11/19/2025
π Meet Colleen Carpenter-Gonia β12, Theology and Christian Leadership alum with a passion for teaching, community, and lifelong learning.
Colleen describes her time at Cal Lutheran as transformative β a season of deep growth where she deconstructed and rebuilt her faith, morals, and ethics while discovering her vocation as both a teacher and leader. Through experiences in Student Government, the Vocation and Leadership Cohort, and as a Convocator, she developed skills that continue to shape her work and worldview today.
Now a teacher and farmer in Maryland, Colleenβs life reflects her commitment to purpose, justice, and community. Named a Maryland Teacher of Promise in 2024, she holds two masterβs degrees and even donated a kidney to her father β a testament to her courage and compassion.
Do you or an alumni you know have a story to share? Join our β60 for 60β celebration and help us honor 60 years of inspiring Cal Lutheran alumni! π https://clu.wufoo.com/forms/60-for-60-alumni-nomination-form
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