Introduction
California Lutheran University (CLU) is a private liberal arts university located in Thousand Oaks, California. It was founded in 1959 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has since grown to become one of the top universities in the state. While the university is renowned for its academic excellence, it also boasts of some fun facts that many people may not know. In this blog post, we will explore some of the fascinating and lesser-known facts about California Lutheran University.
Fun facts about California Lutheran University
History of CLU
California Lutheran University has a rich history that dates back to the late 1950s. The university was founded by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which wanted to create a Christian institution of higher learning on the West Coast. The church purchased a 130-acre ranch in Thousand Oaks and began construction of the campus in 1959. The first classes at CLU were held in the fall of 1961, with an enrollment of just 330 students. Over the years, the university has grown significantly, with an enrollment of over 4,000 students today.
One interesting fact about CLU’s history is that the university was originally called California Lutheran College. It wasn’t until 1986 that the institution changed its name to California Lutheran University to reflect its growth and expansion of academic programs. Another interesting fact is that CLU’s campus was used as a filming location for the popular TV show “The West Wing.” The university’s Pederson Hall was transformed into the White House for the show’s filming.
Campus Life
The campus life at CLU is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of activities and events for students to participate in. One of the most unique features of CLU’s campus is its resident peafowl population. The university is home to several dozen peafowl, which freely roam the campus and add to its unique charm. The peafowl are a beloved part of campus life, and students often stop to take pictures with them or watch them strut their stuff.
Another fun fact about campus life at CLU is that the university has a student-run farm. The community garden and farm are located on the south side of the campus and are managed by the student-led Environmental and Sustainability Club. The farm produces a variety of organic vegetables and fruits, which are sold at the on-campus farmers’ market or donated to local food banks.
Athletics
CLU is known for its successful athletics program, with 21 intercollegiate sports teams that compete in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The university’s mascot is the Kingsmen for men’s teams and the Regals for women’s teams. One interesting fact about CLU’s athletics program is that the men’s volleyball team won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2015, marking the first national championship in any sport for CLU.
Another fun fact about athletics at CLU is that the university has an annual tradition known as “Kingsmen and Regals Day.” This event is held in the fall and is a day of celebration for the entire CLU community. The day features a variety of events and activities, including a parade, a carnival, and a football game. It is a time for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to come together and celebrate their school spirit and pride.
Notable Alumni
Over the years, CLU has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in their respective fields. One such alumnus is actor Christoph Waltz, who graduated from CLU in 1979 with a degree in theater. Waltz is a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor and is best known for his roles in “Inglourious Basterds”and “Django Unchained.” Another notable alumnus is retired NFL player Eric Rogers, who played wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers and is currently playing in the Canadian Football League.
One fascinating fact about CLU’s notable alumni is that the university has produced three astronauts. Captain Scott D. Altman, Captain Mark Kelly, and Captain Steven Nagel are all CLU alumni who have flown on multiple space missions. Nagel, who passed away in 2014, logged over 723 hours in space and was a veteran of four space shuttle missions.
Global Reach
Although CLU is a relatively small university, it has a global reach that extends far beyond its Thousand Oaks campus. The university has a strong international program that attracts students from all over the world. CLU’s Global Studies Program provides opportunities for students to study abroad in countries such as Italy, China, Germany, and Brazil. The university also has partnerships with over 30 universities in 14 countries, offering students the chance to participate in exchange programs and collaborate with international scholars.
Another interesting fact about CLU’s global reach is that the university has a partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Young Adults in Global Mission program. This program sends young adults from the United States to serve in a variety of countries around the world, including Rwanda, Hungary, and Jerusalem. CLU students have participated in this program, gaining valuable cross-cultural experience and making a difference in the lives of people in need.
Sustainability
CLU is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship. The university has received numerous accolades for its sustainability efforts, including a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
One of the most notable sustainability initiatives at CLU is its solar panel system. The university has installed over 3,200 solar panels on campus, generating enough electricity to power approximately 200 homes. CLU’s solar panel system is one of the largest among universities in the United States and has helped the university reduce its carbon emissions by over 1,400 metric tons per year.
Another interesting fact about CLU’s sustainability efforts is that the university has a student-led club called Enactus. This club works to promote sustainability and social entrepreneurship through various projects, such as a composting program, a recycling program for single-use plastics, and a clothing swap event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, California Lutheran University is a unique and fascinating institution that offers much more than just academic excellence. From its rich history and resident peafowl population to its successful athletics program and notable alumni, CLU has many fun facts that make it stand out. With its global reach and commitment to sustainability, CLU is a university that is making a positive impact in the world.