John Solem

Honorary Alumni

John Solem was honored with the Honorary Alumni Award for his contributions to the arts and the University.  He retired in May 1995 after teaching in CLU’s Art Department for 28 years.  As a faculty member, he helped organize the first freshman advising program in 1977.  He also taught in the Learning Resources Center for six years.  He received the Mt. Clef Award in 1984 and the Regent Award in 1986 for his faithful support of the University.  Solem also established the Brian Solem Memorial Scholarship in Geology in memory of his son.

Solem has been recognized nationally for his art receiving the Tiffany Foundation grant for graphics in 1962, the California State Fair Art Exhibition and the Los Angeles Printmaking Society Purchase Award in 1974.  He has had art exhibits at the Contemporary Graphics Center of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Louis Newman Gallery and the California Museum of Science and Industry.  Solem was listed in Who’s Who in the West in 1978, Who’s Who in American Art in the 1980-1995 editions, Westlake Magazine and Conejo Magazine.

“It has been such a pleasure to have interacted with so many fine students who have given me so much through all these 28 years.  This special award I will always cherish, reminding me that in some measure I have been successful in sharing my life with you.”