed for—but not out loud.”

Salley said that his faith and his ability to help patients go hand-in-hand.

“For me, it’s not an integration of faith, it’s just natural life,” Salley said. “To talk about God and His influence on my life and my students’ lives and their purpose in this world, it’s normal and it’s expected.”

During the summer of 2017, Mobilization facilitated nearly 300 CBU students, faculty and staff serving on 37 teams on a variety of projects in 22 different countries .

Lewis said that teams reported more than 180 decisions to follow Christ resulted from the interactions from service project participants.

“What a year! God was very gracious as we served in His name throughout the nations,” Lewis said.

To find out more about 2018 Mobilization plans, visit www.calbaptist.edu/go.

LANCER ATHLETICS

CBU STUDENT-ATHLETE IS A "SMOOTH OPERATOR" Kalidou Diouf, the center for the Lancer men’s basketball team, is a force on both sides of the court. With his 6-foot-9 frame, Diouf towers above most of his competition. However, it is more than just his height that impacts the game he loves.

“Kali is a smooth operator,” said Rick Croy, head coach for California Baptist University men’s basketball. “He scores easily and deftly. He is team first, listens exceedingly well and has a work capacity that few can match.”

Diouf finished the 2016-17 season averaging 15.8 points per game while shooting 63.8-percent from the field. The high shooting percentage ranked him seventh in all of NCAA Division II. Diouf also scored in double figures in 27 games and led the team with 6.9 rebounds per game while racking up 37 blocks on the year.

Diouf graduated in May 2017 with a bachelor’s in journalism and new media and is pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology while he plays basketball in 2017-18, his final year of eligibility. As a team cocaptain, he loves the intellectual aspect of the game of basketball.

“Basketball is like chess at times,” Diouf said. “You have to anticipate strategies and plays and you have to out-compete your opponents mentally.”

The Lancers finished the 2016-17 season with an impressive 26-5 mark, which included a trip to the D-II Western-Regional playoff tournament. Diouf is looking to get the Lancers back into the playoffs for its fifth straight year and the team’s last in D-II competition in the Pacific West Conference. Lancers have many reasons to be enthusiastic about the upcoming season.

The men’s squad is ranked No. 14 nationally by the Association of Basketball Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason Poll and named preseason favorite to the win the PacWest Conference. Additionally, The Basketball Times tabbed Diouf as an all-American.

“We have the opportunity to finish this Division IIrun in a very successful way,” said Diouf. “We are really excited for the season. There’s no pressure, just a lot of excitement.”

Diouf said he is not the type of person to give speeches. Instead, he plans to model positive behavior for his teammates.

“I feel like if I lead by example and do the right things and work hard, and by them looking at me and seeing that, I can already be a leader. [I can] inspire people to do the same,” Diouf said.

Several athletics teams looking to extend impressive streaks California Baptist University in the 2016-17 season won seven conference championships, crowned an individual NCAA Division II wrestling national champion and captured its fifth PacWest Commissioner’s Cup. The Lancers also grabbed their highest placement in the D-II Learfield Director’s Cup with a No. 2 national ranking. In just a few years’ time, CBU has become a force in D-II competition. With the 2017-18 season underway, the Lancers are in their last year of competition in the PacWest before CBU transitions to D-I play in the Western Athletic Conference. Several teams are looking to finish strong and extend some impressive winning streaks.

Cheerleading

The cheerleading squad remains undefeated since 2013 in team competition.

The Lancers look to add to their historic streak of five straight National Cheerleaders Association Championships.

Women’s Basketball

The Lancers have demonstrated that playing at home in front of “CBU Crazies” definitely proves to be a home-court advantage. Dating back to the 2014-15 season, Lancer women’s basketball teams have won 33 straight home games.

The Lancers are also coming off a perfect 20-0 PacWest season and will be competing for an opportunity to advance to the D-II Western Regional playoffs for the fourth straight year.

Swimming and Diving

The Lancer women’s swimming and diving team is looking to extend its Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championship streak to five. Christie Halverson, a senior freestyle and backstroke swimmer, is looking to earn an All-American award for the third straight year after winning an individual D-II title in 2016.

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 21

CBU selects official school song Lance Up, CBU! Words and music by Steve Posegate, D.M.A

C-B-U Live your purpose every day C-B-U Lance up! We’re ready to play C-B-U Go, Lancers!

C-B-U Go, Lancers!

C-B-U Win a victory to lift our name.

L-A-N-C-E-R-S!

“Lance Up, CBU!” is making its way into Lancer lore as the official school song for California Baptist University.

The song is catchy, short, repetitive and meant to add excitement and enthusiasm to Lancer sporting events.

Dr. Steve Posegate, associate professor of music at CBU, composed the song.

He said with the university scheduled to advance to NCAA Division I athletics in the summer of 2018, members of the music faculty were discussing creating an official fight song.

was at last where it needed to be.

Written for concert band, “Lance Up, CBU!” features a total of 22 different musical parts.

Posegate turned to Thomas Goddard, adjunct professor of music, to write the drumline section.

Goddard works with the drumline team in the Shelby and Ferne Collingsworth School of Music.

“I thought to myself at the time, I can write one,” said Posegate, who has a master’s degree in music composition and a doctorate in music education. “All great schools have a great song.”

Posegate said the drumline feature will bring additional energy to sporting events.

Posegate was aware that there had been multiple previous attempts at writing a fight song throughout the years.

After Posegate composed his song, Matthew McConnell, technical director in the School of Music, arranged for the pep band, drumline and vocalists to record a rough cut.

“I guess they just didn’t reflect what CBU is all about,” Posegate said.

Determined to use his gifting to write a legacy song for the Lancer Nation, Posegate spent two weeks writing “Lance Up, CBU!” Some 40 versions later, he felt the song

“I got a lot of positive vibes about the project; everybody liked the core of the song,” Posegate said.

At its regular fall meeting, the CBU Board of Trustees agreed, voting to accept the new song into Lancer history on Sept. 29, 2017.

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THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 23

“In my career path, I had to step out in faith, step out of my comfort zone.”

24 | LIVE YOUR PURPOSE

ALUMNA PROFILE

Alumna Michele Nissen is living her purpose The City of Eastvale, approximately 15 miles west of California Baptist University, was dubbed “a shiny new toy” in a 2016 “Best Places” to live rankings by Money magazine.

“John Tavaglione (’87) was always good to The publication lauded Eastvale with a No. 1 us,” Nissen said of the Riverside County “Best Place” to live in California and a No. 17 supervisor. “He showed care and passion for national ranking. Michele Nissen (’15), city manager of Eastvale who had the “Best Places” our community and helped us secure seed money to help us grow.” rankings plastered throughout city hall, has known about the benefits of Eastvale, dating When Jurupa Valley, a neighboring area, back to when the community was considered started the process of incorporating into a city, more of a diamond in the rough. which included plans to add Eastvale to its city limits, Nissen was intent on informing her “When we first moved into the area, it was neighbors of these plans. all cows,” Nissen recalled of her move in 2001. “There were cows in the front of us, in “There was a lack of knowledge on the the back of us—they were all around!” She process,” Nissen said. “However, Eastvale recalled being told that there were thousands residents wanted local control.” of cows in her neighborhood.

Along with her husband, Brian, Nissen relocated to the then-unincorporated area referred to as Corona Valley to raise their young, growing family. Nissen resigned from a position as a stock trader and was intent on being a stay-at-home mom to her two young children, Christopher and Olivia.

“We made the move from South Bay (Los Angeles area) to Eastvale for affordable housing and the schools,” recalled Nissen.

Nissen wanted to get her family plugged into the community; however, information was not easy to come by.

“We felt disconnected, we didn’t know who to call for basic civic services,” Nissen said.

Nissen eventually found out about town hall meetings. She attended those, became more involved and proceeded to coordinate the meetings for 10 years. She and several other community members started a newsletter called the “Eastvale Edition,” which is now the parks and recreation publication in Eastvale. It grew to a 6,000-plus print publication.

Nissen was all in on Eastvale. She continued to become more involved with the decisionmaking process of the town hall meetings.

She even coordinated for civic leaders and developers to come speak at the meetings.

The residents wanted to incorporate Eastvale and beat out Jurupa Valley in the process.

Nissen agreed and became an integral part of not only facilitating information but also coordinating the incorporation efforts. She organized meetings with the Local Agency Formation Commission and began educating the citizens about the incorporation process.

She worked with a group of dedicated Eastvale residents to hold fundraisers and educational forums and also led the efforts to form the Eastvale incorporation committee that selected a group of board members to lead the incorporation effort. After a multipleyear process, Eastvale officially became a city on Oct. 1, 2010, beating out Jurupa Valley by several months.

After incorporation, Nissen thought her service to Eastvale would end. Little did she know it was just the beginning. Kelly Howell, the first female council member of Eastvale, asked Nissen to be her appointed planning commissioner. Nissen accepted. The city needed a website and social media platfoms; Nissen helped get them up and running. She then started to do public relations work for the city, which included attending city council meetings and public presentations where she continued to develop relationships with council members and stakeholders.

In December 2014, she accepted an assistant

city manager role. Nissen recalled an important conversation she had with the then city manager, Carol Jacobs.

“I was told that if I had any desire to advance in my career, that I needed a master’s degree,” Nissen said.

That is when Nissen enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program through the Online and Professional Studies Division at CBU. “I wanted a faith-based education. That was very important to me,” Nissen said of attending CBU. “I believe that one’s faith should permeate in all aspects of life. Having faith is an integral part of my decision making.

It has helped me get through some of the challenges I have to deal with.”

While completing her master’s degree at CBU, she was asked to apply for the vacant city manager position. She did and was awarded the position and assumed her new duties in March of 2015.

Today Eastvale has more than 60,000 residents, greatly outnumbering the dwindling number of cows. The city still attracts young families with a median age of 34 and has the highest household income in Riverside County, all figures that bring a smile to Nissen. The growing city keeps Nissen busy. Eastvale is adding a Costco project soon and the city is working with the County of Riverside to complete the Limonite/I-15 Interchange widening project.

“I have a passion for this work, I love my community, and I want everyone to love it as much as I do,” Nissen said. “When I was younger, I never woke up thinking I wanted to be a city manager. In my career path, I had to step out in faith, step out of my comfort zone.”

Nissen believes in living a purpose-filled life.

“We’re all here for a purpose. Some of us might take longer to find out what you’re passionate about; I found out my passion through volunteering,” Nissen said. “I feel that in my job I’m making a difference and I want to give it my 150 percent effort. I am committed to changing the face of governing for the better.”

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 25

CBU INAUGURAL EVENT

Inaugural Parent and Family Weekend attracts large crowds to campus More than 1,000 family members of California Baptist University students attended various activities at the inaugural Parent and Family Weekend on Nov. 10-11.

“It was an honor and privilege to welcome CBU families to our inaugural Parent and Family Weekend," said Joshua Moss, director of alumni and parent relations at CBU. "Our hope was to provide activities and opportunities for families to connect with their students and make some incredible memories together. With over 1,000 families registering to take part in the activities we are excited to welcome this new tradition to CBU!" The weekend kicked off Nov. 10 with a breakfast in the Recreation Center followed by an opportunity to witness the first basketball game in the Events Center. The women’s basketball team beat California State University, San Marcos 80-63 in front of a program-record crowd (1,024).

"It was a lot of fun out there," said Jarrod Olson, head coach for women’s basketball at CBU. "The Events Center was pretty awesome; it was a great atmosphere.

We are happy to get CBU its first win in there."

After the game, students had the opportunity to show their families around the CBU campus including the university’s highly acclaimed dining and housing areas.

In the afternoon at the Events Center’s plaza, CBU hosted a men’s basketball pregame party. The event featured food trucks that lined up on Lancer Lane across from the Events Center. Additionally, the Pep Band at CBU brought a lively atmosphere to the plaza, entertaining thousands of spectators in attendance.

As the men’s team arrived in front of the plaza on the team bus, the crowd cheered their arrival. The No. 14 nationally ranked Lancers went on to claim an opening

26 | LIVE YOUR PURPOSE

day 83-78 victory over California State University, Dominguez Hills in front of nearly 5,000 spectators.

"First off, we want to thank the Lancer faithful; this was a big night for everybody, for our school, for Riverside, for the Inland Empire and for our guys," said Rick Croy, head coach for men’s basketball at CBU. “I can imagine there wasn't a better college basketball environment anywhere else in the country than at our place tonight."

The following day the Parent and Family Weekend included the Block Party where hundreds of event-goers were treated to games and activities for the whole family in addition to a unique art display called “Doors to the World.”

The art exhibit featured decorated doors that were created by students from two art classes. Janet Crate, special events and volunteer coordinator for University Advancement at CBU, said the “Doors to the World” exhibit was designed to make people think of the world of possibility.

“You never know what is on the other side of the door,” Crate said.

Crate pitched the idea of the exhibit to Kristi Lippire, associate professor of visual arts at CBU, who accepted the challenge and worked with her students to bring the exhibit to life. Lippire assigned students from two courses, Drawing II and Advanced Art, to form teams and then work to infuse their artistic interpretations onto actual doors that served as their assigned canvasses.

In total, students created eight “doors”

that explored the concepts of nature, outer space, magical realms and other worlds of possibilities.

Andrea Baugh, a visual arts and psychology senior, and her teammates chose the concept of “old and new.” On one side of the door the team attached old, repurposed wood; on the other side the door was painted with colorful flowers and vines.

“There’s this beaten-down, tattered side of you but then from that comes growth and new experiences,” Baugh said.

Christian Salley, a freshman at CBU, said the weekend allowed him to bring his passions together.

“I’m passionate about sporting events and combine that with my love for my family, Parent and Family Weekend is a great time for me,” said Salley, while attending the Block Party.

Michael Koenke, father of Ryan Koenke, an electrical engineer junior at CBU, said the weekend activities helped him get a glimpse of his son’s life at the university.

“The basketball game in the Events Center was so much fun,” Michael said. “I’ve also been able to see what my son’s life is like at CBU and that’s been equally fun.”

The annual Fortuna Bowl championship intramural flag football games on Saturday evening drew an estimated 4,500 spectators to both games.

Team SWAT beat Canadian Bowlers 25-0 in the women’s championship game and team Fruit of the Boom won an overtime thriller over Goon Squad (21-20). The night also featured a firework show after the final championship game and a concert

by Kings Kaleidoscope.

ALUM NEWS

1950’s

of Theology at Biola University.

She is a marketing coordinator for the American Theological Library Association in Chicago.

1960’s

Angela Rayfield (’09) recently completed her Juris Doctorate Degree from Trinity Law School.

She and her husband, Aaron, have two children.

Lawrence D. Morrell, Ph.D. (‘52) retired from the University of New Mexico where he was a professor.

Dr. James Dwiggins (‘66) retired from his position at the Georgia Baptist Convention after 40 years.

He was one of the convention’s longest-serving employees.

1970’s Melinda Russell (nee Phillips ‘79) and her husband, Roger, live in Beijing, China. Melinda is a homemaker.

1980’s Trudy Ann Bacon-Ekholt (‘80) retired from Chico Unified School District after teaching special education for 25 years.

1990’s Michelle Reinagel Wohl (‘92, ‘94) works as regional manager for the County of Riverside.

Troy Lambeth (‘96) is executive producer for the internationally syndicated radio program “Haven Today.” He also works as a freelance producer, director, writer and editor.

2000’s Melissa (nee Tonissen ‘04) Cazin works for Christian Encounter in Grass Valley, California. The organization is a residential ministry for hurting youth. Melissa and her husband, Jason, have four children: Jack, Chloe, Grace and Joslyn.

Adam (‘06) and Rachel (nee Janz ‘06) Christman reside in Fresno, California. Adam serves as the associate pastor at Cornelia Avenue Southern Baptist Church in Fresno, California. He completed a doctorate from Gateway Seminary.

Rachel is working from home as they raise their three children, Nikole (8), Eleanor (6) and James (3).

Courtney Gaynor (’08, ’10) teaches physical education and coaches the pep squad at John W. North High School in Riverside. She has two sons Kaden, 6, and Greysen, 1.

Tawny Burgess (’08) received her certificate in theology and biblical studies at Talbot School

28 | LIVE YOUR PURPOSE

Chase Paulson (’09, ’11) is the head athletic trainer at Diamond Bar High School and an instructor for the East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program.

Chase is also the advisor for the Diamond Bar HOSA-Future Health Professional chapter, which he founded in 2013.

Dustin (’10) and Kristin (nee Vaughan ’10) Smetona reside in Orange, California with their 2-yearold son, Eli. Dustin is a pastor at Sovereign Grace Church of Orange.

Todd Jones (’11) is a youth pastor, speaker, writer, blogger and founder of Stoked On Youth Ministry. He lives in the state of Washington with his wife, Rachael.

Lucas Wehner (’11, ’12) is a consultant for international higher education at the Heidelberg Institute and is an administrator at Internationale Hochschule Liebenzell in Germany. He also started a Christ-based institute that offers study trips for international Christian higher education institutions.

Christina Osborne (’12) earned a Master of Mathematics from the University of California, Riverside, in 2014 and is pursuing a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Virginia.

Brendan King (’12) began competing in the Spartan Obstacle Races this year. He ran in the Ultra Beast (26 miles) and World Championships (16.5 mile) events.

Kenneth Andrew Wible (’14) is the application coordinator at Concordia University Irvine.

Taylor Engbrecht (’15) is the marketing specialist at InDemand Interpreting. Last year she won an Advertising Standards Authority Social Media Award for a SnapChat campaign for a previous employer.

The Muse Blog also ranked her as having one of the 16 Best Personal Websites of 2016.

Bekah Bryant (’15) is a representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the Newport Mesa area in Orange County, California.

Katie McNeil (’15) completed her Master of Arts in teaching at Concordia University-Portland in May 2017. She has since moved to Manokotak, Alaska, and is the language arts teacher at Manokotak Nunaniq School.

Alexis Trujillo (’17) and her husband, Jason, co-founded 330 Supply Co., a nonprofit organization assisting families who have experienced the loss of a child.

They live in Dallas, Texas.

WEDDINGS Jennilyn Fritch (’11) married Miles Wallace on Jan. 14, 2017. In May, they both obtained Master of Divinity degrees from Gateway Seminary and are living in Riverside.

LITTLE LANCERS 1. Chris (’97) and Jessica (nee Velarde ‘97) Winters welcomed their son, Aaron Joshua, on Sept. 27, 2016. Chris is the head of school for Contra Costa Christian Schools in Walnut Creek, California. The family resides in the San Francisco Bay area after completing 11 years of missionary service with Network of International Christian Schools.

2. Benjamin and Melissa (nee Marshall ’01, ’13) Anozie celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Abygale Ogechuwku Patricia, on Aug. 2, 2017.

3. Richard (‘05, ’09) and Allison Dean (’05, ’09) welcomed a son, Richard Ryder, on Dec. 28, 2015.

4. Ruben and Robin (nee Moore ’07, ‘09) Sarabia celebrated the birth of their son, Benjamin Dale, on June 26, 2014. Robin is an elementary teacher in Val Verde Unified School District in California.

5. Michael (‘12) and Stephanie (nee Atayde ‘04, ‘09) Risinger welcomed a daughter, Willow Jean, on May 9, 2017. Her grandmother is Nancy Atayde (‘12). The family resides in Lenexa, Kansas.

Evan and Emily (nee Green ’13) Forte announced the birth of their son, Carter Douglas Harris, on Oct. 21, 2106.

6. Joseph and Frances Luciel Moreno Esteem (’11, ‘15) welcomed Jamielulu Esteem on May 3, 2017.

Travis (’11, ’16) and Stefanie (nee Olson '11, '13) Bolio celebrated the arrival of their second child, Luke, on May 29, 2017.

Scott and Brittney Lingle ('13, '16) celebrated the birth of their daughter, Leona Emilia, on Sept. 21, 2017.

7. Jeff (’15) and Carrie Keneaster welcomed a son, Sam Wesley, on Aug. 4, 2017.

8. Joshua (’17) and Keilene (nee Havener ’15) Twist announced the birth of their son, Joshua Cody, on Aug. 30, 2017.

9. Nathan ('05) and Sheryl C. Saechao ('05) welcomed their son, Oliver Kae, on June 10, 2017.

In Memoriam Alumni: Betty J. Ormsbee (’54) William B. Oeland (’55) Wallace E. Beasley (’59) Betty Musacchio (’62) Robert C. Smith (’63) Margie L. Lynch (’66) Sharon Kay Squyres (’71) Pauline V. Farnham (’72) Ralph Bates (’78) Roy Ronveaux ('79, '96) Dolly Pacific (’86) Aline M. Messer (’90) Joseph M. Ungeheier (’10) Former Staff: Ryan W. Call Charles Davis June Reeder Friend of CBU, Donor: Dr. Robert Lambeth Marylss E. Black

Miles & Jennilyn Wallace

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1. Aaron Joshua Winters 2. Abygale Ogechuwku Patricia Anozie 3. Richard Ryder Dean 4. Benjamin Dale Sarabia 5. Willow Jean Risinger 6. Jamielulu Esteem 7. Sam Wesley Keneaster 8. Joshua Cody Twist 9. Oliver Kae Saechao

THE ROUNDTABLE | FALL 2017 | 29

ALUMNUS PROFILE

CBU alumnus named head trainer for NBA’S Atlanta Hawks Scottie Parker has climbed the ladder of success in the athletic training field relatively quickly.

After graduating from California Baptist University in 2012, he landed an athletic training position with the Portland Trailblazers for the 2012-2013 NBA season.

The next season, Parker turned down the Trailblazer’s offer to return in order to take a similar position with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, who went on to win the Super Bowl in 2014. Next, Parker traveled with the New York Knicks in 2014 as personal athletic trainer for NBA All-Star forward Amar’e Stoudemire.

These experiences eventually helped Parker land an assistant athletic training position with the Atlanta Hawks, where he was recently promoted to the head training position.

In just a few years since graduating from CBU, Parker finds himself an integral part of a multimillion-dollar operation.

“If a player is not feeling right in any way, I’m going to spearhead their recovery process and be in constant communication with the front office and the coaching staff,” said Parker of his new responsibilities.

Parker said spending time with the players and developing mutual respect is another important aspect of his work. To do this Parker spends considerable time living in the athletes’ stomping grounds. He will work out with the players in the weight room or join them for training activities such as a run, hike or climb.

“I’ve developed some great relationships with the players,” Parker said. “I try to be a trustworthy person, knowing that these players earn a living with their bodies. It’s important that a trust and mutual bond is formed.”

Parker said he is grateful for the different athletic training opportunities he received at California Baptist University.

“At CBU I served in the role as an athletic trainer in different environments such as NCAA Division I sporting events (outside of CBU), high school wrestling matches, different community events and track and field events,” Parker said. “When I began working professionally, there wasn’t an injury that I hadn’t already encountered.”

Parker also appreciated the commitment to excellence the faculty demanded in the program.

“The program was good at pushing us, whether in exams or rotations. They didn’t take it easy on us,” Parker said. “However, it prepared us for our careers and for that I’m thankful.”

Parker said CBU will always have a special place in his heart.

“I have a super fond place for CBU in my life,” Parker said. “I developed close friendships that I still keep in touch with. I’m grateful that I was able to attend CBU.”

Save the Date

Grandparents Day April 12, 2018 Complete schedule information and online registration will be made available durning the winter season.

For questions, please contact us at events@calbaptist.edu.

30 | LIVE YOUR PURPOSE

New director of alumni and parent relations at CBU has deep ties to university For Joshua Moss, taking on the director of alumni and parent relations role at California Baptist University has many positives.

For one, it represents a new opportunity at the postsecondary education level. Additionally, CBU is his alma mater. Moreover, the job is located in his hometown.

Ultimately, Moss’ passion for the university and its alumni sealed his decision to accept the position.

“I believe in the mission of CBU and the programs offered to its students,” said Moss, who started his position on July 1, 2017. “As an alumnus, I grew as a believer, got the support and encouragement that I needed and even met my beautiful wife, Brianna (06’), at CBU.” Moss graduated from CBU in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science.

He then completed his teacher’s credential at CBU in 2004.

He taught for four years in the Alvord Unified School District in Riverside. Moss then came back to CBU to obtain his Master of Science in secondary education and teaching in 2006. The degrees helped him advance in his career.

After completing his master’s degree, Moss transitioned to a school administrator and served as an assistant principal,

middle school principal and high school principal—all in the past 10 years—within the Alvord district. He has also taught as an adjunct professor in the School of Education at CBU for the past four years.

Moss said he wants to contribute to the continual development of alumni.

“I want our department to offer opportunities for Lancers to fellowship, provide mentorship opportunities, and help open doors of possibilities for each other,” Moss said.

To accomplish this vision, Moss plans to be intentional on how he builds relationships and connections with alumni, not only locally but nationally as well.

Moss also looks forward to hosting some of his office’s events that aim to reunite Lancers, such as Homecoming (Feb. 9-10, 2018).

“I look forward to meeting and engaging with Lancers from all eras and hope to provide support and resources for all of our alumni,” Moss said. “There are so many amazing things happening in the lives of our alumni and we want to know about the impact they are making all over the world.”

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