SUMM E R 2 0 1 9 • VO LU M E 6 2 • I S S U E 1
THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Lancers excel in inaugural NCAA Division I season PA G E 2 2
Mobilization efforts reach 5,000 plus volunteers
CBU graduates record number of students
Graduate students serve the homeless
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PA G E 1 4
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IN THIS ISSUE
S U MMER 20 19 • VOLUME 62 • ISSUE 1
F EAT URE STO RY
8 In its 23rd year of mobilization efforts, California Baptist University has sent more than 5,000 volunteers throughout the globe to fulfill the Great Commission.
Contents
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CBU CHAPEL SPEAKERS Prominent evangelical voices speak at weekly chapel services.
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CBU EVENTS BUILD COMMUNITY Each semester at California Baptist University, hundreds of extracurricular events take place on campus.
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ADAM TRIBBLE California Baptist University’s cross country coach earns WAC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year award.
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Forensic Science
The SCI -205 course brings students into the realm of criminal justice.
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Live Your Purpose
California Baptist University alumni are living their purpose in many fields.
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ALUM NEWS
Land Down Under
Men’s basketball is traveling overseas for summer competition. 2 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
Homecoming
Thousands of alumni and friends attended homecoming activities on Feb. 8-9, 2019.
PRESIDENT’S NOTE RON A LD L. EL L IS
THE MAGAZINE OF CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY SUMMER 2019 VOLUME 62 • ISSUE 1
Fellow Lancers,
Another academic year at California Baptist University has come and gone and the next is upon us. Each passing year produces special events and memories that combine to create the unique CBU experience that so many people have come to know and appreciate. As we prepare for the new academic year, a brief review of the latest one is in order. The Class of 2019 was the university’s largest graduating class ever— 2,920 graduates in fall, spring and summer commencement ceremonies. I always look forward to congratulating new graduates at these events. I pray they will have successful and productive careers and that the Lord will truly bless them.
The 2018-19 academic year also saw CBU take its place in the top tier of intercollegiate athletics, NCAA Division I. The Lancers’ inaugural season in the Western Athletic Conference was significant in a number of ways and provided many vivid examples of CBU student athletes striving to achieve excellence—both on the playing field and in the classroom. Also during the past year, CBU continued as a leader in global outreach through mobilization efforts that afford students, staff and faculty opportunities to participate in service learning projects at home and abroad. Each year, hundreds of volunteers serve in teams conducting International Service Projects (ISP). This summer—in the 23rd year of CBU mobilization programs—the number of ISP volunteers surpassed the 5,000 mark.
The stories featured in this edition of The Roundtable—and the news it contains about Lancers past, present and future—help to show how God is at work through the people and the programs at California Baptist University. Taken together, the many facets of the Lancer Nation—in academics, in athletics, and in service around the world—help to strengthen CBU’s reputation as a premier comprehensive Christian university.
This fall marks the 25th anniversary of my presidency at California Baptist University. It has been a remarkable and truly eventful quarter century in the history of this institution. Moreover, I am convinced that the years ahead are brimming with promise and opportunity. So, as the journey continues, I am excited to welcome the new academic year at CBU and honored to lead the Lancer Nation at this “University Committed to the Great Commission.” Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President
EDITOR Dr. Mark A. Wyatt MANAGING EDITOR Isaiah Aguirre ASSOCIATE EDITOR Vivian Quezada ART DIRECTOR Edgar Garcia PHOTOGRAPHY CBU Athletics, Isaiah Aguirre, Kyle Ready Edgar Garcia, Vivian Quezada, Jacob Gonzalez Nathan Rierson, Michael Elderman CONTRIBUTING WRITER 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
Engineering building earns beautification award (Above) The Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building features numerous collaborative workspaces for students in addition to state-of-the-art classrooms and labs.
The Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building at California Baptist University received a beautification award from the Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful (KRCB) program on Jan. 24, 2019, at Mayor Rusty Bailey’s State of the City address.
KRCB is a community-sponsored program by the City of Riverside and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. Its mission is to foster a sense of community pride by creating partnerships that work toward the beautification of the city.
The Troesh Engineering Building first opened its doors for the fall 2018 semester. The 100,000-square-foot 4 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
building is the new home of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering at CBU.
It features two blocks of classrooms, innovative labs, faculty offices and administrative spaces as well as a spacious, multipurpose design hall with room for labs, projects, exhibits, presentations and student collaboration. There is also an interactive studio lab designed to host K-12 STEM education programs.
CBU president receives high honor from Boy Scouts Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, received the national Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America during the Mt. Rubidoux District’s annual award banquet on March 20, 2019. Some 180 people, including scouts, government officials and business people, attended the event held at CBU.
“As an Eagle Scout, [Dr. Ellis] continued to serve his community, his nation and his God, and has distinguished himself as a civic, academic, entrepreneurial and pastoral leader,” Mike Goldware, a member of the Mt. Rubidoux District Distinguished Citizen Dinner committee, said when making the special presentation. Ellis said he was honored and humbled to receive the award.
The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is given to an individual who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout at least 25 years prior to nomination and distinguished himself in his chosen field of endeavor beyond a local area. Only two others from the greater Riverside region previously have been honored as Distinguished Eagle Scouts.
Nationally, other DESA recipients include President Gerald R. Ford, astronaut Neil Armstrong and Rex Tillerson, former ExxonMobil CEO and U.S. secretary of state.
The CBU president also received the 2019 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Mt. Rubidoux District. The award is bestowed each year on individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment and service to the community. Previous Mt. Rubidoux District Distinguished Citizen honorees include Assemblyman Jose Medina, Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey and Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz.
“Dr. Ellis exemplifies the values that Boy Scouts promotes,” said Tracy Youden, of California Inland Empire Council-BSA.
CBU Online places high in 2019 U.S. News & World Report rankings CBU Online, the Division of Online and Professional Studies at California Baptist University, has earned the No. 42 spot among online bachelor’s programs in the 2019 Top Online Education Program national rankings released by U.S. News & World Report (USN&WR).
This places CBU as the only California college ranked in the top 50 nationwide for best online bachelor’s programs. In the USN&WR rankings for faculty credentials and training, CBU Online earned the No. 1 spot for both the online MBA and online graduate education programs in addition to a No. 4 ranking in the bachelor’s degree program category.
CBU Online currently serves some 2,300 students online through 25 undergraduate majors and concentrations, 14 graduate majors and specializations, and two doctoral programs— business administration and public administration.
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, gives his remarks after receiving the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from Mike Goldware (above right), a member of the Boy Scouts Mt. Rubidoux District Distinguished Citizen Dinner committee, on March 20, 2019.
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MIND. BODY. SPIRIT. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.� Matthew 28: 19-20 (NASB)
Supporters pray with volunteers before the start of the 2019 mobilization project.
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SUMMER 2019 7
MOBILIZATION SPOTLIGHT GLOBA LLY MI N D E D
In its 23rd year of mobilization efforts, California Baptist University has sent more than 5,000 students, staff and faculty volunteers to fields of service.
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CBU VOLUNTEER COUNT TOPS 5,000 FOR GLOBAL SERVICE PROJECTS
“I read God’s word and it tells me to go and preach the Gospel to the world.” — Andreas Coppedge-Calderon
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ndreas Coppedge-Calderon devotes much of his time at California Baptist University studying and growing in his major. As a result, time spent playing basketball, a pastime he enjoys, has diminished.
This summer, however, he was thankful that he can combine his passion for basketball with service on an International Service Project (ISP). Coppedge-Calderon, an electrical and computer engineering junior, was identified as the 5,000th ISP participant. He and his ISP teammates went to Southeast Asia to conduct basketball camps and play games against local college teams. After the games, the CBU students sought opportunities to connect and share Gospel-centered conversations. “I read God’s word and it tells me to go and preach the Gospel to the world,” Coppedge-Calderon said. “I’ve never deliberately done that, so here at CBU I decided to dive into the ISP program. I’ve learned through my training that God will use my story to help others.” The summer of 2019 marks CBU’s 23rd year of mobilization efforts. President Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D., spoke about the biblical basis of the mobilization program on May 5, 2019, at a sendoff celebration.
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International Service Project participants receive more than 75 hours of training to prepare for service opportunities.
“A progressive training program encourages students to return because they’re going to learn something new.” — Kris Smith “CBU is a university committed to the Great Commission and the ISP projects are a way to actualize this calling,” Ellis said. “What is etched in the Kugel is who we are.”
each other the love that God has for all of us,” Reagan said. Reagan noted she also worked on building relationships within her ISP team.
Per CBU tradition, before ISP teams depart, members gather with their family and friends “I pray for them, I grow with them and I’m learnto pray at the Kugel, a globe that rests on a ing to practice skills that will better help me base engraved with the scripture from Matthew serve them, both for our time on and off the 28:19-20. field,” Reagan said.
project before their ISP trip. Students on Engagement and Immersion teams train on issues such as worldview, cultural intelligence, team conflict and living life committed to the story of God. These teams also spend a weekend in San Diego for community service, team building, and seeking cultural interactions before their service project begins.
Maddie Klepzig and her team went to Taiwan ISP offers three types of teams, depending on to work with an organization that helps special participants’ previous ISP experience and their needs children and their families. time commitment. Encounter teams serve up to three weeks and are open to all CBU students. “The training has helped me bond with my Engagement teams serve for three weeks, team. We are able to dive deeper into cultural and Immersion teams commit for eight weeks and spiritual topics during our training time,” Participants received more than 75 hours of of service. The latter two teams are open for Klepzig, an exercise science junior, said. “We training to prepare for service opportunities. returning ISP students. have covered various topics, such as how The preparation included an “Intensive Training the church should be and what it looks like to Weekend” that simulates situations teams may “A progressive training program encourages fellowship with those from a different culture.” encounter. The event is designed to help them students to return because they’re going to engage in service and gospel conversations. learn something new. They’re going to go Smith said the goal of the training is for the deeper in conversations,” said Kris Smith, assis- students to reflect Christ-like character in Skye Reagan, a photography senior, served in tant director of mobilization. everything they do. Southeast Asia. Her training helped her learn more about building relationships. Many students on Encounter teams end up “They’re better equipped because we’re trying serving abroad for the first time. Training for to ground them in their faith and understanding “Intentional relationship building manifests these teams covers a biblical foundation and how their story fits into God’s story and what itself in having relationships that are ultimately the basics of international travel. Participants He’s already doing,” Smith said. centered on the Lord…and simply showing also are required to complete a local service This summer, 35 teams totaling nearly 300 volunteers served in 25 countries. The teams conducted theater and sports camps, assisted in health care practices and sought to create culture interactions.
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(Above) A team of students traveled to Warsaw, Poland, with the goal in mind to have Gospel-centered conservations with local college students.
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SPIRITUAL GROWTH SPOTLIGHT BI BLICA LLY R OOTE D
Chapel lineup highlights prominent evangelical leaders In 2017, Pastor Rick Warren, California Baptist University alumnus, spoke at the inaugural chapel service in the newly opened CBU Events Center. Kay Warren, Rick’s wife and co-founder of Saddleback Church, opened up the chapel schedule for the spring 2019 semester.
utive director of Community Restoration with the North American Mission Board.
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, said that chapel services are a building block of the culture at CBU.
said. “There are people who will see Jesus, and there are those who will not see him. This is the difference between heaven and hell.” Lewis focused on the topic of reconciliation.
“Our chapel services are designed to be chal- “We should be able to create environments lenging, engaging, relevant and life changing,” where we have real talk, not just the talk we Ellis said. have around people who look like us, talk like us and act like us,” Lewis said. Laurie, during his chapel address, focused his message on putting God first. Samantha Martirez, an international student from the Philippines, said chapel speakers “You must choose life each day,” Laurie said. have addressed relevant issues. Warren was one of many prominent evangel- “Put God first in all areas of your life and God ical voices to speak at the weekly CBU chapel will bless you.” “I like how speakers incorporate the Christian services during the 2018-19 academic year. aspect into issues students face,” Martirez Mohler’s chapel message focused on the said. “A recent speaker talked about relaOthers included Greg Laurie, founding pastor deity of Christ. tionships, specifically about attraction and of Harvest Christian Fellowship; Dr. R. Albert lust. I loved how she incorporated the scripMohler Jr., president of The Southern Baptist “The Pharisees had perfectly good eyes but ture and the Christian aspect in a topic that Theological Seminary; and Dhati Lewis, exec- couldn’t see anything spiritually,” Mohler is rarely talked about.”
“What would move some of you in the crowd to be a disciple of Jesus?” Kay Warren asked the CBU chapel audience on Jan. 15, 2019. “Jesus makes it clear what disciples need to do—deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him.”
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COURSE HIGHLIGHT F ORE NS IC S C IE NC E
SCI 205 - FORENSIC SCIENCE TR AININ G THE N EX T G E N E RATION OF CR IM IN A L JUSTIC E PROFE SSION AL S
“When we put together the lab, we designed it so it would approximate the setting of an actual forensic science lab.” — Dr. Thomas Ferko Yellow caution tape marked off a mock crime scene dedicated for learning. Just beyond the restricted area, a mannequin lay face down on the floor. A chair was knocked over. A red fluid was also spattered on the floor and smudged on a TV remote. California Baptist University students in a lab for the Introduction to Forensic Science (SCI 205) course, began describing what they observed to forensic specialists from the Riverside Police Department.
Robin Gonzalez, a criminal justice junior, adjusted the microscope as he tried to determine the refractive index of glass.
“This lab has given me a lot of knowledge. When I’m out in the criminal justice field, it will give me an advantage,” Gonzalez said.
Using forensic specialists from the Riverside Police Department and other area agencies also assists the students, Ferko said.
Later, the students conducted a blood spatter analysis. Additionally, the specialists showed them how to dust and lift fingerprints off petri dishes.
“Being able to partner with them and learn from their expertise is a great benefit to our students,” Ferko said.
The class covers the basics of documenting a crime scene as well as preserving and processing forensic evidence.
“Who knew you could use bugs?” said Adriana Cortez, a forensic chemistry senior.
The lab is part of the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry program at CBU.
Dr. Thomas Ferko, program director of chemistry and biochemistry and molecular biology, said the lab is closely aligned with topics covered in the lecture section of the course.
One of the forensic tools employed in the lab is entomology—using insects to determine time of death.
The forensic science lab course introduced Cortez to various fields within a crime laboratory, such as a biology unit, a physical science unit, and how they work together to solve crimes.
The lab offers students hands-on experiences in processing simulated Cortez enjoyed the broad knowledge she gained from the course. crime scenes using some of the same tools and materials that professionals use, Ferko added. “For me, since I don’t know specifically which [criminal justice] field I want to be in, having a little bit of each helps,” Cortez said. “You can learn things “The lab gives students an opportunity to experience the practice of foren- from a textbook but it’s completely different when you learn it hands-on. sic science beyond what they can gain from lectures, videos or simulations,” The lab is an essential part of this class.” Ferko said. “When we put together the lab, we designed it so it would approximate the setting of an actual forensic science lab.” SUMMER 2019 1 3
COMMENCEMENT 2 01 8 - 20 19
CBU has record number of graduates The Class of 2019 at California Baptist University is the largest ever, with 2,920 candidates for graduation in fall, spring and summer commencement ceremonies.
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The combined spring ceremonies were the university’s most graduated in the spring with a dual major in psychology attended celebrations ever. On April 30, 2019, and the follow- and business administration. She is seeking a career as a ing day, CBU held four ceremonies with attendance totaling neuropsychiatrist and a psychotherapist for children with more than 12,000 individuals. The graduates included seven special needs. candidates for doctoral degrees, 537 for master’s degrees and 934 for undergraduate degrees for a total of 1,478 appli- “CBU helped me to find a way to integrate a spiritual perspeccants. tive into any given situation,” Ortiz said. “It shaped my values and thoughts of how I want to be when I pursue a future Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, said during the spring career.” ceremonies that the accomplishments for the students have come with sacrifices. Michael Koval graduated with a 4.0 GPA and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He said his “Each of these graduating students has arrived at this point time at CBU formed his thinking in many ways. because of a shared commitment to the challenging, yet rewarding endeavor of higher education. Each one has over- “It helped me to grow in my knowledge and skills as an engicome obstacles to achieve this goal,” Ellis said. “Graduates, neer. It also helped me grow closer with Christ,” Koval said. you have faced many difficulties and yet you persevered. “God was very gracious to grant me success in many areas We congratulate each one of you. The faculty and the entire like my school work, my job as a tutor and my friendships.” university family join me in saying we are proud of you and we pray God’s blessing upon you.” Among those attending the 2 p.m. ceremony on April 30 was Juanice Brister Williams, a member of the first graduMiranda Ortiz, an Online and Professional Studies student, ating class at then California Baptist College. CBC opened in
September 1950 and hosted its first commencement ceremonies on May 31, 1954, at the First Southern Baptist Church of El Monte, California. In acknowledging her presence at the ceremony, President Ellis noted she received a Bachelor of Arts in Music and went on to serve in church music ministry with her husband, Glenn, for 53 years.
“Juanice Brister Williams now resides in Tucson, Arizona. An item on her bucket list was to sit on stage in the CBU Events Center during commencement. Today, that dream is realized,” Ellis said.
CBU also recognized the efforts of several students who achieved excellence in their academic accomplishments.
Alexis Ohmar, an international student from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, received the Min Sung Kim International Student Award that is presented to an international student who has made outstanding contributions to the CBU community. Rebekah Bernal of Winchester, California, was the recipient of the 2019 Outstanding Senior Award. Bernal earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a 4.0 GPA.
Jose Macias, an early childhood studies student within the Division of Online and Professional Studies, earned the division’s Student of the Year recognition. Macias graduated with a 4.0 GPA.
Dr. Michael Nolen, chair of the CBU Board of Trustees, encouraged graduates on behalf of the board to use the Great Commission training they received at CBU to benefit others.
“Graduates, my hope is that for each of you the return on the investment will be great through the blessings that you experience, and as you bless others throughout your lives. May each of you continue to seek and to ‘Live your Purpose,’” Nolen said. Dr. Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board, served as the spring commencement speaker.
“Today is a day to celebrate and to be thankful,” Ezell said. “Thankful for the professors that have poured into your lives and thankful for your parents who have made sacrifices along the way.”
“God has a purpose for your life and many doors are going to open as a result of your training at CBU,” Ezell said. “Life also has challenges and how you respond to that is going to determine how successful you are…. Our circumstances do not reveal our view of God but God can shape the way we view our circumstances.” Ezell encouraged the graduates to fulfill the Gospel’s mandate to carry out the Great Commission.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
Jenny Buchholz pursuing her purpose in media career
Jenny Buchholz is producer at Fox News in Washington, D.C., bureau.
Jenny Buchholz (nee Minder, ’12) remembers her experience in the Hawkeye State as a blur of sights and sounds. Iowa is the home of political caucuses that kick off American presidential races, and it is where Buchholz was assigned by Fox News to follow Republican candidate Rick Santorum early in the 2016 presidential campaign. “We were on the road, slept one to two hours a night, moved to the next town. It was wild,” said Buchholz, now a producer at Fox News in the Washington, D.C., bureau. “I like the drama of politics. It’s always interesting and it’s always changing. There’s never ever a dull moment.”
Buchholz’s grandfather, an editor of a small town newspaper in Texas, provided her first exposure to journalism. Then in high school, Buchholz read a magazine-style Bible. The graphics and sidebar stories helped her understand the content better and made her realize the impact of clear communication. At California Baptist University, Buchholz expanded her interest in communications by majoring in journalism and media. She wrote for the campus publications, The Banner and Pursuit magazine and held various editorial positions including editor in chief of the 16 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
campus newspaper during her senior year.
“My professors were so encouraging that I never thought I couldn’t do something,” Buchholz said. “I think that was a confidence booster and it allowed me to go for the bigger opportunities.” CBU campus publications provided a great learning environment, she added.
“Working on The Banner and the other student media laid the foundation for everything I’m doing now. I always tell students who are studying journalism that writing is a basic skill you need to have,” Buchholz said. At CBU, Buchholz also met her husband, Andrew (’12), who works in marketing in the D.C. area. The couple has a child, Summer, who was born in April 2019. As a CBU student, Buchholz had an internship at the Washington Examiner, a political journalism website and weekly magazine. Another internship—at Fox News—eventually led to her current job.
Buchholz started at Fox News as an assignment desk assistant before being promoted to an associate producer position on the “Fox News
Sunday” show with Chris Wallace. For the past three years, Buchholz has produced news stories in Washington, D.C., covering the White House, the Capitol and the State Department.
On one such assignment, Buchholz traveled to Hawaii on Air Force Two with Vice President Mike Pence. She was working on a report about the remains of several U.S. soldiers killed in the Korean War whose remains were being returned to the U.S. She also traveled to Paris to cover President Donald Trump attending a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.
Buchholz said she tries to be fair in her stories. “I take responsibility for my own work and try to make things balanced,” Buchholz added Buchholz also said she appreciates how her experience at CBU prepared her to live out her faith.
“No matter what you do—and I think this is something you learn from CBU—whether you go into missions or you go into engineering, you can ‘Live Your Purpose’ anywhere you end up in life. I can be a Christian wherever I’m at,” Buchholz said.
Native American graduate hopes her achievement inspires others “Everyone’s education path is different. Some people realize it later in life and some know it younger. Your plan is different and you shouldn’t compare it to others.” — Dr. Maria Aguirre-Mendoza Dr. Maria Aguirre-Mendoza received her Doctor of Public Administration degree from California Baptist University in the fall 2018.
Dr. Maria Aguirre-Mendoza received her Doctor of Public Administration degree in fall 2018, becoming the first Native American to earn a doctoral degree at California Baptist University.
Aguirre-Mendoza said she hopes her education journey can be an inspiration for those facing trials in their educational pursuits. “Everyone’s education path is different. Some people realize it later in life and some know it younger. Your plan is different and you shouldn’t compare it to others,” Aguirre-Mendoza said.
Aguirre-Mendoza traces her lineage to the Gabrielino-Tongva Nation, whose tribal lands extended from the Los Angeles basin to the Channel Islands.
Aguirre-Mendoza grew up in Riverside but attended college in Northern California. Attending school as a single mom of two, she had to apply for assistance from the Department of Social Services to help cover living costs. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she returned to Riverside. She was then hired by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians to be a career development specialist with the tribe’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
“My job was to help mothers in similar situations as mine,” Aguirre-Mendoza recalled. “It’s nice to be able to help others, especially when you’ve already walked that path.”
This passion to help others in difficult circumstances led her to seek additional training. She found it at CBU, where she earned a Master of Public Administration degree (’13) and her doctorate.
graduated and begin working, I remembered the things they taught me,” Aguirre-Mendoza said.
In 2014, Aguirre-Mendoza became executive director of the tribal TANF. Her doctoral dissertation, “Cultural Infusion in Tribal TANF Programs in California,” identified ways that the inclusion of cultural practices can enrich self-sufficiency programs for indigenous people. “I discussed how culture can be used in a social services program, particularly talking about tribal TANF programs and how they help benefit clients,” Aguirre-Mendoza said. Aguirre-Mendoza is now married. Her son is in the U.S. Army and her daughter is going to community college. “I’ve always talked to my kids about higher education and the importance of going to school and doing something with your life and trying to always do better,” Aguirre-Mendoza said. “Don’t sell yourself short. Always continue to ask questions. And it’s never too late.”
When graduate students for the Online and Professional Studies programs received their hoods on Dec. 12, 2018, Aguirre-Mendoza’s story was shared during the ceremony. She said people came up to her afterward and said how inspired they were by her story. “I hope to motivate others to follow in my footsteps. I think it’s important for people to see one person do it so that it will light a fire inside them so they know they can do it, too,” Aguirre-Mendoza said.
CBU professors helped her along her education path, Aguirre-Mendoza said. They challenged her, pushed her to think outside the box, and helped guide her dissertation. “They really mold you. When I first came to them, I didn’t know anything. Later, when I finished,
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CBU events build strong sense of community Each semester at California Baptist University, hundreds of extracurricular events take place on campus that focus on building up the student body. While some are designed for social recreation and others for academic growth, there is a common theme of creating a welcoming community where friendships are formed and forged. Following are a few notable examples from the spring 2019 semester at CBU. Woo Fest - Mix a snippet of “American Idol” with a bit of “America’s Got Talent” and you get the idea of Woo Fest at California Baptist University.
The popular event had its largest turnout ever with more than 2,000 spectators who showed up to watch the talent show at maximum capacity Fox Performing Arts Center on Feb. 8, 2019. The Woo Fest originated a decade ago around Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for the male students at CBU to “woo” the females with their various talents. The event has evolved into one of the largest events at CBU. Many students dressed in formal attire for the event. Sarah Pacheco, a business administration sophomore, said she enjoyed the way she was treated at the Woo Fest.
“It is awesome how they made us feel so good as ladies. It was just a great night, I loved it,” said Pacheco. 18 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
Upon entering the Fox Theater, each female student was given a red rose and escorted to her seat.
The evening featured 10 different acts. In addition, the audience roared with laughter while viewing brief parody videos of popular movies such as the “The Notebook” and “La La Land.”
Robot’s Got Talent/Design Showcase - The event is a construction competition for the first-year students within the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering, pitting teams against each other to build robots designed to perform specific tasks. Teams must use Legos, laser-cut and 3D printed parts to create their robots.
The competition is meant to give students hands-on experience in designing and engineering, said Dr. John Butler, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering.
CAMPUS COMMUNITY S O C I A L INT E RAC T IONS
ACADEMIC CLUBS OFFERED AT CBU Accounting Association for Computing Machinery Architecture Engineering Construction American Institute of Chemical Engineering American Institute of Architecture Students American Medical Women’s Association American Sign Language American Society of Civil Engineers American Society of Mechanical Engineers Army ROTC Art Association of Christians in Architecture Aspiring Surgeons Association Athletic Training Student Organization Aviation Science Biology Biomedical Engineering Chemistry Creative Writing Early Childhood Studies Environmental Health Helping Hands Industrial and Systems Engineering International Justice Mission Investment Group Marketing Mathematics Pre-Dental Pre-Law Society Pre-Medical Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Radiological Science Science and Religion Society of Automotive Engineers Spanish STEM Girls Students of Nursing Association Students Veterans Association Teacher
“Since all the competitors are engineering students, it gets them designing and engineering things early in their academic careers. We teach them an integrative design process where they are continually tweaking things,” Butler said.
Teams have created robots that performed various tasks such as writing, surveillance, cleaning, tossing objects and even dipping an Oreo cookie into milk. Jonathan Gibson, a civil engineering junior, said teamwork was an important factor in his team’s success in building a robot that could collect small balls or orbs.
“You have to rely on your team as much as your own robot. In creating the robot, it helped me gain the knowledge and willingness to work with others,” Gibson said.
CBU Student Film Festival – This is an annual competition where students submitted self-produced films in a variety of categories. A film board selects the top productions to show in conjunction with the Riverside International Film Festival.
This year’s film festival drew more than 20 submissions. The films touched on topics including mental illness, addiction, love, self-discovery and multiculturalism. The film “Classified,” directed and written by Torrin Diaz, won Best Film and Best Screenplay. Diaz’s short film was a noir comedy. Dr. Melissa Croteau, professor of film studies at CBU, said she was thrilled students got an opportunity to gauge their films through the audience’s reactions.
“It is great for students to be able to screen their films in front of a live audience—and not just classmates and professors, but for the public. This kind of experience propels students forward,” Croteau said. “The opportunity gives students a chance to see their film up on a screen and listen while the audience laughs when they meant a scene to be funny and clap at the end in support of their project. It is a priceless feeling.” Bob Goodrich Business Plan Competition – CBU students work in teams to submit a business plan for a proposed entrepreneur start-up. The top three teams earn a total of $10,000 in cash prizes. The Robert K. Jabs School of Business sponsors the competition and the prizes are funded by an anonymous donor. Once the business plans are submitted, Master of Business Administration students from CBU analyze and measure their viability.
The plans included an executive summary; the type of products and services the company would be selling; and various marketing research metrics. Each plan also is ranked by an MBA professor, who ensured that all elements of a business plan were considered.
Four finalists were selected to present a five-minute business pitch to a panel of judges consisting of Lisa Wright, CEO of United Way of the Inland Valleys; Matt Irving, technology entrepreneur and owner of SystemGo It; and Stevie Hasemeyer, co-founder of Arcade Coffee Roasters in Riverside.
The winning team proposed a coffee subscription box called Snob Box. The idea was to package local coffee roasters’ coffee into sample bags and charge a monthly subscription for customers to taste different varieties of coffee.
Justin Porter and Austin Keiling, both entrepreneurship seniors, said that they used their experience from working at coffee shops to develop their business plan.
“Our research was conducted through our own experience. We both worked in coffee for a long time, so we already knew a lot about the coffee business,” Porter said.
SUMMER 2019 1 9
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS EQUI PPED TO SE RVE
HELPING THE HOMELESS Master of Social Work students participate in pilot program that brings together nonprofits, government and churches to serve the homeless population Erika Shelton, a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at California Baptist University, came face-to-face with Riverside County’s increasing homeless population during the spring 2019 semester.
On Jan. 29, 2019, nearly 750 other volunteers participated in the federally mandated homeless count in Riverside County. The volunteers teamed up with public service government employees and experienced professionals to canvass the county.
The results showed a 21 percent increase in the overall homeless population from the previous year. The latest count was 2,811 individuals, according to a Riverside County Department of Public Social Services report.
Shelton’s interaction with the homeless population through a church internship, however, became much more personal than any statistic might indicate.
“During my internship, I was able to hear a lot of people’s stories that consisted of dramatic life events,” Shelton said. “While I’m meeting with these people I’m thinking, ‘How can I reaffirm them of their strengths and how far they have come, how can I reflect a summary of what they’ve been through so that they know they are heard and that I’m there to support them?’” Shelton helped Corona Community Church rebuild its food ministry and revamp its volunteer trainings. The purpose of the volunteer training was to break the stigma of what poverty is and to have volunteers focus on compassion. Shelton said the group canvassed the neighborhood to assess the needs
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of the homeless population. Later, Shelton led a training event to instruct church members on how to engage with the homeless community.
“Part of my internship consisted of bringing the leadership of several congregations together to figure out how to serve the (homeless) people around the church. How do we know we’re meeting the needs of those that we’re servicing if we’re not engaging with them?” Shelton asked. Shelton also helped coordinate a community health fair that offered a dental van, mental health screening and nutrition consulting, as well as setting up people for case management.
“To see the reflection in their eyes—of hope—has been a really impacting time not only during this internship but what I anticipate seeing throughout my life in the counseling profession,” Shelton said.
Shelton’s internship experience was part of a pilot program in Riverside County, featuring a partnership among local governments, nonprofits, churches and universities.
The Love Your Neighbor Communities (LYNC) program, which began in September 2018, aimed to identify and alleviate barriers and gaps in the delivery of health and social services to the homeless and near homeless populations.
As part of the program, 15 students pursuing social work degrees from California Baptist University, La Sierra University and Loma Linda University interned with seven churches in Riverside and Corona. Programming duties ranged from participating in existing programs to coordinating outreach
services to beginning on-site counseling programs.
The interns evaluated the effectiveness of homeless-related programs and provided recommendations for improvements to their respective churches. They also served as a liaison between the city, the faith community and nonprofit groups. The City of Riverside is participating in the LYNC program. Mayor Rusty Bailey said he believes in a collaborative effort in dealing with the homeless population.
“While I’m meeting with these people I’m thinking, ‘how can I reaffirm them of their strengths and how far they have come, how can I reflect a summary of what they’ve been through so that they know they are heard and that I’m there to support them?’” — Erika Shelton
the students to offer fresh eyes on the programs and services being offered.
“Seeing how the system works, we’re able to say ‘hold on, why are we doing it this way? Is there a reason?’” Cannon said. “Just the church can’t do it all and just the government can’t do it all. We’re coming together as a community.”
Guadalupe Buitron, another Master of Social Work student at CBU, helped Hope Community Church in Riverside strengthen its homeless ministry. She conducted workshops with the church, educating the congregation on how it could offer adequate help to this population.
“The success to the city’s Housing First initiative is highly dependent on appropriate support services,” Bailey said. “The LYNC internship has allowed us to deploy social work interns, under supervision, “I was interested in the internship because to provide high-quality, wrap-around it was going to be a collaborative effort services.” between a lot of different agencies,” Buitron said. “What we learned in class we For Shelton, the internship produced a have been able to practice in our field, so broader picture of what organizations are we’ve seen it in real life.” doing to combat homelessness. Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside “What I learned is we’re trying to give has served meals to the homeless populapeople houses, we’re trying to give them tion on Sunday nights for the past 35 years. an ID or feed them but we also need to be going after the root of the issue,” Shelton That ministry has grown to include other said. “If we can get to the root of the prob- assistance, but the church has struglem or create services that will prevent gled with referring people to the correct them from going into homelessness, this government services, said the Rev. Alfred will be beneficial.” Graise, a pastor at Calvary. Eight Master of Social Work interns from CBU participated in the program during the 2018-19 academic year.
The interns at the church answered questions, connected people to existing services and put together a list of available resources for the staff to reference.
“Our interns are getting a biblical perspective of how a church can respond to the “It’s been encouraging for the congregation problem and what that looks like,” said to know that we are providing even more Jennifer Costello, Master of Social Work help for those in need. It’s also been helpful program field director at CBU. “It’s been for church members when they had questhis amazing reciprocal relationship tions about their own family needs,” Graise that’s occurred between our pastors, our said. “We are praying that this program churches and our social workers.” grows and expands. It is a blessing to see the faith community, the city and the local Kaycee Cannon, one of the Master of universities work together.” Social Work students from CBU, interned at Riverside Community Church. She also assisted Path of Life Ministries, a nonprofit that serves the Riverside homeless population. Cannon’s internship included planning a health fair. Cannon noted that the internship allowed
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LANCER ATHLETICS SUMMER REPORT
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LANCERS HAVE HISTORIC ATHLETIC SEASON ON AND OFF THE FIELD OF PLAY The Lancer athletics program enjoyed great success both on the playing field and in the classroom in its first season of NCAA Division I competition. CBU logged five top-three Western Athletic Conference finishes in the regular season. Lancers women’s cross country and baseball teams brought home the university’s first two conference championships. Additionally, five CBU teams qualified for postseason tournaments (women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s swimming and men’s and women’s basketball). Both basketball teams hosted firstround postseason games and both the men’s and women’s water polo teams ended the year ranked in the top-25 in NCAA D-I rankings (men 16th, women 25th). The cheer team continued its dominance at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), winning its seventh consecutive National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate Cheer Championship. With their inaugural win as a D-1 program, the Lancers remain undefeated in the NCA since 2013. For the fifth time in six years, the Athletics Department increased its department grade-point average and hit a new all-time high. Overall, CBU’s 18 teams achieved a combined 3.35 GPA for the 2018-19 academic year. That was an increase from 3.24 for 2017-18, and an improvement on the Lancers’ previous best department GPA of 3.267 in 2016-17. It all came in the midst of the Lancers’ challenging inaugural D-I athletic season. “The Lancers put the STUDENT in student-athlete,” said Dr. Micah Parker, director of athletics. “Not only did our teams have a terrific year in our first year of D-I, they managed their new schedules and set a record for department GPA.” Remarkably, every team logged a GPA of at least a 3.11 and eight recorded GPAs above 3.4. Women’s golf posted a team-high GPA of 3.83, while women’s cross country and women’s water polo rounded out the top three with 3.66 and 3.61, respectively.
“The Lancers put the STUDENT in student-athlete. Not only did our teams have a terrific year in our first year of D-1, they managed their new schedules and set a record for department GPA.” — Dr. Micah Parker
SUMMER 2019 23
LANCER ATHLETICS C ROSS C OUN TRY
ADAM TRIBBLE LEADS WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM TO LANCERS’ FIRST D-1 TITLE Adam Tribble has Southern roots. As a runner at the University of Georgia, Tribble was a two-year captain of the Bulldogs track and field team. Tribble also became an NCAA Division I All-Region racer in cross country. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, Tribble went on to earn a master’s degree in movement studies. He also transitioned into coaching, taking his knowledge and passion for running to the University of Alabama as an assistant cross country and distance runner coach for seven years.
Adam Tribble
In 2012, Tribble married Meredith Crane, who was a volunteer coach with Alabama’s distance running team. The couple has two children, a son, Ben and a daughter, Georgia. Eventually, however, the Tribble’s left Southern living behind to head west and join the Lancer Nation. Tribble took over as head coach of the California Baptist University men’s and women’s cross country teams for the 2018–19 season during the Lancers’ move to NCAA D-1 competition. Why leave the comforts of home for such a challenge? Anett Somogyi 24 ROUNDTABLE MAGAZINE
Tribble said CBU offered the complete package for him and his family. “My family and I are thrilled to be joining the CBU family. After seeing the campus, meeting everyone, and hearing all CBU has to offer to s tudent-athletes, I feel this is a place that had tremendous potential,” Tribble said when he arrived at CBU. Tribble inherited a number of experienced runners and a culture of winning. The Lancers had won both the men’s and women’s PacWest Championships the previous year and a number of athletes competed at the NCAA D-II National Championships. Tribble knew he had a lot of returning talent; he just needed to get to know them and understand their strengths. “A lot of what I did at the beginning was to get accustomed to everything, from the athletes, to the coaches, and just the entire team,” Tribble said. “We were just doing the best we can to try to get the best product that we could in the short amount of time that we had.” After watching his teams compete in the first few invitationals, Tribble was convinced he had championship talent. “While it may be a new conference, the expectations are still there to win our conference,” Tribble told his coaches and players throughout the year. “We need to take care of variables we can control. “I hope each of our individuals competing go into the race with individual purpose and focus to execute their individual race plans. If they do that, it will just help us find team success,” Tribble said. Anett Somogyi, a junior and the 2018 WAC Cross Country Individual Champion, said Tribble is extremely organized. “Adam sends our workouts a week ahead for us. I think it is a good amount of time because we must plan based on how the previous week’s workouts went, so we can adjust,” Somogyi said. “He is willing to help with any problem that we are struggling on as long as it serves a good purpose. He wants us to work hard and he wants us to succeed as a team.” Somogyi said coach Tribble has a motto: “No zeros, no heroes.” “This means to work together as a group,” she explained. “There is a time and place to race because all of us are competitive. It can be a hard mission to accomplish, but that’s why he is teaching us to work together.”
On Oct. 27, 2018, the men’s and women’s teams participated in their first Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title race. Going into the weekend event, the Lancer women’s team had finished second in three of their four races in the season. The men’s team had already secured a victory at the UCR Highlander Invitational to go along with fifth-place finishes at two other meets. Prior to the event, Tribble was confident in his team’s ability to secure a WAC championship. “If we can compete and take care of our business individually, I think we can walk away pleased with the results,” Tribble told his teams. The championship race was held at the Jefferson Park Golf Course in Seattle, Washington. The weather was foggy, cold and damp. Nevertheless, the women’s team broke through the gloomy morning and shined bright with a performance that Tribble had been training his student athletes for all season long. Somogyi won the individual 6K crown, with three Lancers placing in the top five. CBU women’s team topped the podium with 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. The title was the team’s first in WAC competition and its first conference championship as a member of a NCAA D-1 program. The Lancers bested Utah Valley (second, 61 points), Kansas City (third, 89 points), defending WAC Champion New Mexico State University (fourth, 95 points), and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (fifth, 120 points). To top off an exciting day, 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 Tribble was named the WAC Coach of the Year.
“[These awards are] just a tribute to the work and sacrifice these ladies have put in the over the course of the season.” — Adam Tribble
“[These awards are] just a tribute to the work and sacrifice these ladies have put in over the course of the season,” said Tribble. “It was great to see the way the women rose up on that day. They controlled the variables they could control and put great effort out there.” With his inaugural season at CBU behind him, Tribble has set his sights on planning for the next season and thinking about one thing — speed. He said his goal for the coming season includes getting his team healthy and training them to become the fastest racers they can be.
SUMMER 2019 25
LANCER ATHLETICS BASK ETBA LL
LAND DOWN UNDER IS A RECRUITING GEM FOR CBU MEN’S BASKETBALL Bul Kuol had just gotten up from a power nap. He felt rested. Next on his pre-game checklist was to put on some high-energy tunes that would help him get hyped for the history-making game against Oral Roberts University. It would be the first official game against an NCAA Division 1 opponent since the Lancers transitioned into D-I competition.
Growing up in the Republic of the Sudan, his passion was soccer.“In Africa, that’s all we play. That’s all we knew. I didn’t know any other sport at the time,” Kuol said.
“Caporn thought Kuol had a great potential and great work ethic. Bul was all-in on this journey that he wanted to play at a university in the United States and was willing to work to get better,” Croy said. “Those are the guys When his family moved to Australia, his 6-foot- we want to attract.” 4-inch frame, gave him a competitive advantage over many of his peers in a game that had Croy said he has enjoyed seeing Koul develop become increasingly popular with the Aussies. during his time at CBU.
As the beats echoed from his headphones, “As I played more in high school with my “He’s a great learner. He always wants to know Kuol started to handle several game balls. friends, I got more interested in it,” Kuol said. more and accepts challenges very well.” Croy He flipped a few in the air to gauge how they “Eventually, I fell in love with basketball. It was said. “He makes other people better and has would bounce. He then started to dribble two the only thing I did in my spare time.” become a very good leader of our program.” balls fiercely up and down and then in circles. He wanted to make sure his hands had a good Lancer head coach Rick Croy discovered Kuol Kuol said he likes to approach the game with feel for the balls. through a friend and former Australian basket- an aggressive mindset. ball player turned coach. Kuol, a 6-foot-7-inch, business administration senior at California Baptist University, Adam Caporn has helped bring to light some (STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 28) has come a long way in his basketball career. of the brightest stars from the Land Down Kuol did not pick up the sport until high school. Under.
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Bul Kuol
Jordan Heading
SUMMER 2019 27
LANCER ATHLETICS BASK ETBA LL
LAND DOWN UNDER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
“My mentality during the game is to play as hard as I can,” Kuol said. “I’m always trying to be there for my teammates and trying to take from the opponent.” During the second half of the Oral Roberts game, Kuol saw an opportunity to put his mentality to play. With CBU holding onto a slim 54-51 lead over the Golden Eagles, Kuol was on defense when he anticipated an outlet pass. Kuol jumped the passing lane, snatched the ball out of the air and then he hustled down to the court to throw down an uncontested slam, instantly igniting the Lancers bench. Kuol would add another high energy dunk at another key moment of the game that also hyped his team. The Lancers would go on to win the game on a Milan Acquaah half-court buzzer beater, as the team defeated Oral Roberts 70-69 in the Lancers’ first true D-I game. The dramatic finish went on to be featured as the No. 1 spot on the Top 10 Plays of the Day for the Los Angeles Edition of Sports Center. The Lancers would secure 16 wins in the first year of a four-year transition to D-I status—the most wins by a first-year team that is an RPI Counter (NCAA evaluation tool). CBU and Grand Canyon University are the only two first-year transition programs to post
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double-digit wins against D-I teams in the last 10 years.
“We are really thrilled to embark on this foreign tour to Australia,” Croy said. “Six of our young men are from the country and had the special “I love being a student-athlete here at CBU. It’s experience of playing at home. Additionally, I nice to be able to go to class and do what I love,” am thankful for the global perspective that is Kuol said. “The fact that CBU athletics supports going to be provided to our team.” the basketball program so much means a lot to me. We know that CBU is there for us. They While in Sydney—the home of recent signee, do everything they can to give us great access Reed Nottage—the Lancers visited a variety to the basketball court and to have so much of tourism sites including the Sydney Harbour, support from the students and the community.” Sydney Tower, Sydney Wildlife Zoo and Sydney Aquarium before getting down to work to play Croy said he wants Kuol to play his best basket- the Sydney Kings. ball for his senior year. Next, the Lancers traveled to Canberra, the “My goal for him is to leave an incredible basket- home of Kuol and teammate Glenn Morison, to ball and personal legacy here at CBU. He’s face the Basketball Australia Centre of Excelgrown a lot in his faith. He’s matured a lot.” Croy lence. The team also flew to Melbourne, home said. “I want him to put himself in the position to of fall signee Tristan Forsyth, to take on the go play professional basketball and leave here Dandenong Rangers. with a great degree.” “This trip afforded such invaluable opportuniCBU men’s basketball got an early start on the ties,” added Croy. “From growing camaraderie 2019-20 season when it headed out to Australia amongst everyone in the program to playing at the end of July. A foreign tour is allowed by elite competition.” the NCAA every four years. The trip is fitting for the team as six players on the roster for the upcoming season are from Down Under. The Lancers spent 13 days traveling to five cities and playing five games against professional and club teams.
ALUMNI EVENTS G R ANDPA REN TS’ DAY
Grandparents Day brings generations of families together at CBU
Paige Johnson, a pre-nursing freshman, was making a do-it-yourself welcome sign with her grandmother, Carol Lund, during Grandparents Day at California Baptist University. As they were creating their craft to take home, the pair were also laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Johnson said CBU is important to her and that she is happy to show her grandmother around the campus.
“Being able to spend time with my grandmother was my favorite part of this event,” Johnson said. “I appreciate how CBU gave a variety of sessions and activities at different times to spend time with my grandmother since I had class throughout the day.” The Alumni and Parent Relations office at CBU hosted the event on April 11, 2019. More than 350 grandparents attended various sessions and activities that were held around the campus throughout the day. Grandparents had an opportunity to get a glimpse of the life of their grandchildren at CBU through campus tours, speakers and attending the chapel presented by Dr. Micah Parker, director of athletics. Josh Moss, director of Alumni and Parent Relations, said the goal of this event is for grandparents to bond with their grandchildren at CBU.
“The event creates a fun and interactive day that ties the student and grandparents into the CBU experience,” Moss said. “We love welcoming the grandparents to our campus and making them a part of the CBU family.” Lindy Coulter, grandmother of Madi Roset, a pre-nursing freshman, said she enjoyed the campus and appreciated the kindness of the CBU staff.
“I thought chapel was fabulous, and Dr. Parker was wonderful. I enjoyed the worship time,” Lindy said. “Seeing Madi’s room and meeting her roommate added up to a really wonderful day.” SUMMER 2019 29
ALUMNI EVENTS HO MEC OMI N G
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HOMECOMING WEEKEND DRAWS LARGE CROWDS AND PLENTY OF LANCER PRIDE Homecoming weekend at California Baptist University drew more than 5,000 alumni and friends to campus on Feb. 8-9, 2019. Speaking at the Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Friday evening, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, thanked those present for returning to campus and for all of their support for the university throughout the years. CBU alumni awards presented at the dinner included: C.L. Lopez, recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award; Dr. David Hernandez, Alumni Service Award
recipient; R. Wayne Stacks, Distinguished Service in Christian Ministry Award recipient; Dr. Steve Johnson, recipient of the Alumnus of the Year award; Walt and Marilyn Crabtree, Alumni Philanthropy Award recipients; and Margaret Hollis, recipient of the Lancer Medal for Lifetime Achievement award. On Saturday, the festivities included 10-, 25- and 50-year class reunions. Jim Rhodes, who participated in the 50-year reunion, said the growth at CBU was impressive. (STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 33)
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ALUMNI EVENTS HO MEC OMI N G
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HOMECOMING WEEKEND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31
California Baptist University
2019 Alumni Award Recipients
A near-capacity crowd watched CBU pull off a homecoming victory 70-60 over the University of Missouri-Kansas City. “The change in the school has been kind of amazing,” Rhodes said. “It’s been exciting coming back and looking around after all these years. I haven’t really been here since ’73.”
C.L. Lopez
Young Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. David Hernandez
Alumni Service Award
New to Homecoming this year was the addition of a Hymn Sing held in the Staples Room. Dr. Joseph Bolin, dean of the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music, led the worship event, conducting the audience in old, familiar hymns such as “Victory in Jesus,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Blessed Assurance.” Ted Campbell, a graduate from 1962, said the Hymn Sing was a good option for alumni. “The location was a good choice too, because I’m sure a lot of the people in this audience can remember using this place as a chapel location,” Campbell said.
R. Wayne Stacks
Dr. Steve Johnson
Distinguished Service in Christian Ministry Award
Alumnus of the Year
Walt and Marilyn Crabtree
Margaret Hollis
Campbell recalled that he and many of his classmates first met their spouses in the Staples Room, adding to its sentimental value. On Saturday evening the focus of festivities moved outdoors for a men’s basketball pregame party that featured games, food and activities leading up to tip-off for the Lancers game. CBU secured a hard-fought 70-60 victory over University of Missouri-Kansas City in front of a near-capacity CBU Events Center crowd numbering 4,813 fans.
Alumni Philanthropy Award
Lifetime Achievement
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ALUMNEWS ALUM N I UP DAT E S 1960s
1970s Woodrow Larry Watson (’70) is a cancer survivor. He is now retired and enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. The latest addition to the family was his granddaughter Aubrey, who was welcomed into the family in 2017. Miriam Callahan (’73) is a published author.
Maurine King (‘60) received a Lifetime Legacy Award for her 52 years teaching at Hawaii Baptist Academy (Photo courtesy of Hawaii Baptist Academy). Jerry Hill (’61) celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary with his wife, Karen. They reside in Lake Palestine, Texas. Charles Thorne (’63) retired from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. He and his wife are active with after-school Bible classes at their church. Together, they raised two children and have three adult grandchildren.
Bruce Swetnam (’75) retired after 38 years of ministry. He resides in Riverside and serves in the college ministry at Magnolia Church. Virginia Childres (nee Crow ‘76) retired after a 30-career as a reading specialist. She now volunteers as a rehab specialist and as a substitute teacher. Bill Bathe (’77) is a retired law enforcement officer. He now serves as a private investigator. David Leonard (’77) has been the owner of David Leonard Associates for the past 22 years. He is also active in various civic service positions and serves as a planning consultant for California Baptist University.
Peggy Hopkins (nee Dyke ‘66) retired in 2013 from the child protective services in Texas. She moved to Australia to be near her son and his family.
Dewight Ike Riddle (‘77) served as the pastor at Olive Branch Community Church in Corona, California, for 17 years. He now resides in New Braunfels, Texas.
Lilian (nee Betancourt ‘67) Jezik is a retired teacher. She now teaches Sunday school and plays the piano at her church in Perris, California.
1980s
Peggy (nee Hughes ‘67) Williams retired after a 33-year career with International Mission Board as a missionary to France and Belgium. James Forkum (’69) was the dean and athletic director at Santa Rosa Junior College until retiring in 2014. James now lives in Carmel, California, with his wife, Sharon (nee Rehling ’73). He now works part time as the associate athletic director at Stevenson School, a private school in Pebble Beach. John Welch (’69) is a published novelist.
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Randy Craig (’80) is an author. He has also served for 50 years as a pianist at Stonebrooke Church in Vista, California. Jonathan Jarboe (’86) completed 26 years as senior pastor at Pathway Church in Redlands, California. On Aug. 1, 2019, he began a transition period as the president-elect of the Baptist Foundation of California. He and his wife, Tammy (’86), reside in Redlands. Gina Blackaby (nee Merriam ‘87) is a retired teacher and now serves as a biblical counselor with Victory Reins. Gina and her husband, Mel, welcomed their first granddaughter, Charlee Mae Moore, in September 2018. Scott W. Norman (’87) is the pastor at
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Vada, Georgia. He earned his doctorate in education in 2013. John Bratta (’88) is the president of RPP Products Inc. in Bloomington, California. Michael K. McKone (’88) is the CEO at Advanced Financial for the past 12 years. 1990s Thomas Turpen (’93) is the clinical director at Arlington Acupuncture Clinic at Columbus, Ohio.
Christa Banton (nee Ereksen ‘04) is teaching at the University of Phoenix and the University of California, Riverside extension program. She obtained her Doctor of Education degree in 2012. She also is a therapist with the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. She and her husband, Roger, reside in Hesperia, California, with their three children, Sophia, Saura and Sabastian. Patricia Drown (’04) serves as the executive director at the San Clemente Domestic Violence Task Force. She is also an adjunct professor at two universities.
Dr. Will Renzema (’96) was a supervisor at Riverside County Child Protective Services for 12 years and now operates WRSolutions, a private counseling practice in Menifee, California. He earned a doctorate degree with distinction in philosophy of counseling from Capella University in 2018. He and his wife are grandparents of 30 grandchildren.
Tessa Fisher (nee Jordan ’07) is a licensed and certified midwife, who works at Abundant Blessings in Orange County, California.
2000s
Phillip Michael Peek (’07) is a guardian administrator for the Yavapai County Public Fiduciary. He is also a fiduciary trainee with the Arizona Supreme Court.
Sarah ShaBazz (’00) is a published author of five children’s books and recently received her doctorate in special education from Walden University. Brad Calhoun (’00) became CEO and president of the Teachers Federal Credit Union, based in Hauppauge, New York.
Jesse Neimeyer-Romero (’07) received his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from California State University, San Bernardino in September 2018.
Danielle Roane (’07) is an associate director at Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Cindy Turner (nee Brault ’02) was inducted into the Ramona High School Athletic Hall of Fame. She is a sixthgrade teacher within the Riverside Unified School District.
Kevin Watson (’07) is a soccer coach at Arlington High School in Riverside. He coached his team to a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division II Boys Soccer Championship in 2019. He was named CIF D-II Coach of the Year and The Press-Enterprise Coach of the Year.
Alicia Forrest (’03) retired from the Perris Elementary School District, where she served as a special education specialist.
Robert Lewis Delpino (’08) is a district psychotherapist with the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.
Jessica Garcia (nee Mosebach ‘03) is a communications professional. She has been the recipient of several Nevada Press Association awards in multiple categories, including a Media Award for Outstanding Education Reporting from the Nevada Association of School Boards. She has also served as a grant-writer for the Northern Nevada Children Cancer Foundation.
Greg Johnson (’08) is a musical composer and an international TV show consultant. Jeremy Blunt (’09) is working as a general manager for Broadway Asia Company. He graduated in May 2019 with a Master of Fine Arts in Performing Arts Management from Brooklyn College.
ALUMNEWS WED D IN GS 2010s Samantha Katz (’11) is an advertising agency manager at Amazon. Jessica Oakes (’12) is a licensed marriage and family therapist with the Hemet Unified School District. She was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Youth Advocate Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness California chapter and the 2017 Woman of Distinction Award, selected by California Assemblyman Jose Medina.
Caitlin Marijke Bohnert (’13) graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from George Washington University in 2019.
Laura Boley (‘04) married Marcus Pittman on March 3, 2018, in Riverside, California.
Dakota McMahand (’15) is the founder and executive director of Budding Artists, a grassroots organization that provides tuition-free arts education programming for children in under-resourced areas of Los Angeles County.
Stephanie Lipscomb (’16) married Jeremy Steggell (‘17) on Oct. 28, 2018 (Pictured below).
IN M EMO R IAM Alumni Lera Faye Beasley (‘59) Jim Leeman (‘59) Crandel O. Lindsey (‘59) Joseph E. Cutsinger (‘60) Joseph M. Osborne (‘60) Don G. Martin (‘62) Lawrence D. Morrell (‘62) Danny Sotelo (‘65) Pat McGrew (‘66) Edward Hurt (‘69) Lee W. Yarborough (‘70) Neil S. Hill (‘75)
Alvin A. Friesen (‘85) Cynthia K. Sekerke (‘79) Linda J. Williams (‘81) Ann Gertano (‘03) (‘06) Ronnie McGree (‘04) Michael Allan Reddoch (‘04) Ryan A. Cook (‘08) Robert Allen Foley (‘11) Desmond Clark (‘17)
Ruth Janet Munoz (’18) is a substitute assistant at Riverside County Office of Education.
Cheyenne Margret Rose Embree (’13) is an accounting assistant at Champion Electric Inc. in Riverside.
Jessie Coblentz (’16) married Kevin Doyle on Aug. 12, 2018, in Temecula, California.
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 Jennifer Pfeffer (nee Bennett ‘04) and husband Dave welcomed Benjamin to the family in November 2017. Benjamin joined big brother, Andrew (8). Jennifer is a teacher with the Riverside Unified School District and earned her master’s degree in education. 1. AJ Soldo (’08) and his wife,
Brianna, welcomed daughter Remi James to the family in January 2018. Remi joins brother Sawer Bradman, 3. Brennan (’10) and Lindsay Teehan (nee Wright’10) welcomed their daughter, Peyton Elaine, on Aug. 8, 2018. Peyton joins brother Colton, 3.
3. Magby (‘12) celebrated the
birth of Milana Ann Magby on March 23, 2019. The family resides in Columbus, Mississippi, where Bobby serves in the U.S. Air Force.
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Amy Ramirez (nee Thomas’12) welcomed daughter Addison Lynn Ramirez in January 2019. Issac Sanchez-Contreras (’12) and his wife, Denise, welcomed Zacarias David to the family in December 2014. Issac works as a school counselor. 4. Odessa Chandler (’18)
welcomed a daughter, Kayden Valenzuela, in January 2019.
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2. Shyra Mix (’10) and her
husband Weston welcomed a daughter, Kyra, on Aug. 2, 2017. She joins brother Corbyn, 7. Shyra is a teacher in Fullerton, California.
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Carol Hoover (’11) welcomed granddaughter Mackenzie Tovar in June 2018. Bobby (‘11) and Patricia
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