Alumni Awards
The Cal Lutheran Alumni Board of Directors Awards Program recognizes the outstanding achievements of California Lutheran University alumni. Nominations for awards in the five categories listed below are welcomed from all members and friends of the Cal Lutheran community.
We look forward to receiving your nominations and recognizing the outstanding achievements of your fellow alumni.
Allan R. Spies ’70 & Karen (Bornemann ’70) Spies
Career Achievement
Allan Spies ’70 earned his bachelor of arts in physics magna cum laude from CLU and went on to complete a master of arts in management science at Pace University. Karen (Bornemann '70) Spies graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in German and a minor in elementary education. She earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction with emphasis in language arts and early childhood education from University of Washington.
Karen spent a number of years as a public school teacher and administrator before deciding to concentrate on writing. Since 1984, she has written curriculum for several religious publications, a number of magazine articles and more than 20 books with titles ranging from Earthquakes to Competitiveness. Her diverse subjects include presidents, folk heroes, dealing with grief, national holidays, money and Greek mythology.
While Karen was finding success through writing, Allan was enjoying success in the business world. He recently retired as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at USWest Inc. On his way up the corporate ladder, he served as Controller of USWest; Vice President of Finance, Multimedia Group of MEDIA1; and held several management positions. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Telseon Corp., eyeRIS, InfoNow Corp. and the Colorado Symphony.
While grateful for the success they have achieved, Allan and Karen hold family nearest and dearest to their hearts and consider 30 years of marriage and two children as their greatest accomplishments.