Dr. Lizbeth Gaona

Dr. Lizbeth Gaona, associate professor of social work: co-wrote Stand Up, Speak Up, and Heal (New Harbinger Publications, November 2026).

Alex Pickering

Alex Pickering, adjunct professor of film: comic book Heard #1. The first of a four-part miniseries follows a father and his nonspeaking autistic son in the Montana wilderness, exploring themes of fatherhood and communication (Keenspot and Ex Posse, Oct. 21). Comic book Hannah's Threads: Women of the American Revolution explores the contributions of women during the American Revolution (TrueFiktion, Aug. 31).

Zakiya Glasco

Zakiya Glasco, director of disability services: Interview like a pro: How to feel comfortable in an awkward situation. 2026 Neurodivergent & Alternately Abled Career and Workforce Conference at Riverside City College on Oct. 9.

Dr. Erin Smith

Dr. Erin Smith, professor of psychology: Faith formation: Attachment as a key pathway and Community and connection: Lessons from children’s ministry for the congregation. Azusa Pacific University’s Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service on Oct. 20.

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication and leadership studies: The influence of collective mentoring, dialoguing ba and trust on tacit knowledge sharing. The University of New Mexico Mentoring Institute Conference on Oct. 20. She also presented Mentors and mentees and emotional intelligence in leadership education.

Dr. Jong-Wh Bai

Dr. Jong-Wha Bai, professor of civil engineering: What does a civil engineer do, and where could it take you? Woodcrest Christian High School’s Career Day in Riverside on Oct. 15. He introduced students to the diverse fields of civil engineering, career opportunities and ways to prepare for the profession.

Dr. Erin Smith

Dr. Erin Smith, professor of psychology, recorded an episode with The Biblical Mind podcast, titled Churches Using Psychology? Ways to Build Healthier Communities (Oct. 29).

Shelley Spector and Dr. Mary Ann Pearson

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication and leadership studies, served as the MC for the PRSA Educators Academy Summit in Orlando, Florida, on Oct. 17. As the organization’s chair, she presented the David Ferguson award to Shelley Spector, CEO and founder of The Public Relations Museum.

Adam Martinez and Dr. Ronald L. Ellis

Adam Martinez, assistant registrar for academic process administration, was named employee of the month for November. His nomination included the following statements: “Adam is solid, dependable and has a willingness to serve. Even when things are particularly demanding and people are requesting ever-changing needs, he maintains a professional, calm front to both internal and external staff at all times. Adam is commendable not only in his willingness to serve, but to do the best possible job he can while serving. If he is working on a task, you can be assured he is giving 100% to it.”

• $50,000 gift to an existing scholarship fund serving financially at-risk juniors and seniors
• $30,000 gift commitment to Athletics
• $28,000 gift to an existing endowment supporting the Center for Biblical Principles in Business
• $25,000 estate gift commitment to Athletics Excellence Fund
• $25, 000 gift commitment to an endowed scholarship fund for the College of Nursing

• $20,000 gift to an existing funded scholarship
• $18,459 gift to an existing endowed scholarship
• $15,000 gift to the photography program 
• $10,000 gift to the Spiritual Life Department
• $25,000 gift to the College of Engineering

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