CLA Scholarships
Eight California Lutheran University students have received scholarships from the University's Community Leaders Association.
Incoming freshmen awardees are Kelsey Lindquist of Templeton, CA, Zack Vanderzel of Vista, CA, and Ashley Young of Tehachapi, CA. Continuing students are Breanne Gibson of Fresno, CA, Lacie Goff of Herrin, IL, Breann Kinsey of Salem, OR, Jae Park of Torrance, CA, and Jamie Purcell of Thousand Oaks, CA.
The following CLU students were selected for their community service, leadership potential and academic achievement.
Lacie Goff
Hello! My name is Lacie Goff and I am a sophomore here at CLU. I grew up in Chicago, Illinois and moved to California in 2005. As an undergraduate at CLU, my major is Communication with an emphasis in Journalism and my minor is in Religion. Post graduation, I plan on furthering my education through achieving a Masters degree. With my degree, my career goal is to become Editor-in-Chief of a leading fashion magazine that allows me to work in Italy. I am hoping to study abroad next year in Rome.
"I am so very proud to call myself a Regal. I love CLU and all of the opportunities it has to offer to its students. Last year, I founded Club Italia here at the University and I serve as acting president. The club's mission is to expose students to the Italian culture and aspects of it, such as language, food, games, film and celebrations and we are growing each semester. We take trips, learn and speak the language, host festivals and share lots of good times.
"Other things on campus that I am involved with include CLU Choir, Womens' Chorale, Theater, Lord of Life, H2O and the Community Service Center. I work as a Print Marketing Intern in Student Life. I am also a singer/songwriter and I often perform for events such as Programs Board's Rock the Campus and Wellness's Take Back the Night.
"I would like to sincerely thank the Community Leaders Association for awarding me the CLA scholarship. It helps me tremendously and allows me to stay at the school I so dearly love. It's been a great year and a quarter and I look forward to the rest of my time here at CLU! Thank you again.
Kelsey Lindquist
Kelsey Lindquist is a native Californian born in Simi Valley and raised in the small town of Templeton on the Central Coast. This is her first year at California Lutheran University. Her major is Exercise Science and she is currently exploring the vocational possibilities with this major.
She has excelled in sports and academics. At Templeton High School she was part of the Cross Country, Soccer and Track teams. Through sports participation, Kelsey developed a passion for Sports Medicine and Athletic Training.
Kelsey is a dedicated member of Camp Fire USA which has spanned many years. Her journey began at the age of 8 progressing through all the steps of Camp Fire and finally achieving the WoHeLo award at 17. Most people think of Camp Fire as a group dedicated to teaching outdoor survival, but it is more than that. It is about learning, citizenship, dedication to family and community, creative arts, home arts, performing arts, and business. Her tenure there taught her many things and gave her many skills. She learned to serve others. Her Camp Fire group served dinners to the homeless, made blankets for premature babies in hospitals, taught and mentored younger members, did community and beach cleanups and helped renovate the Camp Fire office.
Kelsey has studied the oboe since 6th grade. She has performed in both Junior High and High School Bands and County Honor Groups.
She has also been a 4H member raising Meat and Dairy Goats. At Templeton High School, Kelsey participated in the AG mechanics woodworking portions of the FFA building many projects.
Jae Park
From Torrance, California, Jae Park is a sophomore at CLU double majoring in Biology and Chemistry and minoring in Music. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school where he hopes it will further cultivate his aspirations to be a cardiologist.
Jae is proud to call himself a Kingsmen as he is involved on campus as a Peer Advisor, Student Ambassador, ASCLUG Senator, Biology Departmental Assistant, Lord of Life Council Member, Treasurer of Student Music Society, and violinist for the University Symphony.
Outside of classes and activities on campus, Jae enjoys sharing a good laughter with his friends, Stumbling while listening to Pandora, and stargazing from the bleachers of Mt. Clef Stadium.
Jamie Purcell
Hello my name is Jamie Purcell. I am an undergraduate studying exercise science with an emphasis in health professions. I have grown up in Thousand Oaks my entire life and am very lucky to attend CLU.
After I graduate CLU I plan to further my education by obtaining an internship in a physical therapy clinic and applying to get my PHD in physical therapy.
I love to help others and whenever I can and love to be involved in the community. So far I have participated in attending events such as: Relay for life, running marathons to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma society, ASPCA (American society prevention for animal cruelty) and I also am in the patient pals volunteer program at Los Robles Hospital.
In my spare time I enjoy all outdoor activities! I love to surf, snowboard, and play softball, football, hike and anything in between :) I am very thankful for the CLA scholarship program, they have given me the opportunity to graduate as a Regal and pursue my dreams for the future.
Thank you so much for the opportunity I am so grateful!!
Zack Vanderzel
Zack Vanderzel is a first year freshmen student at Cal Lutheran, was born and raised in the Southern California town of Vista near San Diego. He has always been a scholar athlete throughout his life but finds time to give back to his community in a variety of ways. Zack will focus on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia with emphasis on Graphic Design. “I am very excited to be a Kingsmen and step forward into the next chapter of my life here at CLU”. “My long term goal is to achieve a well paying job within the sport industry as a graphic designer and consultant”.
Zack excelled in sports and academics while at Vista High School and earned all CIF honors in both Football and Track. He was an instrumental factor in helping his team win the 2010 San Diego Section Football Division 1 championship as a two way starter. “I have personally learned so many key life lessons through participation in sports, that over the last 5 five years I have dedicated my free time to perform volunteer efforts both as a Umpire and Coach within several youth sports organizations in my community”. “I get a great deal of satisfaction seeing young people develop physically, mentality and secure the confidence to tackle life’s challenges”. “I strongly believe that youth sports provide an excellent forum for kids to grow, keep them focused and help shield them from other negative external influences.”
Zack was also a dedicated member for several years of Vista High’s Key Club, including treasurer during his senior year. This school organization raises funds and participates in several community services projects throughout his town including organized trash removal from a local nature preserve park. “Once I get established here on the CLU campus in Thousand Oaks, I will continue to search for ways to give back to the community”. “It’s wonderful to be a recipient of the CLA scholarship and to be recognized for my past efforts in community service”. “I want to express my sincere appreciation and say thank you to the Community Leadership Association for this monetary contribution and investment in my future”.
Zack’s personal interests and hobbies outside of school include snowboarding, body boarding in the ocean and taking trips to the local desert to ride quads with his family and friends.
Ashley Young
Hello. My name is Ashley Young. I am a freshman here at California Lutheran University. I grew up in the small town of Tehachapi, CA. I am an undergraduate studying pre- med with plans of graduating from Cal LU. I plan to further my education and attend medical school where I will pursue my dream in becoming a doctor.
I love to help others and participate in my community. I believe that becoming a doctor will give the opportunity to give back to my community, help others, and work in a job that I love.
I was a very active student in high school. I was vice president of Habitat for Humanity for two years. I also participated in Feed My Sheep- feeding those less fortunate and sharing God’s message. I was president and four year member of Peer Facilitators. I actively planned workshops working towards equality in my school. I enjoyed participating in Pep Squad and Junior Miss my junior and senior years. I was co-captain on both my high school and club volleyball team and played basketball for 4 years. I love to be active and involved.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing volleyball and other sports. I love to travel with my family. I enjoy wakeboarding, snowboarding, riding ATVs, and working. My favorite place on Earth is on a houseboat in Lake Shasta.
I would like to thank the Community Leaders Association for awarding me the CLA scholarship. It allows me to pursue my dreams and attend this amazing school. I hope to make you proud.
Scholarship recipients Breanne Gibson, Kelsey Lindquist and Zack Vanderzel with CLA President, Barry Fisher.
The proceeds of charitable events such as Hats and High Tea and the Annual Golf Tournament are sponsored by the CLU Community Leaders Association to support the University' academic progams and its students. Over the years, the support of the Community Leaders Association has resulted in the donation of nearly $2 million toward enhancements in equipment and technology. In addition to providing funding for the academic departments at California Lutheran University, the Association also awards scholarships each year to students who excel academically and show committment to community service.
