A Degree and A Dream 

About a decade ago, I left California Lutheran University with a degree in one hand and a dream in the other—not knowing how or when I’d ever return to my beloved alma mater.

Early this spring, I had the incredible honor and privilege of returning to California Lutheran University to receive the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award.

What a surreal, full-circle moment?

Standing once again on the campus where I once walked as a student with big dreams, I could never have imagined how far the journey would take me—or how deeply it would root itself in purpose, service, and global impact.

Each year, the Cal Lutheran Alumni Board of Directors honors graduates whose lives and work reflect the university’s values and vision. The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes a Cal Lutheran graduate with a distinguished record of leadership, service, or humanitarian impact.

On March 29th, I was invited back to the Thousand Oaks campus for a special evening reception in honor of this year’s award recipients. It was a beautiful gathering, surrounded by students, alumni, university leadership, and the people who’ve walked beside us on our journeys. From heartfelt speeches to quiet moments of connection, the evening was a moving reminder of the power of community, and the shared purpose that unites us across generations.

It’s been over a decade since I graduated with my Master’s in Public Policy and Administration, and coming back after all this time stirred something powerful in me. As I walked across campus, I couldn’t help but reflect on who I was then, a young woman driven by questions, passion, and the desire to make a difference. I never imagined that life would unfold the way it has: leading global conversations in sustainability, building a wellness brand rooted in healing and consciousness, and curating sacred spaces around the world for transformation. But this journey wasn’t one I walked alone. Behind every milestone were voices of wisdom, encouragement, and steady support. At every turn, I’ve been lifted by a strong community and some of the most meaningful mentorship came from right here at Cal Lutheran. Their guidance didn’t just shape my path, it anchored it. Three remarkable individuals from CLU who have played a lasting role in that journey are:

• Professor Richard McAndrew, whose approach to marketing and mentorship helped shape the way I think about storytelling and business.
• Captain OD Odero, my Co-Founder and Creative Partner at Island Tribe, who brought both creative brilliance and academic discipline into my world.
• And Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell, whose public policy classes left a deep imprint, his teachings continue to echo through every chapter of my work.

They’ve shown up for me with insight, encouragement, and a quiet kind of belief that makes all the difference. You want people like that in your corner—those who say, “I know their work. I know their heart. They’re the real deal.”

Receiving this award wasn’t just about achievements, it was about honoring the journey. A journey that began here, where I first felt called to service.

During my time at Cal Lutheran, I volunteered with the International Rescue Committee, the American Red Cross, and worked closely with political asylum seekers—supporting communities navigating some of life’s most challenging moments. I immersed myself in humanitarian aid, disaster preparedness, and the intersection of advocacy and policy. Those early experiences weren’t just professional stepping stones; they were deeply spiritual markers that shaped how I saw the world and my responsibility within it.

They taught me to lead with empathy. To show up when it’s uncomfortable. To speak for those whose voices are often silenced. And above all, to remember that true leadership starts with service.

As I shared my story during the presentation, I was reminded of the many invisible threads that have connected each phase of my life, the ones woven in classrooms, fieldwork, global travels, and quiet moments of prayer. I carry Cal Lutheran with me, not just as an alma mater, but as the starting point of a calling I continue to answer every day.

I’m especially grateful that this honor recognizes not just career milestones, but the intention behind them. Whether it’s through Island Tribe’s commitment to sustainable fashion or Island Tribe Wellness’s focus on sacred retreats, my work has always been about healing, elevating, and giving back.

To current students and future leaders:
Stay curious—it will lead you to places you never imagined.
Stay connected—to your values, your vision, and your community.
Follow the quiet pull within you, even when the path isn’t clear. Let your heart be your compass, especially in moments of doubt. And most of all, hold close the people who walk with you. The ones who see your potential before you do. Who challenge you, cheer for you, and remind you who you are. Because while the journey is yours, it’s the company you keep that makes it truly meaningful.

Thank you, Cal Lutheran, for reminding me of where it all began, and for seeing the vision I’ve carried into the world. Thank you to my family and friends, your love and support have been the quiet strength behind every step of this journey. To my parents, who stood proudly at my graduation years ago but couldn’t attend the alumni ceremony, your presence was deeply felt. And to my wonderful community, near and far, thank you for always believing in the path I chose to walk.

With deep gratitude,
Angeline Hayling, MPPA-08
C0-Founder, Island Tribe