CLU Students Visit Capitol in Support of Cal Grants

Four California Lutheran University students traveled to Sacramento on Feb. 25 to urge legislators to support higher education funding in the wake of Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposal to slash Cal Grant awards for private institutions by 44 percent. The CLU students joined more than 70 college students who met with their respective legislators from throughout the state.

In preparation for the meetings, the students were briefed by members of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) staff on the role of the independent sector within the state’s higher education arena and the impact of the proposed Cal Grant reductions. Cal Grants, which were established to recognize financial need and academic merit, are currently available to students at state and private institutions. The governor’s proposal is to reduce the Cal Grant maximum award (from $9,708 to $5,482) for students attending an independent college to the level given to a University of California system student.

The four CLU students who attended the AICCU Cal Grant Day were:
Matthew Broussard, a Moorpark High School graduate, who is studying mathematics. As a sophomore, he participates in Men’s Varsity Track and Field and holds leadership roles in student programs while maintaining a 3.87 GPA.

Colter Fleming, a graduate of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, is majoring in business. The sophomore from Newport Beach is a Peer Mentor and a Presidential Host as well as a participant in intramural sports.

Juana Torres, a graduate of Reseda High School, is a double major in political science and environmental studies. As a senior at CLU, Juana is involved in the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and an environmental organization called EDEN. She also works in the Student Support Services office and serves as a Peer Mentor.

Dereem McKinney, a graduate of Simi Valley High School, is a senior majoring in liberal studies with a concentration in science. An athlete and scholar, Dereem is also active in student government and campus ministries programs on campus. The 2003 Homecoming Queen is a Presidential Host, a Peer Advisor and a Residential Assistant. Outside of CLU, Dereem is a youth minister at a local Methodist church.

MEDIA NOTE: For more information about the AICCU Cal Grant Student Day, please contact Lynda Fulford, CLU Director of Communications, at (805) 493–3839 or Veronica Villalobos of AICCU at (916) 446–7626.