2 receive Cal Lutheran Inspiration Awards

Simi Valley student and religion professor are honored

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Lauren Witman, a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in theology and Christian leadership, received the student award.

(THOUSAND Oaks, Calif. – Jan. 20, 2015) A student and a member of the religion faculty received Inspiration Awards from California Lutheran University for encouraging intellectual and spiritual growth in others.

Lauren Witman, a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in theology and Christian leadership, received the student award. The Simi Valley resident plans alternative break trips for Cal Lutheran’s Community Service Center and has been involved with the Lord of Life student congregation since her freshman year. She interned for the Office of Campus Ministry one summer and served on the Lord of Life Council for more than a year. She is a member of the Scholastic Honor Society, the highest academic honor at Cal Lutheran, and she conducted research into parental pressure and emerging adult religiosity. She plans to attend graduate school and become an occupational therapist.

Colleen Windham-Hughes, an assistant professor of religion and director of the Theology and Christian Leadership Program, received the staff award. The Newbury Park resident has been a leader in Cal Lutheran’s efforts to help students discover their vocations and has been active in interfaith activities. A deacon in the United Methodist Church with a passion for the arts, she has led ministries for youth and adults. She earned a bachelor’s degree in theater history and dramatic criticism from Whittier College, a master’s degree in divinity from Claremont School of Theology and a doctorate in religious studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

A university committee selects the recipients of the annual award. An alumni family initiated the tradition in 1979, establishing an endowment to provide undisclosed cash awards each year.

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