RIVERSIDE (Nov. 7, 2013) — The largest homecoming event in California Baptist University history drew an estimated 7,000 alumni and friends to Homecoming and Family Weekend activities Nov. 1-2.

The fall homecoming weekend began Friday morning with chapel speaker Dr. Jonathan Jarboe ('86), senior pastor of Pathway Church in Redlands, Calif.

The Homecoming Awards Dinner held Friday evening recognized the classes of 1963, 1988 and 2013, as well as professional achievement.

Kelly Omari Suyenaga was honored as Parent Volunteer of the Year. Among other things, she volunteered to help with Homecoming Weekend, Grandparent's Day and early registration events last summer.

Jarboe received the Distinguished Service in Christian Ministry Award. He has served at Pathway Church for 20 years, moving into the role of senior pastor after serving as associate pastor. He has worked in his community as a police chaplain and reserve officer with the Redlands Police Department, as well as in leadership roles with the Southern Baptist Convention and California Southern Baptist Convention

Damien ('00) and Jennifer Schumm O'Farrell ('02) were honored as co-recipients of the new Young Alumni Achievement Award. Damien is vice president of operations for Path of Life, a non-profit agency that provides shelter, transitional housing, life-coaching and other services. Jennifer is the anti-human trafficking director at Operation SafeHouse, a non-profit agency providing emergency shelter and transitional living for young and young adults in Riverside County.

Jack Hawkins Sr. was recognized as the recipient of the highest honor given by the CBU Alumni Association: the Lancer Medal for lifetime achievement. Hawkins was owner of J.D. Diffenbaugh Inc. for seven years before retiring in 1996. He suggested the idea of the Evening College program in the early 1980s and was a member of its second graduating class.

Saturday featured the fourth annual Block Party. The program included the artisan walk, live entertainment, gourmet food trucks, interactive booths and children's activities that included inflatable attractions. CBU's men's water polo competed against the University of Redlands, defeating them 6-5.

Saturday night's program featured the crowning of seniors Joshua Siemens as Mr. CBU and Ivy Paramo as Ms. CBU. Led by the Lancer cheerleaders and CBU Crazies, about 3,500 people cheered for men's and women's intramural teams competing in the Fortuna Bowl. In a rematch from last year's game, the Bus Drivers women's team beat SWAT, 22-0, while in the men's contest, Stealth 2.0s won over The Webelos, 18-12.

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