The Daily Bruin

C.S. Lewis is one of the most influential voices of the 20th century, yet vast areas of his thought and legacy remain unexplored.

Building on the extraordinary momentum of our inaugural gathering, George Fox is hosting the 2026 Undiscovered C.S. Lewis Conference Sept. 24-27. This event will convene the world’s leading scholars and the next generation of thinkers for four days of cutting-edge research and imaginative engagement.

Scholars are invited to submit anonymous proposals of 300 to 500 words by March 31, 2026. Proposals should be for 20-minute papers in one of the six categories of our general theme “the undiscovered C.S. Lewis”:

• Historical studies that set Lewis in his own time
• Reassessments that question, contest, reaffirm, or clarify interpretations of his work or biography
• Comparative studies on Lewis and other thinkers and writers
• [Re]assessments of Lewis’s work in light of contemporary situations
• Explorations of his lesser-known material, and
• Presentations of previously unpublished material by Lewis

Acceptable submissions include, but are not limited to, the following disciplines: history, biography, literature, philosophy, theology, apologetics, ethics, political science, natural sciences, cultural studies, and rhetoric.

Proposals not specifically focused on Lewis but advancing scholarship on other Inklings or related writers are also welcome.

As a public-facing academic conference, we invite papers that are scholarly but accessible to a wider public audience. Submissions are welcome from scholars at every career stage, and limited scholarships (free conference registrations) are available for students or independent scholars with accepted papers.

Email submissions for peer-review consideration to undiscoveredlewis@georgefox.edu by the March 31 deadline. Please anonymize your submission.

Questions or inquiries prior to submission regarding the suitability of proposals may be directed to professor Jason Lepojärvi at jlepojarvi@georgefox.edu.

We invite you to join us for a special presentation featuring the founders of Slumberkins, who will share the inspiration behind the brand. The presentation will take place in Hoover 105 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Tuesday, Feb. 3. 

Slumberkins is a beloved emotional learning brand on a mission to help children grow into caring, confident and resilient humans. Created by a special education teacher and a family therapist, Slumberkins blends heart, science and storytelling to support children’s emotional well-being at home and in the classroom.

Attend the presentation to discover the stories behind the characters, learn practical strategies for fostering emotional growth, and be inspired by tools that make a lasting impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the creators of Slumberkins and explore how these lovable creatures are empowering children and families everywhere.

Questions? Contact Nickie Snyder at nsnyder@georgefox.edu.

If you received a new phone recently, you could lose access to your George Fox email, Canvas, Zoom, and other essential apps due to the multi-factor authentication requirements.

Important Reminders

• App transfers: While apps like Okta Verify or Google Authenticator will transfer to your new phone, your account information will not.
• Updating settings: If you still have your old device or a second way to verify, you can update your authentication method at login.georgefox.edu > your name > settings > security methods.
• Setup guide: You can find detailed steps on how to prepare your MFA for a new phone in this instructional guide.

Need Help?

If you have already activated a new phone and are unable to log in, please contact the Service Desk at 503-554-2569 or servicedesk@georgefox.edu.

Are you looking for a deeper way to connect with colleagues and explore the heart of your work at George Fox? Academic Affairs invites all faculty, staff and administrators to participate in The Big Read, a shared reading and discussion experience centered on “Living Vocationally” by Paul J. Wadell and Charles R. Pinches.

With additional support from the Academic Affairs Office, we are thrilled to open even more spots for participation in this initiative. Join us as we cultivate a common language around vocation to enrich our teaching, mentoring and community life.

Register by Friday, Jan. 23. Click here to register. All participants receive a complimentary paperback copy of the book and a $150 stipend upon completion of the program requirements.

Program requirements include:

• Attendance at a kickoff meeting and wrap-up meeting (dates TBD)
• Active engagement with an assigned small discussion group for three meetings over the course of the semester
• Posting at least one reflective entry for each of the book’s three sections in an online Canvas discussion forum

Contact Bob Harder at bharder@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Department of Human Services (DHS) representatives will be at the Bruin Community Pantry from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, to assist people with signing up for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (formerly known as food stamps).

No appointment is required. For more information, please contact Jere Witherspoon at jwitherspoon@georgefox.edu.

Please note: While DHS has indicated their intention to attend, their participation is ultimately managed and provided by their office. If DHS is unable to attend at the scheduled day and time, this is outside of our control.

The Nursing Club Blood Drive will take place Friday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Life Center Gym, which is located at 2315 Villa Road in Newberg. Sign up to help save a life and receive a $20 gift card!

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, drawing down the blood supply by about 35% over the past month. Hospitals, already strained by the worst flu season in nearly 20 years, are now being forced to triage critical blood products. High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild the Red Cross national blood supply. We need your help!

Click here to sign up today. Questions? Contact Jodi Blankenship at jblankenship@georgefox.edu.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey at Portland Seminary? Our doctoral programs empower you to make a meaningful impact, combining academic excellence with spiritual depth. Choose from these options:

• Doctor of Leadership (DLd) in Global Perspectives: Travel the world and engage with leadership principles through a theologically informed, multi-disciplinary lens. Gain the skills and insights needed to address contextual challenges informed by globally shared realities. This program requires a relevant master’s degree (MBA, MSW, MEd, MAT, MDiv, etc.). For more information about this program, click here.
• Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Faith and Cultural Engagement: Embody the gospel faithfully in a polarized and complex world through cultural intelligence and spiritual depth. This program requires a ministry-related master’s degree. For more information about this program, click here.
• Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Leadership and Spiritual Formation: Focus on your spiritual growth and gain a refreshed relationship with Christ while learning to lead authentically and inspire change in complex and diverse systems. This program requires a ministry-related master’s degree. For more information about this program, click here.

It’s not just about the curriculum – it’s about the community. At Portland Seminary, you’ll join a supportive cohort guided by experienced mentors and dedicated faculty. Together, you’ll grow, learn and inspire.

Explore how our programs can equip you for transformative leadership. Click here to learn more today!

Questions? Contact Heather Rainey at hrainey@georgefox.edu.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, and Thursday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., all Hydro Flask water bottles in the Bruin Bookstore will be 50% off.

Questions? Contact Kristin McGuirk at kmcguirk@georgefox.edu.

The Office for Spiritual Life is looking for a few more female staff/faculty members to participate in our SpiL Mentoring Program this spring.

This program will provide the opportunity for students to have meaningful conversations about faith and life while receiving encouragement and support from a George Fox staff or faculty member.

Students in the program will be matched with a dedicated mentor, with whom they will have weekly meetings lasting approximately one hour, spanning a duration of eight weeks within the semester. The program begins the week of Jan. 26 and ends the week of March 16.

To support you in your mentoring role, we will provide a booklet with weekly suggested spiritual formation practices for you to engage in with your mentee. Additionally, there will be a training session prior to the start of the program to ensure you feel prepared and equipped.

If you’re interested, please fill out this application by Jan. 19. Your involvement will make a meaningful impact on our students’ lives!

Click here to complete the application. For more information, contact Cyndi Murillo at cmurillo@georgefox.edu.

On Monday, the City of Newberg activated its new photo red light and speed enforcement system at the intersection of Highway 99W and Villa Road. The cameras target motorists running red lights or traveling more than 11 mph over the 35 mph speed limit.

Data is transferred digitally to the Newberg-Dundee Police Department, where officers manually review and verify all potential offenses before a citation is issued. Red light violations carry a $285 fine, while speeding fines range from $165 to $440.

This initiative is part of a plan to reduce crashes along Highway 99W. While five intersections were originally identified as high-risk, the Villa Road location remains the first to implement the technology.

Questions? Contact Carly Reumann at creumann@georgefox.edu.

The Office of Inclusive Excellence is excited to welcome Henderson House to campus. Henderson House is a local organization that provides culturally aware outreach, education and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence through leadership, hope, and respect for thriving families.

Henderson House representatives will be sharing their expertise and answering your questions from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, in Canyon Commons 101. Join us for an informative and engaging session to learn about healthy relationships and community resources.

Questions? Contact Crystal McGowan at cmcgowen@georgefox.edu.

All are invited to the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at the Chehalem Cultural Center on Monday, Jan. 19, co-sponsored by the George Fox Office of Inclusive Excellence. The program will begin at 6 p.m., with the activities scheduled to begin around 7 p.m.

The program centers around Dr. King’s “The Other America” speech, given at Stanford University in 1967, and includes music from George Fox University students and a performance by a local dance troupe.

After the program, attendees will be invited to participate in:

• A community art activity led by Marvin Eans, assistant professor of art and design at George Fox University
• Singing of freedom songs
• A station for writing letters to state and national elected officials
• Conversations with representatives from local non-profits that are making a difference in our community

Contact Rick Muthiah at rmuthiah@georgefox.edu for more information.

Please note that Hadlock will maintain normal weekday hours on MLK Day (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Intramural games are scheduled, but GroupX classes will not be held that day.

Questions? Contact Kelsey Cantrall at kcantrall@georgefox.edu.

Join us for the second part of “How to Build Trust and Leadership with AI,” an educational interactive webinar that will take place via Zoom at noon Wednesday, Jan. 28. 

Generative AI is transforming the workplace, and new research from George Fox University highlights the critical role of social influence in shaping trust around AI adoption. Social influence can both discourage and strengthen trust between people when the use of artificial intelligence is involved. We all have a unique opportunity to shape this environment.

Tune in to explore these key findings and learn actionable techniques for building confident, capable and trusting employee relationships as we continue to adopt and integrate AI in the world of work.

Click here to register. For more information, contact Sean Aker at saker@georgefox.edu.

We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Portland Seminary Spring Conference, featuring renowned theologian and author Dr. Andrew Root.

We would be honored to have you join our students, alumni, university leaders and church partners for this vital conversation on leadership, discipleship and ministry in a secular age. The conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Grace Chapel, which is located at 27501 S.W. Parkway Ave. in Wilsonville.

The theme of this year’s conference is “The Church in a Secular Age.” In a time of institutional strain and declining engagement, pastors and congregations are facing a profound identity crisis. Many find it challenging to even imagine God within the “immanent frame” of our modern era. Dr. Root will peer beneath the symptoms of decline, offering critical examination and powerful theological insights for leaders seeking to establish new footing when belief in transcendence is no longer an assumed reality.

The cost is $15 for in-person attendance (this includes lunch). You may also attend online via Zoom. There is no cost for online participation.

Click here to register. If you have any questions, contact Mollie Henkelman at mhenkelman@georgefox.edu.

Students often have a hard time knowing when and how they may use AI in their academic activities. Consider using this AI usage policy guide to provide students with guidelines on the use of AI tools for assignments.

The guide can be used on a case-by-case basis, adjusting expectations based on the goals of an assignment. After making a copy of the Google Doc, faculty members can add, remove or edit the options to fit their course or assignment.

If you allow AI use, this document provides examples of AI usage acknowledgement statements that could serve as examples for students. Some educators believe acknowledgement of AI use could help reduce inappropriate use by normalizing communication about how one is utilizing AI tools.

Contact Rick Muthiah (rmuthiah@georgefox.edu) if you have questions about or suggestions for either of these documents.

Join the annual Newberg Game Con in George Fox University’s Canyon Commons. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1.

Weekend passes are just $14, and single-day passes are $8. George Fox undergraduate students get in free (contact Paul Otto at potto@georgefox.edu for your discount code).

Features include:

• A massive board game library
• Scheduled RPG and board game sessions
• Open gaming tables
• All-day gaming from morning till night
• Exclusive local dining discounts
• A board game giveaway

For more information, click here or contact Paul Otto at potto@georgefox.edu.

Take a creative break and build community at a Fiber Friends meeting. Whether you crochet, knit, tat, or have another fiber art passion, this is a chance to relax and connect.

Fiber Friends meetings take place the second Monday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Klages Center community space. The meetings are open to all employees, whether you are skilled, a learner, or eager to learn.

Participants should bring their current project, or use the supplies provided to learn or start something new. We can provide instruction and materials for a basic project.

For more information, contact Teresa Arnold at tarnold@georgefox.edu.

Do you have endometriosis and/or adenomyosis, or do you know someone who does? Please participate in Doctor of Physical Therapy research by completing a one-time, 10- to 15-minute survey.

The survey will remain open until March 1. To fill it out, click here.

Questions? Contact principal investigator Tess Swake at tswake@georgefox.edu or (503)-554-2454 with any questions. Thank you for your time!

Disclaimer: These surveys are student generated and are not to be associated with any official research conducted by faculty and staff at George Fox University. Any views or opinions presented in these surveys are solely those of the students and do not represent those of George Fox University. The distribution of these surveys is a service provided to George Fox University students as they prepare their research required by the curriculum. Students are required to have department approval. Any questions about these surveys should be directed to the students associated with the survey in question.

The start of a new year often brings pressure to change, but we prefer to think of it as an opportunity to grow. To help you build a stronger, more resilient mindset, our Canopy Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers support that fits into your daily routine.

From one-on-one coaching to help you hit your personal goals to digital tools and self-guided resources for managing stress and finding focus, everything you need is right at your fingertips. By using the Canopy app for on-demand access, you’re not just checking a box – you’re giving yourself the space to feel more balanced and capable every day. You’ve got this, and we’re here to support you.

Find out more here.

Questions? Contact Aga Kasprzyk (akasprzyk@georgefox.edu).