CLU seniors honor classmate, professors

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - May 24, 2011) California Lutheran University seniors honored two professors and a student this month.

Kristen Luna of Quartz Hill was selected as Senior Leader of the Year for living out CLU's mission in her passion for serving others. Before graduating this month with a degree in chemistry, she worked diligently to help other students find their place at CLU. She assisted prospective students and those transitioning into college life through her work with admissions and student orientation. Luna represented CLU at events as a student ambassador, served as president of the Latin American Student Organization and was a leader in the classroom and in student government.

The students selected Louise Kelly of Simi Valley as the Professor of the Year. An assistant professor of exercise science, the caring professor is known for going the extra mile for students, whether to help them understand a difficult concept, get into graduate school or deal with personal problems. Kelly, who joined the CLU faculty in 2008, has a doctorate in pediatric exercise science and bachelor's degree in physiology and sports science from the University of Glasgow. She is currently researching the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity and metabolic disorders.

Rahuldeep Singh Gill of Thousand Oaks is the Cultural Diversity Professor of the Year. The assistant professor of religion is a Sikh who is an expert in the evolution of Sikh institutions and the interaction of Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus. By sharing his background and encouraging discussions in his classes, the native of India broadens students' perspectives, deepens their appreciation of diversity and inspires them to be more understanding and compassionate. Gill, who came to CLU in 2009, has a bachelor's degree from University of Rochester and a master's and doctorate in religious studies from University of California, Santa Barbara.