Jerald Slattum, Ph.D.

Honorary Alumni

When art professor Jerald Slattum, Ph.D., retired in 2004, California Lutheran University bid farewell to the last of its "almost" original professors. Dr. Slattum joined the CLU faculty in 1962, just one year after the first classes were held at what was then California Lutheran College. 

In the summer of 1962, the UCLA graduate student and youth minister at Westchester Lutheran Church was attending a conference at Cal Lutheran when he overheard the dean say there was an opening for an art professor. According to Slattum, he "applied on the spot and the rest is history." In addition to teaching art classes, he has overseen the university's art collections and exhibitions and chaired the department for many years. In addition to his easygoing personality and sense of humor, Dr. Slattum is remembered for his unique collection of more than 300 neckties. He received his bachelor's degree from Pacific Lutheran University and his doctorate from Union Graduate School in Ohio. 

Today, in recognition of his more than 40 years of dedication to Cal Lutheran and its students, the CLU Alumni Association and its Board of Directors gratefully acknowledge him and bestow upon Dr. Jerry Slattum the title of Honorary Alumnus