CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
DECEMBER 2020
CLUMAGAZINE EXAMINING ENZYMES TEAM LOOKS FOR NEW ANTIBIOTICS NEW WAY OF LEARNING COMMUNITY UPS ITS TECH GAME STYLE POINTS SOCCER IS MORE THAN A SPORT
Sharing the vision
President Lori E. Varlotta tackles challenges while looking ahead to goals
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLINICAS DEL CAMINO REAL
Out in Front
Caring for
ESSENTIAL WORKERS
R
oberto Juarez ’89 believes that because U.S. farmworkers feed the world their well-being should mean the world to us, but after more than four decades of delivering health care to agricultural laborers, he knows that seldom is the case — and this time of pandemic is no exception. As CEO of Clinicas del Camino Real in Ventura County, Juarez predicted in early February that farmworkers would be among the nation’s most imperiled workforce as coronavirus dug in. “How they live, work and get to work puts them most at risk,” said Juarez, who grew Clinicas from operations out of two motel rooms in 1978 to 15 community health centers serving more than 100,000 people, placing it among the country’s largest medical providers for farmworkers and their families. His worst expectations came to pass after California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared farmworkers to be essential workers. In July health officials reported fieldworkers, who make up 2% of the county’s population, accounted for 7% of its positive coronavirus tests. Ventura County’s two biggest COVID-19 outbreaks struck at an agricultural guestworker housing complex and an avocado packinghouse. The first farmworker to test positive in Ventura County is a Clinicas patient, Juarez said. The private HMO’s medical director then put in place safeguards to keep infected patients out of the waiting and examination rooms while getting them critical medical support. Greeters were posted to ask arriving patients those now-familiar questions about COVID-19 symptoms. Clinicas immediately anticipated that population’s unique vulnerabilities in
2 CLU MAGAZINE
a pandemic, said Juarez, who grew up working-poor himself and went on to help write the state law establishing the farmworker health program and to chair a Clinton administration panel on migrant health. Due to the high cost of housing on the state’s Central Coast, often several farmworker families share one dwelling. They often vanpool to work, sometimes with as many as a dozen riders. Those from indigenous cultures may practice a system of trading off caring for children and the elderly from multiple households, which also could accelerate community spread. Because indigenous languages such as Mixteco, Zapoteco and Triqui have no written component, Clinicas teamed up to provide public-service announcements about COVID-19 to the county’s 20,000 indigenous immigrants through Radio Indigena, which broadcasts in their native tongues. As the pandemic wore on, Clinicas staffers determined a dearth of studies left them in the dark on how best
to communicate to their patients the evolving recommendations to prevent coronavirus infection. They compiled a questionnaire and surveyed 400 patients. Juarez shared the survey with what he calls his “brother clinics” up and down the Pacific seaboard so they could poll their patients. Of all the classes Juarez took at Cal Lutheran, he cites statistics as one on which he frequently draws. “At CLU I learned how important it is to make decisions based on objectivity,” he said. A tough-talking Vietnam vet known to confront bureaucrats, Juarez tempers his edge with respect for laborers stemming from his boyhood in Oxnard’s La Colonia. Recently, he paid mariachis to perform at a drive-through “feed the front lines” food pantry to lift the spirits of recipients and put some coin in the pockets of the musicians who lost most of their work when COVID-19 regulations prohibited large gatherings. “I consider these people to be the salt of — Colleen Cason the earth,” Juarez said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF @ASHLYNICOLEPHOTO ON INSTAGRAM
Ramsey Abushahla, left, and Julio Monterroza attend an event at UrbanFutsal LA, an indoor soccer facility in downtown Los Angeles often featured on Urban Pitch, a website focusing on soccer and its special culture.
18
DECEMBER 2020 2 4
OUT IN FRONT A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Journey begins at a critical time. 5
HIGHLIGHTS
These times test entrance exams. Test your knowledge of tests. 6
ADVANCING ANTIBIOTICS
Cal Lutheran student-faculty team works to find new drugs to battle drug-resistant bacteria. 8
Q&A: LACEY J. DAVIDSON
Visiting professor believes philosophy can further dialogue on race. 10 LEADING IN CHALLENGING TIMES
During her first few months, President Lori E. Varlotta faces public health, social and financial issues. 16 A NEW WAY OF TEACHING
In the age of COVID-19, distance learning requires a higher tech game.
CLUMAGAZINE INTERIM EDITOR
Linda Martinez ART DIRECTOR
Bree M. Montanarello CONTRIBUTORS
Jim Carlisle Colleen Cason Karin Grennan Peggy L. Johnson Kevin Matthews Catherine Saillant PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Stethem ’84 EDITORIAL BOARD
Edgar Aguirre ’99 Jonathan Gonzales ’04, MS ’07 Rachel (Ronning ’99) Lindgren Angela (Moller ’96) Naginey, MS ’03 Michaela (Crawford ’79) Reaves, PhD Jean (Kelso ’84) Sandlin, MPA ’90, EdD ’12 Bruce Stevenson ’80, PhD Paloma Vargas, PhD
17 WHAT'S OLD BECOMES NEW
What once was called Interim Session has returned as pandemic-inspired Intersession classes. 18 SOCCER AND STYLE
Communication major Ramsey Abushahla '16 heads Urban Pitch, a website that shares the cultural side of soccer. 19 NEW SPORTS MANAGEMENT MAJOR
Cal Lutheran's sports management minor goes major this fall with a new bachelor's degree program. 20 CLASS NOTES 27 MILESTONES/IN MEMORIAM 28 VOCATIONS
Alumnus Endre "Skip" Anderson had a lifelong love of cycling. 31 LINKS
ON THE COVER Cal Lutheran President Lori E. Varlotta jumped into action when she started Sept. 1, leading the campus community in strategies to cope with three major crises. — Photo by Brian Stethem '84
VOLUME 28, NUMBER 2
Copyright 2020. Published three times a year by University Relations for alumni, parents and friends. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of Cal Lutheran nor the magazine staff. CORRESPOND WITH US
CLU Magazine California Lutheran University 60 W. Olsen Road #1800 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787 805-493-3151 clumag@callutheran.edu CalLutheran.edu/magazine CLU Magazine welcomes letters to the editor. Please include your name, phone number, city and state, and note Cal Lutheran graduation years. If requesting removal from our distribution list, please include your name and address as they appear on the mailing label. To submit a class note and photos for publication, write to us or visit CalLutheran.edu/alumni. Click on the links labeled Stay Connected and Share Your News. We hope you’ll request an alumni flag and share photos of your travels with it. CLU Magazine welcomes ideas for articles and nominations for Vocations alumni essays (see Page 28).
DECEMBER 2020 3
BRIAN STETHEM ’84
A Letter from President Lori E. Varlotta
A mission-driven journey begins
A
s many of you know, I physically arrived at the beautiful Thousand Oaks campus three months ago. Knowing how important the first 90 days are in any executive’s tenure, I wanted to write a short column in this issue of the magazine to give you a personal update on what that critical period has looked like at Cal Lu. I assumed the California Lutheran University presidency with 31/2 decades in higher leadership under my belt. That experience, coupled with my three degrees in philosophy-oriented fields, has compelled me to seek and serve mission-driven universities like this one. Indeed, Cal Lutheran’s mission to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice resonated loudly with me during the search process. That mission is guiding much of the work my team and I have undertaken so far. Below are a few highlights:
• Unlike many other universities in the state of California, we are moving
“... education and experience at schools like ours should prompt students — in fact, prompt all of us — to broaden our perspectives and open our hearts in an ongoing search for truth and justice.”
away from our virtual environment that became prevalent during this pandemic. Slowly, surely and as safely as possible, we are bringing students, staff and faculty back to campus. Since I arrived in September, we have carefully and methodically brought students and staff back to the Thousand Oaks campus and Oxnard Center in ways that align with state and local guidelines. Starting in January, we expect (pending Ventura County’s ability to stay in the “red tier” or better) to teach the majority of our traditional undergraduate courses in outdoor classrooms or large indoor spaces with physically distanced chairs and tables.
• At the same time we are repopulating the campus, the leadership team
and I are identifying the strategic initiatives and characteristics that differentiate Cal Lutheran from our peers. It is my expectation that this work will help us elevate Cal Lutheran to the next level of excellence.
• We also are working to align our existing and emerging diversity and
inclusion efforts with the Cal Lutheran mission. Cal Lu’s diversity and inclusion plans need not look like UC Berkeley’s, USC’s or Occidental’s. Ours should enforce and expand our unique mission as a midsize, private, progressive, Lutheran university. Toward this end, we want Cal Lutheran to be a place where students, staff, and faculty from various backgrounds and ethnicities and with divergent perspectives and ideologies can engage in deep, authentic and challenging conversations and programs.
When taken together, these three early projects reinforce one of the fundamental assumptions that undergirds my philosophy of education. It is this: Universities like Cal Lu should not design their educational program or the overall student experience in ways that are meant to ensure comfort. Rather, education and experience at schools like ours should prompt students — in fact, prompt all of us — to broaden our perspectives and open our hearts in an ongoing search for truth and justice. Often, such work is anything but comfortable. My Cal Lutheran journey has just begun, and we are off to a good start. There is no doubt that Cal Lu is a university on the move. And, as alumni and friends, you will play a critical role in fueling our forward momentum. Together, we will accomplish great things for this great university, bumps and all. 4 CLU MAGAZINE
Highlights
Highlights
These times test entrance exams
COVID-19 crisis, new research call their value into question. Curtain falls ontest ACT, SAT These times entrance exams COVID-19 crisis, new research call their value into question.
contribute to a student’s ability to be successful,” said contribute to a student’s TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE Michael Elgarico, dean of ability to be successful,” said OF OF KNOWLEDGE TESTS KNOWLEDGE TESTS Michael Elgarico, dean of undergraduate admission. 1. EverettF.F.Lindquist, Lindquist,the the undergraduate admission. 1. Everett National research also Iowa professor who develNational research also Iowa professor who backs move: oped thethe ACT, invented backs the move: developed thealso ACT, also invented • Studies show on average Studies show on average a.• The No. 2 pencil low-income and undera.b.low-income The 2 pencil TheNo. Brain Derbyand underrepresented minority b.c.represented The Derby minority RedBrain Bull energy drink students don’t perform as c. Red Bull energy drink well on standardized tests students don’t perform as 2. What year was the first as whites and those from well onwas standardized tests administered? 2.SAT What year the first affluent backgrounds. SAT administered? whites and those from a.as 1966 • The cost of test preparation courses, tutors and 1896 backgrounds. a.b.affluent 1966 retaking exams can favor 1926 b.c.•1896 The cost of test preparawealthier students. AP tests,” said Cal Lutheran ADVANCING c. tion 1926 courses, tutors and 3. The ACT test is the same • A 2018 study by the Nasociology professor Adina COMPASSION ageretaking as tional Association for ColNack, who advocated for the exams can favor In a policy believed to be 3. The ACT test is the same lege Admission Counseling policy along with Registrar the first in the nation, Cal a.wealthier Kevin age as Baconstudents. Cal Lutheran has adopted policy“University for undergraduate admissions. AP tests,” said Cal Lutheran comparing colleges with ADVANCING Maria Kohnke. Lutheran is giving studentsa test-optional b. Cal Lutheran Beginning for the fall semester 2021, mostdecided applicants submit SATtest-optional or ACT and without A 2018 officials to beno as longer must a. •Kevin Baconstudy by the Nawho took Advanced Placesociology professor Adina COMPASSION c. RuPaul scores. policies found standardcompassionate and equiment classes and registered b. tional Cal Lutheran Association for ColNack, whoized advocated for the In a policy believed toasbe decision to go2020 test-optional came after three years of research. Data showed tests failed students to identify table possible.” forThe exams in spring the c.How RuPaul lege Admission Counseling 4. long did students with higher GPAs who toCal Cal Lutheran a greater level of achievement and policy along with Registrar talented applicants who the first inwere theadmitted nation, About one-third of had the maximum credit to, regard5 have to answer the 31 retention regardless of test scores. can succeed in higher admitted to Cal Lu- Kohnke. comparing colleges with less of scores or test compleMaria “University Lutheran isemphasis givingstudents students 4.questions How longondid students the first SAT? “We want to place an on factors that contribute to a student’s ability to be suceducation. theran will be affected by the tion, to account for COVIDandtowithout officials decided to be as have answer thetest-optional 315 who took Advanced Placecessful,” said Michael Elgarico, dean of undergraduate admission. compassionate credit policy. • The study also found 19-related challenges. a. 1 hour, on 37 minutes questions the first standardSAT? policies found National research also backs the move: compassionate and ment classes and registered dropping the equirequirement The university made the CURTAIN FALLS b. 2 hours, 4 minutes results instudents more diverse tests failed to identify exception for this year’s a.c.ized 1 hour, 37 minutes • Studies show on average low-income and underrepresented minority table as possible.” ON2020 ACT, SAT for exams in spring the 3 hours applicant pools and those exams don’t because of hardships perform as well on standardized white students and those from California Lutheran b. talented 2 hours, 4 minutes applicants who About one-third of the credit to, regard-tests as Univerwho didn’t submit test causedaffluent by maximum the pandemic. The sity adopted a test-optional backgrounds. What is a Scantron? c. 3 hours can succeed in higher students admitted to Cal Luscores graduated at equivlessrevamped of scores compleCollege Board AP or test policy for undergraduate • The cost of test preparation courses, tutors and retaking exams can favor wealthier a. Control panel for alent or, at some colleges, exams to be givento online, education. will be affected by the 5. What admissions. for tion, account for COVID-Beginningtheran is a V Scantron? students. Saturn rocket slightly higher rates than but students reported probthe fall semester 2021,compassionate most credit policy. • The study also found 19-related challenges. those who supplied them. lems• submitting their Flash Gordon’s a.b.Control panel fortrusty applicants no longer must Admission Counseling A 2018 study bytests the National Association for College dropping the requirement due to comparing technical or with and Theissues university made theor robot V rocket Applicants who do not submit SAT ACT scores. colleges without test-optional policies found standardized tests CURTAIN FALLS Saturn lack of access to the inter- this year’s submit test scores will be Cal Lutheran’s decision c. Optical mark in more exception failed to identifyfor talented applicants who can succeed in higher education. ON ACT, SAT b. results Flash Gordon’s trustydiverse net and computers. Health required to answer four came after three years of recognition device applicant pools and those because ofresearch. hardships • Theexams 2018 study also found dropping the requirement inLutheran more diverse robot Univerconcerns, job losses and questions. Data showedCalifornia stu- resultssupplemental applicant pools and those who didn’t submit test scores graduated at equivalent or, cutbacks, and other by stressdidn’t caused the pandemic. Students still must submit c. who Optical mark submit test dents with The higher GPAs whoadopted Pencils down! sity a test-optional ors related to COVID-19 also at some colleges, slightly higher rates than those who supplied them. SAT or ACT scores if they have were admitted to CLU had a Get your score below. at equivscores graduated recognition device College Board revamped AP policy forbeen undergraduate proved to be obstacles. homeschooled, attend greater level of achievement Applicants who do submit test scores will be required to answer four supplemental alent or, at some colleges, exams toisnot be online, admissions. Beginning “We recognize this notgivenand schools that provide for written retention regardless of Pencils down! questions. a normal school year, these reported probevaluations2021, in place of grades Get slightly scores. most your scorehigher below. rates than Studentsbut stillstudents must submit SATtest or ACT scores if theythe havefall beensemester homeschooled, attend were not normal AP courses, or to apply for Cal Lutheran’s “We want to place an those who supplied them. schools that provide written evaluations in place of grades or want to apply for Cal Lutheran’s lems submitting their tests Answers Answers applicants no longer must and these were not normal Presidential Scholarship. emphasis on factors that (b)2.2.(c)(c) Presidential Scholarship. 1.1.(b) 3.3. (b)(b) 4.4. (a)(a) 5. 5. (c)(c) due to technical issues or Applicants who do not submit SAT or ACT scores. lack of access to the intersubmit test scores will Cal Lutheran’s decision DECEMBER 2020 5 be net and computers. Health required to answer four came after three years of concerns, job losses and
How to thwart
AN IRON THIEF In search of a new class of antibiotics, a Cal Lutheran team takes advantage of its digs in Swenson Science Center.
BY KEVIN MATTHEWS/PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATE HOFFMANN
P
rior to the Swenson Science Center’s opening in August, associate professor Kate Hoffmann ran her research on 11/2 lab benches in the 30-year-old Ahmanson building, and her colleague Jason Kingsbury worked out of a converted closet there. The collaborative labs in Swenson, designed with extensive faculty input, feature a walk-in freezer and room to grow. One Cal Lutheran student-faculty team is using the elbow room to pursue a novel approach to treating infections from bacteria that have built up resistance to antibiotics. Supported by a three-year, $195,000 National Science Foundation grant, they are working toward the creation of a new class of antibiotics that renders pathogens harmless by starving them of iron, which is essential to their functioning. In our human bodies, bad actors such as antibiotic-resistant superbugs MRSA and anthrax raid the bloodstream and bones to steal the same iron we need. They carry an enzyme that manufactures a tiny iron thief for the job. Cal Lutheran is taking a hard look at that enzyme. “Nobody else has done much research on DesD,” said senior Eliana Goncuian, who spent summers creating experimental conditions for it to operate. DesD serves the researchers as a model for a family of proteins that increasingly is associated with virulent disease. In one part of a paper accepted by the leading journal Biochemistry, she reports on how quickly and how tightly it binds to a substrate to make the iron-pocketing agent. “We think that the easiest way to inhibit it is through the binding, not necessarily the time,” Goncuian said. Other members of the Cal Lutheran team are working to confirm which amino acid in DesD’s chain is most important for binding, and eventually to tailor an inhibitor to block it. They’ll draw on Hoffmann’s expertise in characterizing proteins and on Kingsbury’s in synthesizing compounds. A generous donation during the Science Initiative enabled Cal Lutheran to acquire its own isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) instrument to be housed in the Chemistry Instrumentation Lab after the COVID-19 shutdown restricted access to the one at USC they had been using. A good inhibitor has to out-compete the bacterial protein. It also must hit a target that is not found all over the body, or it could shut down normal functions and cause side effects. “So you’ve never heard of DesD, and that’s good. Because it’s so unique,” said Hoffmann, the John Stauffer Professor of Analytical Chemistry and principal investigator on the NSF grant. She hopes to map the binding site — a critical step — within five years. 6 CLU MAGAZINE
The process of solving a crystal structure ends with a 3D map of density (blue mesh). This fall, senior Eliana Goncuian has been building atom and bonds (the orange and red lines) into the shape and refining it.
The new Swenson Science Center labs allow research teams room to work.
Goncuian loads a sample into an ITC instrument during the summer of 2019. ITC is one of two principal techniques utilized by the Hoffmann Lab.
X-rays diffract off crystals to form a series of images of dots in geometric patterns.
X-ray crystallography is the technique of capturing the image of a molecule too small to see under a microscope. Crystals are small and fragile, and can only be seen in a microscope.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARDÉ BARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY IN LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Q&A
'SLOW IT DOWN' Lacey J. Davidson, a visiting assistant professor of philosophy, believes philosophy is an active, living practice that can further honest, productive dialogue on race. 8 CLU MAGAZINE
When people genuinely want to work together toward understanding on racism, they always hear these are “tough conversations to have.” How can your field of study frame these discussions to make them more productive? This is what philosophers have to offer: Slow it down. We do a thing called conceptual analysis where we think carefully about the concepts we use in daily life but never really sit down to think what they mean. Once we get clear about concept — especially the negative concepts such as racism and white supremacy — then we are more likely to develop a path forward. Philosophy of Race, which I taught last spring, is organized around these conceptual questions: What is race and racism? How do we come to know about race? And how do we remain ignorant about issues of racism and white supremacy? How did that process go with your students? Sometimes it was very intense because their worldviews and beliefs are being challenged, but if we don’t slow down, that gets covered over. I remember a moment in my class after we read a very influential New York Times piece called “Dear White America” by George Yancy, one of the race philosophers who transformed me as an undergraduate. He was my introduction to doing this work philosophically. I knew something was holding back our discussion. Then someone broke the ice with a question: “Is he saying all white people are racist?” “OK, class, is Yancy saying that?” That’s how we come back to slowing way, way down. Philosophy requires way more patience than we have developed in our dominant culture. So, our society’s fondness for instant gratification is an obstacle to dialogue about race? That is what keeps us having these conversations over and over again, instead of breaking new ground. Whiteness furthers itself through a variety of mechanisms. One is to make conversations difficult in a way they need not be. Why do we have the same conversation over and over again, a philosopher will ask? Part of the answer is whiteness is stubborn because it is functional for white people.
CLU ADMINISTRATION So often white folks’ first reaction to hearing about injustice or oppressive forces is to get it in their heads they are going to offer what people of color need or are missing. They don’t realize people of color are organizing for their lives all the time. Can you offer a philosophical blueprint for a conversation about race that could get traction? I teach my students a fourstep philosophical method. The first is to step back and ask: What is the question? Who is in this conversation? Why does it matter in their material lives? Second is conceptual analysis and really getting clear on the words we are using. Third is argumentation: What reasons do we give for supporting or disputing their argument? Finally, take a beat. Now that I have the argument in view, what should I do? If I accept the argument — meaning I think it’s a good argument — what must I do in my life? We hardly ever ask that question, especially in an institutional context. It never goes on people’s to-do lists. We have this conversation over and over again because people are not taking a hard look at their lives and asking: What is it I need to do differently? It’s a lot usually and doing things you don’t want to do. How did you come to work with critical race philosopher Leonard Harris at Purdue University? I read his work on anti-Black racism as an undergraduate, and he doesn’t hold back. He doesn’t do any work to make white people comfortable. It felt honest, and I felt if I engaged with it while pursuing my doctorate maybe I would have a chance at doing this work in a way that was actually beneficial. What is Dr. Harris’ definition of racism? It is a polymorphous agent of death that prematurely kills and prevents from being born. It is a system where health as well as the material conditions to secure health are transferred from people of color to white people. That’s hard to hear. He wants it to be bleak. He thinks the horrible wrong of racism is unnecessary, unredeemable misery. He
wants us to be gut-punched. And the worst of it is that even the horrible truth isn’t enough to motivate some. What did you learn about living with discomfort that could help those in difficult discussions of race? My discomfort was nothing in comparison to those living with racism. Think about the difference of being uncomfortable versus having your life on the line, being unsafe. I can walk away from this work. It would be hard, but if I decided tomorrow to work on something else, I could. You’ve said there are a lot of ways to mess up anti-racist work. So often white folks’ first reaction to hearing about injustice or oppressive forces is to get it in their heads they are going to offer what people of color need or are missing. They don’t realize people of color are organizing for their lives all the time. I suggest they look for those who are already organizing and see where they are needed. Sometimes it’s making the copies and setting up the chairs. Sometimes you are not the one who is going to articulate the vision for the future. How are you settling in at Cal Lutheran? I came into a university that is struggling against racism with colleagues who have been doing this work for way longer than I have. Sheridan Wigginton just won the Provost Distinguished Scholar Award for co-authoring “Unmastering the Script: Education, Critical Race Theory, and the Struggle to Reconcile the Haitian Other in Dominican Identity.” There’s Juanita Hall who has been here a long time doing anti-racist work, Cynthia Duarte in the Center for Equality and Justice, Paloma Vargas’ work on being a HispanicServing Institution, Nicole Gonzales in Student Life, to name a few. I am trying to find my place in this fight.
Lori E. Varlotta, PhD President Leanne Neilson, PsyD Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs Regina D. Biddings-Muro, EdD Vice President, University Advancement Karen Davis, MBA ’95 Vice President, Administration and Finance Melissa Maxwell-Doherty ’77, MDiv ’81 Vice President, Mission and Identity Melinda Roper, EdD Vice President, Student Affairs and Dean of Students Matthew Ward, PhD Vice President, Enrollment Management and Marketing Gerhard Apfelthaler, PhD Dean, School of Management Lisa Buono, MS ’04, EdD ’11 Dean, School for Professional and Continuing Studies Michael Hillis, PhD Dean, Graduate School of Education Richard Holigrocki, PhD Dean, Graduate School of Psychology Jessica Lavariega Monforti, PhD Dean, College of Arts and Sciences The Rev. Raymond Pickett, PhD Rector, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary The Rev. Alicia Vargas, MDiv ’95, PhD Dean, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary BOARD OF REGENTS Bill Camarillo, Chair Randall Foster, Vice Chair Ann Boynton ’83, Secretary Candice (Cerro ’09) Aragon Linda Baumhefner The Rev. Jim Bessey ’66 Andrew Binsley Joshua Carter-McHale ’21 Sue Chadwick Tracy M. Downs ’88, MD Josyua Gatison ’22 Rod Gilbert, H’16 Arnold Gutierrez, PhD Bishop Deborah Hutterer Jon Irwin Malcolm McNeil Gordon Morrell The Rev. David Nagler, MDiv ’93 The Rev. Frank Nausin ’70, MDiv ’74 Carrie Nebens Kären Olson ’83 Jim Overton Debra Papageorge ’12 Mike Soules Deborah Sweeney Lori E. Varlotta, PhD Colleen Windham-Hughes, PhD, MDiv Russell Young ’71 The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice.
DECEMBER 2020 9
SHARING THE VISION
President Lori E. Varlotta swings into action tackling budget, public health and social issues while looking ahead at strategic goals. BY CATHERINE SAILLANT / PHOTOS BY BRIAN STETHEM '84
C
al Lutheran’s new president, Lori E. Varlotta, understands the vision, and sometimes pain, necessary to bring about change. The university’s eighth president arrived on Sept. 1 to three major challenges: a global pandemic that limits in-person instruction; national social unrest that intensified calls for greater equity for students, faculty and staff of color; and a budget shortfall that required immediate, tough decisions. Varlotta scratched the honeymoon period and swung into action. She asked her cabinet to work six days a week to identify $23.6 million in cuts that would have the least impact on students and faculty. They instituted a temporary partial reduction in hours for 52 staff members whose workload had been lessened by the pandemic and laid off 17 others. Additional savings will come from a pause in retirement contributions and reductions in supply and travel budgets. It was a painful start, Varlotta admits, but with a 10% drop in traditional undergraduate enrollment and a 74% reduction in the number of students living on campus because of COVID19-related restrictions she had no choice but to act to stave off even greater cuts down the road.
If there is a saving grace, it’s that Cal Lutheran entered this pandemic from a position of financial strength. Unlike many other tuition-driven institutions, Cal Lutheran has recorded decades of balanced budgets, meaning there was no structural deficit weighing down the university. The institution’s strong financial base meant that Varlotta was able to shield the university from even deeper cuts. “Thankfully, decades of financial success allowed us to weather this storm better than other campuses that went into these unprecedented times on shaky grounds,’’ she said. “We needed to act promptly and compassionately, but we did so from a position of financial strength.” Budget cuts required her immediate attention, but Varlotta also is focused on her strategic goals for the Thousand Oaks campus; satellite locations in Woodland Hills, Westlake Village, Oxnard and Santa Maria; and the seminary in Berkeley. Topping that list is a push for campus diversity that builds on the progress the institution already has made in this area. Varlotta is on record reaffirming Cal Lutheran’s push to hire even more faculty and staff of color and to live out the university’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, not just a Hispanic-enrolling institution. Equity issues are also high on her radar. DECEMBER 2020 11
"When leading a campus, I am clear it is not about me. It’s about the common good and how I mobilize students, faculty and staff to get to a place that serves all of us, our mission and our future well.” In June, following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the university pledged to support an anti-racist agenda that calls for specific changes on campus, including a review of curriculum, establishment of Community Scholars for Black Lives fellowships and the development of a bias incident reporting system. Varlotta forcefully backs these efforts and has begun meeting with faculty and staff members interested in working together to improve diversity and inclusion practices at Cal Lutheran. Of immediate concern is making sure low-income students have access to laptops, cameras, earphones and mobile hotspots needed for remote learning. She and members of the leadership team have been working closely with the university’s Information Technology Services department to ensure students are aware of these resources and know how to find them, Varlotta said. And, as soon as it was allowed, they opened outdoor instructional and study spaces in Thousand Oaks and Oxnard for students who were finding it difficult to find technology-enhanced, study-conducive spaces at or close to home. A longer-term goal is to work with faculty to identify new academic programs and revise existing ones that leverage the technologies, modalities, and learning goals associated with mid-21st-century academe. In the area of investment, Varlotta said she will work with the regents and others to complete the main campus’s physical master plan that emphasizes space for the sciences, business programs and the performing arts, while paying attention to the connections between the main campus and its regional centers. She also aims to grow the university’s fundraising efforts, including but not limited to its endowment, to pay for more scholarships, faculty chairs and green initiatives. Just as important as these measurable goals is Varlotta’s intention to foster an environment that hews closely to the Lutheran values of generosity, grace and inclusivity. It’s hard to have an open and engaged educational community if people tune out others or fail to listen earnestly to those who have different ideas or opinions, she said. She envisions an environment where people from myriad backgrounds, perspectives and experiences “listen and understand before we judge and presume” — an inclusive Lutheran university that “welcomes people of all faiths and no religious faith per se.” The Pittsburgh native, 57, was raised a Catholic in a workingclass home. She said some of her most important lessons 12 CLU MAGAZINE
about how to treat people and how to persevere in the face of adversity were learned in childhood from her large, loud, pragmatic Italian-American family. “From the time I was a young girl, my parents encouraged me to set and follow goals and to set them high,’’ she said. “They taught me that achieving these goals meant that I would travel a path that went up and down. My father, a long-serving Greyhound bus driver, told me that ‘sometimes you got to go a little West to go East. Good drivers set a route but take the detours that are necessary to bring everyone home safely.’ “My family also taught me that good leadership is not about the leader. As a young person, I experienced what it meant to live in a close relationship with an extended family. Mine was a large one, and my sense of accountability extended to cousins, aunts and uncles. Our common good encompassed lots of people. All of that has helped me see some pretty basic things: When leading a campus, I am clear it is not about me. It’s about the common good and how I mobilize students, faculty and staff to get to a place that serves all of us, our mission and our future well.” Her career path is littered with admirable firsts: first to graduate college in her family; first woman president at Hiram College in Ohio; and now the first female to head Cal Lutheran in its six-decade history. Over 35 years in higher education, she’s worked on campuses from Sacramento, California, to Syracuse, New York, and many places in between. She has developed a track record for assisting campuses in using state-of-the-art technology for learning and for leading high-stakes, inclusive processes that bring systemic change to higher education. After chilly winters in Ohio, the runner admits she is happy to return to California, a state she calls a “world of its own.” Cal Lutheran’s identity as a liberal arts and sciences college founded in the Lutheran faith also was appealing. “In recent years, I stepped away from my personal faith journey as professional responsibilities took center stage in my life,” she said. “As I enter middle age, I find myself becoming more curious about the divine and things that I can’t understand with my logical, analytical mind. How do I make sense of the world through feelings, faith, traditions and the symbolic world?” For now, though, she is occupied with the logistics of getting through the crazy hybrid fall semester, eventually reopening the campus in a safe way, recruiting a more diverse staff and rebuilding the budget. Varlotta said she is ready. “We will get through this pandemic and we will come out even stronger than we came in.”
2020 Homecoming
CLU Alumni Virtual Choir As part of our first-ever virtual homecoming month, choir alumni participated in a beautiful rendition of the Cal Lutheran Alma Mater. It was performed by 150 alumni from the classes of 1964 to 2020. Enjoy the video by going to CalLutheran.edu/alumnichoir
2020 Homecomin
We never would have wished to trade our in-person events for a monthlo opportunity to celebrate Cal Lutheran’s mission by having alumni from all a
Kelsey Hernandez ’13 participating in Loop da Lu 5K from Cologne, Germany Mariel Spengler ’92 (current Cal Lutheran parent) painting Kingsmen Park from Palo Alto, California
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Nadine Rajabi ’00, MBA ’06, checking out the homecoming events from the Mediterranean Sea
See the full photo gallery on the Cal Lutheran Alumni Facebook page.
Vince Scarpinato, MBA ’10, serving his community in Las Vegas
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SAVE THE DATE Join us next year, Oct. 22-24, 2021.
ong virtual homecoming, but 2020 demanded it. The silver lining was the across the globe participate in Homecoming for the first time. A
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Klaus Kersten, MBA ’12, joining the virtual homecoming with his friend from Graz, Austria Undis (Fjeld ’00) Singh tuning into Haco Hoang’s live event from New Delhi
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Yi-Chien (Sean) Liu, MBA ’12, MS ’13, showing Cal Lutheran pride from Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Anamaria Hauptfeld-Schweitzer ’99 joining virtual homecoming from Opatija, Croatia
Teaching with a Tech Twist Faculty and students up their game as learning continues mostly online during the fall semester. BY CATHERINE SAILLANT / PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE WHITE
In addition to giving weekly live virtual lectures, Christine White records 10-minute sessions using two cameras, one on her face and the other, inset on the screen, on a whiteboard where she writes out math challenges. The sessions are uploaded to YouTube for students to watch at their leisure.
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al Lutheran is a changed campus in the age of COVID-19. In the first week of fall classes, normally bustling Regals Way was empty at noon, a lone gardener clipping rose bushes. Meanwhile in hundreds of dorm rooms and thousands of home offices, the business of delivering a Cal Lutheran education was moving forward online. Adjunct mathematics faculty member Christine White found that the basics of pedagogy still apply in Learning 2.0 — but with a tech twist. Like many professors, she took part in emergency training sessions offered by the university’s Center for Teaching and Learning after the spring shutdown and limped along with Zoom lectures from home. By the start of the fall term she had upped her game. Students now participate in a weekly live Zoom lecture and, at their leisure, watch another one that is uploaded in 10-minute increments to YouTube. Sessions are recorded with two 16 CLU MAGAZINE
cameras, one on White’s face and the other, inset on the screen, on a whiteboard where she writes out math challenges. During the Zoom sessions, students break out into groups of two or three to work out math problems. They are encouraged to continue the discussion offline. White tests knowledge with nonproctored quizzes and by requiring students to share personal videos in which they explain how they solved an assignment. She also requires students to post a weekly “reflection” to a private Blackboard discussion board so she can monitor progress. And she tells students she is always a text or email away to answer questions — even late at night. “It doesn’t take a lot of my time and it’s huge for them to get feedback when they need it,’’ she said. White credits Mirwais Azizi, Cal Lutheran’s director of digital learning, and his staff at the Center for Teaching and Learning
Fred Tonsing, third from left, poses with a group of students at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, during a 1981 Interim Session.
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN The Cal Lutheran campus that adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic might feel a bit unfamiliar to alumni who attended the university between 1970 and 1990. Most classrooms sat empty while learning happened physically distanced under tents outdoors or online. But graduates of that era will feel right at home with one pandemic-inspired addition. What they knew as Interim Session has returned as Intersession. Beginning Dec. 7, Cal Lutheran is holding an allvirtual term that — like Interim — bridges the fall and spring semesters for undergraduates. “Intersession is an effort to add value and an additional learning opportunity for our students,” said Kevin Baxter ’08, MS ’20, associate director of enrollment marketing. “With the traditional undergraduate fall term getting shortened because of the pandemic, it created time for students to take a course virtually.” And it’s offered at less than half the regular expense, he added. The price for the oneto four-credit courses runs $250 per credit for full-time traditional undergrads, compared to $595 per unit. During those two decades in the 20th century, all undergraduates were required to enroll in Interim at least three of their four years, and all faculty were required to teach it. Intersession 2020-21 is optional for faculty to teach and students to take. About 30 faculty members are participating, and classes offered include Intro to Podcasting, Home Buying 101 and Intro to Personal Finance. Those topics are not much different from the eclectic Interim subjects, such as
Crossword Construction for Profit and Fun, Film Noir and Personal Financial Management. Professor emeritus and Interim’s biggest booster Fred Tonsing led students across Europe following in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Interim drew supporters and critics. Backers said it encouraged faculty to think creatively about courses, and some of those experiments became regular curriculum. Critics believed the classes were too easy and students skated by with scant effort, as reported in the Los Angeles Times in November 1990. Reducing faculty workload was given as the rationale for Interim’s demise. In reporting the program’s passing, the L.A. Times stated an audit by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges recommended Cal Lutheran take definite steps to cut demands on faculty. Lessons Jean (Kelso ’84) Sandlin, MPA '90, EdD '12, learned in one early 1980s Interim Session informs her to this day. As an undergraduate, she took a course on creativity co-taught by English professor emeritus Jack Ledbetter and art professor emeritus John Solem that broadened her worldview. “I appreciated the dual perspectives these two artists — one a poet and one a printmaker — shared with us and their encouragement for us to practice creativity,” she said. “That class continues to inform both my teaching and research today, along with my background in advertising,” she said, adding “I continue to explore the convergence of creativity and commercialism.” — Colleen Cason DECEMBER 2020 17
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRED TONSING
with helping her get up to speed not only on technology but also best practices for virtual instruction. Since spring, Azizi’s team has held 380 training sessions with more on tap. He says the biggest challenge for instructors is avoiding Zoom burnout. “It’s not so much about how to use Zoom, but focusing on how to be an effective instructor utilizing technology,” he said. “How can certain technologies enhance learning?” White said she was “nervous as all get out” over the summer. “I’d never taken an online class much less taught one,’’ she said. “But all those ideas of discussion boards, personal videos, using the live community — all of that came from Mirwais’ team.” Joshua Finkel, senior adjunct theater arts faculty member, uses a program called VoiceThread for his Beginning Acting class. Students post short videos of themselves performing acting exercises. “While they’re in this emotion, they record and submit this video, and then I send it back with comments,’’ he said. “It’s almost like Snapchat.” To cut down on screen time, Finkel records one lecture and uses his live Zoom class for more interactive instruction. While he says there’s no substitution for in-person classes, especially in the dramatic arts, technology is helping him reach his students in a way that is safe for everyone. “It’s a lot of build for me, but it ultimately allows the class to be on its feet and re-create the fun of acting class in their living room or kitchen,’’ he said. Azizi said it can be hard for some faculty members to break out of teaching methods that have worked well for decades. But creativity pays when trying to keep the attention of a generation raised on social media, he said. While most classes started virtually, nine began the semester in open-air classrooms set up under tents on the Thousand Oaks campus. The spaces — equipped with Wi-Fi, power strips and lighting — doubled as study halls for students. Several science faculty members became the first to teach inside the new $34 million Swenson Science Center, delivering live and recorded demonstrations in anatomy, biology, chemistry and exercise science to students participating remotely. Ventura County’s move into a less restrictive tier in October prompted at least a dozen faculty members to take advantage of the opportunity to switch their remaining fall classes to meeting indoors at 25% of room capacity. Undergrad Lindsey Weller and her roommate Lauren DeRosa, both 18, two of about 380 undergraduates in residence for the fall term, took a break from virtual classes during the first week to eat some lunch on campus. They sat six feet apart from each other and had their masks ready to wear. Zoom classes “are not as horrible as I thought it would be,’’ said Weller, a Los Angeles theater arts and dance major who looks forward to the day she can perform with classmates. “It’s not ideal, but all of my teachers are trying to make it interactive as possible.” Both women said they enjoyed breaking out into smaller groups during live Zoom classes and also using the chat room to get to know other students. “It’s OK,” said DeRosa, a communication major from Gilroy, California. “I’ve just got to get through this — it isn’t forever.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROY CHO (@CHO_ROY IG)
Style Points
Ramsey Abushahla ’16 heads a website that works to connect the world to the culture and street voice of soccer. BY JIM CARLISLE
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here’s more to soccer than soccer. It has a culture of music, art and fashion surrounding it that no other sport can match. Ramsey Abushahla ’16 admits that when he became involved with the soccer website Urban Pitch, he was pulled in more by the aesthetics of it than by the sport. The site is more about what soccer looks like and sounds like than about the game itself. The communication major from Woodland Hills had served on the staff of The Echo and also played four years of baseball for Cal Lutheran. He had dabbled in freelance journalism after graduation, reporting for the Ventura County Star and the Thousand Oaks Acorn. Abushahla had shown himself to be ready for anything, even handling football analysis on livestream broadcasts of Cal Lutheran football. Then, in his job search, he came across Urban Pitch. “Growing up, I was not a soccer fan,” Abushahla said. “It was always on the periphery of my sports fandom, but the thing 18 CLU MAGAZINE
that drew me into the site was the cultural side of soccer, which was pretty unique compared to other sports. There’s this whole off-pitch side, whether it’s art, music or fashion, that is inspired by soccer and that really isn’t prevalent in other sports.” Abushahla had interest in that side of it, so he applied and was hired. “I figured I could write some of the lifestyle and cultural stories first and then try and learn soccer on the fly,” he said. “So I started watching a little bit more soccer and was quickly taken in. I was already a sports fan, so it wasn’t really a hard sell for me. From there, I was doing a story every once in a while, maybe two or three a month.” Then, in the summer of 2017, the editor of the site resigned and Abushahla was asked to step in as the interim editor. “Things just kind of worked out,” he said. “I was in the right place at the right time and I wound up being brought on full time, which was really, really fortunate.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF KALYNN BARNUM (@OHHEYITSKALYNN IG)
OPPOSITE: Ramsey Abushahla, left, introduces professional
soccer player Jordan O’Brien at an event. O’Brien plays for River Plate in Argentina. ABOVE: From left, friends Nick Gendian, Abushahla and Tyler Nevins ’16 have fun at UrbanFutsal LA. Abushahla heads the website Urban Pitch, which often covers events at the facility.
Along with providing match coverage, Urban Pitch reports on events that happen at UrbanFutsal LA, an indoor soccer facility with which it is affiliated, in downtown Los Angeles. The facility was closed in March because of the pandemic, but Abushahla says there still has been plenty of material for the website. Futsal is a big part of Urban Pitch’s coverage. It’s a hardcourt game usually played indoors where the emphasis is more on the technique, artistry and flashiness of individual players than on how many goals are scored. “The target that we’re going for is sports fans who care about things that go on outside the lines of the pitch, people who care about soccer and they have a club that they support, but also they’re into who the cool soccer player is, who has style,” Abushahla said. “It’s not just like straight-up analysis of sports and going over X's and O's.” Having a diverse repertoire has come in handy for Urban Pitch. When the pandemic started, the site published such things as movie and TV reviews along with things to do at home. Its coverage of actual soccer competition took a hit. The site would normally cover Major League Soccer rivalry matches between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles Football Club. “We have good working relationships with both L.A. Galaxy and LAFC,” Abushahla said in September. “We’re still trying to talk to them to see different ways that we can cover the teams, and we’re trying to come up with some new innovative ideas.” Urban Pitch has anywhere from 10 to 15 regular, mostly freelance contributors, reporting from such places as Barcelona, the United Kingdom and Ghana. The audience is just as global, Abushahla said, attracting readers from Argentina to Spain. “Obviously, it’s a global game, a lot bigger in Europe and South America where it’s more ingrained into everyday life, but it’s starting to take hold in the United States as well,” Abushahla said.
SPORTS MANAGEMENT JOINS MAJOR LEAGUES This fall Cal Lutheran kicked off its bachelor’s degree in sports management in response to student demand. The university first offered a sports management minor in 2013, and in five years it grew to the fifth most popular choice among 42 minors. “All of our sports-oriented classes are almost always full with a wait list,” said Bruce Gillies, an assistant professor of business administration who led the effort to launch the major and serves as the program’s first director. Most sports management programs are in the Midwest and on the East Coast, but California is a major employment base. Drawing on expertise in the region and beyond, the School of Management developed the Bachelor of Science program with input from more than 20 professionals. They included representatives from the LPGA, Western States Hockey League and the Los Angeles Rams, which has its training facility on the Thousand Oaks campus. Many organizations offered to provide internships and guest speakers. “This major will help people engage in sports in a number of ways — recruiting,
operations, retail, marketing and the fast-growing field of e-sports,” Gillies said. Sports was a $71-billion industry in North America in 2018 and is projected to grow to $83 billion by 2023, according to PwC. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts fasterthan-average job growth for coaches, scouts and sports marketing managers. The number of graduates earning degrees in sports and fitness administration or management programs more than doubled nationwide between 2005 and 2016, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Curriculum covers sports from ethical, legal and global perspectives. The Business of Sports explores tensions between amateurism and professionalism, strategies for developing athletic talent and the interaction of business and politics. The Sports, Media and Society elective will examine issues such as race, sexuality, consumerism and civic life. Other electives include Sport Psychology, Broadcast Sports Production and Sport Facility Design and Management. To learn more, go to callutheran.edu/academics/ majors/sports-management.
The site doesn’t carry advertising, relying instead on securing sponsor content for its business model. The site carries labeled write-ups and videos of products from brands such as New Balance and Red Bull. “With the game being global, there’s a large audience potential,” Abushahla said. “We are not for every soccer fan out there, but there’s a large group of those soccer fans that we can tap into and write stories for and tell the stories of. That is the most appealing thing when we’re pitching ourselves to different businesses. It comes across as a little more authentic than something that a big brand would portray.” Jim Carlisle is a former sports columnist and reporter for the Ventura County Star. He has been the public address announcer for Cal Lutheran football since 2001. DECEMBER 2020 19
CLASS NOTES NOTICES RECEIVED AS OF SEPT. 11, 2020
Not sure how to submit a note? See Page 3
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Candice (Cerro ’09) Aragon President and Regent Representative Andrew Brown ’09, Vice President, Alumni Involvement & Recognition Irene (Tyrrell ’00) Moyer Vice President, University Relations Sergio Galvez ’03, MPPA ’09 Vice President, Development Jean Helm, MBA ’00 Secretary Erin (Rivers ’97) Rulon, MBA ’06 Immediate Past President/ At-Large Representative VOTING MEMBERS Joanne (Satrum ’67) Cornelius, MA ’74 Julie (Heller ’89) Herder Karsten Lundring ’65 Reggie Ray ’92, MBA ’04 Sal Sandoval ’78 Brandi Schnathorst, MBA ’10 AT-LARGE MEMBERS Pedro Guillen ’16, MA ’20 Cristy Richey McNay ’03, MA ’13, EdD ’17 Mark Schoenbeck ’96 REPRESENTATIVES Joshua Carter-McHale, MBA ’21 GASC Josyua Gatison ’22 ASCLU-G Angela (Namba ’02) Rowley, MS ’05 Faculty OFFICE OF ALUMNI & FAMILY RELATIONS Rachel Ronning ’99 Lindgren Senior Director Stephanie Hessemer, Associate Director Steven Guetzoian, Assistant Director Jana Weber, Administrative Assistant
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’60s Karen (Reitan ’65) Anderson, Copperopolis, California, in June began hosting regular Zoom reunions with her former roommates from Alpha Hall, rooms 2012 and 2013. Joanne (Holm ’65) Hammelton, Penn Valley, California; Margi (Liivamaa ’65) Knebel, Carlsbad, California; Kathy (Klug ’64) Liebersbach, Junction City, Oregon; Sandra McConnell ’64, Santa Rosa, California; and Jan (Stauffer ’65) Moorefield, Spokane, Washington, joined Karen for the first reunion. Nadine (Schultz ’64) Baldwin, Vancouver, Canada; Judy (Jacobsen ’64) Barnes, Noblesville, Indiana; and Linda Rehn ’65, Corvallis, Oregon, were unable to attend. Another roommate, Eloise (Almind ’65) Castro, is deceased.
Carl Nielsen ’76, MDiv ’80, top right, Santa Maria, California, hosted a Zoom reunion in October with former roommates John Lenhardt ’76, top left, Apple Valley, California; Ray Hebel ’75, in the shadows middle left, Moorpark, California; Marshall Bowen ’75, middle right, Burbank, California; Jim Vurgun ’76, bottom left, Elko, Nevada; and Ray Haynes ’76, bottom right, Riverside, California. The “Kramer Karousers” were roommates in Kramer 8 for two years, ’73-’74 and ’74-’75, wrote Carl. “We had an absolute blast catching up with each other and are planning to do it again in a couple of months.”
’70s Tom Parker ’70, MBA ’83, Santa Barbara, California, received The Man of the Year Award from the Santa Barbara Foundation during a program on Sept. 2. A thirdgeneration Santa Barbara native, Tom is board chairman of Hutton Companies and president of Hutton Parker Foundation. The 77th awards program was celebrated virtually for the first time in the foundation’s 92-year history.
Mike ’76 and Kristen (Grude ’75, MBA ’82) Kirkpatrick, left, Sparks, Nevada, and Susan (Hofmann ’76, TC ’82) and Carl ’76, MDiv ’80, Nielsen, Santa Maria, California, are pictured Memorial Day weekend in Palomino Valley, Nevada.
’80s
Jeff Fryhling ’84, El Cahon, California, is pictured in July staycationing in San Diego during COVID-19. Micheline Miglis ’84, MS ’93, Fort Jones, California, is the superintendent of the Scott Valley Unified School District. She previously was assistant superintendent of educational services for the Fillmore Unified School District.
Steen Weber ’84, Santa Ynez, California, and his brother took a bucket-list trip in May 2019 to Tibet, a country that is difficult to get into due to very tight controls implemented by China, wrote Steen. They flew into Beijing where they joined 10 others from the U.S., Canada, England, Peru, Denmark, Switzerland and Australia. Stops included Lhasa, Tibet, where they saw the Potala Palace, built in the 1600s, and Jokhang Temple, built in the seventh century. The trip involved a significant amount of hiking every day at high altitudes, including above 17,000 feet, to get within two miles of Everest base camp, which is where Steen is pictured. Climbing Mount Everest requires a permit that runs several
thousands in U.S dollars, and to get within two miles meant going through three Chinese military checkpoints. The 17-day trip ended in Kathmandu, Nepal. Steen is a senior vice president at Pacific Western Bank. He and his wife, Susan, have four adult children and 13 grandchildren. Wendy Beckemeyer ’86, MBA ’93, Mount Vernon, Iowa, is vice president for enrollment management at Cornell College. Before assuming her new position in August, Wendy was vice president of enrollment management at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. She has more than 30 years of experience in the field.
’90s Russell White ’94, Thousand Oaks, California, is in his second year as head coach of the Cal Lutheran men’s basketball team. He is featured in the June 16 edition of the Los Angeles Daily News in the article “Russell White’s first basketball recruiting class highlighted by local talent at Cal Lutheran University.” (See CLU Magazine, December 2019, Page 26.)
With headquarters in Westlake Village, California, the firm is dedicated to estate, elder and special-needs planning throughout the Tri-Counties. A licensed attorney since 2003, Michael honed his negotiation skills as a defense attorney in the workers’ compensation courts, where he represented employers defending allegations of misconduct and employer discrimination. He earned his JD in 2002 from Southwestern University School of Law. Edgar Aguirre ’99, Thousand Oaks, California, received the Latino Business Award in the Higher Education category from the Pacific Coast Business Times. He was recognized for his expertise in fundraising, as a coach for young professionals in underrepresented communities and as a connector and community builder of ethnically diverse populations. Edgar is a major gift officer in Cal Lutheran’s University Advancement office. Award winners were featured in the Pacific Coast Business Times on June 19 and honored at a virtual ceremony on July 16.
Jill Jaglowski ’95, Newbury Park, California, joined Financial Gravity Cos. in June as executive vice president, adviser experience, of subsidiary Forta Financial Group. Most recently, she was vice president of advisory services at Western International Securities. She began her career in 1997 at Securities America as a sales assistant then moved to Financial West Group where she rose to director. She served on the Advisory Board for EQIS Capital Management in 2016. Jeff Shea ’98, Thousand Oaks, California, in February received the Distinguished Service Award from the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce for his work throughout the year and his leadership during the 2019 Easy Fire. Jeff is division chief of the Ventura County Fire Department and a 21-year veteran of the department. In November 2019, he was responsible for the operations to prevent the fire from crossing Highway 23 and impacting the cities of Thousand Oaks and Moorpark. Michael Yasenchock ’98, Moorpark, California, joined the law firm of Terri Hilliard PC in July as an attorney and accountant.
Carrie (Sanger ’99) and Ryan ’00 Babcock and family, Thousand Oaks, California, are pictured in August at Lone Rock in Lake Powell, Utah. They were attending an annual gathering of family, friends and alumni from classes 1968 to 2005.
’00s Dave Aranda ’00, Waco, Texas, was featured in an article in the Waco TribuneHerald on Aug. 8. The article by John Werner is titled “Aranda shows adaptability, takes time to ‘dive deep’ with Baylor DECEMBER 2020 21
Class Notes squad during coronavirus crisis.” Dave was named head football coach at Baylor University in January after four seasons as associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Louisiana State University. Preston Geeting ’02, Stevenson Ranch, California, is co-founder and director of Packform, an online marketplace for the packaging industry. Within one year of launch, the fast-growing technology company received two Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for most innovative startup in the technology and business services categories, and two International Business Awards for Tech Startup of the Year — a Gold Stevie Award in the Software category and a Silver Stevie Award in the Business Services Industries category. The company reports having generated more than $17 million in revenue and accelerated its position in the market. Prior to starting Packform, Preston was vice president for the publicly listed packaging company Landsberg Orora. Justin Barkhuff ’03, Thousand Oaks, California, received the 40 Under Forty award from the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. This year’s honorees were announced during a virtual breakfast event in June. Justin is a programmer and analyst at Cal Lutheran. Katie (Pfeiffer ’04) Polen, Thousand Oaks, California, is assistant director of admissions and utilization at Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families. She was honored with the 40 Under Forty award from the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce during a virtual breakfast event in June.
associate director of annual fund in the University Advancement office. Westley Fairall, ’08, MS ’20, Fillmore, California, teaches chemistry at Camarillo High School.
’10s Tyler DeGroot ’10, Los Angeles, earned a PhD in business administration (accounting) in August from the University of Southern California. He is an assistant professor of accounting (tenure track) at Loyola Marymount University. Megan Merino ’10, MBA ’12, Thousand Oaks, California, received the 40 Under Forty award from the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. This year’s honorees were announced during a virtual breakfast event in June. Megan works in strategic communications and public relations at Los Robles Regional Health System. Bryan Rupley ’11, Ventura, California, is site supervisor at Cal Lutheran’s Oxnard Center. He was honored with the 40 Under Forty award from the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce during a virtual breakfast event in June. Kiah Shapiro ’11, Chicago, for the past five years has worked as manager of strategy with the exhibit design firm Luci Creative, helping to grow a small, startup team to a recognized firm of 30. She received her master’s degree in international affairs in 2014 from The New School in New York City.
Lindsey (Rarick ’05) Carnett, Camarillo, California, led a webinar on June 24 for the Public Relations Society of America Gold Coast Chapter. In the webinar “PR Playbook — Managing the Message in Uncertain Times,” Lindsey highlights some silver linings tied to the changing media landscape and PR landmines brought on by COVID-19. She is CEO and president of Marketing Maven PR agency based in Los Angeles and New York. Ariel (Collins ’08) Coates, Thousand Oaks, California, was promoted in May to
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Deme’Trek Chambers ’13, Compton, California, far right, is a police officer with the City of Buena Park.
Lee Trotter ’13, Austin, Texas, joined the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike in February as a sales development representative: healthcare. Lauren (Rote ’13) Youash, Los Angeles, is co-founder of the brand All Good Feels, an activewear brand for women. The lifestyle and female empowerment/positivity brand is available at allgoodfeels.com. She also has a personal wedding blog at allsherote.com. Andrew Diaz ’14, Oxnard, California, appeared in June on Testimonial Tuesday on YACElite@YACFoundation. Andrew is a senior associate at Amgen. The YAC Foundation provides student-athletes with the resources necessary to succeed in life academically, athletically and spiritually. YACElite is a faith-based training and recruiting program for high school and middle school student-athletes. Mike Frieda ’14, Philadelphia, received his JD from University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School in June. He is an attorney for the international law firm Milbank LLP where he served as a summer associate in 2019. Wes McCurtis ’14, Huntington Beach, California, was the guest speaker Aug. 31 at the Sports Business Association Zoom meetings at the University of Oklahoma and California State University, Long Beach. Wes is athletic director at Cypress College. He was named to the position in 2019 after serving four years as the sports information director. In that role, he became the 19th recipient of the California Community College Sports Information Association’s BRASS Top Award. Katherine DeMetre ’15, Westlake Village, California, launched the “Donate masks and hair caps to Los Robles Hospital” GoFundMe campaign in late March to supply masks and scrub caps for nurses working on the front line of COVID-19. Katherine, who is enrollment management coordinator at Cal Lutheran, was inspired to launch the campaign after reading a friend’s Instagram post: “If anyone is bored during their stay-at-home quarantine, we would love some homemade masks.” The poster was fellow alumna Illissa Mestas ’15, a nurse in the Thousand Oaks hospital’s COVID-19 Intensive
Care Unit. (See CLU Magazine, August 2020, Page 33.) Katherine launched her online campaign for masks with a goal to raise $500. After reaching the goal in one week, she raised it to $1,000 and added handmade scrub caps to the shopping list. “The GoFundMe has become much more than the money donated,” Katherine told a reporter in June. Many people, inspired by the campaign, have donated masks and other protective equipment to Illissa and her team directly. Josh Gray ’15, Simi Valley, California, was a candidate in the November election for the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board of Directors. After graduating with degrees in economics and political science, Josh worked at the White House until 2017. In July he joined PennyMac Loan Services in Westlake Village, California, as manager of government affairs and external relations. Sean McCarthy ’15 and his wife, Amber, Thousand Oaks, California, received the 40 Under Forty award from the Greater
Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. This year’s honorees were announced during a virtual breakfast event in June. Sean and Amber own The Five07 Coffee Bar and Eatery. Sharena Rice ’15, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a PhD candidate in neuroscience at the University of Michigan and co-founder/ chief scientific officer of Intvo Inc., a company that creates vision software systems for human behavior analysis and prediction in road scenarios. Sharena applies her background in systems neuroscience to create artificial intelligence that mimics the human brain. She was profiled on MWIS, a global web-based STEM campaign to tell 1 million stories of women in science. See 1mwis.com/profiles/ Sharena-Rice. Natalie De Souza Ferreyra ’15, Los Angeles, is founder and chief strategy officer of Natalie Stories, a marketing strategy and innovative communications consulting firm with clients in the entertainment, tech and retail industries. Natalie has held
marketing and communications positions at The Cheesecake Factory, Keap, Earny Inc. and Walt Disney Television. She was featured July 15 on VoyageLa.com. Genesis Rodriguez ’16, West Hills, California, was honored by the Pacific Coast Business Times as a 40 Under 40 awardee for 2020. Genesis is bilingual content producer in University Marketing at Cal Lutheran. Danielle Rose ’16, Ventura, California, is an engineering assistant for the Carpinteria Valley Water District. After graduating from Cal Lutheran, Danielle was an environmental education intern with AmeriCorps before joining the CVWD. A devoted environmentalist, Danielle is Ventura County Beach cleanup coordinator for Surfrider Ventura County. She also runs the Instagram account plasticfreebythesea.
OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD Each year, the Cal Lutheran Alumni Board of Directors recognizes achievements that have brought honor and distinction to the university. The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is given to a graduate of the last decade for distinguished career achievements or humanitarian endeavors dedicated to social reform.
Benjamin Hogue ’10, MDiv ’18 Outstanding Young Alumnus
I carry with me a sense of wonder and curiosity that the Cal Lutheran community instilled in me.
When this year’s recipient, Benjamin Hogue ’10, was called to join the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, D.C., as associate pastor, he became the first openly out LGBTQ+ pastor to be called to the Metro D.C. Synod of over 80 ELCA churches. Hogue is utilizing his platform to focus on spiritual growth, social justice, and engagement with neighbors. He views his queer identity as a gift, one that allows him to see the world from a different perspective and lead with compassion. Years as a Peace Corps volunteer and studying at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary have shaped him and helped him embrace his higher purpose. He credits Cal Lutheran with pushing him to think, to wonder, to ask questions. Today, Hogue is humbly making his mark amid a legacy of 150 years of pastors at Reformation, where he works to advance the ideals of an open, inclusive and forwardthinking approach to faith. For more of Benjamin Hogue’s story and for other Alumni Profiles, visit CalLutheran.edu/alumni.
DECEMBER 2020 23
Class Notes Samantha Winters ’16, Spokane, Washington, introduced Rubicon Theatre Company’s new Role Call Instagram page on June 15. (https://bit.ly/2J4mRuJ) She has appeared in multiple productions at the Rubicon in Ventura, California, and on local stages. One of her memorable roles as a student at Cal Lutheran was the lead Wendla Bergman in the 2014 production of Spring Awakening. Liz (Gray ’16) Zaslove, Oak Park, California, recently launched Zaslove Accounting to help small business owners who feel overwhelmed by the thought of accounting. Visit zasloveaccounting.com. She previously served as tax manager at Tone, Walling & Meador LLP in Thousand Oaks, California.
Frankie Manes ’17, Los Angeles, was an associate producer and actor for This is the Year, a coming-of-age teen road trip film that premiered Aug. 28 “in the first-ever live virtual premiere!” writes Frankie. Since graduating with a degree in communication with an emphasis in television and film production, Frankie has worked on many movies, TV shows, music videos and more, but writes that he is most proud of this recent film, directed by David Henrie and executive produced by Selena Gomez. Pictured, left to right: cast members Jake Short, Vanessa Marano, Alyssa Jirrels, Frankie, David Henrie and Lorenzo Henrie. Wolfgang Wood ’18, Thousand Oaks, California, was named head coach of the St. Bonaventure High School (Ventura) boys basketball program in June.
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Anna Lundsten ’19, Hugo, Minnesota, served in the Peace Corps from June 8, 2019, to March 20, 2020, as an education specialist in Machinga District, Malawi. In those few months, the village became her home and its people became her family. At 4:30 a.m. on March 16, she received an email telling her she had 23 hours “to pack up my life, say goodbye, and get to the capital.” She was being evacuated as the travel ban set in due to COVID-19. Anna spent those hours doing very little packing, preferring to spend her time saying goodbye to the people she had grown to love. On Cal Lutheran CARES Day Anna shared those final hours, her life as a Peace Corps volunteer and what she learned from the experience. For her story, go to https://bit.ly/3lBYLpi. Gabrielle “Gaby” Reublin ’19, Los Angeles, directed, wrote, produced and starred in Metanoia, a new LGBTQ web series that explores personal and sexual identity in a college environment. The series, which was filmed on campus with Cal Lutheran students in lead roles, won the Gold Award for Best Web and New Media in the July 2020 IMDb Independent Short Awards. The series also won Honorable Mention for Best Actress, Gaby; Best Supporting Actress, junior Moriah Sittner; and Best Ensemble. More recent accolades include Excellence in a TV Series at the Montreal Independent Film Festival, Official Selection in the September 2020 Los Angeles Lift-Off Festival (currently screening on their Vimeo On-Demand for the next round of competition) and Outstanding Achievement Award in the September 2020 Indie Short Fest.
Chamber Music, Jazz Ensemble and Mariachi Ensemble. She made her operatic debut in Cal Lutheran's 2018 production of Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. Kyle Knudsen ’20, Portland, Oregon, is a product line manager for Nike Basketball apparel. His job is to understand the needs and wants of the basketball athlete, and then build product. Kyle, who has been at Nike for nearly 10 years, told CLUsports.com he would enjoy the job even if he weren’t getting paid. “I travel around the world, go to NBA/college/ high school basketball games, talk to athletes, and work with them to understand what they like and dislike. It’s a pretty awesome job, and I love how I can stay close to the sport,” he said. Leslie Madrigal ’20, Oxnard, California, was one of nine college students to earn a certificate of completion for participating in the inaugural cohort of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities’ Advocate Program. The six-month competitive fellowship program develops leadership, communication and advocacy skills and deepens knowledge of how policymaking affects education. Leslie graduated with a BA in Spanish and a BS in criminology and criminal justice.
Anthony Sidey ’19, Bonsall, California, is a Medi-Cal fraud investigator for the State of California with the Department of Health Care Services, tasked with protecting and maintaining the fiscal integrity of the MediCal program throughout the state.
’20s Julia Garcia ’20, New York, is pursuing a Master of Music in classical voice-soprano at Manhattan School of Music. Her videos can be viewed on the YouTube channel. As a student at Cal Lutheran, Julia was a member of CLU Choir, Women's Chorale,
Secilia Marroquin-Kalvelage ’20, Newbury Park, California, displays the alumni flag and a sunny smile after earning her degree in May.
Esmeralda Navarro ’20, Oxnard, California, was awarded a Reagan-Gallegly Fellowship. She is earning a Master of Public Policy and Administration, hoping to serve at a state or federal level pursuing initiatives and legislation that will help engage both parents in their child’s life. As a Reagan-Gallegly fellow, she receives a full scholarship to the MPPA program. Esmeralda is an operations manager with the Ventura County Department of Child Support Services. Katie Romanovich ’20, Calabasas, California, was one of the first graduates of the film and TV major at Cal Lutheran and is featured in the university’s YouTube commercial for the major. Her film Meanwhile on the West Coast was featured in the student showcase of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival last spring. She was featured May 14 on VoyageLa.com. Meagan Smith-Bocanegra ’20, Camarillo, California, was among the first volunteers in Cal Lutheran’s Zoom Buddies program that pairs older adults with volunteers for weekly conversations via videoconference or phone. (See Page 31.) “I definitely feel for these seniors right now, since I am immune-compromised and have been on lockdown since March,” said Meagan, who earned her degree in sociology and is pursuing a master’s degree in social work with a focus on older adults. She interned with the Senior Support Line offered by the Camarillo Health Care District, regularly visits and helps an older woman through Caregivers: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, and volunteers at Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center.
expanding curriculum materials, training staff, and collaborating with local and state agencies. Previously, he worked at Buena High School in the Ventura Unified School District, where he established the German foreign language program and a student exchange program. He then served as assistant principal at Balboa Middle School, where he championed special education and transgender rights. His work earned him the Valuing Diversity award from the Association of California School Administrators for the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties region. He joined the SVUSD in 2016 as coordinator of categorical programs. Lara Filgas, MA ’03, Newbury Park, California, was named Educator of the Month in February by the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. She teaches fifth grade at Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School in the Pleasant Valley School District. The award was presented to her at a school staff meeting. Krista Verardo, TC ’03, Ventura, California, received a $1,000 grant through Donors Choose to purchase books for her students who didn’t have access to them due to school and library closures. Krista purchased over 120 new books and then emailed her students to invite them to Grab and Go Book events in late May and June. “I would say about 20 to 25 students were able to attend the event and
walk away with several books,” said Krista, adding that she was “pleased with the turnout because at the time parks, beaches, stores, etc., were all closed.” Krista was contacted by Donors Choose about the new grant Keep Kids Learning because she had written and been awarded over 12 grants in the last 10 years. Lisa Buono, MS ’04, EdD ’11, Newbury Park, California, virtually presented “Post-traditional Learners’ Influence on the School for Professional and Continuing Studies” on June 17 to the Rotary Club of Camarillo. Lisa is dean of Cal Lutheran’s School for Professional and Continuing Studies. Christine Walker, EdD ’10, Newbury Park, California, is superintendent of the Hueneme Elementary School District in Port Hueneme. The district is partnering with the Amgen Foundation and Khan Academy to keep students learning during the pandemic. “We’re excited about our new partnership with Amgen and Khan Academy,” Christine said in a news release. “We’re starting the year 100% remote, and Khan Academy will be an integral part of our instructional program.” The Amgen Foundation announced in July the renewal of a $3 million grant to Khan Academy to support science learning and educational equity amid COVID-19. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
GRADUATE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Micheline Miglis ’84, MS ’93 (See Page 21.) Richard Underhill, TC ’92/TC ’15, Simi Valley, California, is the administrator on special assignment for equity and inclusion in the Simi Valley Unified School District. Richard’s responsibilities in the new position include assessing current equity and inclusion policies, developing and
Invest in our Kingsmen and Regals by joining the Victory Club. Your gifts will provide resources that will directly support our student-athletes at Cal Lutheran. CalLutheran.edu/victoryclub
DECEMBER 2020 25
Class Notes Brynn Hutchinson, MEd ’13, Newbury Park, California, received the 40 Under Forty award from the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. This year’s honorees were announced during a virtual breakfast event in June. Brynn teaches fifth grade at Banyan School in the Conejo Valley Unified School District. Christine Powell, EdD ’17, Newbury Park, California, is a member of the State Network of Educators, a team of educators from Smarter Balanced member states trained to contribute and review instructional and professional learning resources for inclusion in the Smarter Balanced Tools for Teachers website. Christine is a special education English teacher in the Conejo Valley Unified School District and an adjunct faculty member in Cal Lutheran’s Graduate School of Education. She has been a California educator for 12 years and a member of the SNE since 2015. Members of the SNE are K–12 and higher-education professionals with expertise in the Common Core State Standards, formative assessment tools and practices, and teaching one or more of the following student groups: general education, gifted and talented, English learners, and students with disabilities. Westley Fairall, ’08, MS ’20 (See Page 22.)
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY Robert Lerma, MS ’07, Austin, Texas, is chief executive officer of Canyon Creek Behavioral Health, a new freestanding 102-bed behavioral health hospital scheduled to open in Temple this fall. Robert has more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health. Most recently, he served four years as CEO at Austin Lakes Hospital after three years as director of business development. Prior to that, he worked as a clinician for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and as a police officer in California.
PACIFIC LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Carl Nielsen ’76, MDiv ’80 (See Page 20.) Mary Shaima, MDiv ’16, Stevenson, Washington, is pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 26 CLU MAGAZINE
Marc Mohr, MDiv ’19, Sylmar, California, is pastor of Church of the Foothills.
SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
the investment, financial and institutional trust sectors for various Fortune 500 companies, Denise opted to transfer her experience and skills to the nonprofit arena. After moving to Santa Barbara in 2006, she worked for the planned giving department of a large nonprofit and volunteered with various organizations. Loredana Carson, MPPA ’11, Westlake Village, California, with School of Management colleagues Mary Jo Shane and Gloria Macri, published “First term support for international graduate students attending small colleges and universities in the United States” in the Journal of International Students, Vol. 10(2), 2020. Loredana is a lecturer in the Master of Public Policy and Administration program.
Susan “Sue” Soy, MBA ’81, Thousand Oaks, California, was recently appointed member-at-large of the Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library. She will help the nonprofit organization with community outreach, strategic planning, fundraising and organizing the archives. Sue retired in 2017 after 25 years with the Austin (Texas) Public Library and returned to Thousand Oaks with her husband, Jack Jordan. They are pictured while traveling in Mexico. Kristen (Grude ’75, MBA ’82) Kirkpatrick (See Page 20.) Tom Parker ’70, MBA ’83 (See Page 20.) Wendy Beckemeyer ’86, MBA ’93 (See Page 21.)
Christopher Njunge, MS ’11, Westlake Village, California, had his paper submission “Sports Analytics” accepted for presentation at the American Conference on Information Systems annual conference. Christopher is an assistant professor of organizational leadership in Cal Lutheran’s Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program and the School of Management. He holds a PhD in information systems and technology from Claremont Graduate University and has more than 10 years of experience working in the financial services and software Industries. His research interests include sports analytics, global development, and organizational behavior and leadership. Megan Merino ’10, MBA ’12 (See Page 22.)
Karen Davis, MBA ’95, Newbury Park, California, was elected to a one-year term (2020-21) as treasurer of the Board of Directors of the New American Colleges and Universities. Karen is Cal Lutheran’s vice president for administration and finance. NACU executive officers and executive committee are responsible for oversight of the national consortium of private comprehensive colleges and universities. Denise Stevens, MBA ’98, Santa Barbara, California, in May was named president of the Planned Giving Advisory Council at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Following many years of work in
Falicia Buckingham, MPPA ’20, Rockwall, Texas, is shown displaying the alumni flag in May after earning her degree.
Milestones/In Memoriam 2
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BIRTHS 1 Liam Aragon on Aug. 20, 2020, to Candice (Cerro ’09) and Michael ’09 Aragon. He joins sister Amelia. 2 Jameson Jayce Pankow on Aug. 6, 2020, to Michelle (Ritenour ’14) and Andrew ’14 Pankow. He joins sister Ella. Wisdom Charles Embree on Sept. 30, 2018, adopted Sept. 30, 2020, by Carlene and William ’69, MDiv ’74, Embree.
MARRIAGES
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3 Maria Stoll ’14 and Mauricio Guzman ’14 on Aug. 15, 2020, at Lake Tahoe.
DEATHS Charles R. Coon ’65 on May 31, 2020 Pamela (Dlouhy ’68) Hackney on July 29, 2020. Brian McConnell ’65 in May 2020. Mark Rorem ’68 on July 10, 2020. Melissa D. Stewart ’89 on March 31, 2020. Donald J. Storaker ’76 on April, 16, 2020. James T. Stupin ’74 on Sept. 24, 2014.
William Rolland 1933-2020 William Rolland — whose name graces the Cal Lutheran stadium, fine art gallery and art center — died Sept. 18, 2020. He was 87. His gifts for the creation of two game-changing facilities provided Cal Lutheran with a renowned athletic venue and enhanced the university’s reputation as a leader in the visual arts. Rolland and his wife, Kay, were introduced to Cal Lutheran by their Westlake Village neighbor Joan Young, who was serving on the Board of Regents. This introduction sparked an interest to improve the campus not only for the students, but for the community. He had a vision for the open space west of the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center that had been set aside for a future stadium. His initial gift of more than $5 million brought the 16,000-square-foot William Rolland Stadium and William Rolland Gallery of Fine
Art to life in 2011. The stadium, complete with its 70-foot clock tower, is now home to football, soccer, lacrosse and intramural sports matches, graduation ceremonies and community events. In 2015, the art collector pledged another $4 million to help build a new home for the Visual Arts Department. Located just west of the stadium, the distinctive William Rolland Art Center — featuring art studios, art and multimedia classrooms, offices, computer labs and a student gallery — opened in 2017. To recognize his success as a philanthropist and land developer, and to honor his service as a longtime firefighter, Cal Lutheran awarded Rolland an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2010. In his acceptance speech, he said his “humble beginnings as a child of the Great Depression and his work as a first responder made him aware of the importance of giving back to his community."
Fred Rosenberg 1932-2020 Fred Rosenberg, a senior adjunct faculty member, died Oct. 19, 2020, as the result of a car accident. He began teaching biology at Cal Lutheran
in 1999 after retiring from a distinguished 38-year career as a professor at Northeastern University in Boston and moving to California. Rosenberg, who earned a doctorate from Rutgers University, was promoted to senior adjunct in 2015. His area of specialization was microbiology. Many years ago, he developed popular two-unit seminars in environmental and medical microbiology in which he covered topical subjects using case studies, current events and journal articles. He was teaching Medical Microbiology this semester. Rosenberg was an affable and dependable colleague who brought deep and varied knowledge to the Biology Department. He was a passionate teacher who was well-liked by his students. Many conducted research with him, often studying the bacteria found in bottled water. As one student recently said, “Dr. Rosenberg wants you to learn above all else. He is understanding, kind, and a great professor full of interesting stories and anecdotes.” DECEMBER 2020 27
Vocations Endre "Skip" Anderson shows his number for the 2012 Copper Triangle, a one-day ride over three Rocky Mountain passes.
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L to R: Endre "Skip" Anderson (left) and friends prepare to leave Granada Hills for a ride to San Francisco in the early 1960s. Anderson wore No. 18 when he represented Cal Lutheran in the first Western Intercollegiate Cycle Meet in 1963. He made the number himself with markers on oil cloth. California Lutheran College bicycle racers, including Anderson (middle), prepare to race to Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, in 1963.
For the Love of Cycling My husband, Endre “Skip” Anderson ’66, who passed away in January 2019, had three loves. Let me tell you about the one he was asked to give up. BY LOIS ANN ANDERSON / PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOIS ANN ANDERSON
C
ycling to Skip was like breathing, easy and exhilarating. He had a bike with him whenever possible. He packed his own wheel bearings, maintained bikes for the neighborhood kids, went consistently on 20- to 30-mile rides, and almost always kept his bikes. He forever regretted that he sold his first, an Olmo that he originally rode to Tacoma, Washington, in the 1963 race against Pacific Lutheran University. PLU’s riders started south toward Thousand Oaks at the same hour that Cal Lutheran riders started north. He had already ridden it to San Francisco and back. On the California Lutheran College campus, before we met, Skip was known for riding his unicycle, even in the dorm. I still have it on the wall. I have the custom tandem bike that we rode from Durango to Denver doing the second Ride the Rockies together over seven mountain passes. Skip had seven special bikes. The second one that he got while at Cal Lutheran, an Allegro, he kept in pristine shape and won awards for best original classic bike in a Colorado ride/competition for steel framed bikes, twice. Skip was the first Cal Lutheran student to compete in intercollegiate cycling when it came to the West Coast. In May of 1963, after the Amateur Bicycle League of America caught wind of the recent CLC-PLU contest and sent a letter to athletic director Bob Shoup, Skip went to UC Santa Barbara as CLC’s solitary representative at the first-ever Western Intercollegiate Cycle Meet. He placed sixth out of nine teams even with a disadvantage in four-man time trials. The next year at UC Davis, he improved
that result to fourth place, apparently still alone, and took home a trophy. Skip and I met in the fall of 1966, right after he was commissioned in the Air Force. He told me all his CLC stories and also hung on to papers and memorabilia. I have his handmade racing number, No. 18, from the 1963 intercollegiate meet and maps of the courses for team races, road races and sprints on the UC campuses. Ever since we’ve lived in Colorado, he loved the very strenuous mountain rides. Not many people do the Triple Bypass. It’s more than 10,000 feet of climbing in one day over three passes, which he rode at age 60! He did six Copper Triangle rides — a one-day journey over Fremont, Independence and Vail passes — and two Ride the Rockies, which cross Colorado. He always wanted to do a cross-country ride, but it was too hard to work out the schedule during his working years, and a cancer diagnosis brought about his retirement. Every ride Skip did he logged in little notebooks. These stacks of binders have enough material for a book. He would note the weather, what he ate, whom he met, conversations, how he felt, where he ended up. He would make all these journal notations, and part of me was always curious to figure out his lifetime mileage. After his death, I heard from one of his cycling friends that Skip told him he had logged over 70,000 lifetime miles. I’m not surprised he never told me. To him it wasn’t about mileage, just the pure joy of riding on the open road. Continued on Page 31 DECEMBER 2020 29
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LINKS Endre "Skip" Anderson works on his Pinarello in 2015 in the backyard of his home in Arvada, Colorado.
Continued from Page 29 On his birthdays, he had a tradition of riding his age in miles. That’s tricky in Colorado. Under ideal conditions, the challenge gets one mile more difficult every year. But apart from the altitude, his birthday fell on Jan. 3 and we could have ice and snow. He was out there if the pavement was the least bit cooperative. Skip started his cancer battle in 2010. The last time he rode his age in miles was his 70th birthday in 2014, and he did it by sheer will, because he was deep into all kinds of cancer treatments. Even knowing him as I did, I thought that was amazing. Those 70 miles were his last long ride of any note. Most of the later ones were four or five miles around the lake near our home. He was tenacious in riding, and I think the hardest thing for him to do was to stop, but his blood platelets were so low in the last two years that, if he fell, he could have bled out on the spot. I think of how hard it was for him not to be able to get on a bike, even as he fought to keep his strength and humor. He was my courageous hero. Skip had three loves: He loved God; he loved me, our kids and family; and he loved cycling. He kept working on his bikes to the last. He owned one of four Pinarellos that Alexi Grewal had trained on and used in competition. Grewal won the first gold medal in road cycling for the United States at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Skip bought that bike after it had toured nationally. He fell in love with it when it came through Denver, and the frame fit him perfectly. He did the inaugural Ride the Rockies on it from Grand Junction to Denver, which included the 100-mile ‘Tour of the Moon’ National Monument day, and rode it so hard over the years that it was chipped and well-worn. Before he died, he had it completely repainted and redone to the original condition, decals and all. I’m telling his cycling story for him, because he loved his years at CLC; the memories of being in its first graduating class, and where his love of cycling made an important contribution to the early history of competitive collegiate cycling in Thousand Oaks. At this writing, the last testament is his faith in our savior Jesus Christ, who has brought him through death to life. His choice of headstone inscription was 2 Timothy 4: 7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing.” Actually, at Ft. Logan National Cemetery where he is buried, the inscription had to be shortened, so it reads simply, “Race Finished, Faith Kept.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRACY THOMPSON '19
STUDENTS, SENIORS BECOME ZOOM BUDDIES A unique program is connecting Cal Lutheran students and other volunteers with older adults for virtual visits while the COVID-19 pandemic limits social opportunities. Zoom Buddies hold weekly 20-minute conversations via videoconference or phone. More than 30 pairs of buddies have been matched since the program began in June. An administrator at The Reserve, a Thousand Oaks senior living community, asked Cindy Keitel, Cal Lutheran’s community relations coordinator, whether students might be willing to talk to lonely residents via Zoom or FaceTime. The response was positive, and Keitel expanded the program to include University Village Thousand Oaks senior living community and other organizations. More than half of the volunteers are Cal Lutheran students, and several are recent alumni. Tracy Thompson '19, who has a history of service, was one of the first to volunteer for Zoom Buddies. “I am in DSP, which is the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity. I’m also the secretary of the Circle K International,” she told Spectrum News 1. “My parents are seniors, and so the idea that they would not have someone to talk to and be isolated is horrific to me.” What started as conversations have become much more to Thompson. “We have an actual friendship coming out of this and I really value that,” she said. Spectrum News 1 | Oct. 5
KCLU WINS NATIONAL AWARDS FOR REPORTING KCLU Radio News Director Lance Orozco picked up two national awards for his coverage of 2019 Ventura County wildfires. In June, the Society of Professional Journalists presented him with its Sigma Delta Chi Award for Best Radio Breaking News Reporting among small-market stations for his coverage of the Maria and Easy fires. In October, he received the 2020 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Breaking News Coverage in the small-market radio division for his on-scene reporting on the Maria Fire. The Radio Television Digital News Association presents the annual Murrow awards to honor excellence in electronic journalism. This is the second time Orozco has received a national Murrow award in the past 10 years. Orozco and KCLU also received 12 regional awards this year. To listen to clips of Orozco’s coverage of the Maria Fire, go to bit.ly/2GZqEIR. DECEMBER 2020
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