STUDENTS
Researchers Win Prize to Examine Homelessness
A Westmont student and professor have won the Hatfield Prize, which funded their research interviewing churches, nonprofits and government agencies preventing and addressing homelessness in Santa Barbara. Kate Robinson, a sophomore political science major, received $5,000 and Katherine Bryant, assistant professor of political science, got $1,500. The project culminates in a policy report from the Center for Public Justice in September.
“I’m most excited about Kate leaning into her passion for this topic,” Bryant says. “She’s been consistently involved in local homelessness outreach, and the Hatfield Prize offers an excellent way to expand her research and writing skills while serving our community and working with a reputable organization.”
Robinson, a native of Beverly, Massachusetts, serves as a resident chaplain on campus and works as an intern with Kingdom Causes Inc., a local nonprofit addressing homelessness and human trafficking.
While participating in the student ministry Bread of Life, she built relationships with people living on the streets. “Through my studies at Westmont, I understood more broadly the issue of homelessness and wanted to pursue more research,” she says. “I hoped to do a more qualitative case study and talk to a lot of people doing this hands-on work to understand their partnerships with other organizations tackling the issue.”
The Housing Authority oversees more than 4,000 affordable rental housing units in Santa Barbara. “The hard reality is that only people who qualify at the top are eligible for housing,” Robinson says.
“Even if you get into the system while homeless, you’ll likely not receive permanent or supportive housing.” Her research focused on faith-based efforts in the community to serve the poor and homeless. “Religious congregations in Santa Barbara provide services to those experiencing homelessness,” she says. “A variety of institutions, both in government and civil society, seek to aid those in homelessness, and many do hands-on work on the issue. I’m excited to continue to learn about the relationships between these different actors.”
The Hatfield Prize recognizes the legacy of the late U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield of Oregon, known for integrating his Christian faith and his commitment to public policy.
Students Honored for Leading by Serving
Robinson and Andreas Olvera ’26 of Woodland, California, received David K. Winter Servant Leadership Awards in April. Angela D’Amour, dean of student engagement and interim vice president for student life, said the two had demonstrated above-and-beyond commitment to the campus community with their exemplary servant leadership.
Recognized for her roles as a resident chaplain and ministry intern, Robinson earned praised for her generosity, dedication to community service and impact on her peers.
“On our way back from the Rescue Mission, a friend and I agreed that outside of the friends we’ve made at Westmont, getting involved in Bread of Life has changed us the most,” Robinson said.
“It’s all about friendship — the friends we’ve made at Westmont and the friends we’ve made with people experiencing homelessness. They’ve shaped our views of the world, who God is, who we are and what the kingdom of God looks like.”
Andreas, lauded for his leadership in various roles, such as a choir leader and student newsletter manager, received commendation for his expertise, patience and commitment to supporting others.
“For me, servant leadership is about blessing others with the same love that I’ve been blessed to receive,” he said. “I consider all students to be recipients of this award because this campus is awesome. I’m so glad to serve it in my own small way.”
The David K. Winter Servant Leadership Award, a $1,000 academic scholarship, recognizes a male and female student who are grateful servants and faithful leaders. Winter served as Westmont’s president from 1976-2001 and returned as an interim in 2006-07.
This is a story from the Spring 2025 Westmont Magazine