The Gallegly Center at California Lutheran University Empowers Students to Become Leaders in Civic Public Discourse

We are excited about the opportunity for California Lutheran University to provide nonpartisan thought-leadership through the Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civil Engagement on the main campus. This center will play a pivotal role in students’ collegiate experience by helping to develop the critical academic skills and broad perspectives necessary for constructive dialogue and civil public discourse. This scholarly engagement will empower them to pursue careers of meaningful public service and informed civic engagement.informed civic engagement.

 The Gallegly Center partners with the university’s Master of Public Policy and Administration program. Its mission and vision are to facilitate open dialogue by hosting speakers, convening conversations, enhancing student learning and engaging the Ventura County community. Programming also draws on the expertise and knowledge of Cal Lutheran’s faculty and staff. These thoughtful conversations are critical as the nation and world navigate rancorous division and politically fueled misunderstandings.

“As the president of Cal Lutheran, I believe I have a responsibility to champion a diversity of viewpoints on campus,” John Nunes said. “With public confidence in higher education at rock bottom, I feel more compelled than ever to make the case for our mission and demonstrate its relevance, which too many take for granted.

“We also must defend our operations from state and federal overreach and show a skeptical public why a faith-based, liberal arts higher education not only matters, but is crucial to societal flourishing and the common good. The work of this center will contribute to this current urgency.”

Named in honor of former Rep. Elton Gallegly and his wife, Janice, the center opened in 2018, five years after launching its fellowship program. Gallegly, who served from 1987 to 2013, is the longest-serving member of Congress in Ventura County history, having served with five U.S. presidents. Gallegly was instrumental in advocating for the passage of a major NATO expansion legislation throughout Europe, the Balkans and the Baltics. He represented the U.S. at the 2002 summit in Prague and chaired one of the first hearings on the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations as chair of the Subcommittee on International Terrorism.

Since its opening, the center has provided Gallegly Fellowships to graduate students in the Master of Public Policy and Administration program, which prepares students for leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors.

To learn more about the Gallegly Center, visit Callutheran.edu/centers/gallegly.