After two years as the New Song Director, Kathleen Kopitzke, visiting professor of music, is leaving California Baptist University.
Kopitzke started at CBU as a music student, but once she graduated, she was offered a position on the staff of the music program. She acknowledged her detour away from her original goal, which was to teach high school English and music.
Students such as Jessica Spung, junior music education major, said she will remember Kopitzke as a professor and former student.
“Because she’s closer in age to us than most of the other professors here, we relate to her easily,” Spung explained. “We feel we can come to her with any issue we have whether it be in our personal lives or with our academics.”
Kopitzke’s greatest impact was made during her time as a professor. Her passion of seeing students grow in their abilities aided her in teaching and continuing the rigorous excellence of the music program at CBU.
Bella de Leon, sophomore music education major, is one student who recognized Kopitzke’s contribution to her CBU experience.
“Professor Kopitzke is a great example of God’s reflection,” de Leon said. “She’s very upbeat and energetic, so when you’re under her direction, you feel her energy radiate.”
Kopitzke said she remembers what it is like to struggle as a student with exams, personal lives and the rigor of the School of Music.
Kopitzke said she is thankful for her time in which she learned just as much as her students. Although she is leaving CBU, her impact on students and their reciprocal impact on her will always be felt.
“We have a tremendously talented music faculty at CBU, who helped me become a musician, but I believe, more importantly, they shaped me as a person,” Kopitzke said. “I hope I have added to their legacy by helping make a difference in the lives of my students who make our music program what is today.”
Kopitzke plans to begin her teaching credential in the fall.
