The Daily Bruin

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.

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.

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.

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).

All are invited to the 2026 Martin Luther King Day event at the Chehalem Cultural Center (415 E. Sheridan St., in Newberg) on Monday, Jan. 19. The event is being co-sponsored by the center and the George Fox Office of Inclusive Excellence.

The program centers around Dr. King’s “The Other America” speech, given at Stanford University in 1967, and includes music from George Fox 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
• Singing of “Freedom Songs”
• A station for writing letters to state and national elected officials
• Conversation with representatives from local nonprofits that are making a difference in our community

The free program will begin at 6 p.m., with the activities scheduled to begin around 7 p.m.

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

The Office of Spiritual Life is looking for staff and faculty members to participate in the SpiL Mentoring Program this spring.

This program provides an 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.

We are looking for staff and faculty who would like to serve as mentors. If you are interested, please fill out this application by Friday, Jan. 16. Your involvement will make a meaningful impact on our students’ lives!

Richter Scholars proposals are due Monday, Jan. 26. The program distributes funds to support student research activities that are devised, initiated and carried out by individual student researchers, with mentorship, guidance and expertise provided by a faculty mentor.

The purpose of these funds is to support educational research opportunities that encourage the practices of independent thought, leading to independent achievement and personal responsibility.

For the purpose of this program, research is defined as a knowledge-generating activity that is designed to provide new information on a topic, tool or process, and that proceeds according to established and accepted research methods.

Before advising on a proposal, please read through the full proposal guidelines, eligibility requirements, and review criteria at this link.

All applications must be submitted through our Google Form link on the website.

For more information, contact Hannah Greene at hgreene@georgefox.edu.

All faculty: Register for the May Deep Dive Retreat, one of the best ways to conclude the academic year. The Deep Dive offers the opportunity to work on a project, delve into research, or dedicate time to a course in a serene and inspiring environment.

In addition to solo work, you can collaborate, rest, and play with your colleagues. For a more reflective experience, a self-guided spiritual retreat is available. Lodging, meals and camp activities costs are covered by the university.

Dates: Monday, May 11 (4 p.m. check-in) – Thursday, May 14 (9 a.m. check-out)
Location: Twin Rocks Friends Camp (Rockaway Beach, Oregon)
Rooms: Lodging assignments are dependent on tracks. Most people will be sharing a room with one person.

Offered Tracks:

• Track 1: Guided intensive to work collaboratively on your first Faculty Growth Plan
• Track 2: Guided intensive to work collaboratively on your Third-Year Review Portfolio
• Track 2.1: Guided intensive to work collaboratively on your Fifth-Year Promotion
• Self-guided: Open to all faculty to work on a professional project

Registration deadline: April 17, 2026
Questions? Email facultydevelopment@georgefox.edu

University Recreation is super excited to have all of you back. We want to inform you about the awesome GroupX fitness classes we are offering this spring semester. Take a look …

• Employee-Only Functional Fitness: Mondays and Wednesdays at noon
• Pilates: Mondays at 11 a.m., Tuesdays at 5 p.m., Wednesdays at 11 a.m., and Thursdays at 6 p.m.
• Yoga: Mondays at 4 p.m., Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m., Thursdays at 11 a.m., and Fridays at 3 p.m.
• Power Cycle: Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
• Full Body Burn: Saturdays at 10 a.m.
• Circuit Training: Wednesdays at 6 p.m., and Fridays at 8 a.m.

Use this link to find all of these classes and more on IMLeagues.

We can’t wait to see you in Hadlock this semester!