University receives millions in major gifts

California Lutheran University has recently received several major gifts, each between $1 million and $5 million.

+Natural Sciences. Jim and Sue Swenson of Dana Point have pledged $5 million to enhance the science facilities. The donation will help fund the construction of a new science building that will provide expanded research opportunities for faculty and students.

+Early Childhood Center. The Overton family has pledged $1 million for the construction of a new Early Childhood Center to replace the facility that has housed the preschool for more than 30 years. The $2 million facility is also made possible by an earlier leadership gift of $500,000 from Regent Marvin Suomi and his wife, Mariclare.

+Student Center. A portion of the $1 million gift from former Regent Marvin Soiland and his wife, Fran, will be used for the planning of a new Campus Center that will include a new bookstore, coffee shop, dining commons and multiple learning resources. The Soilands have supported the school for more than 30 years, and five of their seven children are CLU graduates.

+Capital Projects. Jack and Carol Gilbert donated $1 million for "presidential priorities" that will allow for renovations to the Pederson Administration Building and other existing facilities. Over the years, the Gilberts have given gifts totaling more than $11 million for capital improvements and new facilities.

+KCLU-FM. Joe and Pat Paulucci, owners of PTS Furniture in Thousand Oaks, have pledged a large donation that will be used for the construction of a new multimillion-dollar facility for the school's National Public Radio station.

+Other gifts. CLU received nearly $1 million for newly endowed scholarships and $1.5 million in deferred gifts. A restricted gift from the family of Dan and Joyce Geeting of the Music Department will provide for the refurbishment of a music rehearsal facility to be renamed Geeting Hall. Also, longtime supporter Alma Pearson of Santa Barbara contributed $200,000 for a School of Education leadership program.