East Ventura News

Members of the California Lutheran University choir recently completed a 10-day European tour, marking their first international trip since the COVID-19 pandemic. The 60-student choir performed in Vienna and Salzburg, Austria, and Prague, Czech Republic. Professor Wyant Morton led the group on this tour, which is his sixth with Cal Lutheran. "Our concerts were very well attended, and we had enthusiastic audiences," said Morton.

In addition to performances, the schedule allowed for free time to explore European destinations. This trip was notable for Morton as it included legacy students from alumni he conducted in previous years.

Meanwhile, nine retiring faculty members at Cal Lutheran have been awarded emeritus status by the Board of Regents. Among them is Philosophy professor Xiang Chen, who served as department chair and directed the Harold Stoner Clark Lectures for several years. Michael Cosenza played a significant role in developing educational programs within the Graduate School of Education.

Virginia Gean published a book titled "A Village of Knowledge" during her tenure at Cal Lutheran while also managing an apparel business before joining academia. Cynthia Jew contributed significantly to counselor education and serves as an Episcopal priest in Santa Paula.

Edward Julius was instrumental in advancing undergraduate accounting education at Cal Lutheran and advocated for its transition from college to university status. Victoria Kelly has extensive experience in educational leadership within school districts.

Julie Kuehnel spent over two decades leading the Psychology Department after returning to her alma mater as one of its early graduates turned faculty members. Maureen Lorimer chaired committees focused on graduate education initiatives until 2019.

Lastly, Michael McCambridge helped establish a doctorate program in education at Cal Lutheran with his vast teaching and administrative expertise spanning more than four decades.