University of La Verne Point Mugu Alumna Receives Keys to New Honda

Amid packing for a temporary assignment in Italy, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Nicole Clark bought a single ticket for the University of La Verne’s drawing for a new Honda.

The alumna, who earned an associate degree from the Naval Base Ventura County regional campus in May, knew proceeds from ticket sales would support scholarships for other students at her alma mater. But she also hoped she would win.

“I don’t think I’ve ever won anything before,” Clark said.

The flight engineer put the drawing in the back of her mind as she departed for Sicily to work on C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Nearly 6,600 miles away, former University of La Verne President Steve Morgan drew Clark’s name out of 500 entries during the university’s 2017 Scholarship Gala in March. Clark began receiving phone calls and e-mail from the university, but assumed they were about her application for the organizational management program. When she finally answered her phone, she received the good news.

“I was shocked,” she said.

The University of La Verne and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. launched a partnership in November that allows Honda employees to pursue a Master of Science in Leadership and Management (MSLM) degree from the university. Honda donated the 2017 HR-V EX-L to the university shortly after the partnership was announced.

The university raised more than $62,000 to support scholarships through an opportunity drawing for the car.

“Everyone from Honda has shown a tremendous commitment to education,” University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman said. “They donated a beautiful car that has gone to a deserving student, supported scholarships for others, and created a path for lifelong learning for their own team members. We are proud to be their partner.”

Honda and university officials went to Honda’s Oxnard dealership on July 21 to hand the keys to Clark.

Darian Mendoza-Curtis, a Honda team lead in automobile customer service, said the company was honored to help Clark and other students.

“Honda’s philosophy involves giving back to the community, so to be able to give back to a school and a student is phenomenal,” she said.

Amber Lutje, regional case manager for automobile customer service, agreed.

“To be able to give back to someone who is serving our country is icing on the cake,” she said.

Both Honda employees are pursuing MSLM degrees through the University of La Verne.

Clark, a 33-year-old San Diego native, has served in the Navy for 14 years and plans to remain in the military another 5 to 7 years before retiring. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational management to advance her career.