Council Seeks to Help Alums Flourish

Under the leadership of Janay Ramos Marshall ’01, director of alumni relations and employer relations, the college has launched the President’s Alumni Council. “These diverse, highly accomplished alums span several generations and the nation,” Marshall says. “The group represents a broad spectrum of individuals who bring various gifts, abilities, passions and perspectives to serve as advocates for the college.”

The council pursues three primary goals: supporting Westmont’s mission, building a strong network of alums and fostering loyalty and pride. “We seek to provide opportunities for alums to continue growing as ‘thoughtful scholars, grateful servants and faithful leaders,’” Marshall says. “Members will help us plan events to educate and connect alums across the generations. We also hope to inspire alums to create career opportunities for students and each other and help promote Westmont to prospective students and families.”

To build loyalty and pride, the college will continue recognizing outstanding alums and their achievements during Homecoming, with the council providing feedback during the selection process. As Westmont works with council members to host more events that connect alums, these activities will promote a sense of community and belonging. Information about Westmont news, events and developments will keep alums engaged and connected.

Members serve three-year terms and meet four times a year. “They think strategically about issues that affect alums, students and the college’s future, offering thoughtful, relevant feedback and making recommendations concerning a variety of matters, such as career connections, engagement, opportunities, methods to grow enrollment, and strategic planning,” Marshall says.

Pictured left to right:

Zach Sheely ’04 (Sacramento, California), Farmer/ Entrepreneur, Autonomous Tractor Solutions at Kingman Ag, Co-founder of Agworld Inc.

Taisa Skovorodko ’07 (Santa Barbara), Physical Therapist at Sutter Health Clinic

Ryan Zoradi ’08 (San Francisco, California), Principal at Patamar Capital

Matt Blickendorf ’08 (Carmel, Indiana), President of the Alumni Council and Emergency Physician at Medical Associates LLP

Gayle D. Beebe President

Courtney DeSoto ’98 (Santa Barbara), Owner/ Private Fiduciary at Channel Islands Fiduciary Group, Westmont parent, Westmont Women’s Leadership Council

Janelle Marshall ’01 (Midlothian, Virginia), Director of Pathways to Arts & Humanities at Virginia’s Community College System

Daniel Lew ’09 (Colorado Springs, Colorado), Family Physician

Reed Sheard Vice President for College Advancement and Chief Information Officer

Janay Marshall Director of Alumni Relations

Read More About the Council Members

This is a story from the Fall 2025 Westmont Magazine