Dr. Gary Bonner announces retirement as Dean of CBU's Collinsworth School of Music

RIVERSIDE (April 12, 2012) – Dr. Gary Bonner, dean of the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music at California Baptist University, has announced his retirement effective May 20, 2012. That date marks the scheduled completion of the annual spring tour by the acclaimed University Choir and Orchestra and concludes a decade of service by Bonner at CBU.

"I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of California Baptist University during these 10 years of rapid growth and expansion," Bonner said. "It has been a profound joy to be the conductor of the University Choir and Orchestra and to have had the privilege of teaching so many outstanding young people."

Bonner was a 23-year veteran of music education leadership and renowned conductor of The Gary Bonner Singers when he was named dean of the CBU School of Music soon after its founding in 2002. Under Bonner's leadership CBU music groups produced numerous audio and video recordings and performed at venues such as Disneyland and on television programs broadcast across America and other countries.

"Dr. Bonner will long be remembered for his unique style and for the significant contributions he has made at California Baptist University," CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis said. "He helped the CBU music program gain a national reputation for excellence through hundreds of brilliant performances annually by more than a dozen groups. We wish him all the best in the years ahead."

Bonner "set the standard for creative outreach" during his years at CBU, said Dr. Jonathan Parker, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

"His ability to recruit students and his success in raising the status of CBU's music program with both community and church constituencies have been the true indicators of his leadership and value to the University," Parker said.

Bonner expressed appreciation for "working with such a dedicated, capable School of Music faculty and staff" as well as a supportive administration at CBU.

"I am very grateful to President Ron Ellis, the Board of Trustees, and the rest of the CBU administration for their generous support in the construction of a remarkable, state-of-the-art music building, provision of first-rate equipment and instruments, and substantial scholarship dollars to effectively recruit and support talented, able students," Bonner stated.