Christus Award
The Christus Award is given annually to individuals in recognition of the contributions they have made to strengthen the bridge between the church and the university and/or who have made significant contributions to higher education in the ELCA.
Miyoko Oshima
Miyoko Oshima serves as the president of Vesper Society, a private operating foundation based in San Francisco. Prior to becoming its president, she served on the Vesper board of directors for eleven years from 1999-2011. Vesper Society has deep roots in the Lutheran Church and has over time become more interfaith in its governance. California Lutheran University was a natural partner to explore this growing interfaith spirituality among its students.
Miyoko is an experienced nonprofit executive who uniquely combines a passion for social justice with building organizations and their programs. She is always on the lookout for leaders who have a sparkle in their eyes and want to change the world. Her curiosity about how the world works has led her to serve in a wide range of leadership roles.
Miyoko was the chief operating officer at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles during the Great Recession and brings a creative sensibility to her work. Her broad and deep nonprofit experience comes from her time as president of the Southern California Grantmakers in Los Angeles and director of projects at the Tides Foundation in San Francisco.
Miyoko earned her master’s degree from the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA. She is a lifetime student of theology and embodies a deep commitment to a leadership style that is based on values of service, integrity, and respect.
Recipients of the Christus Award
| Past Recipients | |
|---|---|
| 2023 | The Rev. Melissa Maxwell-Doherty and The Rev. Scott Maxwell-Doherty |
| 2022 | The Rev. Dr. Guy Erwin |
| 2021 | No Recipient |
| 2020 | Miyoko Oshima |
| 2019 | Linda Baumhefner & Rod Gilbert |
| 2018 | The Rev. Glen & Mrs. Lauri Egertson |
| 2017 | The Rev. Frank Nausin |
| 2016 | The Rev. Paul Evenson |
| 2015 | Jerry Slattum |
| 2014 | Jack Wise |
| 2013 | Jim and Sue Swenson |
| 2012 | Dr. Jerry Miller |
| 2011 | The Rev. Dr. Paul Egertson |
| 2010 | Mr. Marvin Soiland |
| 2009 | The Rev. Dr. Howie Wennes |
| 2008 | Mrs. Beverly Anderson |
| 2007 | The Rev. Lauren "Bud" Egdahl |
| 2006 | The Rev. Dr. Luther Olmon |
| 2005 | Dr. Louise Evenson & Karsten Lundring |
| 2004 | Mr. Norman Lueck |
| 2003 | The Rev. Gerry Swanson and Dr. Jan Bowman |
| 2002 | The Rev. John Embree |
| 2001 | Mr. Bob Samuelson |
| 2000 | The Rev. Paul Nakamura/Aina Abrahamson |
| 1999 | The Rev. Quentin Garman |
| 1998 | Dr. Ray & Mrs. Helen Olson |
| 1997 | The Rev. Erling & Dr. Marge Wold |
| 1996 | Rev. Dr. Gaylerd Mercer & Mrs. Joan Falde |
| 1995 | The Rev. Carl & Mrs. Ruth Segerhammar |
| 1994 | The Rev. James Bessey |
| 1993 | Mr. Gaylord Mercer |
| 1992 | Ms. Diane Nelson |