W IN T E R 2 0 1 9 • VO LU M E 6 1 • I S S U E 3
THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building opens PA G E 1 0
Enrollment tops 10,000 for the first time
CBU named among nation’s fastest-growing colleges
Lancers excelling in the first year in NCAA D-I competition
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PA G E 1 8
PA G E 2 2
MIND.
BODY.
SPIRIT.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NASB)
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Jordan Heading, Kinesiology Graduate Student
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IN THIS ISSUE
WINTER 20 19 • VOLUME 61 • ISSUE 3
F EAT UR E STO RY
10 The Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering at California Baptist University moved into its new home, the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building, for the fall 2018 semester.
Contents
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DR. SOOJIN CHUNG Assistant professor of intercultural studies is training up the next generation of students to become globally minded.
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CBU NAMED AMONG NATION’S FASTESTGROWING COLLEGES CBU ranks No. 8 among the fastest-growing colleges in the United States, according to a Chronicle of Higher Education report.
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LANCERS EXCELLING IN FIRST YEAR OF NCAA D-1 COMPETITION CBU transitioned confidently into NCAA Division I competition in the Western Athletic Conference.
First summer commencement
An estimated 4,500 individuals attended the dual summer commencement ceremonies.
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Record enrollment
Fall 2018 at California Baptist University enrollment reached more than 10,000 students for the first time.
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MIDNIGHT MADNESS Thousands of students lined up hours before the event that kicks off the new basketball season.
“Pitcher U”
The catchy nickname comes after multiple Lancer pitchers are drafted by Major League Baseball teams.
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Live Your Purpose
Alumni couple live their purpose in Indonesia through KNOW INDO.
PRESIDENT’S NOTE RON A LD L. EL L IS
THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY WINTER 2019 VOLUME 61 • ISSUE 3
Fellow Lancers,
California Baptist University began the current academic year with a new round of exciting firsts.
Fall 2018 enrollment set another record with 10,486 students, the first time CBU has exceeded the 10,000 student mark!
To accommodate the influx of students, Welcome Weekend was organized as separate two-day sessions—one for first-year students and another for transfer students. Combined, these two groups represented more than 2,200 students beginning their CBU experience this past fall. Also during the 2018 fall semester:
The Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering moved into its new home in the three-story, 100,000-square-foot Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building.
The CBU community began enjoying tasty new treats with the opening of The Habit Burger Grill, the newest campus dining option, located in Brisco’s Café.
Lancers Athletics made the move up to NCAA Division I and quickly earned its first Western Athletic Conference championship, courtesy of the CBU Women’s Cross Country team.
All of these firsts come on the heels of the inaugural CBU summer commencement ceremonies held in August 2018 at the Events Center. Among the graduates were eight Doctorate of Public Administration students who comprised the first graduating class in the program’s history.
In this edition of The Roundtable, I hope that you will see the essence of Lancer Nation and become better acquainted with what makes this university special. California Baptist University is enjoying a golden age, helping thousands of students to achieve their educational goals and truly appreciate what it means to “Live Your Purpose.”® My prayer is that in the excitement of all the growth and progress, we always will be mindful and thankful for the blessings that God has bestowed on CBU. As the current academic year unfolds, let us continue moving forward with purpose and confidence, expecting even greater and brighter years ahead filled with many more “firsts.” In that spirit, let us work together with shared determination and genuine Lancer zeal to realize the vision of a “University Committed to the Great Commission.” May the Lord continue to bless! Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President
EDITOR Dr. Mark A. Wyatt MANAGING EDITOR Isaiah Aguirre ASSOCIATE EDITOR Vivian Quezada DESIGNERS Edgar Garcia, Kyle Ready, Paul Hernandez PHOTOGRAPHY CBU Athletics, Isaiah Aguirre, Kyle Ready Edgar Garcia, Vivian Quezada, Jacob Gonzalez 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. 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 THE ROUNDTABLE REPRINT POLICY Contents copyright 2019 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 A. Wyatt at 951.343.4474 mwyatt@calbaptist.edu STAY CONNECTED
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AROUND CAMPUS NEWS A N D EV EN TS
CBU ranks high in multiple “Best College” categories California Baptist University earned a fifth consecutive top-40 ranking in the U.S. News and World Report (USN&WR) “Best Regional University” 2019 rankings. Additionally, CBU was ranked No. 20 for “Best Value School” and No. 7 in the “Most Innovative School” category. The 2019 rankings place CBU at No. 32 in the “Best Regional University” category, marking the 13th year that CBU has appeared in the USN&WR Best Colleges list. Previously, CBU was ranked No. 31 in 2018, up from No. 37 the year before. The Best Regional University category compares 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. CBU offers more than 150 6 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
majors, minors and concentrations as well as more than 40 graduate programs and five doctoral programs.
The USN&WR “Best Value School” rankings take into account academic quality, as indicated by the 2019 USN&WR ranking, as well as the 2017-2019 net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. The higher the quality of the program and the lower cost, the better the value that is attributed to the college. The “Most Innovative School” rankings identify institutions that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, campus life, technology or facilities. The schools that earn high marks are those that receive the most nominations for making promising changes on campus.
Two new art features unveiled at CBU California Baptist University unveiled two new art features on campus during the 2018 fall semester — the “Inspiration” sculpture and the Rose Garden Gallery.
The “Inspiration” sculpture is a creation by Riverside native artist Frank Heyming, who donated the piece that is displayed between the walkway of the Wallace Theatre and the Alumni Dining Commons on the CBU campus. The sculpture consists of three flames mounted on a burnished stainless steel pyramid atop a triangular concrete pedestal. During the day, the piece reflects the colors and natural lighting around it; at night, the sculpture is illuminated with soft LED white lights.
“Like light, ideas also spring from the ether. I thought of inspiration as inspired by the [Holy] Spirit,” Heyming said at an unveiling event on Aug. 28, 2018. On the base of the sculpture reads a passage from 1 Corinthians 12:4 and 7: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (NASB).”
The Rose Garden Gallery was christened on Oct. 24, 2018, with a reception for its inaugural exhibit—“It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time.”
The CBU Gallery relocated from downtown Riverside to the campus building formerly known as the Rose Garden Chapel. The interior of the building, located on the northeast side of campus along Adams Street, was remodeled to become a permanent home for the gallery.
The opening exhibit featured work by fine art faculty from the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design. The display featured 20 art pieces including sculpture, ceramics, painting, mixed media and digital media. Kristi Lippire, professor of fine art, created three geometric sculptures featured in the exhibit. Lippire said the gallery will provide another avenue to display creative arts on campus.
“It is nice to have more of a stage [on campus] to showcase faculty work, student work, along with outside programming,” Lippire said. “We hope that lots of students on campus come to find it an exciting and supportive experience to see and champion their peers and their hard work.”
The Habit Burger Grill opens on campus California Baptist University’s newest eatery, The Habit Burger Grill, opened to an appreciative audience on Sept. 4, 2018, as the restaurant served some 900 hamburgers on opening day. Rebecca Arneson, president of the Associated Students of California Baptist University, was among those who enjoyed the new dining option.
“Students are just thrilled that The Habit is on campus,” Arneson said, adding that she was excited about the shakes and malts available at the restaurant.
In addition to chargrilled burgers, Habit’s CBU menu includes fresh salads and grilled sandwiches including chicken, ahi tuna and a veggie option. Side orders include onion rings, sweet potato fries and tempura green beans.
“We are excited to have The Habit as part of our food family,” CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Sept. 5. 2018. “Over the 24 years that I’ve been here, we’ve tried to have differentiators [in food service] that are excellent, names that people go ‘Wow!’ CBU has gained a reputation for having great food.” Russell Bendel, CEO of The Habit Burger Grill, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bendel said he was amazed that the CBU team put together the new dining option so quickly, noting that the first discussions about bringing The Habit Grill to CBU took place in June.
(Above) The new Rose Garden Gallery was christened by a CBU art faculty gallery entitled, “It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time.” (Right) Frank Heyming stands next to his sculpture, “Inspiration” at an unveiling event on Aug. 28, 2018 at CBU.
“To do something like this in less than 60 days is pretty amazing,” Bendel said. “That’s truly a credit to this organization and the commitment to being special and having a ‘wow factor’ and really setting expectations at a very high level.”
The Habit Grill at CBU is located within Brisco’s Café, where students can enjoy dining indoors in a café setting or outside at patio dining tables. WINTER 2019 7
AROUND CAMPUS NEWS A N D EV EN TS
First summer commencements held at CBU The Doctor of Public Administration program celebrated its first graduating class during the summer 2018 commencement at California Baptist University. (From left to right) David Hernandez, Javier Blanco, Jesse Harris, Megan CarthenJackson, Tanya Harris, Jose “Gerry” Rivero. Not pictured: Brian Guzzetta, Creighton Goodman
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California Baptist University wrapped up a day of celebration at its inaugural summer commencement ceremonies hosted on Aug. 23, 2018. A ceremony for traditional students was held in the morning followed by the Online and Professional Studies ceremony hosted in the afternoon.
what I call the building blocks needed to reach our institutional objectives.”
Ellis exhorted graduates to use their “Great Commission” training to impact their respective environments.
An estimated 4,500 individuals attended the dual commence- “All of you have a story to tell. Many involve personal examment ceremonies at CBU. ples of service and transformation that you experienced or witnessed as you seized the opportunity to put your faith Students for the summer commencement make up a record into practice,” Ellis said. “Graduates, your experiences at CBU number graduation candidates for the Class of 2018 that have given you an important foundation and helped to equip total 2,848 candidates from the fall, spring and summer you to figure out where you will go from here—personally, commencement ceremonies. professionally and, perhaps most important, vocationally.”
In his commencement address, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU presi- Ellis encouraged students to spread their wings but to keep dent, said the ceremonies in the Events Center were an exam- connected with the Lancer nation. ple of learning environments that CBU has assembled over the years for the benefit of the students. “My earnest hope and prayer is that each of you will lean into this new beginning with genuine Lancer zeal. May you “Like people, institutions also have a purpose—and the live your purpose with passion and with the same determigrowth of California Baptist University truly has been a nation that has guided you to this joyful day of celebration,” purposeful pursuit,” Ellis said. “It is the result of thoughtful Ellis said. strategy combined with decisive action—putting in place
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT B I B LI CA LLY ROOT E D
SOOJIN CHUNG, PH.D. ASSISTA N T PR O F E S S O R O F IN TE RC U LT U R A L ST U DI E S
“We want to show students how to translate their passion for the Great Commission through evangelism and church planting.” — Dr. Soojin Chung
Director of intercultural studies has a Great Commission mindset Dr. Soojin Chung is, to put it mildly, well-traveled. She has stepped foot on every continent except Antarctica, and if that remote area had a tribe of people associated with the land, she probably would have ventured there as well due to her missionary’s heart and passion for people.
global justice and global studies—all designed during her graduate studies that she also felt to encourage students to develop a biblical foun- called to teach. dation on how to capture cultural principles and perspectives to help spread the gospel across “I am happy to be at CBU, because it allows me to the globe in their professions. Chung described combine my passions,” Chung said. her journey to CBU as a providential one. Her time as a professor at UC Berkeley also “It is always amazing for me to see what God is “The transition to CBU has been a smooth one,” formed how she teaches at CBU. Berkeley doing in other parts of the world,” Chung said. Chung said. “I see God’s hand at work in the helped fine-tune her thoughts on her faith, “When I hear worship in different languages, for move.” Chung said. There was an atmosphere of open me it is a taste of heaven on earth.” dialogue and debate that help formulate one’s At age 10, Chung immigrated to the U.S. with understanding on a topic, she added. Chung is director of intercultural studies at Cali- her parents from South Korea. She was raised fornia Baptist University, a new position within in a Christian home but walked away from the At CBU, Chung has been known to split classes the School of Christian Ministries. Chung transi- faith. It was not until she ran into personal trials into teams based on an issue or perspective and tioned to CBU from her visiting scholar position while attending the University of Virginia that then ask the teams to debate from a standpoint in ethnic studies at the University of California, she began to pursue God again. that they do not agree with. Berkeley on July 1, 2018. During a Campus Crusade event at her univer- “I love to incorporate discussion in my classes,” Chung oversees the recruitment and develop- sity, Chung finally opened her heart to Christ Chung said. “In one class, we talked about the ment for the Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural and received the Gospel message. At that point, history of black churches in the U.S. and then Studies program at CBU. The program aims to she said, God began to give her new desires and transitioned into a dialogue of how we can see train students to engage their Great Commis- passions that would lead her overseas. more racial reconciliation in our churches. sion calling locally and globally in an intercultural setting. She found another campus group, Youth with “In California, I like that it is such a diverse place. a Mission, who helped Chung get a taste of We are a melting pot. It is an ideal location and “We want to show students how to translate their missionary work. She fell in love with it and time to be teaching at CBU, and we want our passion for the Great Commission through evan- wanted to become a full-time missionary. Chung students to have a strong witness globally. We gelism and church planting,” Chung said. “We especially had a burden for learning how to want our program to help students have a global want our students to form a biblical worldview minister to children. During graduate studies at Christianity that uses one’s head, hands and on how to engage in culture and society through Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where heart,” Chung said. discipleship, evangelism, justice ministries and she received a Master of Divinity in Theology, community development.” she began to conduct research for missionaries on how to effectively minister to families. The School of Christian Ministries offers several minors developed for globally minded profes- Subsequently, Chung earned a Doctorate in sionals. The minors include global ministry, Global Christianity at Boston University. It was WINTER 2019 9
New Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building opens to a busy fall schedule The Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building is situated between the residential Cottages and Business and Music buildings at California Baptist University.
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“This is a ‘wow’ building and God is going to use this building to touch lives practically and spiritually.” — Dr. Ronald L. Ellis
J
ewel Esparza, a chemical engineering sophomore at California Baptist University, whipped out a crisp copy of her resume from her portfolio. She looked around at the more than 40 companies that filled the multipurpose design hall at the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building. There was a lot of networking going on and Esparza was keen to join in.
“I’m looking for internship opportunities for the future,” Esparza said. “Right now I’m a sophomore, but it’s great to network and get myself out there.” The Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering hosted the inaugural Engineering Fair on Sept. 26, 2018. It was held in the 100,000-square-feet Engineering Building, which opened its doors for the first time in the fall 2018 semester. The event was among the first of many such events, projects and learning activities now happening in the facility. “This is a ‘wow’ building and God is going to use this building to touch lives practically and spiritually,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU. Dr. Charles Sands, CBU provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the building serves a special purpose. “Students will be pursuing their purpose in this new structure and we pray that they will make a difference to influence society in a positive way,” Sands said. The Engineering Building is located between the residential Cottages and the Business and Music Buildings. It houses two blocks of classrooms, labs, faculty offices and administrative spaces as well as the spacious multipurpose design hall with room for labs, projects, exhibits, presentations and student collaboration. WINTER 2019 1 1
The Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building features numerous collaborative workspaces for students in addition to state-of-theart classrooms and labs.
The architectural style/design of the structure reflects the contemporary “Mission Revival Style” that complements CBU’s dominant architectural theme. The exterior palette for the building employs colors similar to other public-facing CBU projects such as Lancer Plaza North and the Events Center. The roof is covered with the “S” Mission Clay tiles that are typical of the Mission Revival architecture style. The interior of the building is designed to provide open viewing of many of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. This shows the practical application of the disciplines being studied, said Steve Bowman, senior project manager at CBU. The building design contains many elements that promote conservation. For example, all of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing systems are supplied by the campus central plant at CBU. This helps reduce the cost 12 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
to cool the building. Additionally, the structure has two solar panel systems. One system aids in supplying power to the building itself and the other is dedicated to a solar lab classroom, which is accessible on a roof-top plaza. The vehicle technology lab located on the first floor gives the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) club at CBU space to plan and create a vehicle for the SAE International race held in June 2019.
ing. Students learned about STEM projects CBU students are currently working on and also heard about careers in STEM fields from CBU faculty members. Gordon Bourns, chairman and CEO at Bourns Inc., said he always envisioned the new building benefiting the youth of the community. The College of Engineering at CBU, named in honor of Bourns and his wife, Jill, has many programs that are tailored to introducing young students to STEM education, Bourns noted. Bourns said the college plays an important role in developing professionals for the local community and the workforce.
The design hall features an area that will allow experiments to take place without affecting other learning environments. The room was constructed with isolated concrete slabs that work to dampen vibrations caused by experi- “These students have a Christian foundation, ments or activities. good integrity and are hard workers. They also have amazing ideas,” Bourns said. “I hope a lot On Nov. 5, 2018, students from the Jurupa of students choose CBU because of this buildValley Unified School district attended a Think ing and then stay here in the community after Together STEM event hosted at the new build- they graduate.”
The interior of the building is designed to provide open viewing of many of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
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WELCOME WEEKEND ADM ISSI ON S
Newest Lancers part of record enrollment The campus was alive with energy and enthusiasm as new first-year students arrived for Welcome Weekend activities on Aug. 30, 2018. More than 2,200 freshmen and transfer students enrolled for the fall 2018 semester at CBU— making the campus noticeably more busy than usual on the opening days of the semester. The new students are part of another record enrollment at CBU—10,486 students. This year represents the first time CBU enrollment has topped 10,000. During its 68-year history, California Baptist University has seen 18 triple-digit or greater year-over-year increases—all of them occurring since fall 1995. When Dr. Ronald L. Ellis became president of then-California Baptist College in November 1994, enrollment totaled 808 students. Since then, the figure has grown by 9,678 students to this year’s record enrollment of 10,486 students.
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Welcome Weekend is a CBU tradition designed to help new students become acquainted with campus resources and feel more at home, said Jay Stovall, director of new student programs and orientation. This year, CBU hosted a move-in day for freshmen on Aug. 30, 2018, with transfer students arriving the following day.
As the newest members of the Lancer Nation arrived on campus with their luggage and other gear, CBU student volunteers lined up to help them move in. They unloaded vehicles, filled rolling bins with living necessities and delivered them to the students’ rooms. Sarah Hom, a Community Life intern at CBU, helped students move in at The Cottages. She said volunteering was a way to give back for the help she received as a freshman.
“I was grateful for everyone that helped me out then, and that’s why I want to be on the other side of this—to help others transition into life at CBU,” said Hom, a psychology student.
Students also had the opportunity to meet with representatives of various student service departments at the Events Center and receive free CBU gear.
Natalie Wagner, a biomedical engineer freshman, met up with several of her friends who are also new to CBU. They chatted about dining options for lunch on campus, as well as their reasons for choosing CBU.
“I chose CBU for its focus on spiritual development. I’m here to grow in my faith,” Wagner said. Abby Strom, a child development freshman, said she fell in love with the CBU campus on prior visits, which contributed to her decision to become a Lancer. For Strom, Welcome Weekend is the start of a new journey.
“I am excited to start a new chapter in life. I got to meet my new roommate, and I am just looking forward to starting the semester,” said Strom, a Temecula, California, resident. In the afternoon, students met together in their FOCUS groups, which help acclimate students to campus life. They also participated in the traditional Kugel walk, where new students touch the globe, symbolizing their commitment to live a “life of purpose” as they begin their college experience at CBU. At the President’s Welcome, CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis encouraged students to become a part of Lancer Nation by getting involved in campus activities.
Welcome Weekend included opportunities for students to meet with deans and faculty members and a special discount-shopping opportunity at Bed Bath & Beyond. A Meet the Inland Empire event provided students with information about nearby restaurants, shops and churches.
Leave a Legacy Many friends and CBU Alumni have chosen to make a future gift to California Baptist University by supporting CBU through their IRA, will, living trust and/or life insurance.
Is CBU part of your estate plan? If so, or you would like more information about including CBU in your long-term charitable plans, please contact:
Dan Westermann, MBA, CFRE
Associate Vice President, University Advancement 951-343-4355 | dwestermann@calbaptist.edu
For helpful tips about charitable estate planning visit
cbulegacy.org
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT G LO B A LLY MINDE D
DOMINICK STURZ, Ph.D. AS S O CIATE PROFESSOR OF P U BL IC HEA LTH
Health professor fulfills his purpose through health education service Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health for Online and Professional Studies at California Baptist University, believes his life’s calling is in public health education. Sturz teaches courses such as contemporary health issues and applied knowledge in public health. He also takes health education outside the classroom. Sturz organizes a “Walk for Health” event during the National Public Health week for faculty, staff and students. He also has developed and hosted webinars for health organizations. “The work falls in line with my professional calling in service of public health,” Sturz said. “But more importantly, I believe that is part of Christ’s calling for me.” Sturz serves as a member of the Binational Education Advisory Board with the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino. The board is a coalition between the County of San Bernardino Superintendent of Schools and the Mexican Consulate. The board serves the community through outreach in education with a primary goal of promoting academic mobility. It also brings together various community partners to ensure educational resources are available and accessible to all constituents. In his position with the board, Sturz has various roles. He is a member of the executive planning committee for the Binational Health Fair, which seeks to improve the health of wellness of underserved Latino populations. On behalf of the consulate, he is involved in community health education and health-related initiatives within San Bernardino and Riverside counties. “Education and health outcomes often go hand and hand, so I was excited for the invitation to serve on this board and hope to make a difference in areas of need,” Sturz said. Sturz said his goal as a board member is to make a positive difference in underserved and underrepresented local communities. “By focusing on educational equity and achievement, I believe that local communities can not only be sustained but thrive,” Sturz said. “Additionally, my involvement on this board demonstrates CBU’s commitment toward local community service and care for those in need. “I feel that I can provide some expertise and leadership to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Sturz said. “I want to serve others, especially those who are most in need.”
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CAMPUS GROWTH ENR O LLMEN T
CBU named among nation’s fastest-growing colleges
9157 STUDENTS
2016
3409 ST U D E N TS
2006
Ziyu Liu, a business student from China, received her bachelor’s degree from California Baptist University on Aug. 23, 2018. She enjoyed her undergraduate studies so much that she decided to stay on as a Lancer and now is pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree. For Liu, continuing her educational pursuits at CBU is a blessing.
“I think CBU is very friendly and a good campus and I want to continue here,” Liu said.
International students come to CBU from all over the globe including many from China, India, Europe, Latin America and Africa. Lara Orrock, a kinesiology freshman from South Africa, came to CBU on a cross-country scholarship. Orrock said she believes God has guided her to CBU.
“Other [college opportunity] doors closed and this one stayed opened, so it was clearly a decision made by God,” Orrock said. “I want to better myself with the opportunities here, be a better person and grow spiritually and academically.”
Thanks to enrollment growth in nearly every population segment—such as international students, freshmen and transfer students, Online and Professional Studies students, and graduate students—CBU ranked No. 8 among the fastest-growing colleges in the United States during a recent 10-year period. The top-10 ranking appears in “Almanac 2018-19” published by the Chronicle of Higher Education (CHE) and reflects the institution’s enrollment growth from 2006 through 2016.
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In 2006, CBU enrollment totaled 3,409 students. A decade later, in 2016, enrollment at CBU was 9,157 students, an increase of 168.6 percent. Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, said the ranking confirms what many had observed about the institution’s dramatic growth.
“The enrollment growth measured in the Chronicle Almanac ranking reflects the continuing positive response from students to the educational programs and facilities that California Baptist University continues to develop and offer,” Ellis said. “This ranking is an objective affirmation that our efforts are producing strong results.” The No. 8 ranking compared CBU with other private nonprofit institutions classified as “Master’s Colleges & Universities” in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Among the 392 institutions in that classification, enrollment growth averaged 15.7 percent over the same 10-year period. In preparing its report, the Chronicle of Higher Education analyzed U.S. Department of Education data “based on a fall head count of full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students at U.S. degree-granting institutions that were eligible for Title IV federal financial aid and that had at least 500 students in 2006.” CBU enrollment growth remains brisk two years after the decade cited in the CHE Almanac 2018-19. Fall 2017 enrollment at CBU totaled 9,941 students. In fall 2018, enrollment topped the 10,000 mark for the first time ever, climbing to 10,486 students.
Veterans Resource Center serves growing number of students
Private Nonprofit Institutions MASTER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
% INCREASE
1. Western Governors U.
1,204.4
2. Southern New Hampshire U.
1,060.6
3. Saint Joseph’s College (N.Y.)
290.8
4. Sage Colleges
239.1
5. Colorado Christian U.
224.7
6. Mid-America Christian U.
211.9
7. Bethel U. (Tenn.)
187.8
8. California Baptist U.
168.6
9. U. of New England
144.5
10. Concordia U. at St. Paul
124
11. King U. (Tenn.)
120.6
12. Concordia U. (Neb.)
120.4
13. Bay Path U.
118.1
14. Concordia U. Texas
114
15. New England College
112.6
16. U. of the Southwest
106.8
17. Keiser U. at Ft. Lauderdale
104.3
18. U. of Charleston
101.8
19. Anderson U. (S.C.)
101.1
20. Southeastern U. (Fla.)
100.1
Source: Chronicle analysis of U.S. Department of Education data This article is part of: Students: Almanac 2018 Copyright © 2018 The Chronicle of Higher Education
Billey Dooley, a Christian studies senior who graduated in December 2018, was thankful the Veterans Resource Center opened during his last semester at California Baptist University. The center is a place for “like-minded souls,” he said. “CBU needed this because of the need for our veterans to have a place to gather,” Dooley said. “The culture of our veterans is usually independent but this has given them a place to come and hang out and not feel like, ‘I’m the only [veteran] here.’” Dr. Wayne Fletcher, associate provost for academic services, said the center meets a need for CBU’s growing veteran student population.
“At the end of the day, these men and women served our nation and we are excited to serve them, providing support and assistance as they complete their college degrees,” Fletcher said.
The Veterans Resource Center is now available to the nearly 390 veterans and their family members who attend CBU.
The center, located within the Office of Student Success in Lancer Arms North, offers assistance for veterans such as providing certification of classes to the Department of Veterans Affairs, academic planning, and relevant literature for student financial aid. There is also a computer lab with a study room, a kitchen and sofas.
“It’s important for student veterans to be in a place where they can get used to the college campus,” said Jay Villasenor, academic coordinator for veteran certification in the Office of Student Success.
Villasenor understands veterans and the transition they face. He built a career in the Army with 20 years of service. He then became an Army ROTC instructor, including six years at CBU. In 2014, he gave up teaching to become a student at CBU, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Education. He now works in the Office of Student Success at CBU.
“I encourage student veterans to do well in their educational path,” Villasenor said. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.” Most CBU student veterans average four to six years in the military and most have not been in a classroom since high school, Villasenor said. Many miss the camaraderie in the military and can experience culture shock when going back to school, he added.
“Giving them resources will make their transition a lot easier,” Villasenor said. “Being with other veterans, they will be more comfortable. They can speak each other’s language.” Tony Villalobos, a biomedical sciences senior, served in the U.S. Marines. He appreciates the kitchen, where he often heats his lunch.
“The space itself is nice,” Villalobos said. “It’s not crowded and it’s cool to talk to other veterans.” The center is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WINTER 2019 1 9
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT EQUIPPED TO SE RVE
DOUGLAS WALLACE, Ph.D. AS S I STA N T PR O F E S S O R O F S O C I O LO GY AS S O C I AT E D E A N , U N D E R G R A DUAT E PR O G R A M S
Associate dean desires to equip students to grow professionally and in their faith Dr. Douglas Wallace can see how his developing personality played a big role in his career path.
“I was a sociologist before I knew what that was,” said Wallace, associate dean of undergraduate programs within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University. “I had that kind of inquiring mind about why human beings do what they do, which is what drew me to sociology. The more I studied it, the more I loved it.”
“We want to make sure that we prepare our students professionally but also uniquely Christian.” — Dr. Doug Wallace
Wallace transitioned to CBU in 2012 after serving as a pastor for more than 12 years. While ministering from the pulpit, he also was an adjunct faculty at Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, Kansas. Wallace earned a doctorate in sociology/community and criminology from Kansas State University, and said his prior work enabled him to adapt smoothly to the CBU culture.
“I want to teach and be unapologetically Christian,” Wallace said. “That’s what really drew me to CBU, that combination of commitment to excellence and real academics but unapologetically Christian.”
Wallace teaches courses such as introduction to sociology and sociology of religion. In summer 2018, Wallace took on new duties as associate dean of undergraduate programs in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. In that role, he wants to create opportunities for faculty and students to grow.
“We want to make sure that we prepare our students professionally but also uniquely Christian,” Wallace said. “Our goal is to equip students to do both. And in order to do that, we have to prepare faculty with faith integration skills in the classroom.” Wallace believes it is vital for students to know how to integrate their faith into the professional world.
“That can be tricky, so we talk through all different types of scenarios about what might come up on the job site and how to handle that, where you can still be firm in your faith but not turn people off.
“Student evaluations say that I am tough but fair,” Wallace added with a smile. “I like that they know when they come to my class, they’re going to have to think and work. I’m going to equip them to think critically about the world they’re going to live in so that they can go out and make educated decisions. That really is my goal and has been for years.” 20 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
LANCE UP
California Baptist University becomes the newest member of the NCAA Division I Western Athletic Conference
LANCER ATHLETICS FA LL REPORT
LANCERS EXCELLING IN FIRST YEAR OF NCAA D-1 COMPETITION The fall 2018 semester saw California Baptist University transition confidently into NCAA Division I competition in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The rise to the pinnacle of collegiate sporting competition happened relatively quickly for the Lancers. Eight years ago, the Lancers were competing successfully in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Next came the transition to D-II competition in the Pacific West Conference. CBU dominated the conference, winning the PacWest Commissioner’s Cup five out of the six years that CBU was eligible. And in its last year in D-II (2017-18), CBU won the Learfield Directors’ Cup as the best overall athletic program in the country. The Lancers were primed for the new challenge of D-I competition. Dr. Micah Parker, director of athletics at CBU, believes Lancer Nation is ready. “This is another step our university is taking to help us achieve a high level of excellence,” Parker said. “We are excited to go on this journey—remembering the success of the past but building towards an exciting future. It’s another opportunity to honor Christ through excellence in athletics.” The teams are laying a foundation to form a D-1 program that is dedicated to producing “Purpose Driven Champions.” In the upcoming transitional years, CBU athletes and teams will work to achieve many first-time accomplishments that will help build a lasting legacy dedicated to excellence.
69’–11’
MAY
MAY
CBU joins PacWest Conference and NCAA Division II
Second PacWest Commissioner’s Cup
Third PacWest Commissioner’s Cup
1950 1969 2011 2012
2014
2015
JUN
JUN
CBC/CBU competes as member of NAIA
California Baptist College is founded
22 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
MAY
First PacWest Commissioner’s Cup
26th in NCAA Division II Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup
16th in NCAA Division II Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup
WOMEN’S SOCCER
The Lancers beat Loyola University Maryland 1-0 on Aug. 17, 2018, earning CBU’s first victory as a D-I program. Miranda Hald, a junior forward, scored a goal in the 84th minute of play to secure the win. CBU women’s soccer finished its first D-I season and WAC season with a record of 12-5-1 and 4-4 in conference play. CBU seniors Desarae Felix and Carissa Christensen became the first players in Lancer history to earn All-WAC honors. Felix and Christensen both earned second-team recognition.
MEN’S SOCCER
Albert Escuin, a junior goalkeeper, earned the program’s first Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week award on Oct. 15, 2018. The junior goalkeeper made 10 saves to earn his second shutout of the season in a 1-0 win at San Jose State University.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
In the first conference title race for women’s cross country in the NCAA D-I era, CBU picked up where it left off in D-II, winning the WAC Championship and seeing four runners grab All-WAC honors. Anett Somogyi won the individual 6K crown, with three Lancers placing in the top-five. CBU topped the podium with all five scorers finishing in the top-16 to post a team total of 33 points (first, third, fifth, eighth, 16th) and secure a fifth consecutive conference title (four previous championships from the PacWest Conference). The Lancers beat out Utah Valley, Kansas City, defending WAC Champion New Mexico State University and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in their inaugural D-I season. To top off an exciting day and an exciting season, CBU also swept the conference awards. Somogyi was named the WAC Athlete of the Year, Karolina Iznerowicz was named the WAC Freshman of the Year and coach Adam Tribble was named the WAC Coach of the Year.
NOV
MAY
Fourth PacWest Commissioner’s Cup
Earns Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence for four-year Academic Success Rate of 90% or higher
2016 JUN
4th in NCAA Division II Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup
MAY
Fifth PacWest Commissioner’s Cup
AUG
Opening of CBU Events Center
2017 JAN
Accepted into Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
MAY
Sixth PacWest Commissioner’s Cup
Enters NCAA Division I
2018 JUN
2nd in NCAA Division II Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup
JUN
NCAA Division II Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup Champions
WINTER 2019 23
LANCER ATHLETICS FA LL REPORT
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SWIMMING AND DIVING
CBU hosted the largest-ever swimming and diving competitive event in its history—the Lancer Dive Invitational—on Oct. 20, 2018. The Lancers came away with two of four first-place finishes and eight top-eight marks. There were a total of 17 divers on the men’s side and 29 on the women’s, with fellow D-I teams Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); University of Hawaii; and University of the Pacific in attendance. Garret Chew and Emily Dunkerson won the 3-meter and 1-meter events on the men’s and women’s side, respectively. Jacob Leahy became CBU’s first WAC weekly award winner, as the sophomore was named the Swimmer of the Week on Oct. 16, 2018. Leahy won three events and finished runner-up in another at the Malibu Invite, hosted by Pepperdine University, On Oct. 13. The Lancer team has a combined 5-1 dual record this year, with the men a perfect 3-0, including head-to-head wins over WAC opponents UNLV and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). The women also defeated CSUB this season to make it the first year both CBU teams have defeated the Roadrunners.
MEN’S WATER POLO
CBU matched its NCAA-era record for wins in a single season at 21. Additionally, the Lancers earned their highest ranking at No. 12 from the Collegiate Water Polo Association’s NCAA (Divisions I-III). The team compiled its best-ever record in the Western Water Polo Association (5-2) to earn the fourth seed for the conference tournament. The Lancers defeated a single-season record eight top-20 ranked teams this year.
24 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
CHEER
The cheerleading team at CBU continued its dominance at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) / United Spirit Association Collegiate Cheer Camp on Aug. 4, 2018, by earning several top marks including Best All-Around team. On the first night, CBU won the Spirit Award. The Lancers went on to win the Advanced All-Girl Rally Routine Competition and the All-Girl Advanced Crowdleading competition. The Lancers also were named Most Spirited and Most Collegiate, while winning the Crowdleading Run Off and earning a Gold Paid Bid to the NCA National Championship and a Full Paid Bid to the USA Collegiate Championship.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Two lengthy winning streaks put CBU on the map in D-I and the WAC. The Lancers won seven of their first eight matches, including the institution’s first-ever win over a “Power 5” school with a sweep of the Southeastern Conference Mississippi State in the first week of the season. An eight-match winning streak in the WAC helped put CBU in the top half of the WAC standings. The Lancers finished the regular season with a 20-10 record.
WOMEN’S GOLF
CBU has finished in the top three of all four fall tournaments this season. The Lancers became the first program in school history to win a D-I tournament when they won the USA Intercollegiate to open the year. Erica Wang was named the WAC Golfer of the Month two months in a row, a first for a Lancer. The senior averaged a 70.7 over two tournaments and six rounds in October.
LANCER ATHLETICS S P E C IA L OLY MP IC S
MEN’S BASKETBALL HOSTS CLINIC FOR SPECIAL OLYMPIC TRAINEES Rick Croy, men’s basketball head coach at California Baptist University, blew his whistle loud and clear. He wanted to see a bit more hustle from his charges. The trainees were performing drills, but they needed to push themselves harder. CBU men’s basketball hosted its fifth annual Special Olympics Clinic on Sept. 9, 2018, at the Events Center. More than 60 Special Olympians from throughout the Inland Empire participated in the clinic and put their skills to the test. The Olympians went through stations of ball handling, dribbling and shooting drills before competing in relay races and buzzer-beating games. “This is always one of my very favorite days of the year and has become such a special tradition for our program,” Croy said. “We are so grateful for the Special Olympics Southern California organization and the great work they do. Our athletes and staff love working with their wonderful athletes each year. We gleaned so much from our time with them today.” The Special Olympics celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. The 2019 World Games will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. WINTER 2019 25
LANCER ATHLETICS BASK ETBA LL
MIDNIGHT MADNESS High-energy Midnight Madness event excites crowd for start of inaugural D-1 hoops season De’jon Davis, a 6-foot-7-inch forward for California Baptist University, soared through the air. In mid-flight, Davis deftly maneuvered the basketball between his legs, then back into his right hand to throw down a monster jam. The packed Events Center erupted in frenzied cheers. Davis’ gravity-defying feat earned him the slam-dunk championship during the high-energy Midnight Madness event at CBU on Oct. 26, 2018. Thousands of students lined up hours before the event that kicks off the new basketball season at CBU. Large crowds have become a theme, especially for Lancer men’s basketball. Last season, CBU surpassed the 50,000 attendees mark during the inaugural season in the state-of-the-art Events Center. It was the second highest attendance total in all of NCAA Division II men’s basketball. The Lancers men also posted an impressive 19-2 record last year at home. Together, the impressive new arena and faithful CBU crowds are creating a dependable home-court advantage for the Lancers. “We feel so very blessed to have the home court that we do,” said Rick Croy, men’s basketball head coach. “From the enthusiastic student body to the vested community behind us, our athletes compete in one of the great environments on the West Coast.” Midnight Madness is geared toward fostering school spirit. This year’s event heralded the start of the Lancers inaugural season in the Western Athletic Conference and NCAA Division 1. It featured routines by the CBU dance and cheer teams, an introduction to both the men’s and women’s basketball squads, a 3-point shooting contest and the ever-popular slam-dunk competition. “I like the way CBU puts on events. They go all out, and they try to ensure everyone has a sense of school spirit,” said Angela Stevenson, a sociology junior. “I think when there is a large group of CBU students together, everyone gets hyped and it’s a good environment of people having fun.” 26 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
2018-19
Upcoming CBU Basketball Schedule Men’s Games 1.24 CSU Bakersfield* 1.26 Grand Canyon* 1.30 @Utah Valley* 2.2 @Seattle U* 2.7 Chicago State* 2.9 Kansas City* 2.21 @Grand Canyon* 2.23 @CSU Bakersfield* 2.28 Seattle U* 3.2 Utah Valley* 3.7 @UT Rio Grande Valley* 3.9 @New Mexico State*
Women’s Games 1.24 @CSU Bakersfield* 1.26 @Grand Canyon* 1.31 Utah Valley* 2.2 Seattle U* 2.7 @Chicago State* 2.9 @Kansas City* 2.21 Grand Canyon* 2.24 CSU Bakersfield* 2.28 Seattle U* 3.2 @Utah Valley* 3.7 UT Rio Grande Valley* 3.9 New Mexico State*
For tickets or more information visit:
cbulancers.com * Conference Games ** Tournaments Play
WINTER 2019 27
LANCER ATHLETICS BASEBA LL
LANCER BASEBALL DUBBED “PITCHER U” An article published by the NCAA In February 2017 complimented the California Baptist University Lancers baseball team with a catchy name—“PitcherU”—for the number of Lancer hurlers that have been drafted by Major League Baseball teams.
Twenty-two of Adcock’s players have been selected in the MLB First-Year Player Draft. Fourteen of those were pitchers, with an additional pitcher signing as a free agent. The CBU player draft streak currently stands at nine consecutive years.
Head coach Gary Adcock has run with that theme since then and has even been known to interact on social media with the “#PitcherU” hashtag when promoting his pitching staff’s performances.
For Adcock, developing pitchers begins with recruiting. He and his assistants consider a player’s size, arm action, temperament and secondary pitches.
With 15 pitchers on the team, Adcock acknowledges that most will not get drafted but they can reach another goal.
“If they stick with us, eventually most of them can look themselves in the mirror when they’re done in their three or four years here and say Once the pitchers are at CBU, Adcock has ‘I left here as the best pitcher I possibly could them focus daily on five areas: ability to field be, given the ability that the Lord has given their position, command, “pitchability,” durabil- me,’” Adcock said. ity and mentality.
“We were honored,” Adcock said of the media attention surrounding the drafting of his players. “Anytime you’re doing something and people notice it, you’re kidding yourself if that doesn’t excite you and the program.” “Those five areas get hammered every day in practice,” Adcock said. “It’s through consisAdcock took the helm of the Lancer men’s tent preparation, I believe, that we start to see baseball program in 2004, amassing a growth in those areas.” 549-268-1 career record in the ensuing 15 seasons. His Lancers have collected 14 His best pitchers also are phenomenal workers, postseason berths and won six conference Adcock said. championships. 28 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
“There has to be the preparation side in order for it to work,” Adcock explained. “Their confidence isn’t going to grow just because they want to be a good pitcher—they have to work.”
WINTER 2019 29
ALUMNI EVENTS
PAR ENT FA MILY W EEKE N D
Record crowds embrace Parent and Family Weekend
The second annual Parent and Family Weekend attracted thousands of visitors to California Baptist University on Nov. 9-10, 2018, bringing families together to unite in Lancer pride. Joshua Moss, director of alumni and parent relations, said the weekend event is designed to provide activities and opportunities for families to connect with their students.
“We want them to make some incredible memories together,” Moss said.
On Nov. 9, parents had the opportunity to tour academic colleges and schools at CBU to meet deans and faculty members. During the evening, parents and students attended a pregame party and then watched the men’s basketball season opener against San Diego Christian College.
A record 5,089 attendees showed up to witness the Lancers’ 87-71 victory in the team’s first contest as a member of NCAA Division I.
“The turnout. The support. We don’t take it for granted,” said Rick Croy, men’s basketball head coach. “I’ve been coaching in California for 20 years. This isn’t happening everywhere. This is special. Not only to have 5,000, but to have 5,000 into it the entire game.” The following day, the Parent and Family Weekend featured a book release event that included presentations by authors Dr. Vincent Moses and Cate Whitmore on their research concerning architect Henry L.A. Jekel, who designed the James Complex at CBU. There also was a time for parents to pray for the CBU community. In the afternoon, thousands of people attended the Block Party on the Front Lawn with games and activities for the whole family in addition to a unique art display created by CBU art students.
30 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
Shoronda Gilmore, mother of a freshman-nursing student, enjoyed that the event allowed her to spend time with her family in a friendly atmosphere.
“This was a good way to bring our family together and find out more about what life at CBU looks like,” Gilmore said. Pha Patrick was glad she got to spend time with her son on campus on Saturday.
“Coming to this weekend’s event was a way for me to show I support him,” Patrick said. “I also thought attending the parents’ prayer group was important for me to participate in.” The annual Fortuna Bowl intramural flag football championship was held on Saturday evening and the event drew an estimated 6,000 spectators to both games. Team Canadian Bowlers beat Bus Drivers 13-6 in the women’s championship game, and team Goon Squad wrapped up a perfect season, shutting out team Jack 30-0 in the men’s championship.
“It was just a great season. I got to connect with so many brothers, so many friends and so many followers of Christ,” said George Peterson Jr., a member of Goon Squad. “We just glorify God when we play. We get to come together and play a sport that we all love.” The event also featured a fireworks show after the final game.
STUDENT LIFE
FAIT H A N D PURPOSE
CBU programs encourage students to grow in faith and purpose “I had no idea how much God would use those college years to begin to build a foundation for my life and future ministry.” — Pastor Josh De La Rosa (’99)
Dr. John MacArthur, Dr. David Dockery, Dr. D.A. Carson and Dr. Steven Lawson are just a few of the prominent evangelical names who have spoken at the School of Christian Ministries Lecture Series at California Baptist University. These ministers of the word look to encourage and edify the future generation of Christian leaders who are in attendance.
“We are blessed to bring in brilliant speakers and faithful Christian men to encourage our students,” said Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries.
Dockery, who lectured at CBU on Oct. 16, 2018, said the opportunity to address the CBU audience was a blessing to him.
32 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
“This is an excellent place for students who are interested in pursuing ministry full time,” said Dockery, president of Trinity International University. “Dr. Morgan and his staff care deeply about biblical integrity, but also about nurturing students’ faith during these formative years.” The lecture series is open to the campus community as well as local pastors and church staff members. It is one of the many programs and opportunities at CBU aimed at encouraging and developing a person’s faith.
CBU also offers weekly chapel services, discipleship opportunities and service-orientated activities that are designed to help students develop their faith and live it out.
Josh De La Rosa (‘99) is the founding pastor of Orangecrest Community Church in Riverside, which has grown to 650 attendees since it was formed 10 years ago. He remembers the CBU community as being an instrumental part in his spiritual formation.
“I initially came to CBU on a tennis scholarship and I had no idea how much God would use those college years to begin to build a foundation for my life and future ministry. I met my wife, Erika, at CBU, and we built so many friendships during our college years. Many have continued on to this day,” De La Rosa explained. “I served as a resident assistant in the dorms for two years, and it was during those years where my calling toward ministry began to come into clearer focus,” he continued. “Dorm life allowed for all sorts of conversations and ministry opportunities.”
Jo
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La Rommun
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De La Rosa said one of his favorite memories from CBU was meeting up with a small group of friends at 6 a.m. to pray and read from Proverbs.
“As a religion major, my professors challenged me, prayed with and for me and often made time to pour into my life. Whenever I think back to those years, I have so much gratitude for that season of relationships and learning,” De La Rosa said. Matt Brown (’95) is the founding pastor of Sandals church, which has more than 10,500 weekly attendees across nine campus locations in the Inland Empire. Brown said he appreciates the educational training he received at CBU as well as his experience in student leadership roles.
He said serving as president of Associated Students of California Baptist University helped develop his leadership style. And pursuing a political science major helped him contemplate the theories around leadership.
(‘ ow n
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San
Mark Rogers (’02), pastor of Fellowship in the Pass in Beaumont, California, said CBU helped ground him in his faith. The congregation numbers some 600 weekly attendees.
“My time at CBU had a major formative impact on my life and ministry. Godly professors taught me and showed me how to love the Bible and love the church,” Rogers said. “They helped me get grounded and develop a theology that was both academically rigorous and very practical. While I have received a lot more training and mentoring (since then), most of my passions and commitments can be traced back to my formative years at CBU.”
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‘02
s Ro i n t h e P a k r a hip
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WINTER 2019 33
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT GLOBA LLY MI N D E D
Alumni couple pens inspirational letter on how they “Live Your Purpose” in Indonesia
KNOW INDO is an online retail business that aims to help individuals get out of poverty.
David (08’) and Taylor Torna (’10) help local artisans in Indonesia sell their product online.
In October 2015, David (’08) and Taylor Torna (’10) boarded a plane and traveled more than 9,000 miles to Indonesia, the place they now call home. Several years later, the couple penned a passionate letter to the Alumni Association Office at California Baptist University on their journey abroad. “There is no doubt that we are living our purpose, doing what God desires for us and we are faithfully trying to fulfill the ministry He has set before us,” the couple wrote.
The Tornas started KNOW INDO, an online retail business that seeks to help individuals who are fighting poverty to use their talents to earn income through handcrafted artisan products.
“Our journey started long before we had a clue where God was going to take us—it began at CBU. Perhaps we were influenced by the chapels, the friendships through sports teams, coaches, International Service Projects, church groups, and the many classes spent under Dr. Jeffrey Mooney and Dr. 34 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
Tim Luther. However, CBU is where we decided to declare Christ as our Savior and Lord and where that seed for the Great Commission was planted,” the couple wrote. During the first couple of years, the Tornas admit, they faced many challenges. “It was two years filled with humility, victories, defeats, frustrations, laughter and new joy,” the Tornas wrote. “From those two years came deep friendships and spiritual conversations with locals. We were invited into their family systems and into the middle of new villages in rural places. Through these friendships with locals, traveling to new villages, seeing the needs and meeting so many amazingly gifted individuals came the idea for KNOW INDO.”
The business became a way to provide extra employment opportunities for their new friends. All the products come with a story about the specific artisan who made it.
“We tell their story through pictures and a short video because we believe their stories and lives matter,” the couple wrote. The Tornas see the business as a way to share the Good News.
“Before working with a local artisan on a project, we share that we believe God has called us to live here in service to the local people. We share our vision, ‘Empowering local communities to know their purpose, potential and worth,’” the Tornas wrote. “We share what God has done for us through his Son, Jesus, and how we can be made right with God and in that new life we find our purpose.
“When we look back at all this, we see how much He used CBU to shape us and instill in us the things that have come to life and flourished now,” wrote the Tornas. “We have found our purpose—to make God known and share about his glory.”
ALUMNEWS ALUM N I U P DAT E S 1960’s
Jerry Hill (‘61) is retired and resides in Tyler, Texas. Dr. James Dwiggins (‘66) is a retired pastor and works as a substitute teacher. He and his wife, Marilyn, have six grandchildren. The couple, who live in Atlanta, celebrated 56 years of marriage in 2018. Dale G. Robinson (‘67) works as a director of adult groups and discipleship for the First Baptist Church in Fair Oaks, California. He also serves as a Doctor of Ministries admission committee member for Gateway Seminary. Additionally, he has completed more than 60 writing projects for Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention and has articles published in the Biblical
IN M EMO R IAM Illustrator Magazine. He and his wife, Betty, celebrated their 25th anniversary. The couple has four children.
and the Medical Reserve Corps. She and her family reside in New Columbia, Illinois.
1980’s
Katie McNeil (‘15) lives in Manokotak, Alaska. Katie completed her Master of Arts in Teaching from Concordia University-Portland in May 2017. She teaches language arts for seventh to 12-graders at Manokotak Nunaniq School.
Carol (nee Skinner ’82) Headen is a retired teacher and resides in Humboldt, Tennessee.
2000’s
Priscilla Grijalva (’01, ‘04) is a high school counselor, who was named a finalist for the California Student Aid Commission Arthur S. Marmaduke High School Counselor Award in 2018.
2010’s
Alumni
William “Bill” Storts (’60) Thomas “Cliff” Hunnicutt (’62) Richard “Dick” Purnell (’62) Jorge Castillo (’63) Ronald Sutton (’69) Theresa Morgan (’73) Linda Williams (’81) Kenneth Hood (’85) Cynthia Smith (’90) Anne Humphreys (’15)
Faculty
Norene P. Hokett
Dr. George Jennings Staff
Richard Davis
Dylan James Shanahan (‘15) is a technical support engineer for Universal Robots. He trains employees on automation.
Jennifer (nee Villarreal) Collier (’02 and ’05) works as an emergency services therapist. She is also an active member of the Kentucky Crisis Response Team, the Red Cross
To submit an item for the Alum News section please contact Josh Moss Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, at jmoss@calbaptist.edu.
LITTL E L AN CE RS Travis (‘13) and Stefanie Bolio
(‘13) welcomed their second child, Luke Bolio, on May 29, 2017. Stefanie recently completed her Master of Science in Psychology and Professional Counseling. Weston (’10) and Shyra Mix (’10) celebrated the birth of Kyra in April 2018. Kyra joins her brother Corbyn (7). Shyra is a teacher at Crest Montessori School in Fullerton, California, where the family resides. 1 Dustin (’10) and Kristin (nee Vaughan) Smetona (’10) welcomed Emeral Rose Smetona to their family on Aug. 21, 2018. She joins brother Eli Smetona (3). Dustin is a pastor at Sovereign Grace Church in Orange, California. Kristin is a professional photographer at Smetona Photo and also a stay-at-home mom. The family lives in Orange, California. Nathan (’14) and Rachel (nee Nydam) Peters (’14) celebrated the birth of Bryant Conahan Peters on May 7, 2018. The family resides in Redlands, California. 2 William (’04) and Jenny (nee Cummings) Caylor (’04) welcomed Ezekiel George Caylor to their family on Feb. 15, 2018. The family resides in McLean, Virginia.
3 Ryan (’09) and Janai Rindels (’09) celebrated the birth of Sophia Ruby Rindels on June 5, 2018. She joins siblings Josiah Rindels (3) and Stella Rindels (2). Ryan is a pastor at First Baptist Church of Sonoma, California.
1
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4 Josiah (’13) and Chelsea (nee Wilson) T. Phipps (’13) welcomed Charlotte Marie Phipps on May 8, 2018. The family resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. 5 Alex (’12) and Marybeth (nee Wright) Lamascus (’12) welcomed daughter Emma Riley Lamascus on May 30, 2018. The family resides in Camarillo, California. 6 Houston (’16) and Elise (nee Jay) Laney (’16) welcomed Jedidiah Laney on Nov. 3, 2017. Elise Laney works as an accounting clerk. The family lives in Eastvale, California.
5
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7 Shikeem Bulter (’17) and Katrina Butler welcomed Micah Isaiah Butler on March 29, 2018. Micah joins siblings Jaden (10) and Laila (4). Shikeem is retired from the U.S. Air Force Security Forces. The family resides in Kailua, Hawaii.
WINTER 2019 35
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