CLU Women's League Scholarship

In 1965, if you were a female member of the faculty, administration or staff, or if you were the wife or widow of that same group, you were automatically a member of the Women’s League of California Lutheran College. Most of the members were proud to be included and eager to become involved.

From the very beginning, the overriding purpose of the Women’s League was to raise money for scholarships for women students, which at that time was perfectly legal. In the early 1960s, tuition was reasonable and a scholarship award of $200 meant something for students and their families. Gradually, as the league became more adept at raising funds, the scholarship awards climbed to $500 per year. But it wasn’t just the financial assistance that impressed the young recipients. It was the prestige of being chosen to receive the honor. By 1981, the league was able to award three annual scholarships.

In the historical record of the Women’s League, the name of anyone even vaguely associated with CLC appears as an active member. How did this motley group of women come together to accomplish so much? It could have been their ingenuity, but it also could have been their dedication, along with their willingness to serve and to give. The camaraderie they experienced in being committed to a common cause spurred them to think “outside the box.”

The Women’s League was known for its booth at the annual Scandinavian Day Festival. Homemade foods of every possible description could be found and bought—and eaten on the spot. Every league member contributed to the cause, and everyone else headed for that booth for their favorite food. The proceeds of the women’s efforts funded the annual scholarships. Any excess was earmarked for their future endowed scholarship, a goal they set to accomplish by 1995.

In the spring of 1995, however, the leadership of the Women’s League acknowledged that they were unable to fund their annual awards. But they still hoped they might someday endow their scholarship. That was when someone came up with the idea of having a “no-bake bake sale.” Sixty-five women contributed almost $1,500 for the privilege of not having to bake, and that was enough to endow the scholarship. Their goal was finally accomplished.

The criteria for the CLU Women’s League Scholarship are that the recipient be an upper-division female student with a 3.5 or higher grade point average having a need for financial assistance. A number of distinguished young women have received these prestigious awards.