Magazine Fall 2023 A Warrior Welcome

Westmont’s pageantry, themed banners, cheering students and colorful balloons created a festive atmosphere for about 400 first-year and transfer students who arrived on campus for the newly

named Warrior Welcome on August 24-27. Westmont College Student Association (WCSA) President Nash Garvey ’25 joined Gayle D. Beebe, enjoying his 17th year as president of Westmont, at the main entrance to greet each carload of students individually.

About 150 first-generation and international students and their family members took part in First Connections, a pre-orientation welcome program designed for those students who are the first to go to college from their family. This early on-boarding welcome program emphasizes the various elements involved in a new cultural experience and the interpersonal connections vital to thriving in the college environment.

The 73 first-generation students represent a more than 4 percent increase over last year. “I believe this is due to Westmont’s commitment to supporting those who are the first in their family to attend college,” says Sonya Welch, coordinator of academic support services. “Westmont’s size is the right fit for first-gen students and gives them a better opportunity to connect with each other and their new college community.”

Bucking national trends, Westmont saw a 9 percent jump in male students from last year. Men make up 45 percent of the incoming class — the largest percentage at the college since the early 1980s. Nationally, colleges and universities have witnessed a significant decline in men attending college since the onset of the pandemic. Irene Neller, vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications, credits the growth to innovative new programs such as engineering, data analytics, computer science and athletics’ move to NCAA DII.

Westmont awarded four-year academic scholarships ranging from $15,000 to nearly $43,000 each year to more than 95 percent of entering new students. Seventy-four high-achieving, first-year students selected as Augustinian Scholars have received scholarships, ranging from $26,000 up to 85 percent of tuition.

More than 90 first-year students are from the Tri-County region. Westmont’s partnership with programs serving college-bound under- represented students, such as PEAC, REACH, Mission Scholars, AVID and others in Santa Barbara, has blossomed significantly (see page 38 for more information).

Twenty-three new students enrolled in Westmont Downtown | Grotenhuis Nursing.