Archive for June, 2026

Please review and clear open purchase orders

Sunday, June 21st, 2026

As we approach the end of the fiscal year, the purchasing department is beginning its annual year-end closing procedures. To ensure our financial records are accurate, we need your immediate assistance in cleaning up outstanding purchase orders.

Starting June 25, 2026, the purchasing department will automatically begin closing all remaining unused and non-received POs. Once a PO is closed during this sweep, it cannot be reopened, and any remaining funds will be released back into the applicable budget.

Please review all of your open POs as soon as possible. If you have unpaid invoices on existing POs, please ensure the accounts payable team receives those invoices for goods or services that have already been delivered. Please submit all invoices under the applicable PO in BruinBuy.

Please refrain from submitting new requisitions/purchase orders starting today (Monday). Purchasing in the new fiscal year will begin on July 1.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this and for helping us ensure a smooth fiscal year-end close. If you have any questions or need assistance reviewing your open POs, please reach out to the purchasing team or Patrick Culligan at pculligan@georgefox.edu.

Some tips on beating the heat this week

Sunday, June 21st, 2026

Today and tomorrow are expected to be over 90 degrees. Do you have a plan for staying cool during the heat? Your safety is our top priority, so let’s make sure we’re all prepared.

To help everyone stay cool and healthy, please follow the university’s heat protocol:

  • Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Drink water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Time Your Tasks Wisely. Schedule more strenuous work for the cooler parts of the day, like the morning.
  • Seek Out the AC. If your building feels too warm, head to an air-conditioned space such as Canyon Commons, Klages or Murdock Library.
  • Look Out for Each Other. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., check on your fellow employees and classmates every hour or two. A quick check-in can make a big difference!
  • Know the Symptoms. Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat-related illnesses. You can find more information here.

Got questions about staying safe in the heat? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact Kim Knoernschild, our environmental health and safety specialist, at kknoernschild@georgefox.edu.

Stay cool and stay safe!

Build a portfolio and level up your leadership skills in the AI era

Sunday, June 21st, 2026

Ready to put AI to work? The updated George Fox MBA will help you master tools and processes that you can apply to a wide range of tasks.

Through the program’s portfolio-based approach, you’ll build tangible business deliverables throughout your coursework, creating a professional body of work that demonstrates leadership, strategy, communication and AI-integration skills.

The program features start dates every eight weeks, flexible formats, and 12- and 24-month degree pathways. If this sounds like a fit for your professional journey or someone you know, we encourage you to explore or share the program.

For more information, contact Sean Aker at saker@georgefox.edu.

Join in a time of prayer for our Oregon schools on Aug. 15

Sunday, June 21st, 2026

We invite you to bring your family and friends (and something to sit on) and join us on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for our third annual Prayer for Oregon Schools event, where we will pray for the upcoming school year.

During our time together on the university’s quad, we will engage in worship, small-group and/or individual prayer, and fellowship. We’ll pray for our K-12 and higher ed students, faculty, staff, parents, school communities, boards, leaders, and more. A guided prayer booklet will be available for those interested in additional points of prayer.

It’s our hope that people will join us as we step out in faith as the church and prayerfully invite the Lord into this area that needs more light – our Oregon schools. The event is open to anyone who desires to come together in prayer and bring our schools and the people in them to the feet of Jesus.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact Sara Hahn-Huston, assistant professor of educational leadership, at SHahnHuston@georgefox.edu.

University closes tomorrow to observe Juneteenth holiday

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

All university offices and the Murdock Library will be closed tomorrow (Friday) to observe the Juneteenth holiday. President Robin Baker recently wrote a blog piece reflecting on the significance of the day. You can read it here

Swing by Jamie Johnson’s farewell reception on June 25

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Please join us to say farewell to Jamie Johnson, dean for spiritual life and university pastor! After 17 years of faithful service at George Fox, he will be transitioning to be the vice president for student life and formation at Point Loma Nazarene University.

The farewell reception will be held in Canyon Commons 102-103 on Thursday, June 25, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. (with a brief program at 3:30 p.m.). Use this link to share a written memory, kind words, a video message, or a photo!

Questions? Contact Brad Lau at blau@georgefox.edu.

Occupational therapy program hosts free kindergarten readiness clinic July 13-17

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Calling all pre-kindergarten parents and caretakers! The university’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is hosting a free kindergarten readiness clinic the week of July 13-17.

We’re looking for children who will be entering kindergarten this fall to work with our doctoral students, under the supervision of licensed occupational therapy clinicians and OTD faculty, in the following areas:

  • Fine motor skills (e.g., writing, cutting)
  • Gross motor coordination
  • Social interaction and peer play
  • Following routines and instructions
  • Self-regulation and attention skills

Sessions will take place each day in the university’s Roberts Center (Room 109). You can choose between a morning (9 to 11 a.m.) or afternoon (1 to 3 p.m.) session.

If interested, please fill out our interest form by Sunday, July 5.

Spots are limited, so sign up ASAP! The purpose of the clinic is to support children in preparing for a successful kindergarten transition while providing hands-on clinical experience for OTD students.

If you have questions, contact Brooke Morris at bmorris@georgefox.edu or Kate Turner at kturner@georgefox.edu.

Sign up your kids for this Monday’s George Fox Football Camp

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

The George Fox football staff is hosting its annual youth football camp this Monday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at Stoffer Family Stadium. Sign up your son or daughter today!

Camp is open to grades K-8. The field will be split by ages, and the day will be filled with fun games, prizes and football. Use this registration link to sign up. See your kids out there!

Join today’s BruinBuy roundtable session in the Millage Building

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

Please join us for the last BruinBuy roundtable of the summer today (Wednesday) from 10 a.m. to noon in the Millage Building. Bring your questions, concerns, and any last-minute fiscal-year items. We are here to help!

Any questions? Please reach out to Patrick Culligan at pculligan@georgefox.edu.

Wellness Wednesday: Build Healthy Habits Together with The FIT Project

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

Happy Wellness Wednesday! If you’ve been looking for a realistic way to guide your household toward healthier habits, Providence Basecamp’s FIT Project is the perfect place to start – and it’s completely free.

Designed for families with school-aged children (ages K-12), this program offers a supportive, self-led approach to fitness, wellness, and nutrition education. Because every family is unique, the project gives you the tools to integrate sustainable lifestyle changes into your own schedule at your own pace. 

Best of all, you don’t have to figure it out alone; your family will be backed by a dedicated team of experts, including a certified wellness coach, personal trainer, registered dietitian, and a physician medical director.

This 12-week, on-demand curriculum allows your family to dive into expert tips, tools, and ongoing staff support whenever it works best for your schedule. Find out more and register here.

Come wish Jamie Johnson well at farewell reception on June 25

Monday, June 15th, 2026

Please join us to say farewell to Jamie Johnson, dean for spiritual life and university pastor! After 17 years of faithful service at George Fox, he will be transitioning to be the vice president for student life and formation at Point Loma Nazarene University.

The farewell reception will be held in Canyon Commons 102-103 on Thursday, June 25, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. (with a brief program at 3:30 p.m.). Use this link to share a written memory, kind words, a video message, or a photo!

Questions? Contact Brad Lau at blau@georgefox.edu.

Open AI workshops will be hosted weekly through the end of July

Monday, June 15th, 2026

Join us for a series of weekly open workshops to develop and refine Gemini prompts for use in customized Gems, Workspace Studio, and NotebookLM.

Bring your laptop to receive hands-on assistance and have your AI-related questions answered in a collaborative environment. Participants are encouraged to attend at their convenience. Please remember that utilizing Gemini through your George Fox account is essential for ensuring data security and protection.

  • When: Tuesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m.
  • Dates: June 23, June 30, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28
  • Where: Stevens 209

For more tips and resources, visit our George Fox IT: AI website or contact us at servicedesk@georgefox.edu.

Be sure to check out Bon Appetit’s lunch specials

Monday, June 15th, 2026

This week, Bon Appetit will be at the Bridge Cafe through Thursday and cooking on the patio on Wednesday.

Lunch specials will be available starting at 11:30 a.m.

This week’s menu is as follows:

  • Tuesday through Thursday we will be set up for a build-your-own flatbread pizza.
  • On Wednesday, we will cook up smoked bacon-wrapped hot dogs grilled on the Bridge Cafe patio.

You can see the full menu at georgefox.cafebonappetit.com.

Submit your questions for President Baker

Sunday, June 14th, 2026

President Robin Baker likes to give you the opportunity twice a year to ask questions anonymously. Please take a moment to submit any questions you have using this form.

He plans to answer as many as possible during the all-employee meeting on July 23.

Discover how to lead ethically in the age of AI

Sunday, June 14th, 2026

As AI continues to transform business and organizations, George Fox is preparing leaders to engage with the technology thoughtfully, responsibly and ethically.

Our redesigned MBA fully integrates AI into the curriculum, helping students learn how to direct, utilize and manage AI tools effectively while remaining grounded in human dignity, faithful leadership and ethical stewardship. The program features flexible formats designed for busy professionals, start dates every eight weeks, and 12-and 24-month degree pathways.

We invite you to consider whether the program may support your own career goals, leadership development or future calling. We also encourage you to help spread the word to prospective students in your circles who are looking for an MBA experience that thoughtfully integrates faith, leadership and innovation.

For more information, contact Sean Aker at saker@georgefox.edu.

Join in the fun of the Newberg Old Fashioned Festival Parade

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

Show your Bruin spirit and be part of a favorite community tradition! Each year, George Fox participates in the Newberg Old Fashioned Festival Parade with a university float, and we’d love for you and your family to join us. This year’s parade is on Saturday, July 25.

This is a fun opportunity to connect with the community, celebrate George Fox, and enjoy the parade alongside fellow Bruins. Participants will help hand out candy, blow bubbles, and distribute other giveaways along the parade route.

Bring your family, wear your Bruin gear, and help us represent George Fox with pride!

You can sign up using this link. Questions? Contact Macey Lutey at mlutey@georgefox.edu.

Some practical tips on staying cool in the coming days

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

Starting tomorrow (Saturday), Newberg is under an Extreme Weather Heat Watch. It is going to be hot! Your safety is our top priority, so let’s make sure we’re all prepared.

To help everyone stay cool and healthy, please follow the university’s heat protocol:

  • Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Drink water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Time Your Tasks Wisely. Schedule more strenuous work for the cooler parts of the day, like the morning.
  • Seek Out the AC. If your building feels too warm, head to an air-conditioned space such as Canyon Commons, Klages or Murdock Library.
  • Look Out for Each Other. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., check on your fellow employees and classmates every hour or two. A quick check-in can make a big difference!
  • Know the Symptoms. Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat-related illnesses. You can find more information here.

Got questions about staying safe in the heat? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact Kim Knoernschild, our environmental health and safety specialist, at kknoernschild@georgefox.edu.

Stay cool, stay safe, and have a great weekend!

Fill out a Bruin Community Pantry survey to be entered into a $50 gift card drawing

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Please take five minutes to complete this anonymous survey to help us provide the best service to our clients at the Bruin Community Pantry. When you do so, you’ll be entered into a drawing for one of four $50 gift cards to Grocery Outlet!

Please make sure you click on the link at the end of the survey to type in your email to be entered into the drawing. This survey will be open from now through August. Recipients of the gift cards will be notified the first week of September.

Questions? Please contact Jere Witherspoon at jwitherspoon@georgefox.edu.

Chapel is open for today’s Day of Prayer

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026

For those who desire to pray for part or all of the day in the Chapel, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for today’s Day of Prayer. As a reminder, here are some materials to guide your time of prayer.

Wellness Wednesday: Soak up the Summer (Safely!)

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026

With the sun shining and the days at their longest, summer is the ultimate invitation to take your movement outdoors.

Whether you’re diving into the pool, hitting the hiking trails, or joining a local pickleball league, shifting your workouts outside offers massive perks for both mind and body. Beyond the excellent cardiovascular benefits of these activities, spending time in nature naturally lowers cortisol levels, reduces stress, and provides a much-needed dose of mood-boosting Vitamin D.

Engaging in recreational summer sports also delivers a fantastic social outlet, helping us build community and combat loneliness while keeping our bodies strong and agile.

To fully enjoy these active months, prioritizing physical safety and preventing injuries must be part of your game plan. Safeguarding your joints and muscles starts with a quick dynamic warm-up before any sudden movements, alongside wearing proper footwear tailored to your activity.

Guarding against the elements is equally vital to avoid heat-related illness; stay ahead of dehydration by sipping water continuously, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and schedule your highest-intensity exertions during the cooler morning or evening hours. By respecting your limits and prepping properly, you can maintain your momentum all season long without any frustrating timeouts. 

Share out this guide with helpful warm-up and cool-down techniques for summer sports with your friends and family.