Investing in Ahmanson Science and the Faculty and Students Who Teach and Learn There

Dear Campus Community, 

As many of you know, over the course of the last few years, the Cabinet, aided by consultants from Credo, Inc., crafted our far-reaching Strategic and Campus Plans. The Campus Plan included upgrades and expansions to numerous physical facilities on the Thousand Oaks campus. Perhaps the most time-sensitive recommendations we received during the planning process were those associated with upgrades to the Ahmanson Science Center. Those of you who teach, learn, and work in Ahmanson know, all too well, that this 1988 facility is outdated and, at times, downright uncomfortable.

Amongst other issues, the existing roof (part of the original construction) is at the end of its life and leaking in several spots, necessitating replacement rather than patchwork. The building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, along with its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and its lighting are neither energy efficient nor cost-effective. Cognizant of these issues, the Cabinet and I prioritized the renovations of this building as a top priority in the Campus Plan. I then presented, to the Board of Regents, a proposal to fund the necessary improvements. That plan was approved by the Board in Spring 2022. It proposed that funds from both internal sources (e.g., the Capital Reserves and Renewal and Replacement Funds) and external sources (grants and gifts that the Development Staff and I would be expected to raise) be used to cover the renovations. 

I am pleased to inform you about the progress of the plan, especially as it relates to the securement of external resources.

As of today, two of our grant proposals have been successful. Indeed, Cal Lutheran has received a combined total of $1,731,000 from two foundations in Southern California — The Ahmanson Foundation and the Fletcher Jones Foundation. These awards have come to fruition via the work of Cabinet and others including those in University Advancement: Drs. Regina Biddings-Muro and Lauren Causey, and the small but mighty team in the Office of Sponsored Research and Projects.

The benefits of these grants will go beyond the Ahmanson roof. With an enhanced, modern learning environment, students and faculty will be able to engage in research and experiential learning with appropriate laboratory space and a facility conducive to their areas of study. Additionally, the energy efficiencies will not only reduce operational costs, but take Cal Lutheran another step forward in its sustainability efforts. 

I will continue to work with these colleagues to put additional Ahmanson Science Center requests before other foundations and individuals so that we can continue to bring in funds from external sources.

In the meantime, I hope that more and more of us will engage in collaborative efforts like these ones that have produced these very positive results.  We are strong and successful when we work together. Thanks to all who helped secure these substantial grants; let’s do it again!