April 10, 2024
Jane and Marty appreciating the kindness of Cal-Lu friendships. '78
Submitted by Marty Rouse
We have so many stories to share, ranging from our own personal experience in a great learning environment to getting to witness great coaches who truly helped my daughter make it to Nationals in track and field. Probably more important to both Jane and I was the sense of community that each of us who lived on campus developed. We would say that was the strongest impact of our Cal-Lu experience. The friends and time we shared together made for life long relationships that still bind us today. A month ago, Reuben Bouvet, one of our dear classmates passed away and his memorial was held in Moorpark, CA. Many friends of his from Cal-Lu showed up and it was so heartwarming to see the number of alums who made the effort to celebrate his life. Afterwards, we and many others went to Steve and Joyce Wheatley’s house to continue the celebration. What struck both Jane and I was the kindness from everyone there. It didn’t matter who was better friends with who, everyone was considered the best of friends that day, mainly because of our Cal-Lu bond. Everyone was truly interested in each other’s journey of life and more important, everyone cared. That day and evening was inspiring. It could only have happened by the opportunity to have been surrounded on a campus that promotes that sense of kindness day in and day out. That kindness developed friendships and a loyalty to each other. We honor Reuben, along with professors, administrators, classmates and staff who worked hard to always emphasize the true heart of Cal-Lu.