Gillette Family Scholarship

Minette Gillette wished with all her heart that her children would attend and graduate from a Lutheran university, which she assumed would be in Minnesota. Her son Dennis fulfilled that wish, but he did it at California Lutheran University instead, receiving his master’s degree in criminal justice in 1975. While Minette was no longer alive to witness the event, this scholarship is a tribute to her memory from Dennis and his wife Terry.

Dennis and Terry were residents of Thousand Oaks for almost 50 years, spending their time and energy in service to their community. Terry was a popular English teacherat Los Cerritos Junior High where she touched the lives of many students before her retirement in 2000. Dennis’ career included several transitions—chief of police for the City of Thousand Oaks, assistant sheriff for Ventura County, mayor of Thousand Oaks and vice president for administration and finance at CLU. He was elected to the Thousand Oaks City Council in 1998 where he served several terms.

Dennis also gave to his community in various volunteer positions, including United Way, American Heart Association, Conejo Future Foundation and California Recreation & Parks Association. His life and his education were focused on the community he loved. The entire Gillette family, including their two daughters, followed the family tradition of membership in the Lutheran Church.

Dennis created the Gillette Family Scholarship in 1991 in tribute to his mother. When his father passed away in 1993, memorial gifts from family and friends helped the scholarship reach endowed status, assuring future awards. Originally, the scholarship was designated for a political science major who was also a Lutheran. In 1999, the criteria were changed to include, in alternate years, a Lutheran student who was preparing for the teaching profession. Thus, both Terry’s and Dennis’ professions were to be represented through the scholarship awards.