College News
A Bridge to Understanding
In July, 11 Westmont faculty and staff members attended "Bridging the Divides: New Visions for Diversity and Cross- Cultural Understanding," a conference at the San Francisco Urban house funded by the Irvine Diversity Initiative grant. Brad Berky, interim director of the urban program, convened the event, which featured guest speakers , encounters with local ethnic-minority churches and neighborhoods, and opportunities to reflect on diversity-related issues.
Lee Mun Wah, who directed 'The Color of Fear" film series, led a workshop on the complex psycho-social dynamics surrounding racial division and healing.
Other speakers included Melanie DeMore, a Grammynominated, African-American singer, songwriter and community activist; Juana Alicia, a renowned Latina muralist and art historian; Rev. Norman Fong, an Asian-American community organizer; Rev. Glenda Hope, a Presbyterian street minister; and alumnus David Batstone '80, executive editor of Sojourners magazine and professor of social ethics, University of San Francisco.
Participants volunteered at St. Anthony's Foundation, a faith-based social service organization that feeds the homeless. A guided "alley tour" focused on Chinatown and the Mission District, and a service at Glide Memorial Church highlighted one of the city's largest and most diverse faith communities.
"The week was stimulating to both the mind and the heart," says Heather Speirs, associate dean of off-campus programs. "I was moved to see the risen Christ in so many faces, including those of my own colleagues. Rev. Norm Fong taught me how little I know about the real Chinatown, and the folks at St. Anthony's and the Salvation Army reminded me of the ever-present needs of the poor."
"I loved the range of activities and felt both inspired and challenged by each presentation and discussion," says Mary Docter, professor of Spanish. "I want to do all I can to make Westmont a more welcoming and nurturing place for those who are different, especially our students of color."
Other attendees from Westmont included Dana Alexander (career and life planning), Krista Caballero (admissions), Jonathan Cordero (sociology), Lisa DeBoer (art), Chris Hoeckley (Institute for the Liberal Arts), Patti Hunter (mathematics), Karen Andrews- Jaffe (Urban), Chris Milner (kinesiology), and Andrew Mullen (education).
Hearings Begin on Master Plan
Westmont's Campus Master Plan Update goes before public officials again this fall through a process the college hopes will lead to final review and approval.
A well-attended public hearing in July on the draft environmental impact report, while involving a number of comments and complaints by those opposed, turned out to be both cordial and encouraging. The draft EIR is a very positive document that identifies several aspects of the update to the 1976 approved master plan that will cause beneficial effects, something almost unheard of in the world of Santa Barbara County planning.
The update to the already approved Campus Master Plan is intended to provide a better learning environment for the college's existing 1,200 residential students, while also bringing the plan up to modern environmental standards. The college first submitted the update in 2000. Hearings were held in 2002 on an initial county staff determination that the plan contained no significant environmental impacts that couldn't be mitigated. However, given opposition at the time, the college decided to ask for a full environmental impact report at an additional cost of $250,000. To date, the college has spent $1.26 million on the update.
The draft environmental impact report concludes the update to the master plan is a better alternative for the environment than proceeding with the approved plan. The update improves parking and traffic circulation through campus, preserves 81 percent of the campus as landscaped and open space, and calls for no change in enrollment, parking permits or the number of campus activities.
Once the master plan update receives approval, the college hopes to break ground on two new buildings: the Adams Center for the Visual Arts and the David K. Winter Hall for Science and Mathematics. A recent capital campaign raised more than $57 million for the buildings, endowment and other programs.
Donors Support Students
Generous donors gave $2.4 million in annual gifts (a new record) to support important programs such as student scholarships.
Gifts from generous donors help Westmont students gain an education that extends beyond the classroom. Students learn how to communicate, equip, encourage, lead and grow deeper in their faith. They deeply appreciate the support of the college community.
Phonathon
Students begin calling alumni in September for the annual phonathon. They enjoy hearing stories from former students, taking prayer requests and encouraging alumni to set a record for participation. Last year, 1,300 alumni contributed, creating a 36 percent giving rate. The goal this year is 38 percent.
Presidents Associates Grow
Donors who give $1,000 or more each year belong to the President's Associate. Last year, this group grew 9 percent to 636 people, and 92 percent continued their membership from the previous year.
Calendars
Donors who give $100 or more (as a one-time gift or cumulatively) between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2004, may request a special thank you: a beautiful wall calendar featuring photos of the campus by Westmont photographer Brad Elliott. Don't miss this lovely gift.