Archive for May, 2021

Cinematic arts professor candidate presents this afternoon

Monday, May 31st, 2021

Please join us for a public presentation on the creative research of Alex Chung, a candidate for the position of assistant professor of cinematic arts. He will present this afternoon (Tuesday) from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in EHS 125.

Professor Chung is an educator and filmmaker currently living and working in Los Angeles. He studied at Columbia University and earned the MFA in film and television production from UCLA in 2007. Since 2003 he has written, shot, directed and produced more than 10 films, television shows and television series pilots.

Professor Chung is currently teaching at both Biola University and California State University Dominguez Hills.

All invited to ‘Building Trust in an Age of Division’ session tomorrow via Zoom

Monday, May 31st, 2021

Join David Brooks and Rev. Jen Bailey for a special session, “Building Trust in an Age of Division,” from 9:30 a.m. to noon tomorrow (Wednesday) via this Zoom link. The event, sponsored by the Murdock Trust and co-hosted by Seattle Pacific, Regents and Portland Seminary, is free, but registration is required.

Join us as we discuss what it looks like for our cities and networks to rebuild social trust. We’ll explore what is needed in the season ahead to combat division and silos that exist within our communities.

Questions? Contact Gaby Viesca at gviesca@georgefox.edu.

Be aware of updated face covering policy on campus

Sunday, May 30th, 2021

On May 18, the Oregon Health Authority issued new guidance for use of masks in the workplace. Under the updated guidance, people who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask indoors in most public settings where vaccination status is checked.

The new OHA guidance requires employers enforce the previous mask and physical distancing guidance unless employees provide proof they are fully vaccinated. If employees wish to be approved to work without a face covering or physical distancing, they may voluntarily provide vaccination documentation to HR confidentially by:

  • Completing the Voluntary Employee Vaccination Record Form
  • Checking your email for a Google Form receipt with the subject line “Voluntary Employee COVID Vaccination Record Form”
  • Forwarding the Google Form receipt to your manager to confirm you have completed the process (the receipt does not include any private information or an image of the vaccination record).

This is completely voluntary, and we expect that many employees will continue to wear face coverings through the coming months for various reasons. However, if you are fully vaccinated and would like to work without a face covering, you now have this option. Please take the time to carefully review the FAQs so you are aware of what is and isn’t changing.

The university has worked hard to follow CDC and OHA guidance through the pandemic, but we recognize there will be a variety of personal perspectives on how our campus should transition back to pre-pandemic life. We ask that, as members of a Christ-centered community, we treat one another with kindness and grace particularly when our views differ from one another.

Be well and stay safe!

Questions? Contact the COT (cot@georgefox.edu) or HR (hr@georgefox.edu).

Come hear cinematic arts professor candidate Alex Chung tomorrow

Sunday, May 30th, 2021

Please join us for a public presentation on the creative research of Alex Chung, a candidate for the position of assistant professor of cinematic arts. He will present tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday) from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in EHS 125.

Professor Chung is an educator and filmmaker currently living and working in Los Angeles. He studied at Columbia University and earned the MFA in film and television production from UCLA in 2007. Since 2003 he has written, shot, directed and produced more than 10 films, television shows and television series pilots.

Professor Chung is currently teaching at both Biola University and California State University Dominguez Hills.

Carlton Way closed at library off and on in June

Friday, May 28th, 2021

For the month of June and possibly into July, Carlton Way (between the tennis courts and the library) will be closed off and on. Underground utilities are being renovated, so during closures, traffic cannot drive through the area.

Those who normally park in these areas are encouraged to park in the Bauman lot instead. Not all closures will be pre-announced, but Tuesday, June 1, the area will be closed all day.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Deadline to apply for marketing internship positions is Tuesday

Thursday, May 27th, 2021

Are you looking for an internship for next year? One without a commute and an amazing team? Look no further!

George Fox’s marketing communications office is offering over five different internships for creative, linear, and combination thinkers alike. Some of the job postings include video production, photography, social media, web developer, and web design positions.

If you are interested in furthering the George Fox mission while earning professional, real-world experience and working with an incredible team, apply here by Tuesday, June 1.

Contact Missy Downs (mdowns@georgefox.edu) if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to reviewing your applications!

Murdock Library closed until further notice; temporary space set up in Minthorn

Thursday, May 27th, 2021

Due to a significant power outage, the Murdock Library (including the 24-hour space) is closed until further notice. Temporary space has been set up in Minthorn Hall.

You can still request books, and books can still be returned to the Murdock Library book drop located inside the main doors. If you have items ready for you, please call 503-554-2410 or email circadmin@georgefox.edu to arrange for pick-up. Items may be picked up between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Questions? Contact Mary Cameron (mcameron@georgefox.edu).

Interested in helping build the commuter community?

Thursday, May 27th, 2021

Commuter life is hiring a handful of commuter assistants to be a resource for those who live off campus. We welcome applications from those interested in building a greater sense of community, belonging and relationships among commuters.

The application is here. If you have questions or would like a copy of the job description, please contact Dave Johnstone at djohnsto@georgefox.edu.

Volleyball camps open to grades 6-12 this summer

Thursday, May 27th, 2021

Do you have sixth- to 12th-graders interested in improving their volleyball skills? Sign them up for a George Fox volleyball camp!

The university’s women’s volleyball team is hosting camps throughout the summer, teaching players the fundamentals of the sport and helping them take their skill to a higher level with personalized, intentional coaching. All dates for camps can be found here.

There are multiple day clinics available each month, as well as beach volleyball, an overnight camp, and individual lessons. We include a discount for children of George Fox employees younger than ninth grade.

Contact Emily Davis (davis@georgefox.edu) for more information.

Join special session, ‘Building Trust in an Age of Division,” via Zoom on June 2

Wednesday, May 26th, 2021

Join David Brooks and Rev. Jen Bailey for a special session, “Building Trust in an Age of Division,” from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 2, via this Zoom link. The event, sponsored by the Murdock Trust and co-hosted by Seattle Pacific, Regents and Portland Seminary, is free, but registration is required.

Join us as we discuss what it looks like for our cities and networks to rebuild social trust. We’ll explore what is needed in the season ahead to combat division and silos that exist within our communities.

Questions? Contact Gaby Viesca at gviesca@georgefox.edu.

Fiscal year-end purchasing and Visa deadlines posted

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

The end of the fiscal year is approaching, and with that we would like to inform you of a few requirements for year-end purchases.

Please remember that if you order goods and services, they need to be physically received/completed by June 30, 2021. Goods and services received after June 30 will be charged to the 2021-22 budget year. Therefore, all purchase requisitions/POs for this fiscal year need to be entered by May 31, 2021.

Contact purchasing@georgefox.edu with questions.

Visa info
Your George Fox Visa can be used until June 18, 2021. Concur expense reports and Visa reports for 2020-21 must be submitted by July 9, 2021. Any reports created and submitted after July 9 will be reflected in the 2021-22 budget.

Contact Kathi Becker (kbecker@georgefox.edu) with questions.

Consider these exercise tips to develop a healthy work routine

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

We have been sharing information on safe ergonomic zones with you in the last couple of weeks, and we hope you found it helpful. Apart from making sure our workstations are ergonomic, there are other things we can do daily to feel well at work.

Please see how you can improve your well-being every day with these exercise tips.

Be well!

Questions? Contact HR at hr@georgefox.edu.

Come join fun of acting class this fall

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

Whether you are interested in learning the fundamentals of acting or sharpening your current acting skill-set, our THEA 205: Acting Studio is designed to take your work as an actor to the next level of excellence.

Students will engage in fun acting games, the performance of scenes, the study of acting theories, and critical analysis of performance throughout the semester. Come join the fun! All are welcome.

Questions? Contact Rhett Luedtke at rluedtke@georgefox.edu.

Murdock Library building closed

Monday, May 24th, 2021

Due to a significant power outage, the Murdock Library (including the 24-hour space) is closed to visitors until further notice. Library staff are working remotely and may be contacted via email or through the library website.

Questions about retrieving physical materials should be sent to library@georgefox.edu. Students in need of printing or computer lab services should contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. We will release updates about library services as we are able.

Thanks for your patience!

Comings and Goings

Monday, May 24th, 2021

Alice Ai joins the IDEA Center as a career and academic planning coach this month. A 2021 graduate of the university’s doctor of education program, she has served as an advisor for international students at the university for the past year. She’s also served as a graduate assistant in the College of Education the past three years, specializing in coordinating relationships with Chinese universities, assisting with the application process to recruit international students, and supporting international students’ transition to George Fox’s MAT program. Alice brings 23 years of teaching experience and 11 years of program leadership experience to her new role, including eight years as a director of English teaching programs at Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications in China (2010-2018). In addition to her doctoral degree from George Fox, Alice holds a master’s degree in education – curriculum and instruction in English (TESOL) from Southwest University in Chongqing, China. She lives in Newberg with her husband Chris Jorgensen, their daughter Yaya, and two cats, Zu and Buddy.  The family attends North Valley Friends Church in Newberg.


The IT department welcomes Ginni Frazier as a systems administrator this month. Newly graduated from George Fox, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science this spring, she has worked for IT as an infrastructure intern the past two years, providing tech support and technical troubleshooting while also contributing to developmental projects and ideas. Ginni also gained experience in the field as a web developer for Next Tech Consultants (2019-20), as a service desk assistant in the university’s IT department (2019), and as a PC tech assistant at George Fox (2018-19). She lives in Newberg and has not yet found a church home.


The College of Business welcomes Wendi Upjohn as coordinator of its undergraduate program. For the past nine years, she has worked at Bay Club of Tigard (formerly Club Sport) in various roles, including marketing coordinator, graphic designer, and pro shop manager. Among her duties were marketing development and collaboration, designing sales and marketing tools, sales and team development, and customer service with its wide member base. Prior to that, Wendi worked for four and a half years as an administrative assistant for AXA Advisors of Portland (2008-12), preceded by a nine-year tenure at Boyd Coffee Company working in marketing and customer service (1996-05). She is a George Fox alumna, earning a bachelor’s degree in writing/literature in 1994. Wendi lives in Tualatin with her two children, Ethan and Julia, and will be getting married this August. She attends Southlake Church in West Linn.

Sarah Reid (Marketing Communications), Brett Meyers (Student Life), Kristina Van Der Eems (Residence Life) and Brandon Rempel (IT) are no longer with George Fox University.

The following faculty members will not be returning to George Fox University in the fall: Greg Allen (ADP), Courtney Anderegg (Communication), Glena Andrews (PsyD), Steve Bearden (Counseling), Keleigh Blount (Counseling), Marcia Bogert (Nursing), Kleiber Burkhardt (Art & Design), Paul Choi (Economics), Marie-Christine Goodworth (PsyD), Elizabeth Hamilton (PsyD), David Hansen (Computer Science), Jeff Houck (Physical Therapy), Terry Huffman (Education), John Johnson (Mathematics), Taj Kachaamy (Art & Design), Marcey Keefer Hutchison (Physical Therapy), Kristie Knows His Gun (PsyD), Jennifer Lehman (Financial Planning), Ashley Lippard (Art & Design), Carl Lloyd (ADP), Jay Mathisen (Education), Matt Meyer (Cinematic Arts), Cristi Miles (Theatre),  Dan Morrison (Theology), Brenda Morton (Education), DJ Rew (Marketing), Linda Samek (Education), David Shaw (Physician Assistant Program), Sean St. Jean (Social Work), Seth Van Der Eems (Art & Design), Jeff Walters (Engineering), Linda Warberg (Education), Donna Webb (Education), Mark Weinert (History), Kathy Weiss (Biology), Kenn Willson (Music), Deb Worden (Economics) and Gibran Zogbi (Accounting).

The university wishes to express its condolences to the families and friends of Laurie Bloomquist (Counseling) and Andrew Moses (Business), who passed away in recent weeks.

About Our People

Monday, May 24th, 2021

The university recently announced its faculty achievement awards for the 2020-21 academic year. Recipients were Associate Professor of Nursing Lorretta Krautscheid (Undergraduate Research and Scholarship); Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies Melissa Ramos (Graduate Research and Scholarship); Professor of Economics Nate Peach (Undergraduate Teaching); and Associate Professor of Education Keelan LoFaro (Graduate/SPS Teaching). 

The following faculty members have been awarded emeritus honors as they leave the university: Greg Allen (ADP), David Hansen (Computer Science), John Johnson (Mathematics), Carl Lloyd (ADP), Matt Meyer (Cinematic Arts), Mark Weinert (History), Kathy Weiss (Biology) and Kenn Willson (Music).

Danielle Pappas (Counseling) has been appointed to the editorial board of the Psychology in the Schools journal, a flagship peer-reviewed publication for the school psychology profession. 

Jenny Bruxvoort and Kate Wimer (Library), with Amanda Matthysse of Calvin University, presented a breakout session, “Escape Reality: Reaching Your Students with Virtual Instruction and Fun,” at the LOEX 49th National Conference in May. In addition to discussing ways that librarians can transition their training in instructional design to building online and hybrid programming that is fun and educational, their presentation also offered a practical overview of the Mysteries of Murdock virtual program they ran last fall with ARC Coordinator Julia James.

Ed Higgins (English Faculty Emeritus/Writer in Residence) published his piece “Genesis Serpent’s Skin Found” in the May 20 issue of the United Kingdom’s Fudoki Magazine, an online magazine of myths, legends, fables, fantasy, folklore and fairytales.

Reminder: Please turn in deposits before leaving for the summer

Monday, May 24th, 2021

If your contract ends soon and/or you will not be on campus through the summer, please bring over any cash or checks before you leave.

Please look around your desks and file cabinets to see if there are any lingering items that need to be deposited. Checks dated prior to June 30, 2020, must be deposited in the current fiscal year.

Questions about deposits? Contact Heather Groenlund (503-554-2173). Thank you and have a great summer!

Volleyball camps open to grades 6-12 throughout summer

Sunday, May 23rd, 2021

Do you have sixth- to 12th-graders interested in improving their volleyball skills? Sign them up for a George Fox volleyball camp!

The university’s women’s volleyball team is hosting camps throughout the summer, teaching players the fundamentals of the sport and helping them take their skill to a higher level with personalized, intentional coaching. All dates for camps can be found here.

There are multiple day clinics available each month, as well as beach volleyball, an overnight camp, and individual lessons. We include a discount for children of George Fox employees younger than ninth grade.

Contact Emily Davis (davis@georgefox.edu) for more information.

Come wish Bob Dexter well at retirement party Wednesday

Sunday, May 23rd, 2021

The Plant Services department would like to invite you to a celebration honoring Bob Dexter on Wednesday, May 26, in the Klages Bruin Den dining area from 2 to 3 p.m.

Bob is retiring after 24 years of service to the university, and we are taking a moment to recognize him and thank him for all the amazing things he’s created over the years. If you cannot make the event, send your card to Plant Services and we’ll deliver it to Bob for you.

Questions? Contact Dixie Downey at ddowney@georgefox.edu.

All invited to special session, ‘Building Trust in an Age of Division,’ on June 2

Sunday, May 23rd, 2021

Join David Brooks and Rev. Jen Bailey for a special session, “Building Trust in an Age of Division,” from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 2, via this Zoom link. The event is sponsored by the Murdock Trust and co-hosted by Seattle Pacific, Regents and Portland Seminary.

Join us as we discuss what it looks like for our cities and networks to rebuild social trust. We’ll explore what is needed in the season ahead to combat division and silos that exist within our communities.

Questions? Contact MaryKate Morse at mkmorse@georgefox.edu.