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Cares Day 2024, The Global Engagement Fund

On April 10, 2024, California Lutheran University is rallying together for our biggest fundraising event of the year – CARES DAY! This day embodies CLU's collective commitment to the transformative power of education and community support.

As we come together to make a difference, we invite you to consider contributing to the Global Engagement Fund, curated by the Center for Global Engagement. From empowering outreach programs to enriching cultural events, supporting study abroad experiences, and nurturing the growth of our vibrant international community, your donation to the Global Engagement Fund fuels impactful initiatives with far-reaching benefits for our students.

Join us in championing global education and collaboration by donating to the Global Engagement Fund on CARES DAY. Fiscal and/or advocacy support is appreciated. We encourage our readership to tag us on your social media and/or notify us if you wish to participate as a global engagement champion. Your support matters more than ever, and together, we can make a difference that transcends boundaries. Hear testimonial on the impact of away program offerings from Dr. Sabith Kahn and undergraduate student, Sammy Fahn. 

Thank you for your commitment to global engagement!

Global Engagement Fund

Meet Avya, a dynamic sophomore hailing from India, whose passion for biology, genetics, and neuroscience knows no bounds. Beyond her academic pursuits, Avya is a multifaceted individual deeply engaged in the arts and campus life.

In the realm of science, Avya's enthusiasm for unraveling biological mysteries is palpable. As she delves into coursework and research projects to explore the intersectionality of her academic interests. But Avya's talents extend far beyond the laboratory. With a flair for the dramatic, she graces the stage as a talented actress in the Theatre Arts department. Offstage, her creativity takes flight through poetry and vibrant paintings that capture the imagination.

Avya is a student worker at the Center for Global Engagement, the Peer Mentor Coordinator for international students, the President of Club India, a Community Scholars for Black Lives fellowship recipient, and a selectee for the Fall 2024 CLU-University of Oxford program. In all her work, Avya fosters connections and promotes cultural understanding within the community.

CLU supports more than 300 F-1 international students. #CalLutheranCares #CLUglobal

Meet Malcolm, our adventurous student currently navigating the vibrant streets and bustling classrooms of Fudan University in Shanghai, China! With a mix of Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion courses, Malcolm's overseas academic journey is as diverse as the city itself.

Malcolm is currently a junior at the California Lutheran University, majoring in French and Global Studies. He is on a semester program supported by the CGE Office of Education Abroad through Fudan University. He finds professors easily approachable and classes engaging. Shanghai's welcoming atmosphere and navigability have "made his semester a breeze". But the real highlight was the unexpected reunion that he had in China with his neighbor from Mexico—proving that it is truly a small world! From karaoke nights to serendipitous encounters, Malcolm's semester abroad is truly memorable and enriching.

More than 150 CLU students participate in away program offerings as part of their experience at CLU. #CalLutheranCares #CLUglobal

Did you know that Cal Lutheran offers free database access to hundreds of overseas employment resources for our students and alumni? GoinGlobal is a vast database offered by the CLU Career Services that allows CLU students to search for job opportunities, internships, country-specific interview tips, and cultural insights worldwide. The database includes career guides, country guides, city guides, H1B/OPT, internships, jobs and employer directory.

GoinGlobal also offers several useful, smart and fun features. For example, there is a multilingual search option, to maximize the search results and you can enhance your cultural knowledge of different countries through quizzes, games and webinars offered on the site. All you need is your Cal Lutheran log-in to use the service. Look under "Regional Llistings: Intenational & Travel".

In a dazzling display of solidarity and recognition, the Center for Global Engagement hosted an unforgettable International Women's Day dinner on March 12, 2024, at the Lundring Event Center. With hearts full of appreciation, we gathered to honor the remarkable contributions of our international female students, staff,  faculty and community whose tireless efforts continue to inspire inclusion and diversity within our community.

Joined by esteemed members of the Ascension Lutheran Church and the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the evening resonated with warmth and appreciation. Amidst the ambiance of camaraderie, we were treated to cultural delights as Olha Isaieva, our international student from Ukraine, graced us with a soul-stirring song in Ukrainian, while Fairooz Rafia, one of our international students from Bangladesh, captivated us with a poignant melody sung in Bengali—a composition of her own making.

The campus community nominated 23 women for acknowledgement based on the impact they have had as women leaders at CLU. There were three awards presented at the program: Ms. Marry Wennes received the Community Member Inclusion Championship award, Dr. Leanne Neilson was awarded as the 2024 Faculty/Staff International Women's Day Advocate of the Year, and Ms. Faiza Tabia accepted the International Women's Day Student of the Year award. Tabia also provided a keynote address reflecting on the impact of women's leadership in her life.

The success of the evening was not merely in the delicious food shared or the beautiful performances witnessed, but in the bonds forged and the appreciation expressed. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this evening a resounding success, including the support of Ascencion's Global Ministry Team. Together, we continue to inspire, empower, and uplift one another on the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

APRIL FEATURED GLOBAL HAPPENINGS

Tuesday, April 2 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Student Union

Join the CCEI in learning about Latine history with a US and international lens as part of their Trivia Tuesdays Series happening this Spring!

Snacks, prizes, knowledge, and lots of fun to be had by all.

View details on the HUB.

Friday, April 5 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Kingsmen Park

Enjoy an afternoon in Kingsmen Park with food, music, and activities in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month kickoff event.

For this gathering during the Student Life Foodie Friday program, the CCEI is partnering with Desi Club, FILO Club, and Kupa'a Hawai'i Club.

Thursday, April 11 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Jack's Corner

As we approach the end of another academic year, let's come together for one final gathering at the Global Café! This April, immerse yourself in a celebration of cultural diversity and the spirit of spring from around the world.

Drop by for a few minutes or the full two hours to enjoy socializing, trivia, games, and crafts. We will explore how spring is celebrated across different cultures. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow members of the campus community and learn something new about our global neighbors.

Tuesday, April 16 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Ullman 100/101

Cal Lutheran is proud to host the inaugural Middle Eastern Film and TV Summit. Visiting entertainment industry professionals will discuss the role cinema and television play in the representation of Middle Easterners, the challenges of the community to overcome barriers, and the historical representation of the Middle Eastern mass media.

The event will include food, networking opportunities and audience Q&A.

Tuesday, April 16  |  5:30PM - 6:30PM  | Student Union 

Join the CCEI in learning about Indigenous Peoples from around the world as part of the Spring 2024 Trivia Tuesdays Series.

Snacks, prizes, knowledge, and lots of fun to be had by all. See details on the HUB.

Wednesday, April 17  | 6:30PM - 7:30 PM | Grant R. Brimhall Library

As part of the Thousand Oaks Reads: One City One Book 2024 program, a panel of faculty from CLU will discuss Alka Joshi's work, The Henna Artist.

There are many offerings throughout April for the One Book program, including Bollywood music (March 30), the history of henna (April 6), tea tasting (April 7), several arts/crafts/dance offerings, and a grand finale presentation by the author (April 28).

Visit the TO Library site for all details.

Friday, April 19  |  12:00PM - 2:00PM  |  Kingsmen Park

As we approach Earth Day, it is time to celebrate and reflect on our planet's health and our individual roles in promoting sustainability. The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is excited to invite you to our 2nd annual Earth Day/Sustainability Fair. We invite everyone to come together as a community to explore ways to support a healthier planet.

This year, we are proud to collaborate with a variety of partners who share our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Our friends at Ascension Lutheran Church will be showcasing a selection of fair trade products, providing us with the opportunity to shop consciously and support ethical practices. Additionally, we're thrilled to welcome the Tlalipani organization, founded by one of our own faculty members and their spouse. Tlalipani supports women-owned businesses in Mexico, highlighting the importance of empowering women and fostering sustainable economic development.

But that's not all! Our Earth Day Fair will also feature contributions from the Earth Society Club, the Seed Garden Club, the Filo Club and the Global Leaders Community, who will be celebrating Arab Heritage month. It is a diverse and vibrant gathering that underscores the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and cultural appreciation.

Friday, April 19  | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Kingsmen Park

Join Student Life's CCEI for the annual Arab American Heritage Fest during the Foodie Friday program on April 19. 

There will be food for the first 200 students, and music and activities for all!

This event coincides with the CGE Earth Day celebration. Everyone is welcome to join us for all the festivities!

Tuesday, April 23 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Center for Global Engagement

All international students are invited to join the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) in an informal setting to learn about, explore and discuss relevant life topics.

This month's Coffee & Chat with CAPS conversation will address strategies for managing stress. Grab a snack, learn some strategies, and engage in community.

Wednesday, April 24 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Ahmanson Science Center

The Asian American and Pacific Islander Film and TV Panel will feature valuable information from inspiring speakers and professionals in the entertainment industry. Attendees will enjoy food and networking, can interact with professionals, and hear about stories, challenges, and opportunities of the AAPI community in the entertainment field.

Panelist: Chris Tashima, actor and director; Ada Yeh former VP and head of Human Resources at Warner Brothers.

Global Studies and Education Abroad Capstone Presentations

Wednesday, April 24 | 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Soiland Humanities Center 120

The Festival of Scholars program showcases projects by undergraduate and graduate students at Cal Lutheran. In addition to traditional research studies, the projects include creative work and the application of theory to real-life situations. Some projects are related to a particular class, while others were conceived as Senior Capstone projects or independent research. Everyone is welcome to attend the Global Studies capstone presentations where students share their research and discuss how their experiences studying abroad shaped them. Three students will share their reflections, including two alumni of the CLU-Oxford Program and one international student.

Saturday, April 27 | 2:00 PM - 5:00PM | Kingsmen Park

Each year the campus community comes together to congratulate our graduating students. The "Send-Off" celebration is designed to provide culturally-affirming, community-based ceremonies for graduating students who belong to one or more historically underrepresented groups. The 2024 gathering includes the traditional BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) and LGBTQ+ students, in addition to expanding the program to recognize CLU's graduating international students and study abroad alumni.

All faculty, staff, and students are welcome to join the ceremony, which includes music and dance performances. For more information, please refer to the web page: CCEI Send-Off.

When was the first Earth Day celebrated?

1. April 22, 1970
2. April 22, 1980
3. April 22, 1965
4. April 22, 1990

Contact Us:
global@callutheran.edu
+1 (805) 493-3750

Mail To:
60 West Olsen Road #6400
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

TRIVIA ANSWER: #1 April 22, 1970

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