CLU Guild Scholarship

In the first half-century of California Lutheran University’s existence, the enthusiasm and spirit of the college’s supporters were boundless for the college they envisioned. The 225-acre gift of Pederson ranch land on which the new college was built was inviting and sprawling, with a swimming pool but few buildings. There were lots of plans for academic buildings and other capital projects, but every corner of the campus called out for people—men and women—who were willing to put their hands and backs to work to make it all happen more quickly. Several capable Lutheran women jumped in to help.

The women were members of the CLU Guild, an organization that began in 1979 with a small grant from Aid Association of Lutherans. The Guild got its start under the guidance of Bernice Ruprecht, at that time a senior mentor on campus. In short order she organized nine chapters with approximately 300 members throughout the state. Guild members were enthusiastic about helping to promote their young college in any way possible. They successfully raised funds to assist several different academic departments in achieving projects that would otherwise have remained unfunded. The Guild was also effective in helping to recruit students throughout the state.

In 1989 the Guild was inspired to create its own endowed scholarship to provide financial assistance for the young people attending CLU who were from their own congregations. What they accomplished was nothing short of amazing. Working together toward their goal, they reached endowment level for their scholarship within one year. The scholarship was designated for students in good standing with the University and who were children of CLU Guild members. Applications for these awards were handled by CLU’s office of church relations.

One of the most loyal and hardworking Guild chapters was the Inland Empire Chapter. For 30 years they met faithfully, held soup-and-salad suppers, created crafts and most especially, made their famous apple butter to sell at their booth at CLU’s annual Scandinavian Day event each spring. The chapter managed to make an average gift of $4,000 per year to the scholarship fund, a testament to their dedication and industriousness.

Over time the number of Guild chapters began to wane. Even the Inland Empire chapter, which had been the organization’s shining light, sent its last gift in 2009 and closed down its apple butter operation. But the CLU Guild Scholarship lives on to serve Lutheran students who are active in their congregations. The CLU Guild is to be commended for its immense contributions to the University.