We’re going to say a few words about James L. Esmay, the first dean of California Lutheran University’s School of Business.

Esmay, who passed away Feb. 10 at age 79, came to CLU in 1965. After a stint at Cal State Northridge, he rejoined the campus in 1979. He was named dean of the school of business in 1989 and retired two years later.

Esmay brought a longtime interest in Africa and international business to the Thousand Oaks campus but he also tried to help foster entrepreneurship in the Ventura County area.

He took his students to Africa, Australia and the Caribbean to broaden their perspective and infused the program with a passion for global business trends. Esmay’s interest in things local and things global has been brought to a new level by current Dean Chuck Maxey.

Esmay retired in 1991 but he remained active in the Thousand Oaks area. Donations in his honor will benefit the Esmay Family Scholarship Fund at CLU.

Are you a subscriber? If not, sign up today and get four free issues of the Pacific Coast Business Times!