Cynthia Bachofer Memorial Scholarship

Cynthia Bachofer took the road less traveled when she entered California Lutheran College in 1970 and became a geology major. She was greatly influenced in that decision by her favorite professor, Dr. James Evensen, who chaired the geology department. She was also encouraged by her older brother Steven, who shared her love of the sciences.

During Cindy’s junior year at CLC she was diagnosed with leukemia. It was fast-growing, and she was in and out of the hospital frequently. With the help and compassion of her professors and fellow students, she completed her course work for her bachelor of science degree. But she still needed to complete the required six-week field research. She did that with the help of her father, who was allowed to become her constant companion and mentor. With his help, she completed her field work on Mountclef Ridge overlooking the campus. She received her degree in geology in 1974 and had planned to become a teacher. But she passed away in March 1975.

In the years that followed Cindy’s death the relationship between the Bachofers and the University deepened. In addition to the memorial gifts that started the scholarship fund, Ruth and Ernie Bachofer never failed to make an annual gift to Cindy’s scholarship. It became officially endowed in June of 1990. In a way, CLC had made it possible for their daughter to fulfill her greatest wish. As her mother wrote, “I do feel in some small way that Cindy is helping to bring more teachers into the world.”

The Cynthia Bachofer Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to an academically strong upper-division geology major. Whenever possible, a woman student is selected to be the recipient, and the files indicate that some outstanding alumnae have been privileged to receive the scholarship.