East Ventura News

From first-day anxieties to the forging of lifelong friendships, alumni from California Lutheran University have shared their experiences in the residence halls.

Vicki (Brandt ’66) Walker recounted a memorable prank during her time at Alpha Hall. "After a long night of studying at the library, I returned to my room at Alpha Hall to find my bed was missing!" she said. Her roommate and the dorm president had decided to play a joke on her by moving her bed to the foyer. "Finally, after several frustrating minutes — maybe an hour — I found my bed," Walker recalled.

Maria (McDonald ’69) Grago reflected on her experience living with five other women in Beta Dorm, which was designed for two occupants. She described managing curfews and room checks while forming lasting bonds with her roommates. "Our happiness was forming lifelong friendships," Grago noted.

Jayme (Housh ’96) Johnson, EdD ’16 shared memories of rollerblading adventures around campus with friends Michelle (Wright ’96) Bertier, Karen (Billings ’96) Schuster, and Kelly (Watson ’96) Ghaffary during their first year at Thompson Hall.

Jordan Sanchez '23 spoke about overcoming initial loneliness after his roommate left Cal Lu shortly after orientation began. A chance encounter with Maylee Murillo '23 led to new friendships that lasted throughout his college years. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Sanchez stated: "The friends you make this weekend are going to be the same friends you walk the stage with on graduation day."

These stories highlight how shared experiences in residence halls can lead to enduring relationships among students.