COUPLE BRINGS ZEAL TO CLU FUND-RAISING.Byline: Teresa Jimenez Daily News Staff Writer It took a couple of nudges to get Jerry and Mary Knotts involved in California Lutheran University Mission statement The University's mission statement is as follows: "California Lutheran University is a diverse, scholarly community dedicated to excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies. . The first nudge came shortly after they moved to the area from Washington, D.C., where Jerry had served as a colonel at Andrews Air Force Base Andrews Air Force Base, U.S. military installation, 4,279 acres (1,732 hectares), central Md., est. 1943. It is the chief military airport of Washington, D.C., as well as the headquarters for the air force's high-priority airlift command. . The newcomers got involved with a travel group and met people who participated in the Community Leaders Club, a fund-raising organization for the university. But the main impetus was their daughter, an alumnus ALUMNUS, civil law. A child which one has nursed; a foster child. Dig. 40, 2, 14. of the school twice over, having received a bachelor's and master's degree master's degree n. An academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete at least one year of prescribed study beyond the bachelor's degree. Noun 1. there. ``That's how we became interested, and we had so much fun we didn't walk away,'' Jerry Knotts said. Ten years have gone by, and the Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks, residential city (1990 pop. 104,352), Ventura co., S Calif., in a farm area; inc. 1964. Avocados, citrus, vegetables, strawberries, and nursery products are grown. couple still plays an active role in the Leaders Club. Earlier this month, the couple received the club's highest honor, the William E. Hamm Award, given to people who show exemplary service to the community. Marty Bennett, immediate past president who was chairwoman of the club's award selection committee, said she had no trouble casting her vote for the Knottses. ``Jerry and Mary have been involved in many activities. They've done so much for the community,'' Bennett said. ``People know them around here because they're so active.'' For the sixth year, Jerry is organizing the club's annual auction, to be held Nov. 2. The money the club raises goes toward school programs, and departments must submit grant proposals to receive money. In the past, the money has paid for computers, labs and training programs for staff, Jerry Knotts said. The auction typically raises $35,000 to $50,000 each year and has generated around $500,000 for the school over the years, Jerry Knotts said. Jerry Knotts also is president of the Conejo Valley The Conejo Valley is a region spanning both Southeastern Ventura County and Northwest Los Angeles County in Southern California, United States. It was discovered in 1542 by Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and eventually became part of the Rancho El Conejo land grant by Historical Society and the Westlake Village Cultural Foundation, and is a charter member of the Conejo Valley Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars. Mary Knotts is no slouch slouch v. slouched, slouch·ing, slouch·es v.intr. 1. To sit, stand, or walk with an awkward, drooping, excessively relaxed posture. 2. To droop or hang carelessly, as a hat. v. , either. She's a member of the Conejo Valley Genealogy Society, bookkeeper at the Stagecoach stagecoach, heavy, closed vehicle on wheels, usually drawn by horses, formerly used to transport passengers and goods overland. Throughout the Middle Ages and until about the end of the 18th cent. Inn Museum and treasurer of the Daughters of the American Revolution Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a Colonial patriotic society in the United States, open to women having one or more ancestors who aided the cause of the Revolution. The society was organized (1890) at Washington, D.C. . ``It was an easy choice,'' Bennett said. ``It was a pleasure to choose them.'' The award was created about 10 years ago after then-university Vice President William ``Bill'' Hamm left the school for a college in Iowa, Bennett said. While he was at Cal Lutheran, Hamm got involved in the community, serving on the Chamber of Commerce board and volunteering for other activities, Bennett said. ``He really bridged the gap between the city and the school,'' Bennett said. ``He was very visible, and when he left, we felt this award should go to somebody who exemplified what he had done.'' CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Jerry and Mary Knotts have been honored for their vo lunteer work for Cal Lutheran University and the surrounding area. Phil McCarten/Daily News |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion