Staff: Who Are We?
Angela D’Amour - Director of Campus Life (x7089, adamour@westmont.edu)
Professional and Educational Background
I was born and raised in Beverly, Massachusetts and moved to Santa Barbara to attend Westmont where I studied Psychology and Communication Studies. Because I loved Westmont and the College environment so much, I went on to graduate school at the University of Vermont where I earned an MEd. in Higher Education and College Student Development. I most recently served as an Assistant Dean of First Year Students at Dartmouth College and just returned to Westmont this summer. It’s great to be back!
Role in the Office
I’m responsible for overseeing the Campus Life Office, which provides programs and leadership opportunities for students. I seek to guide the development and implementation of departmental vision and objectives. My role includes implementing a philosophy of leadership and learning that grows out of the college mission. One of the highlights of my work is providing direct advising to officers of WCSA, WACC and WSM.
What I like most about my work at Westmont:
I love being in a place where character and values are infused into the campus environment: where students are continually challenged and implored to care deeply for those around them and where educational advances don’t outpace our ability to consider how and when to use the knowledge that we’ve gained.
Michele Mollkoy - Director of First Year Experience and Special Programs (x7025, mmollkoy@westmont.edu)
Professional and Educational Background
I am a Santa Barbara native and traveled to the University of California at Davis to get my BA in Psychology. I subsequently obtained my master’s degree in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. I came to Westmont five years ago to work with student leaders and am excited about transitioning to work with first year students and other special programs of the college.
Role in the Office
I get to work closely with many other departments at the college, especially Intercultural Programs, Residence Life, and the Office of Life Planning, regarding student programming. I also work with Admissions and the Alumni and Parent Relations Office on many initiatives for first year students. I advise the students who work on Fall and Spring Orientation as well as Spring Sing, Westmont’s oldest tradition.
What I Like Most About My Work at Westmont
I never get tired of asking students questions and being a part of their spiritual formation and development. It is a gift to be able to work with such talented people and to do such meaningful work together. It also doesn’t hurt that I love coffee!
Benji Bruneel - Campus Life Coordinator (x6125, bbruneel@westmont.edu)
Professional and Educational Background:
I grew up in Stockton, CA, and graduated from California State University, Stanislaus with a degree in Organizational Communication. Once I finished college, I got married to Greta and moved to Ventura, where I served as a Middle School Pastor. After three years, we moved to Denton, Texas, and lived at the University of North Texas where Greta worked as a Hall Director while I studied for my Master of Theology degree at Dallas Theological Seminary. Three years later, Greta and I each had our Master’s degrees—hers is in Business Administration—and we were quite ready to return to California.
Role in the Office:
I serve as the Campus Life Coordinator, advising the student leaders of Potter’s Clay, Emmaus Road, and Spring Break in the City. Basically, if it has to do with Westmont students living out the missio Dei, I get to come along for the ride.
What I Like Most About My Work At Westmont:
First, I simply love working with and around college students. I find that college students give me excellent motivation and opportunity to live my faith in a genuine way. Second, my job allows me to think about how to live missionally both between our oceans and beyond. Seeing students willingly choose to offer their lives in service to others is a unique thrill.