April 10, 2024
A Story of Gratitude about CLU
Submitted by Joshua Carter-McHale, MBA ‘21
Hello there. Firstly, I would just like to offer up so much thanks and gratitude for you taking the time to read my story.
My name is Joshua Carter McHale (They, Them), and I am the Graduate and Professionals Student Council (GPSC) Chair for the 2020 through 2021 academic year. Being the GPSC Chair, I have had such amazing and transformative experiences linked to my access to and participation on the academic and student affairs committee, alumni board of directors, and CLU board of regents. I know, and affirm wholeheartedly, that I would not have received such amazing opportunities anywhere else other than CLU.
Student advocacy is very near and dear to my heart. In addition to being a student leader, I am also a graduate student in the School of Management putting the finishing touches on my MBA. I am also queer, mixed race, and a survivor of sexual trauma. So much of my journey of healing, and grounding of my passion for social justice, is tied to my experiences with CLU. CLU offered a safe place for me to explore and research the intersections of business and leadership, trauma-informed-and-aware care practices, and employee centrism. This research has invigorated an inspired me to explore these topics further at the doctoral level and I couldn’t be more thankful for the support I have received from fellow students, faculty, and University leaders. I found my calling at CLU to help dream of and re-imagine a better world and take steps to help create it.
This support for my vocation is why I have chosen to support and help champion Cal Lutheran Cares Day. I am giving back to help shape the future student experience through my donation in the same manner in which so many individuals helped support, equip, and resource me during my wonderful journey at CLU. I am giving back on Cares Day by directing my donation towards the student inclusion and equity fund which is a fund dedicated for students and decided upon by students. I offer up and invite you to join me in supporting such a unique and caring university that is a treasure in our community that continues to reimagine and help shape what it means to be a student pursing higher education in today’s world.
Again, I thank you so much for your time reviewing my story — and your consideration of helping advance our Cal Lutheran Community by donating on Cares Day.
With much CLU pride,
Joshua Carter-McHale, MBA ‘21
GPSC Chair