Dear Fellow Alums,

Westmont has wrapped up another successful Commencement weekend. I’m sure you can remember the excitement surrounding your graduation. Alumnus Jim Taylor ’78 spoke at the ceremony and emphasized the importance of defining and pursuing a meaningful life. Questioning the traditional measures of success and highlighting the need for a fulfilling life, he asked, “What kind of life do you want? Successful? If so, as you climb the ladder of success, make sure it’s leaning against the right wall.”

During his freshman year in 1974, Taylor said he was satisfied with his relationship with God. But by his senior year, he wondered whether knowing God was even possible. Gradually overcoming his doubts, Taylor grew in his knowledge of God when he served as a Vacation Bible School team leader, interpreter and worship music leader with Potter’s Clay in Mexico. “I experienced God at work while serving, fellowshipping and worshiping with my fellow Westmont students,” he said. “I sensed the Lord’s presence, guidance and empowerment.”

He encouraged graduates to seek spiritual growth, likening life to a pilgrimage, and emphasized the importance of spiritual fitness, guidance and community in achieving this goal. “Make Jesus your guide,” he said. “Practice what Jesus taught so you can become more like him and get closer to God. And walk with other pilgrims, including ones you’ve invited to join the pilgrimage. If you do these things, you will live the best possible life a human being can live.”

About 50 Golden Warriors from the class of 1975 returned to campus to celebrate their 50th reunion during Commencement weekend. We hope to see you
back on campus for your 50th someday.

New Ways to Connect with Fellow Alums

As we relaunch regional events, we’re working with representatives in Orange County, San Diego, Sacramento, the Bay Area, Fresno, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas, Honolulu, Austin, Boise, Nashville and Santa Barbara to plan gatherings for alums in these areas. 

We hope to grow and tackle fun new events in new places. Would you like to join the team and help us plan celebrations in Pasadena, the Inland Empire, Denver, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Minneapolis? Email alumni@westmont.edu if you’re interested.

Former student-athletes on LinkedIn may join the Westmont College Athletics Alumni group.

To grow your professional network and collaborate with other Westmont alums, participate in the Westmont Alumni Network/Professional Connections and Collaboration group.

With support from President Beebe, we’re restarting our Alumni Council to hear more from you. Look for more information about the mission and vision of this group in our next newsletter. Take advantage of Summer Lodging on Campus between June 16 and July 31 and enjoy great rates and additional markdowns with
alumni discounts. Stay on campus in our newest dorm, the Global Leadership Center. Reservations

Highlights and Happenings in the Westmont Community

In February, the 20th annual Presidents Breakfast featured Condoleezza Rice, who served as the 66th U.S. secretary of state. Despite global concerns, Rice continues to be optimistic about the future, expressing confidence in our democratic institutions and our collective American story. Amazing, globally-minded college students like the ones she teaches at Stanford give her hope. “They think if they’ve googled it, they’ve researched it,” she said. “They come to me and
say, ‘I want to be a leader.’ Well, that’s not a destination or a job search. Before you solve that problem, how about you understand it? And my other favorite is, ‘I want my first job to be meaningful.’ No, nobody’s first job is ever meaningful. It takes time to develop talents and have experiences — and they’re going to be great. And because of them we’ll continue to be the most innovative and creative country on the planet.”

The Westmont Women’s Leadership Council hosted their eighth luncheon in January. Henrietta Holsman Fore, who served as executive director of UNICEF and a USAID administrator, delivered a powerful message, encouraging students in the room to overcome fear of failing or concern about how their parents, friends or teachers see them if they fail. “Every one of them has failed at something too, and you learn from failure,” she said. The event raised more than $90,000 for scholarships.

President Gayle D. Beebe went on a tour earlier this year, speaking about his latest book, “The Crucibles That Shape Us: Navigating the Defining Challenges of Leadership.” He conducted interviews with journalists and appeared on a variety of podcasts and radio shows. See all the place he shared his insights. The president also met with alums at events in Phoenix, San Diego, Portland and Seattle to discuss the book and answer questions.

Alums in San Diego gathered to cheer for the Warrior basketball team in a match at Point Loma. Roughly 300 track and field alums and their families returned to campus to celebrate Coach Russell Smelley’s 70th birthday March 8 with a lunch, fun races for alums and their kids and memorabilia. Bay Area alums gathered this spring to cheer on the Warriors, enjoy a barbecue and match wits at a Trivia night. Political science professor Jesse Covington met with alums in Washington, D.C., to discuss his new book, “Hopeful Realism: Evangelical Natural Law and Democratic Politics.” The work provides a Natural Law framework for evangelicals today. Santa Barbara area alums returned to campus for our annual Movie on the Lawn night featuring the film “Rio.”

An impressive lineup of world-class keynote speakers shared insights on effective and purposeful leadership at Westmont’s 11th annual LEAD Where You Stand Conference in June. David Brooks, New York Times columnist and bestselling author, headlined an exceptional group of speakers that included: President Gayle D. Beebe; Dr. Charity Dean, CEO and co-founder of PHC Global; Charles Duhigg, author of “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection”; Wendy Jackson, movie/TV producer and Westmont professor; and Jeff Schloss , Westmont’s T.B. Walker professor of natural and behavioral sciences. Forbes recently took note of the conference. Fill out a notification form to learn the June 2026 dates for this leadership conference.

The Warriors have made a smooth transition to NCAA Division II. In case you missed it, our men’s soccer team clinched the 2024 NCAA Division II PacWest title. Watch their journey HERE. The men’s baseball team won both the regular season 2025 PacWest title and the PacWest Tournament. This spring, athletics added a fun new tradition: the Inaugural WESPYs. Student-athletes voted on awards for their peers and dressed in formal attire for the ceremony celebrating the winners. Click HERE to learn about the recipients.

Honoring Our Retiring Professors

Read about our retiring professors in the Westmont magazine either in print or online.

Gregg Afman, Professor of Kinesiology (pg. 12)

John Blondell, Professor of Theatre Art (pg. 14)

Jim Taylor, Professor of Philosophy (pg. 16)

Steven Hodson, Professor of Music (pg. 15)

Jeff Schloss, Distinguished Professor of Biology and T.B. Walker Professor of Natural andBehavioral Sciences (pg. 13)

All You Need to Know About Homecoming

Return of the Warriors: October 17-18 2025
Bring the whole family and plan a long weekend with friends, old and new! Contact the alumni office for Homecoming assistance at (805) 565-6056.

The Westmont Classic Golf Tournament returns to Glen Annie Golf Course on Friday, October 17, at 1 p.m. Create a foursome with your friends. Click HERE if you’re interested in being a sponsor. 

At the Homecoming Awards Brunch on Saturday, October 5, we’ll recognize notable alums and celebrate the class with the highest percentage of participation and the class raising the most money. Submit a class gift here! Last year, the class of 1964 won the Class Giving Competition challenge, and their brick will read “Day by day strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” The class of 1989 also won, and their brick will say, “In memory of Lisa Bebout, Alan Voorman and Garth Weedman Potters Clay, March 27, 1989.” We encourage all reunion classes to participate in this competition and hope alums will donate any amount to Westmont. 

A new documentary short, “All Things Metal,” premiered in the fall at the Tribeca Film Festival. It features Andy Patterson ’05 and his brothers, Dan and Joel, who work together at Santa Barbara Forge and produce heirloom
metalwork. Their father, Ben Patterson, served as campus pastor at Westmont for many years. Watch this documentary short during Homecoming (October 17-19) and listen to a panel discussion featuring the brothers.

The first 200 guests at the lunchtime tailgate in front of Murchison Gym on Saturday, October 18, will enjoy free burgers and ice cream. The event also features a carnival for kids, a climbing wall and an inflatable slide. Bring the whole family!

Homecoming Class Reunions

2020: 5 years TBA.
Your class needs a reunion representative. Reach out to alumni@westmont.edu if you’d like to help plan your reunion.

2015: 10 years 
Reunion reps: Abby Lombardo Birk and Bethany Day. Come back and take a peek at your time capsule letters from 10 years ago. Friday from 3:00-5:00pm your class will gather at the lower level of the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The work of Briana Miyoko Stanley ’15 will be featured in the gallery. Saturday from 4:00-6:00pm your class will gather at Shalhoob’s (220 Gray Ave. SB).

2010: 15 years
Reunion reps: Allyson Arendsee Darakjian, Korinne Kane Ward and Justin Davis. Meet your classmates from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at Third Window Brewing’s Barrel Room. (406 E. Haley St. SB)

2005: 20 years
Reunion reps: Megan Gierhart Stichter and Ryan Wolfshorndl. Children are welcome. Early bird ticket: $55, Regular price ticket (after 8/1) $65, Kids quesadilla and drink $7, kids taco plate and drink $12, pay total amount due on Venmo to @mstichter (last four digits: 6302). Megan Stitchter (Gierhart) and Ryan Wolfshorndl are your Reunion Representatives. Find more info on your Class of 2005 page.

2000: 25 years
Reunion reps: Gillian Chavez Leslie, Katie Wolfe Paulsen, Sonja Mortenson Erikson, and Kim Stime Crawford. Join your classmates and reconnect on campus Saturday, October 18, 6:00-9:00pm in the GLC. Dinner provided by the Alumni office. Please register and let us know if you are coming and if you have any guests or dietary restrictions. Email warriorsclassof2000reunion@gmail.com with questions.

1995: 30 years
Reunion rep: Michelle Weeks Dokolas. You’ll gather from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at Shalhoob’s in the Funk Zone (220 Gray Ave. SB).

1990: 35 years 
Reunion reps: Karen Yttrup Robilio, Kristin Donaldson Overton, Amy Jurries Kamm and Kristy Anderson Gee. Details to come on a gathering on Friday or Saturday. Your class will be gathering on Sunday, 10/19 from 10-12 for a time of worship in the Nancy Voskuyl Chapel. 

1985: 40 years TBA.
Your class needs a reunion representative. Reach out to alumni@westmont.edu if you’d like to help plan your reunion.

1980: 45 years TBA.
Your class needs a reunion representative. Reach out to alumni@westmont.edu if you’d like to help plan your reunion.

1975: 50 years
The Golden Warriors gathered and reconnected at Commencement in May. You’re welcome to participate in all Homecoming events.

1970: 55 years
Reunion reps: Dan Donnelly, Charlie Grant, Vernanne (Nanne) Alvarez Powell, Karen Reed Ray, Robin Odell Severson, Steve Ray and Charlie Maxson. Gather with your classmates on Friday, 10/17 from 5:00-7:00pm in the Founders room connected to the Dining Commons on campus. On Saturday, 10/18 Join your classmates at Oak Park  (638 W. Junipero St. Santa Barbara) for a Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch Dinner. Cost of dinner and payment options are TBD. 

1965: 60 years TBA.
Your class needs a reunion representative. Reach out to alumni@westmont.edu if you’d like to help plan your reunion.

1960: 65 years 
The Alumni Office is working with Molly Tautfest to help plan a gathering from 2:00-4:00p.m. on Saturday, October 18, in Hieronymus Lounge.

1955: 70 years
Reunion rep: Paul Hook. Eat lunch with your classmates from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18 in the Dining Commons. The Alumni Office will cover the cost of your lunch. Tell the attendant you’re a member of the class of 1955. Make a plate and go to the Alumni Gallery room, near the entrance.

Alumni Updates

Explore updates by decade HERE in the Alumni Updates section of our website. We’re proud of all the wonderful things our alums do throughout the world. We also mourn with the families of alums whom we’ve lost. 

1960s

We’re sad to hear about the death of Stan Anderson ’62, Alumnus of the Year in 1999. A standout basketball player and No. 4 on the Warrior list of career rebounds with 988, he generously donated funds to create the Stan Anderson Golf Complex.

We mourn the loss of Pat Clemens ’66, a longtime Santa Barbara jeweler. The Santa Barbara Independent recognized him as a Local Hero. 

Steven Elson ’67 received Casa Pacifica’s most prestigious honor: the Guardian Angel award. For 25 years, he served as the first CEO for this Santa Barbara and Ventura non-profit that treats children and young adults struggling with complex mental health challenges, expanding services to 14 campus and community programs.

1970s

Congratulations to Kevin Vanhoozer ’78, who won a Christianity Today 2024 Book Award in the category of Theology (Academic) for “Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically” (Zondervan Academic).

Karen Wood Williams ’79, a philanthropist and musician, has joined the Granada Theatre Santa Barbara Board of Directors.

1980s

The 2024 One Legacy Rose Parade float, Woven Together: The Dance of Life, featured a floral portrait of the late Paul Eskildsen ’81, who saved four lives with the donation of his heart, liver, kidney and lungs.

Dawn Carson O’Keeffe ’82 serves as vice president of finance for Breakwater Studios, which won its second Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film with “The Last Repair Shop.”

Julisa Smith Rowe ’86 starred in ChemiChemi’s production of “In Other Words,” which won Best Two-hander Production at the fourth annual Kenya Theatre Awards.

Kevin Vogt ’88 has become the chief financial officer of Pro Act USA, the leading distributor of fresh produce to the foodservice industry.

John Peirano ’88 serves as the new vice president of integrated marketing for AdvoCare, a health and wellness consumer packaged goods company.

1990s

Tyler Gibbs ’91 has been promoted to president of Toyota Racing Development. 

Gary Lundgren ’93 directed and edited a film, “Cancer Culture,” a poetic, life-affirming short documentary that explores the fascinating intersection of cancer and ecology.

Amy Beard Low ’93 died on November 27, 2024, of colon cancer. She examined her faith and confronted her own mortality in a book, “The Brave In-Between: Notes from the Last Room.”

Michael Warrington ’93 now serves as president of ClearSky Health, a premier national provider of rehabilitative healthcare services.

Congratulations to former trustee Allen Hopkins ’95, who has joined the board of the English Premier League Brentford Football Club in West London.

Todd Thacker ’94, a partner with Lewis Brisbois in the firm’s products liability practice, works in the San Francisco office.

Steve Johnson ’95 sold the Coronado Times after 21 years of publishing the paper. He continues to manage Meet the Masters, a K-8 curriculum company providing art history and instruction for schools and districts. “I’m fortunate to work with Carrie Hicks Steele ’98, a partner in the business,” he says.

Congratulations to Jenifer Neptune ’95, chief visionary officer and co-founder of Boutique Hotel Professionals, who appears in the 2025 Top 50 Women Leaders of Michigan.

Alison Noble ’97 serves as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Fresno Pacific University. 

Priya David Clemens ’97 has become a trustee for the California Academy of Sciences Board, which seeks to regenerate the natural world through science, learning and collaboration.

David Ahelm ’97 now serves as the chief executive officer of Hilmar Cheese Company.

Sally Shipman Wentworth ’97 is the new president and CEO of the Internet Society, a global charitable organization dedicated to promoting an open, globally connected and secure internet. 

Heather Havins Merrick ’98, a physician assistant, has joined Cottage Gynecologic Oncology Clinic in Santa Barbara to provide comprehensive services and personalized treatment for gynecologic and breast cancers.

The Association of California School Administrators named Amy Bergenske Alzina ’98 Superintendent/Principal of the Year. She leads Cold Spring School in Montecito.

Kevin Hess ’98 has published his first book, “On Love and Light in a World of Loss,” which includes 81 poems he wrote in the last 25 years focusing on grief and loss.

2000s

Congratulations to Jennifer Powell McNutt ’00 and her husband, David, whose book, “Know the Theologians” (Zondervan Publishers) was a 2024 Christianity Today Finalist in the category of Theology (Popular).

Don Sandridge ’00 has become chief operating officer and executive vice president of Market Express LLC, which provides integrated transportation management solutions throughout North America. 

Jason Friesen ’02, Trek Medics International founder and CEO, appeared in a Columbia Daily Spectator article about transforming emergency dispatch in the digital age.

Congratulations to Sarah Crass Cockrell ’03, executive assistant in career, technical, adult and alternative education, who was named 2025 Poway Unified School District Classified Employee of the Year.

Kyle Gann ’03, a corporate lawyer, has joined the Chicago office of global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright as a partner in the business practice group and is a member of the firm’s transactional and regulatory insurance team. He appeared on the podcast “Movers, Shakers & Rainmakers.”

Andria Smith Rusk ’03 is the executive director of public health for the College of Health Sciences at Sul Ross State University. Previously, she worked at Florida International University and helped develop their first Master of Public Health program in global health. 

A Los Angeles Times story about scaly, sun-loving fence lizards mentioned reptilian research by Amanda Sparkman ’03, professor of biology at Westmont.

Santa Barbara Magazine featured Leonard Unander Jr. ’03, Clint Unander ’06 and Brandon Friggione ’09, who work for residential builders Leonard Unander Associates Inc.

“Live with Kelly and Mark” featured Robin Long ’06, founder of Lindywell Pilates, on a segment about partner pilates moves.

Avery Drost ’07, a professional beach volleyball player on the Association of Volleyball Professionals circuit, appeared in an AVP article, “Reach the Beach.” 

Allison M. Burdett ’07 serves as the inaugural chief program officer of the Braille Institute, which advances services for blind and visually impaired communities.

Amanda Oenbring ’07, CEO of Upcycled Food Association, speaks at an online conference Nov. 20 about achieving sustainable development goals by cutting food waste in half by 2030.

Congratulations to Aubrey Bettencourt ’08, the new chief of the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Previously, she served as global director of government relations and external affairs for Netafim, as president and CEO of the Almond Alliance, and as deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Jay Diallo ’08, the president of First Community Capital, was featured in Forbes for his bank’s transformative power and commitment to underserved communities.

Lisa Griego Goodin ’08 won San Diego’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon last year.

Holly Robertson Huffnagle ’09 is the U.S. director for combating antisemitism at the American Jewish Committee in Washington, D.C.

2010s

Congratulations to Charles Whitman ’10, a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2023 and 2024, who has joined Quarles & Brady LLP’s San Diego office as a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group.

Chase Eckert ’12 explores the highs and lows of extreme travel and the value of human connection in “Exploring the World on Two Wheels: Chase Eckert’s Journey” as part of the “Overland Journal Podcast” on Expedition Portal.

Michael Easbey ’12 has become the executive director of Wood Glen Senior Living retirement home in Santa Barbara. 

Shanan Lau ’13 and Kaley Johannesson ’14 appeared on “Good Morning America” for their mobile ice cream sandwich cart, honey + milk, in Minnesota, and their search for the perfect exterior for an ice cream sandwich.

Lauren Matthias ’16 is the head coach of Westmont’s women’s soccer team.

Creative Artists Agency has promoted Andrew Devian ’17 to agent in baseball.

Congratulations to Chol Hyun Park ’18, who earned his doctorate and joined the faculty at University of the Ozarks.

Michael Stefanic ’18 has earned attention with the Toronto Blue Jays. His 3.7 percent swinging strike rate since his first full season in 2019 is the seventh lowest among nearly 5,000 qualified minor leaguers.

A longtime, passionate rock climber, Noah Banez’18 pursues his sport in Guam. The co-founder and managing director of Guam Sports Climbing Center (Climbing Guam) in Barrigada, he also coaches the Guam National Climbing Team.

We in the Alumni Office take great pride in you and all the things you’ve done, all you’ve committed to, and all you’ll do in the future. Thank you for being thoughtful scholars, grateful servants, and faithful leaders in the world.  

May the strength of God sustain you;
May the power of God preserve you;
May the hands of God protect you;
May the way of God direct you;
May the love of God go with you always
May the will of God give you a peace that transcends understanding as you trust in His providence.

Warmly,
Janay Marshall ’01, M.A.
Director of Alumni Relations