April 10, 2024
Regent Russ Young ’71 and Linda Young
Submitted by Russ Young
A Rewarding Journey with a Special School
At the 50-year anniversary of my B. A. in Economics from Cal Lutheran,
I’m pausing to reflect about the rewarding CLU journey I’ve been on. As a young person, I struggled to find my purpose. Due to lack of commitment and maturity issues I was asked to leave Pasadena City College, but that was my wakeup call. As I refocused on my family and Christian values, I needed a helping hand. With measured reluctance, CLU President Dr. Ray Olson took a chance on me despite the lack of support from CLU Admissions. He said to me: “We don’t know if you are ready to buckle down, do we? So, here’s what we are going to do – you sign up for a full class schedule but if you get anything less than a B, I don’t ever want to see you on campus again”. He saw my initiative and potential and compassionately gave me a second chance to earn a college degree. After that, Dr. Mark Mathews inspired me in economics classes and he took the time to explain opportunities in business and academia based upon my abilities. My experience at CLU prepared me to be our school’s first graduate to earn an MBA from The Wharton School.
My life and career fell in place after CLU, supported by a fabulous, highly intelligent spouse. Linda and I had enjoyable careers as Fortune 500 executives. We believe CLU is on the move and will realize much of its promise through the leadership of Dr. Lori Varlotta, our talented President. Linda and I mentor students, have established CLU as a major beneficiary of our estate and are CLU ambassadors with everyone we meet, both those already successful and those who just want a chance to improve themselves. We share that our campus is a warm and engaging place, where personal interest is shown in each student. We are making a gift this year to assist students and their families during this difficult time of Covid. Both Linda and I were “starving students” who self-financed undergraduate and advanced studies, so we know every dollar counts. We thank you for supporting our special school during Cares Day and always.
Regent Russ Young ’71 and Linda Young