MetroLutheran

The alumni board at California Lutheran University, an ELCA college in Thousand Oaks, California, has established an endowment fund to raise one million dollars for its study abroad program. In short order the board found itself significantly closer to the goal.
A June 7 press release announced the study abroad endowment fund had received an anonymous donation of $650,000. This early gift put the alumni board only $100,000 away from its goal.

Part of the Lutheran identity is a vocation, a commitment to service. Studying abroad really solidifies those things for students,” -Lisa Loberg

“The Alumni Association and Board wanted to support a large cross-section of students,” said Lisa Loberg, director of the Study Abroad Program. The endowment funds will be used to provide scholarships for students wishing to study abroad.
“Often students cite financial concerns as reasons they do not study abroad,” said Loberg. “The scholarships are a way to help with that.”
In addition to further fulfilling California Lutheran’s mission to educate leaders for a global society, Loberg believes that the study abroad program provides additional benefits.
“I get to witness amazing transformations [in students],” she said. The changes Loberg discussed include broadening a student’s potential after graduation, contributing to a well-rounded résumé, and an increased understanding of other people, especially those from differing backgrounds.
“Part of the Lutheran identity is a vocation, a commitment to service. Studying abroad really solidifies those things for students,” Loberg said. “They are what I like to call the positive side effects of studying abroad,” she added.

Tags: California Lutheran University, Lisa Loberg, Ryan Cosgrove