Inauguration set for new president of Cal Lutheran University

Chris Kimball CLU president California Lutheran University President Chris Kimball, PhD, will be inaugurated during a weekend of free public events from April 24 through 26.

Kimball became the seventh president of CLU in April 2008 after serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs for nearly two years. An expert on American history and higher education, Kimball has a distinguished career as a scholar and leader and is well respected in academic circles and the community.

The inaugural celebration begins at 10 a.m. Fri., April 24, with a lecture by Mark Schwehn, PhD, in Samuelson Chapel. Schwehn, a published author and humanities professor at Valparaiso University, will speak about the importance of scholarship in Lutheran higher education.

Inauguration weekend leads into the weeklong Festival of Scholars, which showcases student and faculty research.

The President's Night at the Arts begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, when visitors can view a student multimedia exhibit called CLUFEST 2009 in Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture.

The seventh annual New Music Concert featuring the music of composer Eric Whitacre, who will speak during the show, and performances by Grammy-winning soprano Hila Plitmann and CLU's choral ensembles will be at 8 p.m. Friday in Samuelson Chapel.

A Habitat for Humanity Playhouse Build will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sat., April 25 in the administration parking lot. Visitors can watch students and alumni participate in service projects at the site.

President's Day at the Ballpark will feature Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rivals CLU and Pomona-Pitzer playing at 2 p.m. Sat., April 25, at the George "Sparky" Anderson Baseball Field. Kimball has done scholarly work on the history of sport.

An evening worship service celebrating the inauguration will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Samuelson Chapel.

The festivities, which are funded by donations, will culminate with the installation service at 2:30 p.m. Sun., April 26, in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center. A reception will follow.

For more information or to RSVP, call (805) 493-3695 or visit www.callutheran.edu/inauguration.