Owen and Betty Lutz-Julsrud Scholarship

The inspiration for this endowed scholarship created by Owen Lutz-Julsrud, D.D.S., came from his cousin, who set an example by leaving his entire estate to his alma mater for a scholarship. Dr. Lutz-Julsrud had few previous ties to CLU, but he was a dedicated member of Grace Lutheran Church in Upland and believed deeply in church-related higher education. His Norwegian heritage also drew him to CLU’s strong Scandinavian roots. Altogether, these factors made his choice of CLU for a scholarship both natural and relatively simple.

Dr. Lutz-Julsrud had an interesting life. Born and raised in Minnesota, after high school he moved with his mother and brother to Glendale, California. There he enrolled in Glendale College and later transferred to UCLA. During World War II he interrupted his education to join the Navy, leaving with the rank of lieutenant commander. He resumed his studies at UCLA and earned his baccalaureate degree in psychology, then a dental degree from USC’s School of Dentistry in 1951. Although he lived in Upland, most of his dental practice was in Fontana until a stroke in 1984 forced him to limit his practice. Owen and his wife Betty had two children—Jon, a medical doctor, and Jan, a dental assistant.

In 1991 Owen, then 75, took steps to work with his attorney to create a living trust. Betty was in a convalescent home and passed away a year later. Owen knew it was time to make decisions regarding the disposition of his resources. Several conversations with CLU development staff renewed Owen’s interest in using some of his assets to create an endowed scholarship as his and Betty’s legacy.

The agreement for the Owen and Betty Lutz-Julsrud Scholarship was signed in 1991 and became part of the Lutz-Julsruds’ estate plan. Criteria for the selection of recipients reflect Owen’s fierce loyalty to his church and his heritage. Recipients are to be of active Christian faith and be citizens of the United States or Denmark, Norway or Sweden.