Notable Alumni of California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University (CLU), located in Thousand Oaks, California, has a rich history of producing accomplished individuals across various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and contributions to society. From actors and athletes to politicians and business leaders, these graduates exemplify the values and education fostered at Cal Lutheran.

The Foundation of California Lutheran University

Founded in 1959 and opening its doors in 1961 as California Lutheran College, the institution holds the distinction of being California's first four-year liberal arts college and the first four-year private college in Ventura County. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, but maintaining a nonsectarian approach, Cal Lutheran has grown from its humble beginnings to a respected university. The original campus was constructed on land donated by Richard Pederson, the son of Norwegian immigrants, and has expanded over the years to meet the needs of a growing student body. The university's early years were marked by rapid growth and accreditation, solidifying its place in California's higher education landscape.

Hall of Fame Inductees: Celebrating Athletic Excellence

California Lutheran University Athletics proudly recognizes outstanding athletes and teams through its Alumni Hall of Fame. Recent inductees include individuals who have left an indelible mark on Kingsmen and Regals athletics.

Nick Boggan ('13): Baseball Powerhouse

Nick Boggan, a two-time All-American, is celebrated as one of the most impactful offensive players in Kingsmen Baseball history. His sophomore season in 2011 saw him leading the team in multiple offensive categories, earning him Third Team All-American honors. In 2013, he set Cal Lutheran single-season records for RBIs (67) and slugging percentage (.746), solidifying his place as one of the greats. By the end of his career, Boggan held the program record for RBIs (157) and total bases (338).

Joy (Cyprian '10) Buechler: Water Polo Star

Joy Cyprian stands as one of the most accomplished players in Regals Water Polo history. A two-time All-American and three-time All-SCIAC selection, Cyprian played a pivotal role on two National Championship teams (2007, 2010) and the 2009 SCIAC Championship team. She finished her career ranked first all-time in goals (223) and assists (143).

Read also: Notable PLU Graduates

Butch Eskridge ('77): Dual-Sport Standout

Butch Eskridge excelled in both football and basketball during the mid-1970s. In football, he was a three-year starter at wide receiver, earning All-Lutheran Honorable Mention honors in 1973. In 1975, he helped lead the Kingsmen to an NAIA Division II national championship appearance. On the basketball court, he was a three-year starter and team MVP his senior season.

Michelle Lawrence ('17): Volleyball Dominance

Michelle Lawrence, one of the most decorated volleyball players in Cal Lutheran history, led the Regals to their first NCAA Championship in school history in 2015. A three-time All-America honoree, Lawrence was named SCIAC Player of the Year in 2015 and was selected as the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Thousand Oaks Regional.

Lynn Thompson ('66): Two-Sport Leader

Lynn Thompson distinguished himself in both football and baseball from 1962 to 1966. In football, he was a versatile player, earning the team's Most Improved Player award in 1963 and the Ironman Award in 1964. On the baseball field, he consistently hit above .300, posting a remarkable .398 batting average in 1963.

2015 Regals Volleyball: National Champions

The 2015 Cal Lutheran Regals Volleyball Team made history as the first NCAA team to bring a national championship home to Thousand Oaks. Led by Head Coach Kellee Roesel, the Regals finished 14-2 in the SCIAC and captured a share of the regular season conference title. The team's success culminated in a three-set sweep of Wittenberg in the NCAA final.

Notable Alumni in Entertainment

California Lutheran University has also produced notable alumni who have made their mark in the entertainment industry.

Jason Dolley: Disney Channel Star

Jason Dolley is an American actor, musician, and Twitch streamer known for his roles in Disney Channel shows and movies. These include Newton "Newt" Livingston III on Cory in the House, Virgil Fox in Minutemen, Connor Kennedy in Read It and Weep, Pete Ivey in Hatching Pete, and PJ Duncan on Good Luck Charlie.

Alison Viktorin

Alison Viktorin is an actress.

Bianca A. Santos: Actress

Bianca Alexa Santos is an American actress known for her roles as Lexi Rivera in the Freeform drama series The Fosters and as Lucy Velez in the MTV comedy series Happyland. She also starred in the films Ouija (2014), The DUFF (2015), and Priceless (2016).

Michael Dean Shelton: Actor and Activist

Michael Dean Shelton is an American actor, activist, and photographer. Making his television debut in 2006 on MTV's Punk'd, he appeared in several reality TV shows and PSAs.

Jacquelynne Fontaine: Singer and Beauty Queen

Jacquelynne Noelle Fontaine is an American opera singer, actress, and beauty pageant titleholder. She held the title of Miss California 2006, finished in the top 10 at Miss America in 2007, and is known for her performance as Carlotta Giudicelli in The Phantom of the Opera.

Read also: Orientation Guide: Cal Lutheran

Notable Alumni in Sports

Cal Lutheran boasts alumni who have achieved success in the world of sports, both as players and coaches.

Dave Aranda: Football Coach

David Christopher Aranda is an American football coach. He is the head football coach at Baylor University, a position he has held since 2020. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at LSU, Wisconsin, Utah State, Hawaii, Delta State, and Cal Lutheran.

Tom Herman: Football Coach

Thomas Herman III is an American college football coach who most recently served as the head coach for the Florida Atlantic Owls. He was the head football coach for the Texas Longhorns from 2017 to 2020 and for the Houston Cougars from 2015 to 2016.

Mike Borzello: Baseball Coach

Michael Ross Borzello is an Italian-American professional baseball coach who has worked for the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Rich Hill: Baseball Coach

Richard Bradley Hill is an American baseball coach and the current head baseball coach of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.

Jason Smith: Basketball Player

Jason Mathew Smith is an Australian former professional basketball player. On 10 October 2013, Smith was named in the Sydney Kings 25th Anniversary Team.

Stephen Lambdin: Taekwondo Athlete

Stephen Lambdin is an American taekwondo competitor. He represented Team USA at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, and the United States at the 2011 Pan American Games, where he won a bronze medal.

Mark Covert: Marathon Runner

Mark Covert is an American runner who maintained a remarkable streak of running every day for exactly 45 years, beginning on July 23, 1968, and ending on July 23, 2013.

Notable Alumni in Politics and Law

California Lutheran University has also produced alumni who have made significant contributions to the fields of politics and law.

Ray Haynes: Politician

Raymond Neal Haynes Jr. is an American politician and member of the Republican Party from the state of California.

James Ware: Judge

William James Ware is a retired United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

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