Carl and Helen Veblen Scholarship

There is little information about the Carl and Helen Veblen Scholarship in the files of California Lutheran University. As a consequence, not much is known about them as a couple. Correspondence from the college to the Veblens paints a partial picture of the Veblens, or at least helps in making certain assumptions about them.

The first letter sent to the Veblens at their Santa Barbara address was dated December 13, 1963. In that letter, CLC acknowledged the Veblens’ gift of stock for the purpose of initiating a scholarship in their name. The Veblens placed few restrictions on their gift and even gave the college permission to use the principal, if necessary, to make the scholarship award. In the early days of CLC there were no formal procedures for establishing or administering the scholarship, but it was created in accordance with what the Veblens wished.

Donors like the Veblens and other early supporters of the young college placed a great deal of trust in those who were guiding the fledgling institution. The Veblens’ trust is apparent from their faithful gifts of stock at the end of every year from 1963 to 1967, thus establishing one of CLC’s earliest endowed scholarships. For their gifts, the Veblens received letters of thanks from some of CLU’s early administrators, unsung heroes such as Leif Harbo, John J. Nordberg, C. E. Shamel and K. M. Torgerson. Dedicated to their duties, they created and sustained that essential sense of trust with donors.

The Veblens did not specify any particular major or type of student who should receive their scholarship. Their intent was to support those who were bold enough to enroll at a college being forged from a California ranch in the middle of nowhere.