East Ventura News

The Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Cal Lutheran has successfully raised over $1.5 million, marking a significant milestone in the organization's history. The TOLD Foundation of Camarillo made the largest single donation of $1 million, kickstarting the Campaign for the Future. Rod Gilbert, President of the TOLD Foundation, expressed his delight, stating, "We are thrilled the Center for Nonprofit Leadership reached its goal in the Campaign for the Future."

The generous donations from various philanthropists, including the TOLD Foundation, have enabled the Center for Nonprofit Leadership to expand its programs and offerings. Kate McLean, co-chair of the campaign, reflected on the success, "Sally and I are honored the community values our efforts over the past three decades and made this campaign a success." The new capital will enhance the center's board governance programs and provide professional development opportunities in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

In a separate development, Cal Lutheran has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support the Graduate School of Education’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Credential Program. Sofia Ramirez Davis, EdD, the project's director, emphasized the significance of the grant, stating, "This grant is a significant step forward in our mission to provide high-quality education to future diverse and multilingual teachers of the deaf."

Moreover, students at Cal Lutheran showcased their innovative ideas in the Sustainable Development Goals Competition 2023. Artis Twyman, vice president of communications at the Los Angeles Rams, commended the participants, noting, "All three groups really had impressive presentations. They had really good facts, well thought out presentations." The winning team proposed using basketball to improve youth health and support community engagement, highlighting the intersection of sports and social impact.

The initiatives undertaken by the Center for Nonprofit Leadership, Cal Lutheran's Graduate School of Education, and the Sports Management program exemplify a commitment to education, community development, and sustainable practices. These endeavors reflect a dedication to fostering positive change and addressing pressing societal needs.