Alumni Profiles
A Lesson for the Teacher
By Amanda Braun '04
The first time I walked into my classroom and saw 20 bodies bursting with energy, movement and spirit, the thought of being their teacher – their only teacher, wholly responsible for keeping them under control and transferring knowledge to them – was overwhelming and exhausting. The reality of life in Room 5 was more complex, rich and full than an education class. Full Story
Helping Women Find Their Voice
As a visiting fellow with the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Anita Perez Ferguson '71 speaks frequently at liberal arts colleges. Her topics include the changing face of U.S. politics, building leadership skills, and grassroots development and organization. She provides more than information; she encourages students to enlarge their thinking. Full Story
A Well-Orchestrated Life
Carleda Hutton '54 got a job teaching music at Brethren Christian High School in Long Beach, Calif., a few months after graduating from Westmont. She never left. After 50 years of faithful service, she retired in June. In honor of her commitment to Christian education, Westmont has given her a Distinguished Service Award. Full Story
The Right Chemistry
Christopher Aubuchon '94 never expected to go to college. Adept at working with his hands, he spent his high school years playing sports, fixing his truck and doing construction. When a friend's parents encouraged him to go college, he applied to Westmont and USC at the last minute. Much to his surprise, he got into both schools and decided on Westmont. Full Story
A Heart for Little Children
Growing up in the Philippines, where his parents were Presbyterian missionaries, deeply influenced Chris Elwood '92. "I loved living overseas," he says. "It was amazing to see my parents in action and to be a part of their work." Full Story
The Science of a New Start
The biggest challenge Dale Ritter '64 faces is getting students interested in the sciences. Many are re-entering the education system after being laid off from the timber industry. But once students take his chemistry classes at Umpqua Community College (UCC) in Roseburg, Ore., Dale hopes they seize the opportunity to change their lives for the better. Dale wants to help. Full Story
A Heart for Homecoming
David MacCulloch '84 makes an effort to fit volunteer work into his life and career. As vice president and senior trust officer for Wells Fargo Private Client Services in Santa Barbara, he helps clients craft a succession plan for their wealth. When they wish to leave a legacy, he works with them to find causes that reflect their values. Full Story
A Mature Ministry
As Donald Watson '54 has matured as a minister, so have the people he serves. Twenty years ago, after a three-year stint as director of Youth for Christ in Spokane, Wash., and six different pastorates, Donald and his wife, Deloris, founded Diversified Christian Ministries (DCM) to reach out to senior citizens. Full Story
Building a Bridge Between Cultures
During seminary, Doug Moore '72 accepted a casual invitation to visit a Spanish-speaking church, and the experience changed his life. He has been involved with Spanish congregations ever since. "It was the plan of God," he says. "That one decision has affected both my work and my marriage." Full Story
The Business of Education
Returning to their home on the campus of Bethany College in Scotts Valley, Calif., reminds Eric and Rebekah Davis '93 Stemm of their days at Westmont. College students playing with the Stemm's children, eating in the dining commons and cheering on Eric's intramural basketball team are part of the perks of "living where Daddy works." Full Story
A Fixture in the House
Jay Pierson '69 has worked on the floor of the House of Representatives for more than 25 years. His career began in the Office of the House Journal Clerk and the House Republican Cloak Room, but he soon moved up to floor assistant for the minority leader. When the Republicans took control in 1995, he became floor assistant to the speaker (now Dennis Hastert). Full Story
A Dream Internship
Meghan Daily '04 began an internship at the Dream Foundation with more than just an interest in learning and serving. She brought a deep understanding of what it means to be seriously ill. Full Story
Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher
Although she left a traditional classroom 30 years ago, Sydwell Mouw Flynn '56 never left teaching. Her career got an early start; her senior year at Westmont she taught English grammar to a small group of freshmen. Full Story
A Thai Travelogue
From exotic beaches to mountain villages, a group of 28 alumni and parents explored the beauty and uniqueness of Thailand. Full Story
Law and Order
A young, blonde woman leaves a lucrative position with a large law firm to become an assistant district attorney and finds meaning in a job prosecuting criminals in New York City. The story of Heather Pearson's life sounds like an episode from the popular television show, "Law and Order." Full Story