Camp Returns as Assistant VP for Advancement
Sarah Camp, who served for eight years as director of marketing and communications at Christian Union, a leadership development ministry that works with students attending Ivy League schools, has returned to Westmont as assistant vice president for college advancement and interim director of alumni and parent relations. She served as director of Westmont’s annual giving program from 2000-2008.
“Sarah brings a passion for Christian higher education, fundraising, writing and serving alumni and friends of the college,” says Reed Sheard, chief information officer and vice president for college advancement.
“My overarching goal is to help Westmont flourish, institutionally and communally,” she says. “I’m here because Westmont fills an essential role in higher education and in our society. I’m committed to helping the college thrive, increase its influence, and be a greater force for good.”
As a Santa Barbara native with many Westmont connections, Camp reflects on the impact of the college in her life. “I marvel at how many significant contacts I’ve had with Westmont alumni,” she says. “They’ve been Sunday school teachers who instilled foundational lessons, junior high teachers who prayed for me by name, mentors who suggested coffee and asked probing questions, church members who became family, colleagues who spurred me on to always offer my best, and so much more. Typical qualities—joy and grace—characterize the Westmont community members I’ve known.”
Camp notes recent tensions in higher education, especially regarding the values shaping academic programs. “I earnestly desire to see Westmont alumni giving leadership in important areas like this,” she says. “Westmont stands out for its willingness to address challenging topics and foster excellent scholarship and spiritual and relational growth in the context of a Christ-honoring mission.”
Camp says she’s excited to be working for an outstanding president and board of trustees. “I look forward to interacting with exceptional colleagues and the best ever community of alumni, parents and friends and meeting the wonderful students who are learning and developing into the people God created them to be,” she says. “I’m thankful for any part I can play in ensuring that Westmont continues to thrive.”
She and her husband, Nathan, who were married at Westmont’s Voskuyl Chapel, have two children, Ethan (14) and Zachery (11).