Campus Opportunities
California's Housing Crisis: Roots of the Problem and What Lies Ahead
Thursday, February 19 at 8am in the Lundring Events Center
Presenters will share the latest research and data in clear and accessible ways, and create space for vibrant discussion among residents, institutions, and experts. Ultimately, attendees will learn practical policy solutions that can be implemented at the city, county, and state levels with support from nonprofits, foundations, and the business community.
Cal Lutheran students, faculty, staff, or advisory council members can register for free. Alumni registration is $30, general admission is $50.
Details and Registration: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6503
Nortraship: The Norwegian Merchant Fleet in the Second World War
Thursday, February 19 at 6pm in the Lundring Events Center
Ken Privratsky, a retired major general in the U.S. Army, holds multiple advanced degrees and was a National Security Affairs Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford. He has written or edited several books, including The Norwegian Merchant Fleet in the Second World War, the first detailed account in English of Norway’s critical contribution to the Allies.
After this presentation, Olaf Engvig will briefly discuss his personal experiences as a Norwegian Resistance messenger boy of 5-6 years old, and his interactions with WWII veterans as a young sailor in the merchant marines.
A small reception will take place thereafter, where guests can interact with the presenters and see the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation’s diorama of the Norwegian Merchant Marine, titled “How Norway Helped Win World War II.”
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6497
Seeking Faith with Purpose (The University Series)
Friday, February 20 at 12:15pm in the Samuelson Chapel
The University Series is a multi-parish Lenten adult-education program offering nonaccredited classes for spiritual and personal growth, featuring expert-led sessions that connect faith with real-life topics.
Kerri Cavlezel will discuss "Seeking Faith with Purpose." Cavlezel is a nationally known speaker who has had the privilege of working with children, teenagers and adults for over 30 years. Her educational training in Washington and California and her own life-experience as a pro-life and adoption advocate have given her a passion for promoting a message of faith, hope, love and a belief in life as the greatest God-given gift of all.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6541
A Celebration of Black Excellence
Thursday, February 26 at 5pm in the Lundring Events Center
Join us in welcoming industry leaders from finance, real estate, and healthcare to
campus in honor of Black History Month.
Guests will include Malcolm Johnson, CEO of Langdon Park Capital and Dr. Jamelle Brown,
Urology Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. These industry
leaders will share stories about their career journeys, insights and expertise about
their specific fields, and tell how they are using their platforms to give back and
make a difference in the community.
This free event is hosted by the 2025-2026 cohort of the Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6523
"Visas and Virtue" Screening
Thursday, February 26 at 6:30pm in the Preus-Brandt Forum
Cal Lutheran’s Film and TV Department will host a free screening of "Visas and Virtue"
directed by Chris Tashima, in cooperation with the Ventura County Japanese American
Citizens League.
The film is based on the life story of a Japanese diplomat who issued visas to save
Jews from the Nazi concentration camps. The film won an Academy Award in 1997. Tashima
will attend and a Q&A session will follow the film.
The event is free and open to the public.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6525
Social Media: Friend or Foe (The University Series)
Friday, February 27 at 12:15pm in the Samuelson Chapel
The University Series is a multi-parish Lenten adult-education program offering nonaccredited classes for spiritual and personal growth, featuring expert-led sessions that connect faith with real-life topics.
Emily McAtee will present "Social Media: Friend or Foe." McAtee is a cradle Catholic who attended Thomas Aquinas College, where her devout college friends spurred her desire to live her faith more fully. In her pursuit of faith-based community, she established Spirited Lamb with the mission of strengthening the Catholic young adult community in the upper Los Angeles archdiocese. By connecting through in-person events, young adults strive to live vibrant Catholic lives in a changing culture.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6542
Cecilia Rydinger on Campus
Friday, February 27 at 1pm & 3:30pm in Overton Hall
We are thrilled to welcome renowned Swedish choral and orchestral conductor Cecilia Rydinger to Cal Lutheran. She will work with our choirs and conducting students, leading rehearsals and masterclasses on Friday, Feb. 27. The conducting masterclass will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by rehearsals from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The community is welcome to attend and see her work, but please register in advance.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6529
Orvil and Gloria Franzen Organ Recital with Wolff von Roos
Friday, February 27 at 7pm in Samuelson Chapel
The Orvil and Gloria Franzen Organ Recital Series presents concert organist Wolff von Roos, a dynamic performer recognized for his expressive artistry and distinctive approach to improvisation. A native of Germany and raised in Indiana, von Roos has performed throughout the United States and Canada and has been featured on the San Francisco American Guild of Organists National Black History Month Concert as well as the nationally syndicated radio program Pipedreams.
Equally at home in the classical repertoire and the art of spontaneous creation, von Roos is especially known for his improvisations, drawing inspiration from composers such as Olivier Messiaen, Pierre Cochereau and Jean Guillou. In addition to his concert career, he has served in church music leadership roles and maintains active interests in jazz and collaborative performance.
Admission is free; donations will be accepted.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6539
Apostles' Vision vs. Church Today (The University Series)
Friday, March 6 at 12:15pm in Samuelson Chapel
The University Series is a multi-parish Lenten adult-education program offering nonaccredited classes for spiritual and personal growth, featuring expert-led sessions that connect faith with real-life topics.
Mark F. Fischer will discuss "Apostles’ Vision vs. Church Today." Fischer retired after teaching at St. John's Seminary for more than 30 years. He serves on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and has worked with pastoral councils throughout the United States. He is a member of the Catholic Theological Society of America and edits the Rahner Papers for the Journal Philosophy and Theology. He has published a murder mystery set in a Catholic parish, Blamed for It.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6543
Spring Choral Concert with Cal Lutheran Choirs
Sunday, March 8 at 2pm in Samuelson Chapel
The California Lutheran University Choir, Cielo (treble choir) and the Kingsmen and Regals quartets will present their annual Spring Choral Concert under the direction of Franco Basili, DMA. The program will showcase a variety of choral works highlighting the artistry and versatility of Cal Lutheran’s student singers.
This performance will continue the department’s tradition of collaborative music-making and offer audience members an opportunity to experience a diverse selection of choral repertoire in the beautiful acoustics of Samuelson Chapel. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6522
Carlo Acutis: Teenage Saint (The University Series)
Friday, March 13 at 12:15pm in Samuelson Chapel
The University Series is a multi-parish Lenten adult-education program offering nonaccredited classes for spiritual and personal growth, featuring expert-led sessions that connect faith with real-life topics.
Joe Fabrizio will present"Carlo Acutis: Teenage Saint." Fabrizio was commissioned a Marine officer in 1975 until his retirement in 1995. He then taught U.S. History for 21 years until his retirement in 2023. In 2004, he was awarded Newtown Middle School Teacher of the Year. He has authored over 25 op-eds for Bucks County Newspapers in Pennsylvania and offered numerous Alexander Hamilton briefs to Bucks County Broadway Hamilton enthusiasts.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6544
How Catholics Interpret the Bible (The University Series)
Friday, March 20 at 12:15pm in Samuelson Chapel
The University Series is a multi-parish Lenten adult-education program offering nonaccredited classes for spiritual and personal growth, featuring expert-led sessions that connect faith with real-life topics.
Stuart Squires will discuss"How Catholics Interpret the Bible." Squires is the director of the MAPM program at St. John's Seminary. He earned his PhD from The Catholic University of America, his MA from the University of Chicago and his BA from DePaul University. He has published two books: The Pelagian Controversy: An Introduction to the Enemies of Grace and the Conspiracy of Lost Souls (2019) and You Will Be Changed Into Me: The Fruits of the Eucharist (2024).
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6545
Faculty Recital: Micah Wright, Clarinet and Piano
Friday, March 20 at 7:30pm in Samuelson Chapel
Micah Wright, DMA, faculty clarinetist at California Lutheran University, will be joined by pianist Jason Stoll for an engaging faculty recital featuring music by composers including Claude Debussy, York Bowen, Arturo Márquez, George Gershwin, Steve Harlos and Kenji Bunch. The program will highlight a wide range of styles from impressionism and jazz-influenced works to contemporary compositions, showcasing both performers’ musical versatility.
Known for his imaginative programming and dynamic performances, Wright maintains an active career as a performer and educator throughout Southern California. Pianist Jason Stoll brings a distinguished background as a soloist, chamber musician and collaborative artist, with performances across the United States and internationally.
This event is free and open to the public; donations are welcome.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6527
Vatican II's Nostra Aetate (The University Series)
Friday, March 27 at 12:15pm in Samuelson Chapel
The University Series is a multi-parish Lenten adult-education program offering nonaccredited classes for spiritual and personal growth, featuring expert-led sessions that connect faith with real-life topics.
The Rev. Alexei Smith, a Greek Catholic priest, will discuss"Vatican II’s Nostra Aetate Rt." Smith has served as ecumenical and interreligious officer of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles since November 2000. As such, he directs the Catholic Church's relations with all other faiths in Los Angeles. He currently serves on the boards of several interreligious and ecumenical organizations and is president of the Southern California Christian Forum. He also teaches a course on Ecumenical & Interreligious Relations as a Catholic Ministry.
Details: https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6546
Areté Vocal Ensemble Concert: Journey Through American Song
Sunday, March 29 at 2pm in Samuelson Chapel
This season Areté commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all who call America home and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
Areté concludes its 17th season with a journey to the roots of American spiritual music, featuring 18th-century music from New England, 19th-century folk hymns and songs from the rural South and rousing gospel songs. With a passion for live performance, Areté strives to provide a joyful, moving, educational and soul-nurturing experience. Wyant Morton will conduct.
Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 if purchased online in advance. For information and to purchase tickets, visit AreteVocalEnsemble.org.