Geology Alumni Endowment in Memory of James M. Evensen

Dr. James M. Evensen, better known as “Doc Evensen,” was one of the most beloved professors to ever teach at Cal Lutheran. He was also one of the most respected. His subject matter—geology—was difficult for many, but he conveyed his love of the subject so passionately that his students fell in love with it too. It was not uncommon for them to change their major after just one class with him. But there was something else about Jim that drew people to him: his deep belief in God.

Jim Evensen was a gifted, popular professor at CLU for 23 years, joining the faculty in 1965, just four years after CLC officially opened. His personality and his smile were contagious, and his love for people was genuine. His standing in the corporate community garnered much support for the young college.

Jim enjoyed sharing his religious beliefs. In a 1977 speech to the members of CLU’s Committee for New Dimensions, he said, “My desire to be at CLC revolves about such simple expressions as love, concern, commitment, academic freedom and above all, my religious beliefs. . . . I believe we have a cause—Jesus Christ. Within this kind of framework and this setting, I believe we experience the highest degree of academic freedom and Christian concern for each other. Pray for us so that we can be the kind of college God would have us be.”

Doc Evensen’s preparation for a career in teaching was thorough. He received his bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Minnesota in 1955. He completed his postgraduate work at the University of Arizona, receiving his master’s in geology in 1961 and his doctorate in 1969. With his wife Helen, he built a family of two daughters and one son, each of whom was precious to him. Jim died at age 57 on December 24, 1988. His death came as a shock to the campus community and to his Ascension Lutheran Church family.

The Geology Alumni Endowment in Memory of James M. Evensen came into existence during the month following his death. The many gifts that flowed in from geology alumni reflected the love, admiration and gratitude of those who had experienced most directly the professional and personal impact of Jim’s teaching.

Doc Evensen’s expectation of academic excellence from his students is reflected in the criteria for the award established by its alumni donors. Recipients must be geology majors who have maintained a 3.5 or higher grade point average. The award may be awarded as either an undergraduate scholarship or as a stipend for the summer field course required of all graduating geology majors. The first award of the Geology Alumni Endowment in Memory of James M. Evensen was made at Honors Day 1989. It has continued to be one of the most coveted awards at CLU.