Myking Family Scholarship

Back in the late 1950s, there was something especially appealing to Lutherans about the idea of a Lutheran college in Southern California. It sparked the interest and loyalty of families who were firmly grounded in the Lutheran faith, families like the Mykings. The involvement of Norman and Edith Myking in helping to found the college was evident as soon as the first word went out of the possibility of a California Lutheran College.

The Mykings were a thoroughly Lutheran family. Norman was employed by Lutheran Brotherhood, and he and Edith were active members of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Rialto. Along with their daughter Melody, they were involved with the Lutheran Braille Workers in Yucaipa. In addition, Edith was a star volunteer with the Inland Empire Chapter of the CLU Guild.

In the early 1990s, the CLU Guild was at his height of activity. There were five chapters—Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, Yucaipa, Seal Beach and Westlake Village. Each served as a support group to the University and its students, and all five guilds came together annually to celebrate their achievements and enjoy each other’s company. One of the most active chapters was the Yucaipa guild, which came to be known as the Inland Empire Chapter. That group was so ambitious that Norman became their first male member when Edith could no longer participate.

Considering Norman’s professional background with the Lutheran Brotherhood, it was no surprise that he and Edith would have a sound financial plan for the family. In their wisdom they established a family living trust that included the establishment of an endowed scholarship at CLU. And, because their daughter Melody was developmentally disabled, the scholarship was designed to support students preparing to become special education teachers.

Following Edith’s death in 1990, Norman decided to activate the scholarship early so that he and Melody might see it awarded in their lifetime. In his own inimitable way, he made it happen in four short years. Their dream of supporting future teachers in special education had been fulfilled. And the long-term benefit to the teachers and their students is truly priceless.