The Galleglys

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will hold a gala on Thursday, Oct. 3, to launch a $4 million fundraising effort for the new Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement.

“A Salute to Service” will honor the Galleglys’ contributions over the last three decades. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs in Simi Valley. Frankie Avalon will perform at the black-tie optional dinner reception.

The nonpartisan Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement at CLU will be dedicated to preparing a new generation of leaders. As part of the university’s Master’s in Public Policy and Administration program, the center will provide students with extensive experiential learning opportunities at the local, state and national levels. The focus will be on developing public servants of character and integrity.

MPPA Director David Powell and faculty members Haco Hoang and Herb Gooch are developing a combined undergraduate and graduate degree program to put students on a fast track to careers in public service. Students selected as Gallegly Center Fellows will be able to pursue internships in Washington, D.C., Sacramento and locally. As graduate students, the fellows will complete a research project and field practicum that will prepare them for public service careers.

Future plans for the center include providing student scholarships and public affairs research grants, bringing in visiting scholars and speakers, and hosting forums on public service highlighting leadership and civic engagement. CLU and Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library officials are discussing a partnership that could provide additional opportunities. Possibilities include students interning at the library and scholars under joint appointments conducting research at the library.

Gallegly, who just left Congress after completing his 13th term, is loaning his legislative and personal papers to CLU so that students and faculty can use them for research. He is also donating his desk and other office furniture for display at the university. The Simi Valley resident is the longest serving congressional representative in Ventura County history. He began his public service when he was elected to the Simi Valley City Council in 1979.

Tickets are $250. Sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds will benefit the Gallegly Center at CLU. Reservations are required by Sept. 20. For more information and to register, go to www.callutheran.edu/gallegly or contact Liane Smith at ljsmith@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3160.