2023 A PUBLICATION OF CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY in this issue Travel Seminars: World Travel + Class Credit 08 12 20 First in Their Family to Earn a College Degree Team Captains and the First-Year Athletes They Inspire
FALL/WINTER
Fall/Winter 2023 • Volume 16, Number 2
Cal Lu Magazine is published twice a year by California Lutheran University, Office of Undergraduate Admission. Postmaster: Send address changes to California Lutheran University, Office of Undergraduate Admission, 60 W. Olsen Road #1350, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2700.
The World Fair image in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Cal Lu was first published in The Echo and taken by reporter Ashley Cope.
DIALOGUE MINDS DOORS CONTENTS fall/winter 2023 1 Inclusive community is one of the most deeply held values at California Lutheran University. • We embrace people of all faiths. • We value diversity and inclusiveness. • We practice acceptance. • We treat one another with respect, civility and compassion. NO ONE HERE IS AN OUTSIDER. CAL LUTHERAN STUDENT BODY REPRESENTS 38 States 63 Countries Faith Backgrounds 35 2023 World Travel + Class Credit Study Abroad Feature Experience Scholars and Fellowship Programs Opportunities to Launch Your Career
Major Mash Ups Students Pursue Multiple Disciplines with Double and Interdisciplinary Majors Professors Reveal The Person I’d Bring Back from the Past to Guest Lecture 08 06 02 04 Inspiring Performance Team Captains and the First-Year Student-Athletes They Inspire Fun at the On-Campus Flea Market Student Entrepreneurs Sell Their Goods on Campus 18 Getting Off Campus with On-Campus Clubs Clubs Get Students Out and About 16 20 22 STUDENT LIFE Beloved Community Many Belief Systems Combine to Build a Sense of Belonging OUTCOMES First in My Family How Cal Lutheran Prepared Recent First-Generation Graduates for Success 12 CAMPUS Iconic Campus Landmarks Fun Facts about Favorite Campus Locations In the Middle of CalLuPalooza A Popular Free Music Festival in Kingsmen Park 14 10
ACADEMICS
MINORS
MAJORS 42 44
MEET THREE STUDENTS COMBINING SEEMINGLY UNRELATED AREAS OF STUDY TO EXPAND PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITY AND IMPACT.
IF YOU WANT TO STUDY MULTIPLE ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES, CAL LUTHERAN ENCOURAGES YOU TO PURSUE A DOUBLE MAJOR OR CREATE AN INTERDISCIPLINARY MAJOR — WHICH YOU CAN FINISH IN FOUR YEARS.
Check Out All of Our Majors and Minors!
People simply don’t understand how religion and biology could be related. They connect religion to a conservative Christianity that rejects scientific fact in favor of literal understandings of the biblical canon. And they connect science to firmly atheistic ideas that the way the world works demonstrates a lack of a higher power.
As a person of faith and a scientist, I see science as the means to more greatly understand the wonderful creation that God has made, and as a resource to ensure we care for it in the way humanity is called by God to do. By being
Jessica Easter, Senior
RELIGION BIOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY
James Werbe, Senior BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
J. Julián Sánchez, Junior
SPANISH
in conversation with people of other faiths in which care and respect for the world are more central than that seen in media representations of Christianity, we can learn from each other how to create an ecological ethic in our own understanding of the world.
My life-long goal has always been to give back to my community. I want to become a physician and be able to bridge the gap between the Hispanic community and physicians. There is a disconnect that has been further highlighted by the pandemic. I already speak Spanish, but in a casual setting, and I want to be able to apply it in an academic setting. While one might think these two disciplines are a rather odd pairing, they work together to put me in a position where I can have a small part in better patient care.
ACADEMICS
The two disciplines complement and balance each other out. Both Spanish and biochemistry can be abstract, but the former can be creative and the latter more logical. It is nice because I can bring the creativity from Spanish and apply it to the sciences, and can apply the logic of biochemistry to Spanish.
I plan to earn an MD and PhD. I fell in love with research and I don’t want to have to choose between that and medicine.
I’ll be attending Boston University School of Theology’s Master of Divinity program on the road to earning my doctorate.
Philosophy provides the reasons for solving problems, psychology informs how to solve those problems, and business equips me with the tools needed to make those ideas a reality. The culmination of these three disciplines is the toolset needed for any innovator and entrepreneur who wants to push the envelope and affect change in the way business solutions are approached.
In my time as an entrepreneur, I have valued each of these disciplines for their ability to help make unique and positive decisions for myself and those around me. I started
a cleantech company called Wayside after my first semester at Cal Lutheran. Our first primary product is large-scale energy storage. During the process of building the company and product, I have worked with the Department of Energy and state and federal organizations.
Check out James’ company. waysideenergy.com
BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 3 fall/winter 2023
I am currently entering a significant fundraising round and scaling the company as it rapidly accelerates.
THE PERSON I WOULD
PROFESSORS REVEAL
• Svoboda was not held back by the limits of what had been done; he could imagine the possibility of things and then devise new ways of working and making to turn it into reality. Svoboda married light, space and objects in creative ways that gave the viewer a hint of historical or place reference, so it felt like something familiar yet altogether new.
• He was a combination of artist and technologist; he did not hold one above the other. He sought to find ways to use technology to tell stories better without overpowering the actor or the moment, unless that was the goal.
What class? INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN
He said “true scenography is what happens when the curtain opens, and it cannot be judged by anything else.” It would be helpful for students to see that all of the pieces you create along the way — renderings, drafting, models — are merely tools to get to the moment where the audience engages with the production and everything comes alive.
• Ali’s life was written for love of all and not love of individualism. Charitable endeavors and service for race equality and eradicating boundaries were but a few of the many causes he spoke for.
• Ali’s story shares how one’s beliefs shape the true character of a person’s purpose and life. My reasoning would be driven by that as compared to his professional boxing prowess as a three-time heavyweight champion, an Olympic gold medalist or by his accolades as the greatest boxer of all time.
What class? ETHICS AND LAW
In Ali’s prime, he refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War, in opposition to warfare and for his religious beliefs. Having the opportunity to listen to and digest Ali’s perspectives, which he held despite being arrested and stripped of his boxing titles, would speak to the power of advocacy.
Why Josef Svoboda?
Andrea Heilman, EdD
Associate Professor of Theatre Arts
JOSEF SVOBODA (1920 – 2002) Czech Scenographer
Why Muhammad Ali?
Mark Orlando, EdD
Assistant Professor and Director, Sports Management Program
MUHAMMAD ALI (1942 – 2016)
Heavyweight Boxing Champion and Activist
Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Why Mary Anning?
• Anning is one of the most influential women in the history of geology due to their pioneering contributions for the understanding of Jurassic life (~200 million years ago), despite their lack of formal training or public recognition.
• At age 12, they unearthed the fossilized remains of a prehistoric sea dweller, now called an Ichthyosaur. This was the very first recorded finding of this animal! Anning was also the first to discover another extinct sea animal, the Plesiosaurus.
What class? PALEONTOLOGY
I would ask Anning to give a guest lecture and then lead a fossil collecting field trip. Anning has been called ‘the greatest fossilist the world ever knew.’
TO GUEST LECTURE IN A CLASS
MARY
19th
Vic Thasiah,
Professor of Religion
Why Charles Darwin?
• Darwin’s curiosity, adventure and observations contributed to seeing the world in a new way, with big implications for himself and the world going forward.
• Because of him, we now have the makings of a shared story of our collective origin and early history. All organisms have descended from a single common ancestor! He provided a naturalistic explanation for what looks like design in the world.
What class? INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
It would be interesting to hear his reflections on how he relates his theory of evolution and natural selection to the heartbreaking death of his beloved 10-year-old daughter Annie, and also about his momentous adventure and transformation on the Beagle at the age of 22.
ACADEMICS 5 fall/winter 2023
Megan K. Fung, PhD
ANNING (1799 – 1847)
Century British Fossil Hunter
CHARLES DARWIN (1808 – 1882)
Naturalist Who Theorized Evolution by Natural Selection
PhD
OPPORTUNITY THAT STARTS HERE
STUDENT SCHOLARS AND FELLOWS FROM ALL MAJORS RECEIVE FUNDING AND FACULTY MENTORSHIP WHILE PARTICIPATING IN RESUME-BOOSTING ORIGINAL RESEARCH AND CREATIVE SCHOLARSHIP.
MEET A FEW!
DORFMAN SCHOLARS
Engage with opportunities offered at the Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including Hub101 — our regional start-up space.
ASCENSO SCHOLARS
Research social justice issues affecting Hispanic communities while shadowing a mentor from the Ventura County Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
SWENSON FELLOWS
Conduct original, faculty-mentored research in a natural science and present findings at on- and off-campus symposia, festivals and conferences.
Elaine Vo, Sophomore
Majors: Political Science and Business Administration with emphases in Marketing and Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Career Goal: To establish a sustainable clothing company
“Receiving the Dorfman Scholarship was ultimately the catalyst for my decision to seriously pursue entrepreneurship. I’ve received so much support from mentors and faculty here at Cal Lutheran, which motivates me to keep working hard to achieve my goals.”
The Dorfman Scholarship introduced Elaine to Hub101, where she works as a “doer.” In this startup environment, she interacts with entrepreneurs and community members, expanding her professional networks. Elaine has always dreamed of establishing her own sustainable clothing company. In her Starting a Startup class, she got the chance to create an idea for an online second-hand marketplace where students can buy and sell items like clothes, books and furniture, then exchange them on campus — promoting community and sustainability. In May, Elaine and her teammates showcased the idea at the New Venture Fair, an annual event with prizes for winning concepts.
Humberto Jimenez, Senior
Major: Psychology with an emphasis in Law and Criminal Behavior Applications
Career Goal: To become a police officer
“I will be taking things from the ASCENSO Fellow program with me as I pursue my career as a police officer, including achieving equity within the department, raising awareness of important issues, directly influencing systemic change and improving police relations with the community.”
Humberto worked with Ventura County Public Health to learn and observe how the office identifies, assesses and prioritizes health needs, especially for marginalized communities. His research was on how tobacco affects the Latinx community. With the assistance of the public health office — specifically the tobacco education and prevention program — he was able to gather data from the region and formally present his findings to county officials and on campus to build awareness.
Learn More
Find a scholars or fellows program that matches your goals.
Malik Hays, Senior
Major: Biology
Career Goal: To become a forensic pathologist who creates an equitable justice system for everyone
“As a Swenson Fellow, I have come to appreciate the value of diverse perspectives in scientific research and the importance of fostering an environment that promotes collaboration. I have learned the importance of respecting all colleagues and creating a culture of inclusivity.”
Malik’s research centered around the synthetic Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), part of a class of chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” and the toxic effects of PFOA on human health. PFOA and related chemicals have been detected in the blood of almost all Americans, with trace amounts present in nearly all human tissues. Studies have shown that these chemicals have harmful health effects, including decreased immune function, thyroid disorders and potential links to different types of cancers. His presentations highlighted the urgent need for greater regulation of these chemicals and more comprehensive studies to understand their potential health impacts.
ACADEMICS 7 fall/winter 2023
STUDY ABROAD FEATURE EXPERIENCE: ITALY
THE CLASS
BEGINNING CINEMA PRODUCTION
THE TRAVEL
ROME, FLORENCE, VENICE & MILAN
Film locations, cinema museums and Cinecittà — one of the biggest film studios in Europe — along with other historical and cultural sites like the Roman Colosseum, the Vatican Museum, the Uffizi and Zeffirelli Museums, the Grand Canal of Venice and the Duomo di Milano
Olivia’s Trip Highlights
• Learning about the global impact of film and cinema outside of the U.S.
• Experiencing another culture
“I didn’t realize how much film was present in Italy or the impact it has in Italian culture until our visits to cinema museums. I also didn’t realize how many of our renowned classics were widely distributed around the world or made in Italy. What surprised me the most was how other countries have full-on movie studios and production sets. I felt so lucky to learn about the importance of film while shooting our own short film throughout the trip.”
Major: Communication
Minor: Film and Television
PHOTOS THIS PAGE > Top Left and Right: The group out and about in Rome > (left) The Spanish Steps; (right) The Vatican. Bottom Right: In Venice > Olivia exploring the famous canals.
Olivia Madera, Sophomore
GREECE
MORE ABOUT TRAVEL SEMINARS
Each semester, students have a variety of travel seminar options that combine coursework with a travel abroad experience. Some upcoming options include:
• Cartagena de Indias, Colombia + Race and Ethnicity in Latin America
• Paris, France + The Making of a City: History, Society and Cultural Literacy in Paris
• Buenos Aires, Argentina + Spanish Language Media and Culture in Argentina
THE CLASS ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHY
THE TRAVEL ATHENS & SURROUNDING
AREAS
The Acropolis Museum, Lycabettus Hill, Ancient Agora, Socrates’ Prison Cell at Philopappos Hill, Pnyx — the birthplace of democracy, Delphi, Plato’s Academy, Aristotle’s Lyceum, National Archaeological Museum and more
Devyn’s Trip Highlights
• The excursions to Delphi and the Temple of Poseidon
• Visiting the Parthenon and its Museum
“Upon seeing Delphi, I realized the magnitude of Socrates’ stance of questioning the lore of the Greek Gods. When I realized the huge role that the gods played in daily life, it helped me understand the context of the accusations against Socrates. It is hard to imagine living in a society where an accusation of spreading the counterculture, in Socrates’ case not believing in the lore of the Gods, could potentially result in one’s execution.”
Major: Political Science
Minor: Philosophy
ACADEMICS 9 fall/winter 2023
Devyn E. Nordstrom, Senior
PHOTOS THIS PAGE >
Top Left: A side street in Monastiraki > An Athens neighborhood filled with traditional Greek restaurants and ancient ruins. Top Right: The Parthenon > In front of the iconic landmark on Acropolis Hill, the ancient Athenian city center. Bottom Left: The Ruins at Delphi > Devyn exploring the ancient holy site.
DURING THIS FREE ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL IN APRIL, STUDENTS FILL KINGSMEN PARK TO TAKE IN LIVE MUSICAL ACTS AND ENJOY FOOD, SWAG AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT. CALLUPALOOZA IS SPONSORED BY STUDENT-RUN ICLU RADIO, THE MUSIC PRODUCTION CLUB AND THE MUSICIANS’ CLUB.
CAMPUS 11 fall/winter 2023
NEARLY 35% OF CAL LUTHERAN UNDERGRADUATES ARE FIRSTGENERATION STUDENTS. THESE TRAILBLAZING GRADUATES WHO ARE THE FIRST IN THEIR FAMILY TO EARN A COLLEGE DEGREE SHARE THREE WAYS CAL LUTHERAN PREPARED THEM FOR SUCCESS.
VANESSA MELENDREZ JIMENEZ ’22
Executive Development Officer, Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation*
Attending law school in the fall of 2023
Majors: Criminology and Criminal Justice and Political Science with an emphasis in Law and Public Policy
EVAN VEGA ’21
North County Managing Editor, News Channel 3-12
Major: Film and Television
The film and television classes taught me how to use the editing software Adobe Premiere Pro, which I now use in the workplace daily.
I learned to write scripts and created my own news segments for the Broadcast News Production class. I also filmed sports games and created a hype video for the Kingsmen football team in the Sports Broadcasting class.
I had the opportunity to intern as a production assistant on movie sets.
Cal Lutheran provided me with internship opportunities to build the skills I currently use at my job and will continue to use throughout my career.
I got to connect with my professors who taught me to network and opened doors for me when I was looking for job opportunities.
I was given the opportunity to do a semester in Washington, D.C., where I got to network and meet different people who continue to be a resource for my career.
* a non-profit that provides services and programs for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other violent crimes
Doctor of Physical Therapy student, University of Southern California
Major: Exercise Science with an emphasis in Health Professions
ALL THREE AGREE: THE STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES (SSS) OFFICE IS KEY
First-generation students are offered personalized services to promote their success through SSS.
VANESSA
The support system that I found in Student Support Services is something I wish every firstgeneration Latino/a had access to. I created goals every semester with my counselor which motivated me to keep pushing. These goals and meetings allowed me to graduate on time and take care of my mental health.
The Student Support Services team helped me every step of the way during my time at Cal Lutheran as a first-generation college student, from registering for classes to ordering my cap and gown for graduation.
The exercise science program established a solid foundation for the topics that I have learned in my doctorate program. Many of the courses I have completed in the program at USC have felt like review because of how well-prepared Cal Lutheran made me. The smaller class sizes allowed me to connect and get to know my professors, who provided strong letters of recommendation. I knew the mentors I asked would write strong letters for me because of the connections we established throughout the year.
I always felt comfortable just going to talk with the exercise science faculty and department members if their doors were open. I knew that if I ever needed something, I could talk with the faculty to find a solution.
I would be in the Student Support Services office every day, whether it was to talk with other students, use the study rooms, eat my lunch or just to talk with the counselors. They really helped guide me and allowed me to have the proper resources for success.
13 fall/winter 2023 OUTCOMES
EVAN
CARLOS
CARLOS GONZALEZ ’20
The CLU Rocks and Cross on Mount Clef Ridge
• Hiking the 1.2-mile trail up Mount Clef Ridge to the CLU Rocks and nearby cross is a favorite student pastime.
• The rocks have been part of the campus landscape since 1962, the university’s second academic year.
• The 30-foot cross, located just east of the landmark letters, is made from old telephone poles.
• First-year and transfer students paint the rocks at the beginning of each school year, a long-standing campus tradition.
Enormous Luther (AKA Gumby)
• The statue, weighing in at nearly 5,000 pounds, was a gift from Cal Lutheran’s first graduating class in 1964.
• In 1988, a ComedySportz group performed a sketch portraying the then greenish-gray statue as a monster breaking free from its pedestal, referring to it as Gumby. The nickname has stuck ever since.
• Gumby was painted gold in honor of the university’s 50th anniversary in 2009, and dons a cap and sash for graduation each year.
Pederson Ranch House and Water Tower
• The original family home of Lars and Karn Pederson and their 135-acre ranch was donated by their son Richard to establish the university in 1959.
• Alumni saved the structures from demolition, raising $150,000 in one day to relocate them 500 feet to make way for the Ahmanson Science Center.
• The water tower was operational until 1960, when plumbing was installed.
The Flagpoles
• The flagpoles anchor the “spine” of campus, which hosts several not-to-be-missed events like the Involvement Fair during the first week of classes and the Career and Intern Expo in March.
• The Pride Flag is raised in June in recognition of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month.
• On any given day at the flagpoles, numerous clubs and organizations promote and host events and programs, offering free food and fun giveaways.
CAMPUS 15 fall/winter 2023
GREAT FINDS AT THE
MEMORIAL FIELD WAS BUZZING WITH ACTIVITY AS STUDENT-OWNED BUSINESSES SOLD THEIR GOODS AT THE SPRING FLEA MARKET . THE APRIL EVENT WAS HOSTED BY THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLUB AND GAVE STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS A FREE FORUM TO PROMOTE THEIR PRODUCTS. CUSTOMIZED TOTE BAGS WERE GIVEN TO THE FIRST 30 CUSTOMERS AND ALL OF THE 500+ SHOPPERS ENJOYED TREATS FROM KAYLIE’S FRUTAS AND FAMOUS TACOS FOOD TRUCKS.
We had 18 vendors participate and their sales went through the roof! Our goal of having a flea market was to give student entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell their products and services on campus. We want to give students a ‘head start’ to their startups, because we know how difficult it can be to gain profit when a business is first taking off.
SHARON SANDERS, Senior Entrepreneurship Club President
Major: Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship
I had a blast being a vendor at this semester’s Flea Market! I am so grateful the Entrepreneurship Club is providing student entrepreneurs with the opportunity to showcase their small businesses at these flea markets. It is so rewarding to see people on campus wearing my jewelry and using my fidget keychains on their backpacks!
Charitable Student Vendors
A variety of products were sold by student entrepreneurs, like small batch pottery, sweet treats, clothing, stickers, floral items and more. Several vendors, like Jessica Colbert, owner of Jazzories, chose to give a portion of their proceeds to a charity of choice. Sales of her hand-made, one-ofa-kind earrings, adjustable bracelets, fidget keychains, rosaries and necklaces benefitted the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
JESSICA (JAZZY) COLBERT, Junior (pictured below) Major: Interdisciplinary (Psychology for Writing and Communicating)
STUDENT LIFE 17 fall/winter 2023
CAL LUTHERAN STUDENTS REPRESENT DOZENS OF FAITHS AND DIVERSE BELIEF SYSTEMS, RANGING FROM AGNOSTIC TO ATHEIST. REGARDLESS OF CHOSEN CONVICTION OR PRACTICE, ALL ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN BELOVED COMMUNITY, A SENSE OF BELONGING THAT TRANSCENDS RELIGIOSITY.
PARTICIPATING IN BELOVED COMMUNITY DURING SABBATH HOUR
Every Thursday morning at 11:15, offices campus-wide close and classes go quiet as members of the Cal Lutheran community are invited to engage in a restorative, reflective and revitalizing practice of choice.
Self-Directed Activies
We encourage students to engage in restorative practices that give them life, for instance reading for inspiration and enjoyment, taking a walk alone or with friends to enjoy the gift and beauty of nature, journaling, prayer, meditating on sacred texts, honoring the Sabbath by simply taking the time to breathe, to heal and to find joy in rest.
University Chapel Service
During Chapel, our campus community gathers and emphasizes SEEING one another, in the sense that we acknowledge each person’s humanity and presence. The hope is we are cultivating Beloved Community each time we gather and that whenever anyone crosses the threshold to enter the chapel, there is a sense of deep connection.
BUILDING BELOVED COMMUNITY AT STUDENT-LED WEEKLY GROUPS
Lord of Life
This student-led Sunday night worship takes a variety of forms and happens throughout campus.
Our worship takes many different shapes, from walking meditation to dinner church, and with Lord of Life you can truly come as you are. We shape worship in ways that both grow community and are spiritually fulfilling, welcoming all to join as we work to create a space that is affirming and inclusive to everyone.
SOREN FICKLIN, First-Year Major: Music with an emphasis in Music Education
Common Ground
Students come together for a candlelight, mid-week gathering in Samuelson Chapel.
Common Ground is a space for everybody, no matter your race, creed, sexual orientation, sin (or lack of), and we want everyone to come experience Beloved Community with us. No matter who you are or where you are at in your walk with God, you are welcomed into this space where we can all find common ground.
TRYSTON TREJO, Senior Majors: Economics and Philosophy Common Ground Leader
STUDENT LIFE 19 fall/winter 2023
Reflections from R ev. SCOTT HAMILTON ADAMS University Pastor
MEET TEAM CAPTAINS AND THE FIRST-YEAR STUDENT-ATHLETES THEY INSPIRE TO PERFORM AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME, BOTH IN COMPETITION AND IN THE CLASSROOM.
Men’s Soccer
TEAM CAPTAIN
CHRISTOPHER PELAEZ, Senior Major: Criminal Justice
“ I lead the team by making sure everyone is doing what they should both on and off the field — doing well in their classes and ready to go in the game. You have to be there for your teammates no matter what because at the end, our team is a big family battling together every day. ”
FIRST-YEAR STUDENT-ATHLETE
MAX SCOT
Softball
TEAM CAPTAINS
NATALIE LUNA, Senior
Major: Multimedia with an emphasis in Graphic Design/Print
“ My leadership philosophy is to always take accountability; just because I’m a leader, doesn’t mean I don’t make mistakes. If my team knows I can be vulnerable with them and own up to my mistakes, they will trust me not only on the field, but in life as well. ”
FIRST-YEAR STUDENT-ATHLETE
BROOKE DESMET
Major: Mathematics
MAKAYLA LOPEZ, Senior Major: Liberal Studies in Education Minor: Psychology
“ My philosophy when it comes to leading the team starts with our team energy. When everyone comes together and we are collectively a huge ball of energy, we come out swinging. I like to focus on the high energy and good vibes. ”
Major: Biology
“ Our team captains are great at holding us accountable in keeping our high standards as Kingsmen. They also choose to lead by example and participate in all extra activities and workouts, putting in the extra work themselves so the team can continue to get better. ”
“ Our leadership team plans a lot of team building activities to help create a stronger bond so we can be more of a unit on the field. They demonstrate what it means to be a good teammate and an accountable friend. They create such a welcoming and open environment for everyone to just be themselves — that is what I admire most. ”
From Left: Makayla, Natalie and Brooke
Max (left) and Christopher
Men’s Swimming and Diving
TEAM CAPTAINS
COLE WEIDERMAN, Senior
Major: History Pedagogy
“ As a captain I try to always have energy — even at 5 a.m. practices. Building a positive environment that pushes everyone to be their best selves is a sure-fire way to grow as athletes and as people. ”
FIRST-YEAR STUDENT-ATHLETE
KEEGAN LISENBY
Women’s Golf
TEAM CAPTAINS
CLAIRE CORNEJO, Senior Major: Business Administration with an emphasis in Sports Management
“ I always try to check on my teammates on and off the golf course to make sure that they feel like valued members of the team. For me, it is always team first and making sure there is a line of communication open so if my teammates need me, I am there. ”
FIRST-YEAR STUDENT-ATHLETE
TORI RUIZ
Major: Liberal Studies in Education
TARA NG, Senior Major: Criminology and Criminal Justice
Minor: Psychology
“ I believe kindness and patience are extremely crucial when being a leader. My goal is to be approachable and someone any of my teammates can talk to — making sure they are all being taken care of since each individual is a valuable part of the team. ”
LOGAN RANDALL, Senior Major: Exercise Science
“ I try set a precedent of success by bringing my A-game and a winning mentality to practice each day. I hope to set a good example by doing things both in and out of the pool to establish a culture that breeds excellence. ”
Major: Business Administration with an emphasis in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
“ What makes our team captains great leaders is their commitment to making sure everyone is included in team events and making sure to check in on the morale of the team. They recognize when the team needs to be motivated during a hard set by giving words of encouragement, which is much appreciated during the cold morning practices. ”
“ Claire and Tara have been the best role models and have helped me grow as a player and a person. They motivate the team by pushing us to do our best on the course and in the classroom. Tara has this energy that makes everyone around her smile. She keeps a positive attitude no matter what challenges come her way. Claire is a strong, passionate leader who motivates and drives the team to do our best. ”
21 fall/winter 2023 ATHLETICS
From Left: Logan, Keegan and Cole
From Left: Tori, Claire and Tara
WITH ON-CAMPUS CLUBS
JOINING ONE OR MORE OF CAL LUTHERAN’S 100+ CLUBS IS A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE AND ENJOY OUR FUN-FILLED SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION. CHECK OUT SOME OF THE WAYS STUDENTS GET OUT AND ABOUT WITH CLUB ACTIVITIES.
African Student Association (ASA)
The ASA provides students a variety of ways to connect to the African diaspora and friends of Africa, including the exploration of authentic cuisines found in Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods.
We wanted to eat at an African restaurant since we don’t all have the luxury to do so at school. Some of us tried Ethiopian food for the first time! We had the sour bread injera, vegetarian dishes shiro and miser, and the stews we ate were kitfo, doro wat and tibs.
REBEKAH AMARACHI AFULIKE, First-Year Major: Business Administration with an emphasis in Management
Line Dancing Club
Most Wednesday evenings, club members can be found having a great time dancing together at a nearby club. For their annual service project, the club combined efforts with BL Saloon and the local line dancing community on behalf of Safe Passages.
Safe Passages is a great organization that helps at-risk youth by providing food, clothing and resources for education to transition them from ‘at risk’ to ‘at promise.’ We collected non-perishable food and gently used clothing to donate to their cause as our yearly club service project. By partnering with BL Saloon, we were able to reach the line dance community outside of just our club members and collect more donations.
HAILEY LAPORTE, Senior Major: Business Administration Line Dancing Club Co-Vice President
Business of Sports Club
Throughout the year, the club attends games and networks with executives from a variety of professional teams including the Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Angels, the Los Angeles Kings and Angel City Football Club.
My favorite off-campus experience this year has been the Rams game that we visited. We had the opportunity to meet with executives and ask them questions in the press box before the game. While learning about a subject in a classroom is important, I have found the out-of-class activities presented by the Business of Sports Club equally important to my professional development.
MATTHEW MIKHAIL, Junior Major: Sports Management Business of Sports Club President
Explore ways to get involved at Cal Lutheran, both on- and off-campus.
STUDENT LIFE 23 fall/winter 2023
ASA at LALIBELA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT in LOS ANGELES
LINE DANCING CLUB at COLLEGE NIGHT at THE CANYON in AGOURA HILLS
BUSINESS OF SPORTS CLUB at a LOS ANGELES DODGERS GAME
Lutheran is a member of NCAA Division III Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). Cal Lutheran teams and individuals have collected more than 150 SCIAC titles since 1991, plus the 2015 national championship in women’s volleyball and the 2017 national championship
A few places Cal Lutheran graduates have earned graduate and professional degrees: • Caltech • Cornell • Duke • Georgetown • Johns Hopkins • NYU • Oxford • Princeton • Sorbonne • Stanford • UC Berkeley • UCLA • USC • Yale Number of Semester Study Abroad Programs Available (+ 100’s of Shorter-term Options) Years to Graduate — Guaranteed Graduates Employed or in Graduate School Within 9 Months Average Class Size Number of Students Participating in Internships Student Events Posted on the HUB Annually Suite Style, Coed Residence Halls CalLutheran.edu/housing Clubs and Organizations to Join on Campus ACADEMIC 14 STUDENT LIFE 15 Countries and States Represented Number of Undergraduates STUDENT BODY 2,513 63 COUNTRIES 38 STATES 4 50 98
• Baseball • Basketball • Basketball • Cross-Country • Cross Country • Golf • Football • Lacrosse • Golf • Soccer • Soccer • Softball • Swimming & Diving • Swimming & Diving • Tennis • Tennis • Track and Field • Track and Field • Volleyball • Volleyball • Water Polo • Water Polo clusports.com Athletics % 500 CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY 60 MINUTES TO THE OCEAN TO SANTA BARBARA TO THE L.A. AREA 25 MINUTES 30 MINUTES OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID (805) 493-3135 admissions@CalLutheran.edu (805) 493-3115 SCHEDULE A CAMPUS VISIT Available in English and Spanish CalLutheran.edu/visit TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR CalLutheran.edu/tour
Applicant Deadlines Early Action: Nov. 15
Decision: Jan. 15
Semester: Oct. 15
Applicant Deadlines
Semester Priority Deadline:
15
Semester Regular
Semester:
CalLutheran.edu/howtoapply
Deadlines 565 100 CalLutheran.edu/clubs
Cal
in baseball. MEN’S (Kingsmen) WOMEN’S (Regals)
First-Year
Regular
Spring
Transfer
Fall
March
Fall
Decision: June 15 Spring
Oct. 15
Application
FINANCIAL AID
Average Financial Aid Package
Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Assistance
$41,381 98%
2022-2023 TUITION & FEES
Tuition*
$ 49,880
Room & Board**
Student Fees
GET YOUR ESTIMATE
Use our Net Price Calculator to compute your estimated first-year cost of attendance.
$16,210 $790
Scholarships
Public Price Promise
Cal Lutheran will match the average cost of attendance at a University of California campus for California students with a qualifying GPA.
Presidential Scholarship Scholarships up to full tuition for four years. Apply by November 15 for consideration.
Admission Scholarship
First-Year: Up to $32,500 per year, based on academic performance and other factors. Transfers: Up to $27,000 per year, based on transferable GPA and course units completed.
Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship
For students interested in music, theatre arts, art and multimedia. Awarding up to full tuition with applications and auditions required.
Transfer Achievement Scholarship
Up to full tuition for transfer students in the top tier of our applicant pool who embody the university’s educational and leadership goals.
Alumni Scholarship
A renewable $1,000 scholarship for children and grandchildren of Cal Lutheran graduates.
Global Scholars
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
• Accounting
• Art
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Communication
• Computer Information Systems
• Computer Science
• Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Economics
• English
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Ethnic and Race Studies
• Exercise Science
• Global Studies
• History
• History Pedagogy
• Interdisciplinary
• Liberal Studies in Education
• Marketing Communication
• Mathematics
• Mathematics for Teaching
• Multimedia
• Music
• Music Production
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Religion
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Sports Management
* Part-time students (1-11 credit hours per semester): charged at $1,615 per credit.
**Room & Board: based on the standard residence hall and meal plan.
Apply for Financial Aid
• Financial aid includes need-based and non-need-based scholarships, low interest loans, state and federal grants and work-study.
• To apply for all aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible and no later than March 1. Cal Lutheran’s FAFSA code is 001133
CalLutheran.edu/financialaid
For students from outside of the US and Canada: $30,000 (first-year) and $25,000 (transfers).
Out-of-State Campus Housing Award
An automatic $5,000 toward on-campus housing costs for students from outside of California.
CalLutheran.edu/scholarships
Serving All Students
Veterans & Dependents /veterans
We are proud to be a Yellow Ribbon Institution. Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) /hsi
Cal Lutheran is designated an HSI by the U.S. Department of Education.
Dream Act Students /dreamact
The university supports eligible, selected students with Access Grants.
• Film and Television
• French
• Geosciences
• German
Advising Programs
• Theatre Arts
• Theology and Christian Leadership
• Undeclared
• Pre-Engineering
• Pre-Law
• Pre-Med Minors
Complement your major with one of 44 minors, including Public Health, Sports Management, Dance, Legal Studies, and Entrepreneurship.
CHECK OUT ALL OUR MAJORS AND MINORS!
CalLutheran.edu/programs
4+1 Graduate Programs
Start your master’s degree as an undergraduate. Learn more!
CalLutheran.edu/4+1
FAST FACTS
25 fall/winter 2023
OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION
60 W. OLSEN ROAD #1350
THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91360-2700 (805) 493-3135
ADMISSIONS@CALLUTHERAN.EDU CALLUTHERAN.EDU
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY WORKS WITH EVERY ADMITTED STUDENT TO MAKE A PRIVATE EDUCATION AFFORDABLE. IN FACT, 98% OF STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID.
Applicants are automatically considered for admission scholarships ranging up to full tution.
Qualified California students can attend Cal Lutheran for the same price as one of the UC campuses.
Cal Lutheran students graduate with considerably less debt than the national average.
NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA PERMIT NO. 68