California Baptist University welcomed grandparents of students on April 13 in honor of the third annual Grandparents’ Day and had opportunities for quality time with grandchildren and their friends.
The day was devoted to the grandparents of the CBU students to experience college classes, a chapel service and tours of the campus, including the School of Nursing and an aviation tour. The grandparents received a meal ticket redeemable at any CBU eatery, as well as had the opportunity to listen to the Women’s Choir and Jazz Band concert.
According to the CBU website, more than 300 CBU students and their grandparents were registered for the event last year and had the opportunity to experience the typical day of college with one another.
Gail Ronveaux, director of Alumni and Parent Relations, said her favorite thing about the event is a photo booth students can use to take pictures with their grandparents. Ronveaux said Grandparents’ Day is an opportunity for students to show off their campus and show what CBU is all about while simultaneously warming the hearts of their grandparents.
“This year’s schedule was put together to allow for lots of flexibility,” Ronveaux said. “Grandparents can eat at any of our CBU eateries, at any time that is convenient for them and their grandchildren. Previously, we held formal luncheons, which was nice, but disappointing if the student could not attend because of a class conflict.” Ronveaux said she has seen how this event has touched the hearts of grandparents after visiting CBU and is encouraged to see the pride they have for their grandchild.
Ryan Fuller, freshman pre-nursing major, and his grandparents Jerry and Sherrie Ryan, participated in the events of the day.
“Everyone we met have bent over backwards to make today the best day,” Jerry Ryan said.
Fuller said he was excited for his grandparents to come to CBU and was anticipating the food his grandparents would bring him.
“They are also bringing me some cookies because my grandma is an amazing baker so I am also excited for that,” Fuller said.
Fuller said he was pleased with the effort that was made to make the event happen and now has the desire to attend more CBU events.
Samantha Cheshire, freshman early childhood development major, and her grandparents, Vince and Brenda Rentuma, ate at the Alumni Dinning Commons and participated in the aviation tour.
“Lunch time was the best time because we went to the ADC and we got to meet my granddaughter’s boyfriend and his grandparents,” Brenda Rentuma said. “It was a lovely time.”
