Hamm Award

Timothy C. Hengst, Dean, College of Arts and Science, California Lutheran University

Tim Hengst has been a very active member of the CLA and all things Cal Lutheran and Conejo Valley for over 40 years, NOT counting his years as an undergraduate student here. He has been the head of the Multimedia Program and Chair of the Visual Arts Department. When there was a need to replace a departed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2005, the president of the university saw that he had the confidence of the faculty, as well as the respect of the administration. The president appointed him as “interim” dean, as, at that time, there was a now-altered requirement that kept him from being named the permanent dean. He successfully held the position for two years, as the university did a nationwide search for a new dean. There was no hurry, from the university standpoint. The rules have changed now and when the opportunity arose with a departed dean, the president took no extra time in re-appointing him, but this time as the OFFICIAL dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.  

Because of Tim's roles at the university, (some people) believe he has been the most active, involved member of the university community by a substantial margin. 

• He is involved with the entire university experience which has a lasting impact on Cal Lutheran students.
• He has been generous with his time and expertise in many areas such as the Kiwanis Club, Thousand Oaks Arts Council and Alliance for the Arts.
• He has been the executive director of the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, since its beginning giving so much of his time to make sure everything from contracting for the building of the stage, to the actors, apprentices, musicians, etc., are handled professionally so the outcome is a terrific community event every summer.
• Tim has participated in many CLA events over the years including auctions, Hats and High Tea, the annual golf tournaments and the Mathews Leadership Forum. Speaking of auctions, he has offered, and completed, several Sushi dinners in the winning bidders’ homes. Several of us have been the lucky winners of these events that he put a lot of his expertise to teach people the art of making sushi. It is a major event that includes travelling to downtown Los Angeles to get the perfect ingredients and tools. MANY people have had the “sushi experience” and charities, including CLA, have benefitted from the thousands of dollars paid/given for the experience.
• Here is a partial list of his involvement over the years:
  • 1986-Present — Choir member and president of the congregation at Ascension Lutheran Church
  • 1989-Present — member of the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks
  • 1990-Present — CLA table facilitator for the Mathews Leadership Forum
  • Donated artwork and sushi dinners at many community events, including CLA auctions
  • 2002-2005 — CLU Magazine Editorial Board member
  • 2005-2007 — Interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
  • 2014-2016 — Ventura County Community Foundation Marketing Committee member
  • 2014-2016 — CLU Board of Regents as Chair of the Faculty
  • 2014-2019 — Oxnard High School Multimedia Business Academy Advisory Board member
  • 2017-2022 — Thousand Oaks Arts Council Advisory Board member
  • 2018-2020 — Thousand Oaks Alliance for the Arts Advisory Board member
  • 2022 — Repeat interim dean position
  • 2023 — Named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

The authorship of the above information belongs to the award nominators.

Tim Weaver, Senior Adjunct Faculty, Bachelor's Degree for Professionals, California Lutheran University

Tim is an alumnus of Cal Lutheran who has supported all CLA events and programs and has served as a CLA board member, board officer and faculty grant committee chair. As a Rotarian, he served as President of the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club. As an educator at Cal Lutheran, he serves as an advisor to the Delta Signa Pi fraternity and as a representative on the adjunct faculty council and senate. He is the longest tenure member of the adjunct faculty at Moorpark College where he serves as Moorpark College Foundation's vice chair. At both institutions he has received numerous awards for outstanding adjunct faculty and faculty member of the year. His passion for teaching and his commitment to his students is second to none.  He is an exceptional colleague, willing to do whatever it takes to serve the students.  He is “servant leadership” personified. And just like Bill Hamm, Tim Weaver is a devoted father and grandfather. 

Leisa Contreras, Budget Analyst & Coordinator of Support Services, Graduate School of Education, California Lutheran University, has demonstrated exemplary leadership in support of California Lutheran University. These actions, of course, result in recognition of her loyalty in serving students and faculty.   

Leisa has served behind the scenes on many, many CLA programs and events, including the annual events like the Golf Tournament, Hats and High Tea, and the Mathews Leadership Forum to name only a few. In addition, over the years, she has been instrumental in soliciting new CLA members and has led the scholarship committee that awards $20,000 to eight deserving students. An associate with the Sisters of Notre Dame, Leisa always finds time to support her community, colleagues and aging parents.

The 2020 award criteria had a different focus and recognized outstanding leadership and extraordinary community support addressing Ventura County’s urgent public health, safety and community needs during the pandemic.

SENIOR SUPPORT CHAMPION

Andrea Gallagher, President, Senior Concerns, has exemplified compassionate leadership with innovative and forward-thinking solutions to serious community problems. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced Senior Concerns to temporarily close its Adult Day Program, she immediately focused on identifying emergent needs in the senior community and successfully pivoted the organization to launch new programs. Examples include: An expanded Meals On Wheels program that went from delivering 2,500 meals each week to more than 4,000! A pantry was established so nonperishable and household items could be delivered at no cost to homebound, low-income seniors. A new Errand Service with no-contact delivery matched seniors to volunteers who provide grocery shopping and weekly check-ins. COVID-19 Tool Kits containing masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and educational material were created and distributed. To help relieve isolation, Zoom-based birthday parties for seniors age 65+ were set up and included delivery of a bundt cake to each senior celebrating a birthday.

Her most amazing contribution was her dogged pursuit and the publication of COVID-19 vaccination information that was not available to those who were not computer savvy or had no access to computers or social media. It wasn’t until she proactively spoke with county officials, then researched, obtained and immediately distributed the information, that many western L.A. County and Conejo Valley residents learned how to access vaccinations. As a result, Senior Concerns’ service area received a wide distribution of factual information and residents had the information required to schedule vaccination appointments. Under her leadership and recognition of what was required in the community, Senior Concerns filled the very large communication gap between L.A. and Ventura County governments and the residents.

CHAMPION OF THE VULNERABLE

Dichele Harris '13 MPPA '16, Area Director, Lutheran Social Services, is a double Cal Lutheran alumna, earning a BA in sociology in 2013 and an MPPA in 2016. Over the years, she has served Cal Lutheran on university advisory councils.

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California has a legacy of meeting the needs of the poor, underserved and powerless regardless of race, creed or orientation. In her role at the agency she works collaboratively with individuals, churches, businesses, civic leaders, government agencies and other stakeholders for one goal: breaking the cycle of poverty one family at a time. 

During the pandemic Harris provided outstanding leadership and extraordinary community support in the Conejo Valley to the homeless and others in need. When COVID-19 forced the winter shelters to close, she stepped in to fill this important gap. In her role, she supported the day-to-day functions of living for many people in need at the Under One Roof Building at 80 E. Hillcrest Drive. She secured a hand-washing facility and obtained blankets and warm clothing. She worked to ensure that the community met the urgent public-health need to feed and house members of its low-income and homeless population when there was nowhere else for them to turn. She also helped in the fundraising efforts for the various Rotary clubs and Soroptimists, and solicited donations from many private donors. When someone noticed a need, she stepped forward and tackled the problem until it was resolved.

With her help, the local fundraising organizations raised over $10,000 and were able to work with Senior Concerns and Harbor House to obtain food from restaurants, private individuals and other charities to feed those most in need. She is a most extraordinary individual, admired and respected by the many volunteers in this community who work alongside her and nominated her for this award.

Tim Hagel
Retired Chief of Police, City of Thousand Oaks

The 2019 Hamm Award went to someone who has served the university by participating in events that raise funds for student scholarships, including the annual Mathews Leadership Forum, Hats & High Tea and Golf Tournament.

He has helped to keep the campus safe by providing public safety trainings in the community. He is one of the creators of the Safe Passages program that partners with the Conejo Park & Recreation District and Cal Lutheran faculty and students to work with at-risk youth and eliminate gang-related crime. 

Last year this community experienced two incomprehensible tragedies within 24 hours. Hagel worked nonstop and countless hours leading us through the aftermath of the Borderline Shooting and the Hill and Woolsey fires. He provided comfort to grieving families, organized public safety responses to numerous emergency situations, sat with and cried with every family member who lost a loved one, and attended every funeral. To this day, he maintains close relationships with those families.

He led his department through city evacuations, highway closures and public safety tasks during the fires while consoling families and grieving over the loss of a fellow deputy. The community is indebted to him for his leadership, compassion and passion for public service. 

View Press Release

Andy Fox is a Cal Lutheran alumnus who over the years has partnered with the university and supported its growth. He has served as:

• A Thousand Oaks City Councilmember from 1994-present, with 6 terms as Mayor of the City of Thousand Oaks
• A Commissioner on the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission 1990-92
• President of the Chief Officers’ Association, Los Angeles City Fire Department
• President of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City
• Representative to Southern California Association of Governments 1996-2000
• And he has served in different capacities with many civic groups and organizations, some of which include, the Boy Scouts of America, Conejo Valley Youth Employment and youth sports.

Dennis Gillette is also a Cal Lutheran alumnus who has served in several community leadership roles as:

• Police Chief and Assistant Sheriff for the City of Thousand Oaks and Ventura County from 1963-1987
• A member of the Conejo Recreation & Park District board of directors for 12 years
• A member of the Thousand Oaks City Council with three terms as mayor between 1998 and 2010
• And, as Vice President of Administration and Finance at Cal Lutheran
• During his years as a resident of Thousand Oaks, he was affiliated with many associations and communities, including the Economic Development Collaborative of California, United Way, American Heart Association, Conejo Future Foundation, Recreation and Park Associations at the state and national levels.

• 2017 - John Short III
• 2016 - Bernie Bauer (View Press Release)
• 2015 - Barry Fisher
• 2014 - Jake Ganajian
• 2012 - Sue Bauer
• 2011 - Ernie Sandlin (View VC Star article)
• 2006 - Debbie Hang
• 2005 - Michael Arndt, Vicki Arndt
• 2004 - Carol Keochekian
• 2003 - June Glasmeier
• 2002 - Ed Holt
• 2001 - Carl Herman
• 2000 - Elaine Marchessault
• 1999 - Dixie Vollmer
• 1998 - Frederick Bowman
• 1997 - Walt Schaedle
• 1996 - Jerry Knotts, Mary Knotts
• 1995 - Norman N. Lueck
• 1994 - Roy Ballard, Lucy Ballard
• 1993 - Gordon Randolph
• 1992 - John Crossan, Marie Crossan
• 1990 - Tommie Cochrane
• 1989 - Marjorie Coddington
• 1988 - Warde H. Dixon
• 1987 - Bill Bennett, Marty Bennett
• 1986 - Jim Gilmore
• 1985 - Marilyn Holt