Clifford and Leona Bangsund Scholarship

It is difficult today to imagine the excitement that occurred 50 years ago among Lutherans and Lutheran churches when news spread about the possibility of a new Lutheran college in Southern California. But enthusiasm, faith and support for that vision were so high and so widespread that the dream soon became a reality. Clifford and Leona Bangsund were among those who were inspired by the creation of the new college. They were so enthusiastic that they placed part of their own future alongside the future of California Lutheran University.

Clifford Bangsund was a very good businessman who found his niche and made it his life’s work. With an undergraduate degree in transportation from the University of Washington, he began working for West Coast Airlines but soon moved to California to work in the moving and storage business. He ran Inland Moving & Storage Company and eventually became the company’s owner. Leona also graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in biology. She was a homemaker and very active in her church and community. The Bangsunds had three children—two boys and a girl.

In 1988, CLU president Jerry Miller and vice president Ken Siegele visited the Bangsunds in their Redlands home. The visit was in reply to an inquiry from Clifford about a charitable remainder unitrust that CLU was offering. After listening to Mr. Siegele’s clear and concise explanation, the Bangsunds were convinced that it was just what they were looking for in their estate plan. Twenty-three years later their good planning paid off, and a wonderful scholarship, the Clifford and Leona Bangsund Scholarship, came into existence.

Both Clifford and Leona were interested in “helping deserving students from other countries who want to study at a good church-related institution like CLU.” In accordance with their wishes, the Clifford and Leona Bangsund Scholarship will be awarded first to students with I-20 international visa status and secondarily to any deserving, qualified student, with preference to Lutheran students. Through this well-planned gift, many students will be able to pursue their academic dreams at CLU.