President's Message
Barry Fisher, President
In my short tenure as CLA president, I have come to appreciate the synergy of a great group of community
volunteers who want to support their local university. I am excited about the enthusiasm of the CLA board and the incredible success and growth that CLU is currently experiencing.
First, I want to thank the current CLA Board of Directors. Leisa Contreras (CLU Graduate School of Education) is vice president and Jake Ganajian (Rabobank) is treasurer. Board members are Jim Gilmore (Gilmore and Associates), Douglas Lies (City National Bank), Nicky Ott (CLU graduate student), John Short (UBS Financial Services), Brian Arth (Wells Fargo), Bernie Bauer (Integrated Lighting Concepts), Valerie Vollmer (Plug Nickel Restaurant and Catering), Diane Dickerson (The Dickerson Group), Wayne Choate (Performance Communications) and Jerry Halweg (Tile Institute of America). One of my goals as president is to increase the funds that we provide for academic programs and student scholarships. That goal can be accomplished by improving participation in our flagship events and by creating new opportunities to support CLU. Of course, it is not only about raising money. CLA also works to raise the visibility of the University. Networking with the community and having fun are also important goals!
Our first Hats and High Tea event was held in April and raised more than $16,000. The afternoon at the Plug Nickel included good food, entertainment and an array of fancy tables and hats. Thank you to Valerie Vollmer, her mother, Dixie, who served as Chair, and numerous sponsors! Soon after that event, eight scholarships were awarded to deserving students.
We recently held the golf tournament and Kingsmen Shakespeare Night. We will host a social for new faculty and representatives from their academic departments as well as several other events that showcase CLU in the coming months.
Between events, please feel free to check out our online marketplace that offers a variety of items and donation opportunities to fund educational grants. To shop in the CLA Store, visit http://www.callutheran.edu/cla/store/.
CLA was developed to stimulate community interest in academic, athletic and cultural programs at CLU, a vital resource and educational gem in this region. On behalf of the CLA board, I invite you to share your time, your talents and your gifts with the University. We look forward to working with you!
