Former CLU Campus Pastor and Professor to Receive Christus Award

The Rev. Gerald Swanson, former campus pastor, and his wife, Dr. Jan Bowman, professor emerita of English, will receive the Christus Award at California Lutheran University's annual Founders Day Convocation on Friday, Oct. 24. The Christus Award, presented by CLU and its Convocation, recognizes those persons who serve higher education in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and work to strengthen the bridge between the church and the University.

The Rev. Swanson served as campus pastor for CLU from 1969–1986. Before retiring in 1999, he served as director of the Learning Resource Center and as an assistant professor of English. Dr. Bowman served as a professor of English for many years while also being involved in various organizations such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Peace and Justice Education Task Force, and the Christian Faith and Liberal Arts Study Group. As a professor, Bowman is credited with developing courses in integrated, global and women's studies.

The Rev. Swanson and Dr. Bowman are residents of Thousand Oaks and members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Both Swanson and Bowman are graduates of Augustana College Rock Island.