[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to acknowledge the 
students, faculty and administration at California Lutheran University. 
This university was recently commended by the John Templeton Foundation 
in the 1997-1998 Honor Roll for Character Building Colleges.
  A panel of six distinguished individuals from various backgrounds 
evaluated colleges and universities across the country. They used five 
criteria to determine if the colleges were providing students not only 
with an environment which allowed them to develop a strong sense of 
morality and grow spiritually, but also provided students with an 
opportunity to give back to their community. To be considered for a 
place on the honor roll, colleges must inspire students to develop and 
strengthen their moral and reasoning skills, encourage spiritual growth 
and moral values, provide community building experiences, advocate a 
drug-free lifestyle and conduct a critical assessment of character-
building projects and activities.
  The words on the seal of California Lutheran University read ``Love 
of Christ, Truth and Freedom.` The faculty at CLU have worked to 
establish an environment which allows students to reflect on ethical 
questions and develop their own sense of morality. Christian tradition 
plays a central role in the students' lives and they are provided with 
opportunities to attend services, bible studies and social ministry 
programs. Additionally, students join efforts with faculty and staff to 
enrich the lives of those less fortunate in the community by working 
with developmentally disabled individuals, providing clothes for needy 
children and tutoring disadvantaged minority students.
  Leon Blum once wrote, ``Life does not give itself to one who tries to 
keep all it advantages at once. I have often thought morality may 
perhaps consist solely in the courage of making a choice.`` Students at 
California Lutheran University have made a choice that they are willing 
to make a difference in our community. In making this choice the 
students have made the welfare of others their top priority.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me honoring the 
students and faculty at this exceptional institution for their 
integrity of character and commitment to improving the circumstances of 
those less fortunate in our community.

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