CBU commemorates naming of Hae and Shina Park Building

Riverside, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2023) – California Baptist University celebrated the naming of the Hae and Shina Park Building during a ceremony on Oct. 10 in recognition of the Parks’ generosity over the years. The building houses the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business, Career Center and Innovators Auditorium.

Since a friend introduced Hae Park to CBU in 2009, Mr. and Mrs. Park, their children—Eugene and Eunice Park—and their business have given many generous gifts to CBU. The most significant gift came late in 2021, when the Park family established a new endowment focused on the School of Christian Ministries, double major students, and South Korean students.  This gift, along with matching funds by a private donor and CBU institutional matching funds, has created one of the single largest endowment funds in the history of CBU, at $19 million.

The family has also given gifts to Athletics, sponsored the Lancer Golf Classic and established multiple endowed scholarships and other endowed funds over the past 14 years.

During the naming ceremony, Hae Park shared his story of immigrating to the U.S. from South Korea. While attending California Polytechnic University, Pomona, he almost dropped out because of language barriers and financial difficulties. A professor mentored him, and Park went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and later his MBA. Park encouraged students to ask the faculty for advice or help when needed and, in turn, encouraged the faculty to provide it.

“Your words can impact the future of those students here at CBU,” Park said. “Giving back to the community is very important to our family, and we are proud of the relationship we have with CBU to allow us to continue investing in the university and its future.”

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, said the family's kindness will touch the lives of many students to come.

“The Park family has shown that investing in Christian higher education and in young lives is the most profound investment one can make,” Ellis said. “It's an investment in generations to come, in the countless lives that will be touched by the ripples of their generosity.”

The spirit of generosity isn't just about making a donation, Ellis said.

“It's about a vision. A vision to see communities thrive, individuals rise to their potential and institutions like CBU continue to help young people live their purpose,” Ellis said. “Hae Park's journey, his accomplishments and his remarkable narrative of faith and persistence resonate with all of us because they epitomize the very essence of CBU.”

Seyeon Park, a freshman double majoring in business administration and Christian studies and no relation to the donors, is from South Korea. She received one of the scholarships, providing her the opportunity to attend CBU.

“With your scholarship, I have experienced the goodness of God. One day I hope to become like you and provide opportunities for students to study,” Park said. “Your scholarship means a lot, not only to me, but also to other students, their families and our school.”