April 10, 2024
Michelle Spurgeon
There are countless reasons why I care about Cal Lutheran. Every day I witness the lives of our students being changed in such positive ways – from the faculty who challenge them to think beyond the box, to the coaches who teach them discipline and the true meaning of teamwork, from our campus pastors who listen and offer religious and spiritual guidance when needed, and my colleagues campus-wide who work tirelessly to ensure that our students have all the tools, resources, and materials they need to succeed.
Cal Lutheran accepts, fosters, mentors, and prepares all students to go out into the world and make it a better place. I am proud of this institution that I am lucky to be part of. I am also proud of our students, especially those I have been so blessed to work with – from our student workers to those who have been part of our phonathon team. It is a privilege and a joy to watch students come in as freshman unsure of their new environment, become more comfortable and confident during their sophomore and junior years, and then reach their senior year marveling at how fast the last four years went by, but excited about their future.
And, their futures are so bright. These young men and women evolve personally, academically and professionally. Each find their purpose and go on to live their lives doing what they are passionate about. Several continue their education and go on to graduate school, some teach future generations by becoming educators themselves. Some go on to express themselves through art, whether it be by creating it, or performing it. Some become lawyers, while some become scientists hoping to develop the next life-saving vaccine. Some help treat and care for others by becoming doctors or nurses. And, some go on to become first responders, putting their lives at risk every day in order to save others.
So many people are responsible for shaping the lives of these students, but some who do not receive enough recognition, is those of you who so generously support their education through your participation and generous gifts to the Annual Fund.
For this reason, I want to take this moment to recognize and say THANK YOU to each of you who have helped, and continue to help, set the course for these students’ lives with your support of the Annual Fund.