New students focus on faith as classes begin at CBU

Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2016) – Hundreds of members of the Class of 2020 at California Baptist University officially started their classes on Sept.6.  For many, faith was a key reason they chose CBU.

Amelia Horton, from Hemet, California and a biology pre-med major, indicated she chose CBU because of the sense of family and God’s presence she felt on campus during prior visits. 

“I’m looking forward to making a lot of friends and meeting people who are as eager as I am to get plugged in,” Horton said. “I love that I feel that God is so present here.”

Levi Hargrove, from Istanbul, Turkey, and a nursing major, said he wants to grow in his faith and looked forward to speaking with professors that shared his Christian faith.

“I’m looking forward to interacting with professors on a deeper level than high school,” Hargrove said.

Phillip Ndowu, from Nashville, Tennessee, and a biology pre-med major, appreciates the fact that CBU encourages and enables conversations about faith.

“I’m looking forward to being able to openly have conversations about God (with his peers),” Ndowu said. 

CBU offers many opportunities for students to grow in their faith, including chapel services featuring respected Christian leaders; the integration of faith and learning in the classroom; discipleship ministries that aim to show students how to live out the Great Commission; and numerous local and international service opportunities.

John Montgomery, dean of Spiritual Life, said college is a crucial time for students to form their identity.

“Traditionally students decide who they are and who they will be during these highly formative years, and they are making their faith their own,” Montgomery said. “They are looking for opportunities to discuss their thoughts and find guidance from Scripture. As a result, many students either make a [new] commitment to follow Christ or make a previous commitment stronger.”