Newest member brings 40 years of banking experience to Foundation
By Zoe Lance
In her illustrious 40-year career, Lynn Pike had a front row seat to the world of banking — leading financial institutions like Capital One Bank, Bank of America and Wells Fargo. She has been recognized as one of the most powerful women in banking, and served on boards for the Los Angeles Branch of the Federal Reserve Board, the Autry National Center and many nonprofit organizations.
This year, she’s thrilled to be one of the newest members of the CSU Channel Islands Foundation Board of Directors.
“I’ve done a lot of things in the business community, but this is about seeing young people grow their minds and their hearts, and seeing them launch their lives,” Pike said. “It’s exhilarating to experience that.”
Pike first learned of CSUCI a few years ago when she moved to Ojai. Her friends George Leis and Lois Rice, the Foundation board’s current chair and vice chair, told her about the University’s mission and role in Ventura County.
In her previous philanthropy, Pike had valued education. Although she did not go to college, she’d seen its transformative power in people’s lives. When Leis and Rice introduced her to President Erika Beck, Pike fell in love with CSUCI and its mission.
“As Foundation board members, we support the strategic plan, and use our experience and our connections to further the cause of the University,” she said. “When I met President Beck, I thought that this was the time for me to get engaged and be helpful.”
In getting to know CSUCI, Pike has enjoyed taking campus tours, meeting students, and attending events where she can see student work. She’s been struck by the strong ties to Ventura County, and how invested community members are in growing the University. She’s also excited by the strategic plan and the role CSUCI will play in the future of the workforce.
“CSU Channel Islands’ strategic plan is going to be game-changing for the world of education, as well as for the students who have the privilege to attend the University,” Pike said.
She’s also looking forward to more student mentoring opportunities, and helping the Foundation grow and manage its endowment.
“I’ve seen how CSUCI connects its students to the local business community, and what a difference it makes for everyone,” Pike said. “I’m able to watch that unfold. The power of the change CSUCI makes is palpable.”
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© Fall 2018 / Volume 22 /Number 02 / Bi-annual