CLU receives major gifts

California Lutheran University has recently received several major gifts, each between $1 million and $5 million.

Natural Sciences. Jim and Sue Swenson of Dana Point have pledged $5 million to enhance the science facilities. The donation will help fund the construction of a new science building that will provide expanded research opportunities for faculty and students.

Early Childhood Center. The Overton family has pledged $1 million for the construction of a new Early Childhood Center to replace the facility that has housed the preschool for more than 30 years. The $2 million facility is also made possible by an earlier leadership gift of $500,000 from Regent Marvin Suomi and his wife, Mariclare.

Student Center. A portion of the $1 million gift from former Regent Marvin Soiland and his wife, Fran, will be used for the planning of a new Campus Center that will include a new bookstore, coffee shop, dining commons and multiple learning resources. The Soilands have supported the school for more than 30 years, and five of their seven children are CLU graduates.

Capital Projects. Jack and Carol Gilbert donated $1 million for "presidential priorities" that will allow for renovations to the Pederson Administration Building and other existing facilities. Over the years, the Gilberts haven given gifts totaling more than $11 million for capital improvements and new facilities.

KCLU-FM. Joe and Pat Paulucci, owners of PTS Furniture in Thousand Oaks, have pledged a large donation that will be used for the construction of a new multimillion-dollar facility for the school's National Public Radio station.

Other gifts. CLU received nearly $1 million for newly endowed scholarships and $1.5 million in deferred gifts. A restricted gift from the family of Dan and Joyce Geeting of the Music Department will provide for the refurbishment of a music rehearsal facility to be renamed Geeting Hall. Also, longtime supporter Alma Pearson of Santa Barbara contributed $200,000 for a School of Education leadership program.