California Baptist University dedicated the recently finished building for the Robert K. Jabs School of Business Aug. 23 with sunshine beaming through new glass panes and a crowd of staff, faculty and CBU supporters gathered inside the building’s spacious atrium.
The Business Building, located between the Alumni Dining Commons and the JoAnn Hawkins Music Building, measures 56,717 square feet and features a student lounge, 14 state-of-the-art class- rooms, a conference room, 20 faculty offices and atrium.
Inside, the building is also host to a capital markets trading room. The trading room, new to CBU, gives students an environment conducive to learning about trading in financial markets.
The building itself closely matches the rest of the campus in design, with a few minor variations. Most notable is the atrium flooded with ambient light. During the dedication ceremony, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, university president, gave a speech regarding the new business building, what went into the construction of the building and the significance of its presence at CBU.
“Building a premier, compre- hensive Christian university is a process and not unlike constructing this building. It requires a solid foundation,” Ellis said. “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.
“Many of you have helped build CBU’s foundation, brick by brick,” Ellis said, taking the time to thank those involved in supporting the university’s progress throughout the construction of the new facility. “Your much appreciated con- tributions of time, talent and treasure aptly demonstrate that service isn’t for a season,” Ellis said. “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.”
Also during the dedication ceremony, Dr. Franco Gandolfi, dean of the School of Business, spoke to attendees about his vision.
“Our academic standards are high and our programs rigorous, 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,” Gandolfi said.
Gandolfi, new to CBU this school year, was named the dean in May and began his new duties in July. The Switzerland native joined CBU with degrees in management, educational psychology and change management.
Since the groundbreaking in 2011, the business building took 16 months to complete and is now currently in use for the fall semester. Students are now making use of the new classrooms, lounge and atrium.
