The Rev. Gerald Swanson, former campus pastor of California Lutheran University, and his wife, Dr. Jan Bowman, professor emerita of English, will receive the Christus Award during CLU’s annual Founders Day Convocation today, Friday, Oct. 24, on the campus at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks.

The award recognizes individuals who serve higher education in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and work to strengthen the bridge between the church and the university.

Swanson served as campus pastor for CLU from 1969-1986 and served as director of the Learning Resource Center and as an assistant professor of English prior to retiring in 1999.

His wife served as a professor of English while also being involved in various organizations such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Peace and Justice Education Task Force, and the Christian Faith and Liberal Arts Study Group. As a professor, Bowman is credited with developing courses in integrated, global and women’s studies.

Swanson and Bowman are residents of Thousand Oaks and members of Holy Trinity Church in Thousand Oaks.