September 2026 2nd Mile Giving Partner

September is a new month in the congregation’s Second Mile Giving

program. We do not have to go far to find our September ministry partner, as it is

located just to the south of us, in Thousand Oaks (Ventura County), California.

The ministry partner is California Lutheran University (CLU).

In our article last year for this ministry partner, we noted the mission

statement of CLU, and it is worth repeating. “The mission of the university is to

educate leaders for a global society who are strong and character in judgment,

confidence in their identity invocation, and committed to service and justice.”

CLU is one of two universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in

America (ELCA) on the west coast, and is one of 26 ELCA-affiliated liberal arts

colleges and universities around the country. The university now has 3144 total

students (2160 undergraduate and 984 Graduate). The average class size is a

sparkling low number of 14.

Here is a fun factoid about the beginnings of CLU. The formative years

were in the 1950’s, when land was donated, planning committees formed, and

funds raised for construction. During these early stages, the local media referred

to the soon to be education institution as Ventura College. By the time the school

opened in 1961, the name was changed to California Lutheran College, and 15

years later in 1986, this institution became California Lutheran University.

The university Is under the leadership of John Nunez, who is just

beginning his second year as president. Some may remember him as the former

President and CEO of one of our other Second Mile Ministry partners: Lutheran

World Relief.

Please join us in celebrating and supporting this Lutheran Institution of

higher learning.