News & Information

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - April 27, 2012) California Lutheran University will hold its first Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony in the new William Rolland Stadium at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12.

As of April 26, 635 students were eligible to receive bachelor's degrees at the ceremony.

Jim and Sue Swenson, a Dana Point couple whose contributions have had a huge impact on CLU and many of its students, will receive Honorary Alumni Awards. After Jim retired from his company Details Inc., the Swensons turned their attention to philanthropy. A Lutheran pastor introduced the couple to CLU and Jim joined the Board of Regents in 1998. That same year, the couple established the Swenson Scholars program which has since covered half of the cost of tuition and fees for 57 Lutheran students from Orange County. The Swenson Science Internships program has funded research experiences for 67 students since it began in 2005. The couple also contributed generously to the Swenson Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences, which opened in 2010.

Roshmi "Keya" Mukherjee, a history major from Agoura Hills, will speak on behalf of her fellow traditional undergraduate students. A musician and basketball player, she combined her passions as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers Band for the past two years. She plans to launch a Montessori middle school program in Oak Park next year.

Raymond DeLaughder, an organizational leadership major from Oxnard, will speak on behalf of the Adult Degree Evening Program students. DeLaughder is a 24-year Army veteran now serving as a management analyst with the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Port Hueneme. He has participated in four combat operations and received the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal. He volunteers at the Veterans Home of Ventura.

Tim Gallagher, president of Gallagher 20/20 Consulting and former president and publisher of the Ventura County Star, will give the commencement address.