By Lori E. Varlotta
Greetings from Thousand Oaks, where colleagues and I have spent the majority of the summer hosting a series of leadership briefings to prioritize the proposed projects and programs that emerged from last year’s integrated strategic and campus planning processes.
Over the last couple of months, I invited more than 100 of our most loyal friends and donors to discuss several significant proposals that will bolster the student experience at California Lutheran University. Senior leaders and I are now analyzing the feedback we have received and prioritizing the endeavors we believe would generate the most philanthropic and community interest.
I am using this column to share some possibilities we are exploring so that our alumni and friends are up-to-speed on the possibilities at hand. The projects we pursue will depend on the community’s expressed levels of philanthropic support.
Academic Facilities (Main Campus)
- A multimillion-dollar renovation of the Ahmanson Science Center is currently underway to include robotics, optics and physics studio labs; a math suite; and study, tutoring and collaboration spaces
- A new School of Management facility that would allow the university to build on the successes of its many business programs and increase its recruitment of talented business-oriented students
- New music and theater facilities that would offer faculty and students contemporary teaching, learning, rehearsal and performing spaces
Athletic Facilities (Main Campus)
- A much-needed practice and competition facility for our track and field teams
- Aquatic center enhancements that would include spectator seating, concessions, a press area and satellite training rooms
- A new softball stadium that features permanent dugouts, covered bleacher seating, concessions, a press box and restrooms
- Tennis courts expansions that would add additional courts and other amenities
- Outdoor and Grounds Improvements (Main Campus)
- The transformation of Memorial Drive from a vehicular thoroughfare to a pedestrian boulevard
- An integrated signage and wayfinding system that welcomes new students, visitors, families and neighbors
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
- Growing the Seminary Fund to support the operations and initiatives at PLTS
- Strengthening the Center for Climate Justice and Faith, which equips leaders to work for climate justice in communities around the world
- Supporting the TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) Certificate program for nonresidential students to study with local pastors on their way to becoming ordained ministers
- Contributing to an Alaskan Natives and Indigenous leaders’ program
Student Support
- Bolstered teaching and learning technologies to keep pace with mid-21st-century needs and expectations
- Expendable scholarships that use the entire amount of a donation to support students, and endowed scholarships, which are usually smaller awards drawn from the earned interest on an endowment gift
- Funds to support paid student internships and on-campus employment
- Revitalization of the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program to include online learning options in all majors
Each of the above initiatives would prioritize students; keep California Lutheran University strong, healthy and highly relevant; and build our future. If you are intrigued and want to hear more or assist in our ambitious efforts, please contact Regina Biddings-Muro, EdD, our vice president of University Advancement.
With excitement and optimism,
Lori Varlotta
