CBU dedicates new business building

RIVERSIDE (Aug. 23, 2012) – California Baptist University dedicated its new 56,717-square-foot business building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 23. More than 250 faculty, staff and friends attended the service held in the facility's atrium.

"Today marks a milestone for California Baptist University and the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business," said CBU President Ronald L. Ellis. "Building a premier comprehensive Christian university is a process and not unlike constructing this building, it requires a solid foundation. On behalf of students today - and all those who will learn business and ethical principles in this building - and the faculty and staff at California Baptist University, I want to thank you for your faithfulness and stewardship."

The new building features 14 state-of-the-art classrooms, a capital markets trading room, 20 faculty offices, a student career center, student lounge and a conference-style board room.

Dr. Franco Gandolfi, new dean of the Robert K. Jabs School of Business, said his vision for business education at CBU is to "become the most influential, the most Christ-like, and the most transformational School of Business on the west coast of the United States.

"Our academic standards are high and our programs rigorous," Gandolfi said, "but what sets the business education apart in this beautiful facility is our mission to prepare men and women to excel both in mind and spirit."

The structure is part of more than $200 million CBU has invested since 2001 to improve its campus facilities. Ellis said the growth is part of the University's response to changes in the local, regional and global job market. He noted that CBU has grown from six students in 1950 to more than 6,000 this fall, seven times the enrollment when he became president in 1994.

"All indicators point toward continued growth in enrollment in the coming years," he said.

Ellis also thanked those who have supported the University's progress, including those with oversight of the business building project, Tilden-Coil Constructors, Rick Engineering and Hill Partners. He acknowledged that many in attendance had also been present at the groundbreaking ceremony 16 months ago and he gave a special tribute to key donors whose lead gifts helped make the business building a reality.

"Many of you have helped build CBU's foundation, brick by brick," he said. "Your much appreciated contributions of time, talent and treasure aptly demonstrate that service isn't for a season. It is a lifelong pursuit, and the fruit of your labor is evidenced throughout this campus – from facility improvements to scholarships that provide today's students the opportunity to live their purpose."

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