Karlyssa Chung

Karlyssa Chung, associate professor of physician assistant studies: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt management in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and cerebral atrophy: A retrospective chart review. American Academy of Physician Associates (March 2026).

Dr. Philip Breitenbucher

Dr. Philip Breitenbucher, associate professor of social work: Co-presented Key Strategies for Developing Sport Social Work Practicum Education Opportunities. Alliance of Social Workers in Sport on March 4.

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication and leadership studies: Learn the Secret of Strategic Communications. RPIE (research, planning, implementation and evaluation). California Association of Public Information Officials’ training in Escondido, California, on March 5.

Elissa Etcu

Elissa Etcu, clinical instructor of nursing, won a DAISY award due to the care she provided a patient and their family at San Antonio Regional Hospital. The patient’s family member wrote the following comments: “Elissa embodied every single DAISY criteria. Not only did she make sure my fiancé was taken care of, she also reassured me and our family during one of the worst moments of our lives. ... I don’t think I would have been able to get through that time without Elissa’s compassion, patience, kindness and nursing skill.”

Dr. Natalie Winter

Dr. Natalie Winter, professor of business administration, was accepted to the 2026 Pollard Fellow cohort by the Center for Faithful Business. In this fellowship, she will study how business professionals and managers integrate biblical principles into their business practices.

CBU continues to be blessed with generous donors –alumni, parents, friends, foundations, faculty, staff and others. University Advancement is pleased to announce the following gifts and gift commitments from generous friends of Lancer Nation given during February 2026.

• $550,000 planned gift commitment to an existing Bachelor of Applied Theology endowed scholarship
• $225,750 planned gift commitment to establish a double major endowed scholarship
• $82,000 planned gift commitment to an existing double major endowed scholarship
• $25,000 planned gift commitment to support the Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education
• $10,000 gift commitment for the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design

Savannah Morris

Savannah Morris, a political science senior, is doing an internship with the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the White House. This internship has earned her a job in the White House following graduation.

The Department  of History and Government launched a mock trial team this year. It competed in the Los Angeles Regional for the American Mock Trial Association at UCLA on Feb. 28-March 1. The team finished 10^th out of 28, earning an honorable mention with one student, Kimberly Castro, winning the Outstanding Defense Witness award.

Ayden George Der

Gladis Der, senior accountant, and her husband, Andrew, welcomed a son, Ayden George Der, on Jan. 2.

Dr. Brittany Rodriguez

Dr. Brittany Rodriguez, assistant professor of social work, was appointed Mrs. California United Crown of America 2026 in the Miss United Crown of America pageant. With this platform she will raise awareness for congenital heart defects and support families through education, advocacy, research awareness and community support.  

Scott and Ellie Lizotte

Ellie Lizotte, the daughter of Scott Lizotte, assistant professor of nursing, won a division championship in Norco with her 2010 NPL club soccer team. This win earned the team a spot in the NPL Finals in Denver this July.

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