Samuelson Aquatics Center Makes a Splash

THOUSAND OAKS, CA -- California Lutheran University will dedicate the long-awaited Samuelson Aquatics Center at a special public ceremony on Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m.

The dedication event will include aquatics demonstrations and record-setting laps. Three-time Gold Medalist and Olympic Hall of Famer Rowdy Gaines, once considered “the fastest swimmer on the planet,” will serve as master of ceremonies. Gaines, who was at the peak of his career during the Olympic Boycott of 1980, went on to win three gold medals in the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles.

The Samuelson family, for whom the aquatics facility is named, will also be in attendance. Members of the community are invited to join CLU in celebrating the facility that now allows for collegiate competition in swimming, diving and water polo.

Robert and Doris Samuelson and Jack and Sally Samuelson of La Cañada-Flintridge pledged their major support of the long-awaited aquatics facility during the Now is the Time capital campaign, allowing CLU to develop the first water sports program in the school’s history.

The Samuelsons have had a hand in the development of CLU for many years with significant contributions resulting in Samuelson Chapel, the Orville Dahl Centrum refurbishment, Peters Hall, locker room additions, a number of residence halls, the Soiland Humanities Center and the Spies-Bornemann Center for Education and Technology.

“As we celebrate the opening of our aquatics facilities at CLU, we are reminded of the many generous donors and supporters who have helped, and continue to help, us provide excellent experiences for our students,” said John Sladek, President. “The new Samuelson Aquatics Center enables us to take yet another giant leap forward as we develop our athletics complex to complement our academic programs and to provide more partnership opportunities with the community.”

The $3.35 million Center is just one of several new athletic arenas on the 80-acre site north of Olsen Road. Other venues include the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center (dedicated in October), George “Sparky” Anderson Baseball Field and Ullman Stadium (to be dedicated on March 10), soccer and track and field sites, practice fields, and on-site parking.

MEDIA NOTE: For more information about the dedication festivities on March 24, please call the University Relations Office at (805) 493-3151 or visit www.callutheran.edu.