Donald Bielke

Honorary Alumni

Professor Donald Bielke spent over 27 years in the CLU Athletic Department.  He was an adjunct professor and acting department chair of kinesiology.  Professor Bielke received a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and a master’s from San Francisco University.  He coached for 26 years and in that time wrote several articles for coaching magazines and presented at nations physical education conventions.  In his dual roles as coach and professor, he has given countless speeches to youth and has been the featured speaker at numerous banquets.  Professor Bielke was voted Coach of the Year several times and received the Leadership Award for the NAIA District III in 1990.  Aside from his duties at CLU, he served as a board member with the YMCA, on the advisory board of the Boy Scouts, as president of the Kiwanis Club, as grand marshall of the Conejo Valley Days and as a Special Olympics coordinator.  He has also done therapeutic work with seniors through the Parks and Recreation department.  Professor Bielke states that his most significant professional accomplishments include being an All-American in sports, playing in the NBA and seeing the students he taught and coached become successful professionals.  Of this honorary alumni status, Professor Bielke says, “After serving CLU for almost 27 years, it would mean that those I have taught, and those in the community, have felt that I have done a good job.  I can take this award with pride and continue my work.”