Bob and Lotus Graham Campbell ’44 (2012 Alumni Award) were members of the first class to attend Westmont for four years and provided life-long leadership and service in Christian higher education and the ministry. Bob was a teacher, pastor and the longest serving general secretary in American Baptist history, serving from 1972 to 1987. He was president of Eastern Baptist (now Palmer) Theological Seminary from 1987 to 1989, until he retired in Santa Barbara. Westmont presented him with the first ever Distinguished Service Medal at Homecoming in 1998. He also wrote a number of books, including “Jesus Still Has Something to Say.” Lotus was named the first Westmont College May Queen in 1941. After graduating from Westmont in 1944, she received a master’s degree in religious education at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She also pursued further graduate studies at CSU Los Angeles. Lotus served as minister of Christian education at North Park Baptist Church of San Diego and the First Baptist Church of Covina. She was a kindergarten teacher in the Charter Oak School District in Covina for more than a dozen years. She became a teacher and director of a Philadelphia-area church-based preschool program.

Eleanor (Lewer) Courtney '45 and Retired Westmont English Professor Emeritus, passed away, August 4, 2023.

Nancy [Tyler] Salverda '46  1924 - 2023 With sad hearts and joyful spirits, Nancy's family informs you that she went to her heavenly mansion Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023. Born September 12, 1924, in Garden Grove, CA, she is survived by her children, Doris (John) Chovan, Sue (Gil) Mellis, John (Annie) Salverda, Paul (Pam) Salverda, and Beth (Jim) Mitchell, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her husband, Bill, predeceased her in 2009. Nancy grew up on an orange ranch and worked hard helping her family cultivate the land by driving the tractor, which she loved to do! She attended HS at Culter Academy in LA, and graduated from Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA, in 1946. She then studied at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, in PA from 1947-48, where she met her husband, Bill. The couple married in 1948 and spent 61 years together. Bill and Nancy followed God's calling into ministry and pastored churches in Shipbottom, N.J; Tarzana, Long Beach and Hacienda Heights, CA. Moving to Diamond Bar in 1966 they attended First Baptist Church, Pomona, and she began teaching a 4/5 combination class at the church's school. The following year she became principal of the school and served 18 years until 1985. She was loved and respected by students and staff, always had a radiant smile on her face, and was well-known for her special "Candle Chapels." In her retirement years she enjoyed traveling, Elder Hostel retreats, crocheting, crafts, sewing, organizing pictures, writing in her journals, making and eating strawberry ice cream, and spending time with her family. Nancy's family will celebrate her life and her love of the Lord every day knowing that one day we will meet again in heaven. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Harry Atkins ’47 (2012 Alumni Award) studied at the University of Chicago for several years, but transferred to Westmont to get a biblically based education. The family atmosphere appealed to him, and Professor Kenneth Monroe inspired him to major in history. Earning a master’s degree in African history at the University of Oregon, Harry also did graduate work at Multnomah Seminary. His plan to serve with a missionary agency in Africa fell through when they turned him down because of his youth, so he got a job with the Ethiopian government teaching high school. Undaunted by a lack of textbooks about Ethiopia, Harry wrote his own, completing both a history and a geography book about the African nation. An avid traveler, he also authored “Ethiopia: Land of Enchantment,” illustrating it with his own photographs. The book became a best-seller and led to his membership as a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society of Great Britain. When his contract with the government ended, Harry joined the Society of International Missionaries, where he met his wife, Blanche, and they raised four children in Ethiopia. Harry planted churches and founded and directed an institute that trained teachers, but his major contribution was establishing the largest private school system in Ethiopia. He worries about keeping busy now that he has retired. He intends to garden, keep up with his 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and travel as much as possible. At the age of 85, Harry has visited 83 countries including Indonesia, Italy and Argentina. In 2008, Harry and Blanche completed sixty years of ministry—30 years in Ethiopia and 30 years as owners of the Monterey Bible Bookstore in Monterey, Calif. In June 2012, Harry and Blanche celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Pastor Charles Henry Ashman ‘47 of Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. He was born on June 1, 1924, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Charles H. Ashman, Sr. and Flora (Brown) Ashman. He met Frances M. Bradley, his wife to be, at youth rallies and summer church camp. They were married on July 12, 1946, in Compton, California. Charles graduated from Westmont College in 1947 (BA), and he and Frances (a graduate of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles) headed to Grace Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where Charles graduated in 1950 (MDiv., Magna Cum Laude). His first pastorate was in Rittman, Ohio, and it was in Rittman that their children were born. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1955. In 1962, Charles became pastor of the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. In 1969, he was asked to teach part-time at Grace College and Seminary as well. He taught mostly seminary courses in the pastoral theology field, English Bible, and beginning Greek. Students appreciated his insight and experience. He leaves behind his two sons, one daughter, six grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Frances Ashman, parents, three sisters, and three brothers.

 Willetta “Willie” Edmiston '47 of Warsaw, Ind. passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019.

 James “Jim” Downs '47 passed away on September 22, 2020. Jim was born in Fullerton, California in 1925, the second of five children to Agnes and Elwood Downs. He graduated from Whittier High School in 1943 where he left a legacy as an accomplished swimmer and water polo star. He then enrolled at Westmont College in Los Angeles where he met the love of his life, Joann. After Jim completed his service in the Navy, he and Joann settled in Whittier, California. There they welcomed their son in 1948, followed by their daughter in 1950. Jim was a long time manager at Carburetor Sales & Service in LA, eventually owning the business. After he and Joann retired, they moved to Dana Point where they lived out the rest of their lives together until Joann's death in 2015. Jim was an integral part of their beloved South Shores Church, selflessly serving and contributing to the ministries and deep relationships they developed and enjoyed for many years. Jim is preceded in death, by his brothers Dick and Ron, and sister Mary Carmen. He is survived by his sister, both children, 5 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as innumerable loving friends and extended family.

 Elaine Walker Rhodes ‘47 passed away on November 10, 2016 after a brief illness. Elaine was born to Howard and Esther Mae Walker on January 22, 1927, in Pasadena, Calif., where she grew up. It was on vacation with her family in Big Bear Lake, that Elaine met her husband, Don. Married in 1947, Elaine and Don lived in Altadena where they raised two daughters. During the next years, Elaine was active as a teacher, choir member and deaconess at Lake Avenue Congregational Church and with the Women's Auxiliary at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. Later when she and Don moved to the Bay Area, Elaine influenced women of all ages through her teaching and advising ministry in Bible Study Fellowship. Even in her later years, she was passionate about encouraging others in their journey of following Jesus—at High Street Community Church and at Mount Hermon. Her winsome and joyful spirit garnered many friendships through the years including Aegis Living in Aptos where she and Don resided in their final years. Throughout her life, Elaine delighted in making sure that each person knew that he or she was important, known and loved by God. Elaine and Don were always a team enjoying sailing with friends, motorcycle rides or playing golf. Elaine is survived by two daughters, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one brother. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Don.

  Dr. Alberta (Bertie) M. Hanson ‘47 died on March 26, 2020 at the age of 92 years. Bertie was born on March 11, 1928 in Long Beach, Calif. to Albert Hanson and Blanche (Tahash) Hanson. She was a life-long educator. She received her diploma in Christian Education from the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (1950), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Education from BIOLA College (1952), a Masters of Arts (MA) from Grace Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana (1961), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Christian School Administration from Grace Graduate School, Long Beach, California (1981). Bertie served as the Director of Christian Education in Southern Calif., and a board member of both the Greater Los Angeles Sunday School Association (GLASS) and the San Bernardino- Riverside Association of Sunday Schools (BRASS) for 30 years. She supported foreign missions with extended trips through Central and South America and by developing educational material for these missionary efforts. She was involved in multiple church ministries, taught home-schoolers as well as children in both Christian and public schools, including the Apple Valley School District in Apple Valley, Calif. She published a number of articles and a book, Abundant Adventures with Alberta . . . Across America and Around the World. Bertie used her artistic creativity to bring her classrooms alive with interest and knowledge. Bertie is preceded in death by three sisters and survived by six nephews and four nieces.

Richard "Dick" Bohrer '47 died December 21, 2022.
June 17, 1926 - Dec. 21, 2022
Richard "Dick" William Bohrer, age 96, of West Linn, Ore., passed away peacefully Dec. 21, 2022. He was born in New York City June 17, 1926. Dick graduated with a BA in music theory from Westmont College, a MS in Education Administration from University of Southern California and an MA in English from California State University. He taught fifth grade in Haile Selassie Elementary School in Gondar Ethiopia from 1947-1950 and held various teaching positions in California from 1950-1963.
He married Elizabeth "Betty" Spencer July 8, 1955. In 1963 he moved his family to Portland, Ore., where he started the Journalism department at Multnomah School of the Bible. During his time in Portland, he led the choir for Central Bible Church, sold real estate through Dick Bohrer Realty, was a board member at Portland Christian School and an active and involved father. He and his wife Betty, moved to Chicago in 1979 where he was editor of Moody Monthly Magazine. In 1983 Dick and Betty moved to Lynchburg, Va., where he taught journalism and English composition at Liberty University until his retirement in 1994. While at Liberty, he was nominated for Virginia Teacher of the Year in 1987. Dick and Betty moved back to Portland to their beloved house on the Tualatin River where he spent many years writing books (19 published*) and teaching at writers' conferences. He was a devoted follower of our Lord Jesus Christ and used his gift of writing to encourage other believers in their Christian walk. Dick was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty, May 17, 2022. He is survived by his two children, Joel (Susan) Bohrer and Janice (Mark) Pruitt; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Angie Brunemeier ’48 died on June 4, 2016, in Huntsville, Ala. Angie was born into a Dutch farming community in southeastern South Dakota in 1924. Her family lost almost everything as a result of drought and the Depression, and they relocated to California in 1937. After graduating from high school in Redlands, CA in 1942, she was employed by the US Army Quartermaster Corps and moved to the Los Angeles area. September, 1943, she was enrolled at Westmont College with a major in Christian Education. She also met her future husband Byrd Brunemeir there. Both Byrd and Angie had a strong desire to spread God's Word to the entire world, and in December, 1949, they arrived in the Philippine Islands as missionaries with the goal of using radio to spread the good news of Jesus Christ around the world. Byrd and Angie had 2 children, Musette and Mark, in the early 1950's and served as missionaries in the Philippines until June, 1976. During this time Angie was involved with the education of missionary kids for 20 years. With the assignment of building a new, missionary radio station in the Mariana Is., Byrd and Angie relocated to the island of Saipan in July, 1976. Seven years later, July 1983, Byrd was killed while working on a radio transmitter. Angie relocated to Florida and served with New Tribes Mission from July, 1984 to June, 2003. Angie moved to her daughter Musette's home in Huntsville, Ala., June, 2003 until her health began to deteriorate late in 2015. Angie is survived by her daughter Musette, her son Mark, her sister Nadine, 3 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Byrd.

David Allan Hubbard ’49 (2012 Alumni Award) was former president of Fuller Theological Seminary. During his 30-year presidency, a post he assumed in 1963 at age 35, Hubbard added a School of Psychology and a School of World Mission to Fuller’s School of Theology, both in 1965. An Old Testament scholar, Hubbard published 36 books, including “Psalms for All Seasons” and “The Practice of Prayer.” David also opened the Office of Women’s Concerns at Fuller to help women develop their gifts for the church and society. In addition to being a growth-minded administrator, Hubbard was an ordained Baptist minister and a veteran teacher who was so popular that the seminary struggled to find classrooms large enough for all the students eager to take his classes. Hubbard was an internationally renowned scholar on the Bible, with a doctorate in Old Testament studies from St. Andrews University, Scotland. Before joining Fuller, Hubbard taught biblical studies at Westmont College. David passed away July 15, 1996.

Constance "Connie" (Rudd) Jones '49 passed away April 15, 2024

Elizabeth “Bettye” June Loofbourrow ‘49 passed away on Dec. 11, 2014, in Grass Valley, Calif., due to heart and kidney failure. She was 89. Elizabeth was born on June 10, 1925, in Mattoon Ill., to parents Byrl (Jack) and Cora Stifle in California. She is survived by Perry, her husband of 71 years; two sons James (Linda) of Lompoc, Calif., and David of Grass Valley, Calif.; and grandsons Ethan and Evan.

Lyla Wiley (King) ‘49 died on October 24, 2021. She was born to Edgar Ray and Marjorie King in Tustin, Calif. Lyla always said she was a princess because her daddy was a king. Lyla was the oldest of five girls. She met her husband Paul Wiley at Westmont College and they married six months later. Lyla loved the Lord. She was a frugal home economist and said that her proudest accomplishment was “raising four responsible adult children who are caring and loving.” She is survived by her children, 10 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. 

John "Colgate" Clark '49 J. Colgate Clark went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 21, 2020, one month away from his 100 birthday. Colgate was born in Eaton, CO, On July 21, 1920. After high school , Colgate served in the Navy, worked in shipyards just prior to WWII, operated a gas station, and worked as a machinist. In 1949, Colgate graduated from Westmont College with a degreed in Psychology, and married the love of his life, Norma Trabue, the day after graduation. He earned his teaching credential at Westmont College and went on to teach junior high school for almost 30 years in El Rio, Oxnard and Camarillo. Colgate's vast work experience over the years made him a jack-of-all trades, highly skilled and knowledgeable. His hobbies included woodworking, finding deals at garage sales, restoring old furniture, using his talents to help others. Sharing Jesus was one of Colgate's greatest passions, and he did so faithfully through teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies, doing mission work, and pastoring rural churches. He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughters Nanci Drake, Dianne (nick) Dibiaso and son Dave (Jayne) Clark and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jonathan Kong '49 passed away, May 17, 2023.  Brother Jonathan was a resolute and faithful steward of God, who was one of the original preeminent spiritual patterns to us in this country. Our brother’s going to be with the Lord leaves a sense of deep loss to us personally and corporately. But there is also a feeling of great appreciation for the portion he has left with us. There is a quiet assurance of the triumphant grace of God reigning in a man who put his whole trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  His living and his dying are a simple but profound testimony echoing the apostle Paul’s declaration, “To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Jonathan was one of the first elders appointed by Brother Lee in the mid-1950s in San Francisco until he moved to Sacramento around 1960. In those early years in Sacramento he brought in a good number of local seeking ones into the recovery.  Brother Lee’s visits to Sacramento during that period of time gave him much confirmation to remain in this country and begin the work in 1962. Brother Jonathan gave himself and his entire life to serving the Lord, the saints, the churches, and the Lord’s recovery.  His steadfast faithfulness to the ministry and to the recovery as well as his pureness and genuineness are truly a pattern to all of us. 

Grace [Danielson] Pittman '49 passed away, August 14, 2023. Grace Pittman was born on April 22, 1927, in the parsonage of First Baptist Church in Westbrook, Minnesota. Her parents were Alfred and Ruth Danielson. When she was four, her parents piled her and her 3 siblings into a Model A Ford and drove across the country to Bend, Oregon where her father had been called to pastor a church. They lived in Bend for 13 years and all her life the town held a special place in her heart. She graduated from high school in Portland, Oregon, and then moved with her parents and younger sister to San Francisco, California.
She attended Westmont College and later enrolled in Fuller Seminary for a training program. It was there that she met Sam Pittman, a student from Missouri who shared her passion for missions; they were engaged six weeks later and married in Portland, Oregon on April 2,1953. In 1956, with their 6-month-old daughter Janet in tow, they boarded a ship in New York City bound for Karachi, Pakistan, arriving 6 weeks later. They would serve as missionaries there for 17 years. Upon arrival in Pakistan their first assignment was to learn the local language, Urdu. After completing their language studies they moved to a remote town in the desert where their 2nd daughter Joann was born. In 1962 they moved to Pakistan's largest city, Karachi. In addition to supporting Sam as he trained pastors, Grace played the role of mom to her two daughters, driving them and their friends to and from school and to weekend outings at the beach. She also had a wonderful ministry among expat wives and local Pakistani women. In 1973 Sam took a teaching position at Northwestern College (now University of Northwestern-St. Paul) in Roseville, MN. They settled into their new lives in Roseville and Grace began work as the Office Manager for the World Venture regional office. In that role she served as a liaison between missionaries and churches and as a missions mobilizer. She also had a special ministry discipling young women preparing to be sent out as missionaries. There are dozens of people serving all over the world today because of Grace's encouragement and cheerleading. Grace loved opening her home to any and everyone, and in 1985 she wrote a book titled Hospitality with Confidence. After retiring in 1996, Grace continued her discipling ministry with young women. She was also an accomplished pianist and used her gift by playing at churches and nursing homes, and as an accompanist. In the last three years of her life she even had a YouTube channel called Sunday Morning Hymns with Gracie, that allowed her to minister to people all over the world. Gracie loved traveling, especially road trips that in her 96 years of life included drives across Pakistan and Afghanistan, Europe, the U.S. and Canada, and even a road trip in China where her daughter Joann worked. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandson passionately. Most of all, she loved Jesus, and devoted her life to pointing people to Christ. Grace passed away on August 14, 2023. She is preceded in death by husband Sam Pittman, parents Alfred and Ruth Danielson, siblings Paul Danielson, Faith Finlay, and Marilyn Stevenson. She is survived by her daughters Janet Wachter (Jeff), (Rosemount MN); Joann Pittman (Roseville MN); granddaughters Kari Khalil (Pierre) (St. Paul MN), Heidi Ash (Marty), (Austin TX);and Alissa Wachter (Mark Muchura) (Nairobi, Kenya); and great-grandson Cohen Ash.

Grace [Vial] McCutcheon '49 Grace Lorraine McCutcheon, 95, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on March 3, 2023. Grace was born in San Gabriel, California on January 6, 1928. She graduated from Mark Keppel High School and attended Westmont College for two years. Grace met Bob McCutcheon in 1941 at San Gabriel Union Church and they married on March 13, 1948. They lived in Santa Barbara until Bob's graduation from UCSB. During this time, they welcomed their first child, Cyndie. They moved to Santa Maria in 1950 when Bob was asked to play basketball with the Santa Maria Golden Dukes and took his first teaching job at SMHS. They had two more children, Rick and Jan. Grace was a devoted wife, mother, gramma and great-gramma, homemaker and caregiver to her paraplegic sister, Dorothy Vial, for twenty years. Grace enthusiastically supported her husband's athletic pursuits (as well as her son's) whether he was playing basketball or coaching. Grace was a member of Grace Baptist Church from 1951 until moved to Phoenix in 2016. Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith in the Lord. Grace enjoyed studying the Bible and serving the Lord faithfully in numerous ministries. She served in Women's Ministry, on the Missions Board and in the choir. She also enjoyed being the wedding coordinator for many years. Grace's hospitality was one of her gifts. She loved entertaining and cooking for family, friends and missionaries from all around the world. Grace is preceded in death by her husband, Bob McCutcheon, her parents, Ethel and Bert Vial, and her sister, Dorothy Vial Grace will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her family. She is survived by her daughter Cyndie (Dave) Norfleet of Littleton, CO, son Rick (Peg) McCutcheon of Phoenix, AZ, and daughter, Jan (Rich) Koval of Santa Maria, CA. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Kim, Jed, Brad, Kari, Kristen, Kyle, Kory and Michelle and 15 great-grandchildren.

Howie Stevenson ’50 (2012 Alumni Award) has ministered through music for more than 60 years, often in partnership with his wife, Marilyn Danielson Stevenson ’53. At college events, in churches and during summer conferences they’ve shared their musical gifts with skill and joy. Many alumni vividly remember Howie’s energetic hymn sings in chapel. As a student, Howie performed with the Westmont Quartet in a different church every Sunday and toured during the summer. In 1950, the group went to Europe with Ruth Kerr, Westmont’s principal founder. Howie received a master’s degree in music at the University of Washington and a doctorate at the University of Southern California. He has taught at Multnomah Bible College in Oregon and Westmont. Howie ended his career as a music minister at First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, Calif., with Chuck Swindoll. After retiring, the Stevensons moved to Mount Miguel Covenant Village in Spring Valley, Calif., where their daughter, Beth Gwinn ’81, works. Bruce ’77 and Lisa Johnson ’76 Stevenson went to Westmont and live in Dallas. Suzanne Stevenson married alumnus Gary Preston ’74, a pastor in Boulder, Colo. Howie and Marilyn have eight grandchildren (one graduated from Westmont and another is a senior) and two great-grandchildren.

Dr. Kenneth Ogden ’50 (2012 Alumni Award) majored in history at Westmont and received a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. He also received a master’s degree and doctorate in education from the University of Southern California. He is the former vice president of Focus on the Family.

Westling, Evelyn (Johnson) '50 passed away March 25, 2024

Delbert "Del" Golike '50 died December 29, 2009

Sam W Burton '50 died November 12, 2022

Raymond Hayes '50 has passed away peacefully on March 12, 2019 in Modesto at the age of 92. Ray was born June 15, 1926 in Modesto to George and Silvia Hayes. Ray was a lifelong resident of Modesto. Ray served in World War II in the US Army and after being discharged came home to work on the family ranch which he continued to do his entire life. He was very active with church and belonged to First Baptist Church of Ceres, Grace Baptist Church in Modesto, College Avenue Baptist Church in Modesto and finally Escalon Christian Reformed Church. Ray was also a board member on the Sylvan School Board. Ray leaves behind his children, Lynda Hersman (Russ) and Allen Hayes (Luann) along with 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Louise and his son, Jerry Hayes and daughter, Virginia Hayes.

Rathburn Wiley Shelton ’50 (2012 Alumni Award)graduated from Taft High School, studied music at Santa Barbara State College, now the University of California, Santa Barbara. He married Peggy Emmens in 1943. He served as lead trumpet in the Big Band under Ray Ellis, playing for the troops in London until the end of the war. Following the war, he studied sociology at Westmont. Rath graduated in 1950 and began a 30-year career as Westmont’s director of public relations and later the Alumni Association, which he founded. A talented athlete, Rath also coached the Westmont baseball team in the 1950s. Rath was the face of Westmont, interacting with the press here and in Los Angeles, the Ad Club and the summer youth baseball programs. He helped found the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table. He and Peggy owned and operated Camp Lorr from 1972-1985. A musician from a very young age, Rath kept music a part of his life to the end, playing the trumpet or piano. Rath died Feb. 1, 2012; he is survived by four sons, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Lillian Stone Adney '51 died March 9, 2017. Lillian was born July 1, 1929, in National City, Calif., where she grew up, married Eric Bryan Adney, Jr., and raised their family. She graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1947. She asked God into her life at an early age and served Him until her death. After 21 years, she retired from the National School District in 1989. She was a very busy lady, involved in numerous activities. She served on the Teen Challenge Ladies Auxiliary, was Reservations Coordinator for Christian Women’s Connection and was active in a seniors Bible study and the ladies ministry at her church. She loved people and had the “gift of helps.” She enjoyed scrapbooking, gardening and watching the birds at her feeders; she was also an avid Padres fan. Her favorite way to relax was to sit at the Coronado Ferry Landing sipping mocha, reading and watching the bay’s activities. She loved San Diego but even more, she loved her family. She was a kind, gentle, elegant lady who loved her family and God with all her heart. She was preceded in death by Eric, her loving husband of 59 years. She is survived by three daughters, four granddaughters, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Donald "Don" L. Obendorf '52 died March 28, 2021

Wilhelmine "Willie" '52 passed away, August 25, 2023.

Marilyn Sue Ozzella Ellison ‘52 died on February 13, 2021. Sue was born in Santa Monica, Calif. to Joseph and Marie Ozzella on November 5, 1930. After high school, she attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara and graduated with a degree in Sociology. She loved her four years there where she grew in her Bible knowledge, had many dear friends, and gained a love for working with children. Sue also met her future husband, Ray, while in college. They married on December 15, 1951 during her senior year at Westmont. Sue's highest priority was walking in and living out her faith in Jesus Christ. This enabled her to be a Godly, wise, supportive and present wife and mother. Sue was also humbly generous. She not only gave of her time, but of her resources. She loved clipping newspaper articles about organizations in need and frequently responded anonymously. Sue was preceded in death by her brother, father, mother, great grandson and husband Ray. She is survived by her sons Mark Ellison (Erin), Matt Ellison (Kerry Lynn), daughters Denise Sponseller (Jeff) ‘80, and Debbie Hill (Jeff) ‘82, Sister Sandra Westover ‘58, niece Toni and nephew Erik. She leaves her ten grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

 Arthur Wayne Nelson ‘52, beloved father and grandfather, died on March 23, 2021. Arthur was born September 16,1928 to Harry and Edith Nelson in Kingsburg, Calif. The family later moved to Santa Maria, Calif. where he attended local schools and worked in his father’s auto shop as a mechanic. He graduated from Santa Maria High and Santa Maria Junior College earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Natural Science. Arthur came to Santa Barbara, Calif., to attend Westmont College and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science in 1952. He met his beloved wife, Martha Patterson Nelson, at Westmont. Immediately after graduation, he was called to serve with the Armed Forces and entered the U.S. Army Vehicle Mechanics School at Fort Ord, CA. where he graduated with honors. He served as a corporal with the U. S. Army, 28th Infantry Division, 110th Regiment until May, 1954, during the occupation of Germany. Upon his return, Arthur Wayne and Martha married in July of 1954. He then obtained his Master’s Degree in Social Welfare at UCLA in 1957. Their daughter Catherine was born in 1959. He began his career in 1957 with the Santa Barbara County Welfare Department (now known as the Department of Social Services), and also held part-time positions at UCSB and Westmont College for 30 years, teaching classes in social and child welfare. In addition, he served on numerous boards and committees, co-authored published articles and State Legislative recommendations, and was active in the community and his church. He also was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including a Letter of Appreciation from Governor Ronald Reagan in 1972, the Honorary Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Santa Barbara Rotary Club in 1997, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NASW, CA Chapter, and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in 2010. Even into his 90’s, Arthur enjoyed walking Shoreline Park, riding his bike at the beach, attending musical concerts at Westmont College, gathering weekly for Sunday church services, dining with family, friends, and former colleagues, and line dancing at The Samarkand. He lived life fully and humbly, and was a great example to so many. He is survived by his daughter and grandson. 

Bernice Mae (Zahler) Tescher '52 died August 19, 2020, at age 93 in Hillsboro, Ore. Bernice was born July 8, 1927 in Portland, Oregon to her parents, Abe & Martha (Rohrbach) Zahler. She was preceded by her husband, William Tescher. She is survived by her daughter, Susan.

Leslie J Howatt '52 passed away, August 9, 2023. Leslie James Howatt, born Feb. 3, 1930, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Wednesday morning, Aug. 9, 2023, at his home in Portland, Ore. Les was married for more than 65 years to Nina Anene Howatt, née Fisher, in a life together characterized by faith, generosity, and service. Lifelong residents of Oregon, Les and Nina were active in the Christ-centered ministries of Eastgate Bible Chapel, Eagle Fern Camp, and Portland area Young Life and also supported many others. Les served on the Boards of both Multnomah University in Portland and the philanthropic Steward's Ministries. Les was an excellent golfer-as a very young man on the course at Neskowin, on the Grant High School team (Class of '47), and even in the All-Army golf championship while serving his country during the Korean War. His enthusiasm for the game culminated in ownership of the Quail Run Golf Course in La Pine, Ore. Les and Nina also enjoyed boating and RV travel with family and friends and made many happy visits to Kaanapali on Maui-golfing, relaxing, and making dear friends. Les held degrees from Lewis & Clark College, the University of Oregon, and Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., where he formed many important lifelong friendships, including one with his then future brother-in-law, Tom Fisher, DMD. Following a distinguished professional career in real-estate including sales, brokerage, appraisal, management, and building- including construction of the family home, Les and Nina owned Campbell Norquist, an industrial heating company, and continued in many successful real estate investments.
Les was preceded in death by his father, Frederick James Howatt; mother, Florence Bingley "Josie" Howatt, née Taylor; and brother, F. Frank Howatt. He leaves his beloved wife, Nina; brother, Clarke T. Howatt of Los Angeles; daughter, Janis Howatt, MD, (William Mildenberger); sons, Donald Howatt (Drenda) and Clarke J. Howatt, all of Portland; grandchildren, Marcus and Lilly Mildenberger, Anna Stephens, Rachel Howatt Augustine, Eleanor Rogers, Josie and Audrey Howatt; and great-grandchildren, Emerson, Alice, and Hamilton Stephens.

David Imbach '52, passed away on February 14, 2021. A friend shared the following words: "Giving this offering at the end of year in memory of Rev. David Imbach who went to be with the Lord Feb 2021. Great man of God!! He was my Pastor for 30 years. Praise the Lord!!!" * 1955 Leona J. Eppert Leona Jeanne Eppert '55, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed peacefully in her sleep and went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on January 15, 2022 at the age of 87. Leona was born in Fresno, California on May 19, 1934. She attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, majoring in voice. Leona's voice was a blessing to many weddings and occasions through her life, including singing her children to sleep every night. She minored with a teaching degree and later received her Master's Degree in Elementary Math. She taught many grades, her favorite being Kindergarten. She was a perpetual student, which made her a very creative teacher who was remembered by her students years after they graduated. She met Ray Eppert while serving with the Navigators at the Cedar Avenue Baptist Church in Fresno and married him in 1960. They attended the Mennonite Brethren Church in Fresno, and then the Living Word Church in Clovis. They lived in Fresno, CA for 30 years and raised their 2 children, Tom and Robyn. They moved to the Burbank Hills in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles for 5 years and Leona taught in their church school. Then in 1994, Ray and Leona retired and moved to Colorado, to the small, peaceful town of Monument. There, they attend the Ascent Church (Tri-Lakes Chapel) on Woodmoor Drive. Leona is being welcomed in heaven by her parents, Yervant and Victoria Thomas, and her elder sister, Doreen Rettig. She is survived by her husband Ray Eppert, her daughter and son-in-law Robyn and Kemit Millheim, who cared for them in their old age in Monument, her son and daughter-in-law Tom and Lisa Eppert, and her grandchildren Amy and Jonathan Eppert who live in San Diego, California.

Richard (Dick) Patty '52 was born in Amity, Oregon, and was honored to be raised on a third generation farm. He was known to say, "I love the dirt so much, I keep a little under my fingernails to keep me company." Dick didn't get to live his dream of being a farmer, as God called him to be a missionary to the military, which he also loved. Dick was one of the founders of OCSC/Cadence International. After serving in the Philippines for ten years, he and his wife, Margaret, moved their family of four children to Englewood while he served as the second president of Cadence International. During those years, the family gardened nearby vacant lots (up to five acres) and sold fresh vegetables (bushels of corn and hundreds of pumpkins) from their back porch. In 1979 the family moved to Germany where Dick was the Europe Field Director for Cadence. Many new ministries to military personnel and their dependents were formed and grew under Dick's leadership. Having rented out their home while overseas, the Pattys were able to move back to Englewood in 1992. Dick continued his tradition of gardening and blessing the neighborhood with fresh produce. In fact, his giant pumpkin crop this season on Mariposa Drive is one of his best. Dick was active at Bethany Evangelical Free Church, involved in Bible studies with friends and neighbors, and hospitable with Margaret in sharing their home. He was devoted to his wife and delighted in his four children (Joyce, Dave, Steve, and Josh), daughters-in-law and son-in-law, eleven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He was hard-working, generous, tech-savvy (texting on his smart phone at age 95), and kind. But what mattered most to him was that he knew Jesus Christ personally and longed for everyone else to also have a personal redemptive relationship with Jesus.

Lynn Deryl Berntson '53 of Jacksonville, Oregon, passed away on Friday, June 18, 2021. He was born on April 5, 1929, in Logan, Utah, the son of Hyrum and Lorraine Berntson. He married Della Mae Robertson on September 11, 1951. Lynn received a B.S. in Psychology from Westmont College, a B.A.in Education from Southern Oregon College and an M.A. from Oregon State University. He worked in education as a teacher, a counselor, and a testing and measurement consultant with Houghton Mifflin Publishing. Lynn enjoyed his time as an elder at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto. Lynn and his wife Della had a home which was always filled with people. They were known for their generous hospitality. He enjoyed travel, chess, ice cream, banjo music, playing the piano, sailing, rafting, and studying the bible with small groups in his home. Lynn was preceded in death by his parents; Lorraine & Hyrum Berntson, siblings Edward Berntson, Eileen Patterson, and Holly Buehling, and son Daniel Berntson. He is survived by his wife, Della, daughters Holly (Brent) Freeman and Becky (Rob) DeGeorge, daughter-in-law Debbie Berntson, grandchildren (Tyler, Jordan, and Paige Freeman) and great granddaughters (Della and Ryder Freeman.)

Dickson, Carol Joy (Lindquist) '53 Carol Joy Dickson, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, peacefully passed away on January 20, 2024, in Troy, North Carolina. Born on August 22, 1929, in Kowloon, Hong Kong, she was the daughter of American missionaries, Arthur Gerhardt Napoleon Lindquist and Anne Mae Hall. Carol’s professional journey began when she graduated from Nursing School in Rockford, Illinois, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. She dedicated her early career to serving as a third shift ICU nurse in Santa Barbara, California, and Kalispell, Montana. Her passion for nursing led her to work at the Montana Nurses Association office in Helena, Montana, and later as a third shift nurse at a nursing home in Colville, Washington. Carol met the love of her life, Adrian Dickson, after his return from the Korean War. They exchanged vows in Rockford, Illinois, and were blessed with 68 years of marriage until her passing. Together, they embarked on various adventures, including her return to Hong Kong to assist with the mission started by her father. Carol also dedicated her time to working in Church Camps in Wisconsin before retiring in Rockford, Illinois...Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Anne Lindquist, her sisters Violet Ahlstrom and Myrtle Lindquist, and her adopted son, Richard Ahlstrom Dickson. She will be deeply missed by her surviving family and friends, including her sons Ronald Dickson and his wife Rhonda of Saukville, WI, Robert Dickson and his wife Rose of Troy, and daughter-in-law Karen Walsh Dickson of Kettle Falls, WA. Her brother Oscar Lindquist and his wife Marilyn of Dallas, TX also mourn her loss.

Richard Hertel '53 Dr. Richard Karl Hertel (Dick) passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, at the age of 87, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on April 6, 1936. Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife of 20 years, Dr. Jane Warren, sisters Diane (Hertel) Hays and Barbie Hertel, and parents Karl and Marie Hertel. Dick is survived by his adored daughters, Kara Cardinale and her husband, Michael Cardinale of Chicago, IL, and Dr. Colette Fisher and her husband, Mark Fisher of Boulder, CO, stepdaughter Susan Sohn and her husband, Dr. Dan Sohn of St. Joseph, MI, stepson Charles Warren and his wife Sian Townsend of San Francisco, CA, grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Daniel, Nicholas, Brent, Alyssa, Scott, Patrick, Karenna, Wade and Serena, former wife Betty Hertel, brother Phil Hertel and his wife Judy Hertel and sister Linda Quick, and several nieces and nephews. Dick had a drumbeat of love and lived each day fully through his family, his work, and his music. He grew up in Cleveland, spent his 20s in Southern California, and chose Ann Arbor, MI, as his home for over 60 years, where he raised his cherished family and actively used all that Ann Arbor had to offer. He never wanted to miss a detail about his girls' lives. He loved to walk around town and soak up the vibrant student life until the end. Dick received his BA in Music from Westmont College, MA in Experimental Psychology from The University of Southern California, and Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan, he was a graduate analyst of the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute, and certified by the American Psychoanalytic Association. He was on the faculty of the University of Michigan Psychiatry Department and the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute and had a private psychoanalytic practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan...Dick was a musician and gifted singer (tenor) who spent countless evenings listening to classical music at Hill Auditorium and Kerrytown Concert House. Another passionate hobby was documenting the lives of his family through photography. He loved taking walks with loved ones in the Ann Arbor Arboretum and was always quick with a witty joke to lighten any mood. He was a beacon of hope and inspiration for so many.

Donald "Don" Anderson '53  Donald “Don” Eugene Jensen February 6, 1936 March 14, 2013 Resident of Watsonville Donald Eugene Jensen joined his mother and father, Mabel Brown Jensen and Lester Jensen, and his brother, Jim Jensen, in heaven on March 14, 2013. He was 77 years old. He survived melanomas, leiomyosarcoma, and prostate cancer. The cause of death was a de-differentiated, pleomorphic myofibroblastic sarcoma. Most notable throughout his life was Don’s devotion to God and to his family. He yearned for the day he would finally see his Savior face to face, and hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Don is survived by his wife Charlotte of Watsonville, sons Tim (Carole) of Martinez and Greg (Heather) of Scotts Valley, and daughter, Donna of Portland, as well as seven grandchildren, his sister-in-law Nancy, brother-in-law Terry, nieces, nephew, cousins and many dear friends.

Dwight Anderson ’53 (Alumni Award) has lived in Santa Barbara for more than 90 years. He’s a proud Santa Barbara Don and Westmont Warrior, excelling in athletics and music. Dwight married Doris ’53 (now deceased), his chapel seatmate, and together they raised three children to honor God by serving others. Dwight taught elementary and junior high locally, then switched to academic and career counseling at SBCC before returning to Westmont as freshman advisor. Throughout the years, he shared his love for music as a soloist and directing church choirs. This is his story, this is his song. The lifelong inspiration he derives from his years at Westmont has him praising his Savior all the day long!

Lowell "Dwight" Anderson '53 passed away December 15, 2023. It was said of Dwight: He was the consummate gentleman. After Dwight moved into Samarkand Retirement Community, Pam and I saw him almost every week at the Sunday afternoon worship service. He was a wonderful, kind and gracious man and a great follower of Christ who will be truly missed. Dwight lived in Santa Barbara for more than 90 years. He was a proud Santa Barbara Don and Westmont Warrior, excelling in athletics and music. He married Doris ’53, his chapel seatmate, and together they raised three children to honor God by serving others. Dwight taught elementary and junior high school locally before switching to academic and career counseling at Santa Barbara City College. He then returned to Westmont as the first-year adviser. Throughout the years, he shared his love for music as a soloist and director of church choirs. The lifelong inspiration he derived from his time at Westmont kept him close to his savior and following the call to keep a song in his heart and to serve others for God’s glory.

Leonora "Sue" [Borge] Pruner '53 died March 19, 2023. San Luis Obispo, California - Leonora Suzanne "Sue" Pruner passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the age of 91. Sue was born in Dubuque, Iowa, the only child of John and Irene Borge. After attending John Muir College, she attended Westmont College where she received her B.A. in Biblical Studies in 1953. In July of 1953, Sue married Darryl Pruner. Together they had two children, Mark and Debbie. Throughout their schooling years and beyond, Sue pursued her interest of writing historical fiction. Over the next decades she had four books published, Love's Secret Storm (1986), Love's Silent Gift (1987), Close to His Heart (2010) and In the Aerie of the Wolf (2011). During the decade she lived in the Maldives Islands, she taught Economics and also published a series of Maldivian folktale booklets, Finiashi 1 thru 5. Sue also received her MBA from Pepperdine University in 1981. Beginning in the early 1950s, Sue had deep roots in the San Luis Obispo Community, and was very active in the life of San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church. With steadfast Christian faith, Sue faithfully prayed and unconditionally loved each member of her family as it grew throughout her life. A wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Sue is survived by her children, Mark (Vicki) Pruner and Debbie (Andy) Allen, nephew Rodger Borge, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

George Otto '53 George Otto, 93, of Pismo Beach, passed away Dec. 27, 2022.

Walter Paullin ‘53 died on September 26, 2020. He was born in Kalispell, Mont. and moved to California as a young boy. Despite dealing with many years of health challenges, he lived a remarkably productive and vibrant life. Walt had a lifelong love of aviation, learning to fly while he was a student at Westmont College. His passion for flying led him to become a flight instructor, eventually serving as President of Santa Barbara Aviation, a corporate pilot for Lear Jet, and a demo pilot for Cheyenne 400. Flying was Walt’s career and hobby; over his lifetime he owned several planes, including his prized Bonanza B35 V-Tail. Walt intensely loved his family; he showered them with care and displayed his affection by giving generously of his time and spirit. He was rooted in his faith and was a longtime member of Community Covenant Church in Goleta. Walt is survived by his wife Dorine, his three children, his 4 grandchildren, and his four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his grandson Todd.

Carl A. Jensen '53 died June 8, 2020, in Bellingham, Wash., at the age of 94. He was born to Carl and Amalie Jensen on May 21, 1926, in Madera, Calif. The family moved to Reedley, Calif., in 1932 and then to Selma, Calif., where Carl went to elementary and high school. He graduated from Central California Commercial College in Fresno in 1945. He then entered the Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI) in Los Angeles, graduating in 1950. Carl then enrolled at Westmont. On June 21, 1953, he married Hazel Haugness. The same year, he enrolled at Trinity Seminary in Blair, Neb. In 1954, he transferred to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., graduating in 1957. He was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church and began serving two rural congregations in Webster, Minn. The Jensens adopted a son, Steven, and a daughter, Susan, as infants. In the following years Carl served parishes in Watford City, N.D.; Nelson, British Columbia, Canada; Seattle; and Eugene, Ore. From 1976 to 1987 he served as a preaching evangelist for the Lutheran Evangelistic Movement of Minneapolis, Minn. Following retirement from active parish ministry, Carl and his wife Hazel moved to Richland, Wash., in 1990 to take over as managers of the Luther Senior Center apartments. Hazel died suddenly of a heart attack in 1992, and Carl married Ruthann Hutchins on April 26, 1997. She joined him as co-manager of Luther Senior Center until their retirement in 2002. Carl continued to serve as interim pastor in several Tri-City Lutheran churches before he and Ruthann relocated to Bellingham, Wash. Carl is survived by his wife Ruthann; his two children, Steven and Susan Jensen ’82; and two granddaughters.

Virginia Evelyn Farwell (Butcher) '53 died on July 7, 2021 in Sandpoint, Idaho. She was born in Arlington, near Riverside, Calif. In 1939, the family moved to Notus, Idaho, where her father established a dairy farm. Virginia returned to Calif. to attend Westmont, and married her husband of 62 years, Clyde Farwell ‘53, in 1952. In 1953, they moved to Othello, Washington, to farm new ground opening up in the Columbia Basin Project. Virginia was no stranger to hard work. Their first home, only 16x24 feet, boasted tar paper for siding and lacked running water. In 1956, they built the home where they raised their four boys. Virginia opened her heart and home to many people, and served the Lord faithfully for nearly 60 years at First Baptist Church. Clyde Farwell died in 2013 and Virginia moved to Sandpoint, Idaho in 2015. Failing eyesight did not discourage her from caring for others in her later years. She is survived by three children, 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

 Carleda May Hutton '53 died on June 28, 2021 at the age of 88. Her passion for music began when she started violin lessons at age 5. She graduated with a music degree from Westmont where staging plays and musicals with the campus literary society helped prepare her for her career. Carleda served as a music teacher at Brethren Christian High School in Huntington Beach, Calif., for 52 years and influenced thousands of students. In recognition of her faithfulness to Christ in her vocation, the Christian Association of Senior Adults honored her with the Heritage of Faithfulness award. Carleda earned a master’s degree at CSU Long Beach, and did graduate work at the University of Southern California, UC Los Angeles, and Occidental College. In 1972, she helped establish an annual choir festival that attracts up to 20 choirs from around the state. She chaired the two-day Musicale for the Association of Chrsitian Schools International for 30 years. The Western Association of Christian Schools named Carleda teacher of the year. Carleda served as choir director at Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach, Calif., for 20 years and Los Altos Grace Church, also in Long Beach, for 24 years. She loved to fish and regularly planned trips to Mammoth, Calif. She is survived by her sister Gladys (Hutton) Fullford ‘62.

Mildreth "Millie" (Tinkham) Neuenschwander passed away  April 21, 2024

John Crew ’54 (2012 Alumni Award) set several basketball records that remain unbroken, including most points (1,679), a points-per-game average of more than 23, and a number of 40+ point performances. He met his wife, Winnie Weaver Crew ’55, at Westmont, blending her piano with his trumpet on their first date. Although Westmont was not yet accredited, John entered medical school directly after graduation, the first student to do so. His internship and residency followed at San Francisco’s Southern Pacific Hospital where he specialized in vascular surgery. John continues his work as a frontline vascular surgeon with research including many groundbreaking developments such as stents for arteries, laser welding of arteries, balloon angioplasties and patented surgical instruments and closure devices. He also performed the world’s first transmyocardial revascularization with laser as sole therapy for the ischemic heart. He started the sixth curative wound care center in the U.S. using human growth factors to heal difficult wounds. He is working on a new wound-healing device called Neutrophase. John thanks the Lord for Westmont and the many classmates who have remained lifelong friends. 

Clark E Rawson '54 died on June 23, 2021 in Augusta, Maine. He was born in Los Angeles, Calif. to Charles Lawrence Rawson and Henrietta Linn Rawson, and grew up in Carlsbad Calif. After graduating from Oceanside-Carlsbad Union High School, he worked various jobs, including the Irwin Kelly Ranch and Wilson Ranch where he learned important life lessons from his Aunt Ruth and Uncle Charlie. During this time, Clark professed faith in God. Clark earned a degree in Natural Sciences/ Chemistry from Westmont. While in college, he was drafted into the military. He served in the 6th Army Infantry Division between November 1950 and October 1952 during the Korean War. Clark received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and a purple heart. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Tech Sergeant. He married Ruth Meeker in 1954, who died that same year. On December 31, 1955, Clark married Beverly Joyce Pratt of Auburn, ME. The couple lived in California for five years where they started a family. They traveled frequently and lived in several other places, eventually settling in Anson, Maine, for 25 years. Clark served actively as a member of many different churches and Gideons International. He is survived by his five children and four grandchildren. His daughter, Rebecca Anderson (Rawson) graduated from Westmont in 1976.

 Irene Mansfield ‘54 died on May 17, 2021 in Grand Rapids, Mich. She was born on May 1, 1921, in Benton Harbor, Mich. to Dean and Marie Danneffel. The family moved to Calif. when Irene was three years old. She graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1939, entered the Nurse Cadet Corp. during World War II, and graduated in 1947. Irene worked in nursing for 10 years until she felt led to work for Child Evangelization Fellowship in Pacific Palisades, Calif. She moved to their new headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich. in 1959, where she met and married her husband, Richard E. Mansfield, in 1961. The couple were married happily for 32 years. Irene served faithfully as a member of Trinity Christian Reformed Church.

Frances "Fran"  (Johnson) Sturgis '54 passed away, September 15, 2023. Frances Corinne Sturgis, more commonly known as "Fran" or "Frannie", 90, of Keizer, Oregon, slipped away peacefully to meet her Savior face-to-face just after midnight, September 15, 2023. Frannie, along with her beloved twin sister, was born in Portland, Oregon, March 1, 1933, to Dr. Walter & Corinne Johnson. Frannie grew up in Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood, attending Laurelhurst Elementary and Grant High Schools. Fran began her higher education at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, then transferred to Whittier College, and finally Lewis & Clark College. Upon graduation, she advanced to her career as a Home Economics teacher. Mrs. Sturgis went on to teach at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, Madison High School in Portland, Oregon, and after a brief hiatus, spent the remainder of her career at Clinton Kelly Elementary School in the Lents District of Portland. In July 1956, Frances married Richard (Dick) Sturgis of Tigard, Oregon. Once he finished his education at U of O, they moved back to Portland, and lived there until 1993. At that time, they moved to a home on the banks of the Willamette River in Milwaukie, Oregon, where they lived for the next 25 years. They were married for 66 years. Fran is preceded in death by her husband, Dick, her parents, her brothers Walter Johnson and Robert Johnson, and her twin sister Janice Bishopp. She leaves her daughter, Jan (Kevin), sons Jeff (Kathy), and Eric (Lynette), 25 grandchildren (and spouses), and 13 great-grandchildren. Fran's story would not be complete without highlighting her extraordinary gifting, heart for service, and obsession for Santa Barbara, California. Fran attended Hinson Memorial Baptist Church in southeast Portland from the time she was born until she could no longer attend. Over the years she served in various capacities including Sunday School teacher/superintendent, Women's Mission Society, and The White Cross to name a few. She also helped organize and decorate for numerous events. She was a gifted seamstress, crocheter, and knitter. Not only did she sew her own wedding gown and all the dresses for her own bridal party, she also constructed a number of ensembles for her friends' weddings. She always had one or more projects in the works, and loved teaching sewing as well. She taught cooking and other Home Ec. skills, but sewing was her favorite. She loved to entertain, and often hosted gatherings for family and friends. Fran and Dick often traveled with her sister and brother-in-law. They explored many regions outside of California, but Fran would gravitate back to Santa Barbara any chance she got, and still had the nagging desire to travel there up until the end of her life. In her final years, while declining with Parkinson's, regardless of her communication challenges, she would often insist "Let's go!" While her family struggles to grasp the reality that she's gone, and misses her terribly, she finally got her wish. She has gone, only to a place where Santa Barbara pales by comparison.

Richard Stowell '54 passed away April 8, 2021

Maralynn "Marni" [Honaker] Frasure '54 passed away June 17, 2023

Lauren "Larry" McCracken '54  1930 - 2023 Larry McCracken is now face to face with Jesus! (March 10, 1930-April 28, 2023) For sometime dad has wanted to be home in Heaven—often expressing his wish with these endearing words, “Lord Jesus…please send the bus!”“The bus arrived” early in the morning of April 28, 2023 and dad is now face to face with the One who “touched him” and made good on his promise with these words, ”I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me (and dad did) will live even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me (and dad did) will never ever die!”Today, the Bible’s words written by another Jesus servant (The Apostle Paul), became Larry McCracken’s words as well, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me— the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me, but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing!”

Nancy [Quentel] McCracken '54  1931 - 2021 Early Sunday morning Nancy McCracken slipped into the secure arms of her Savior Jesus Christ. She is now home...happy, healthy, whole and more alive than she's ever been! (John 11: 25-26).
Nancy was born and raised in Portland, OR. She graduated from Fremont High School and then attended Westmont College where she met and married Larry McCracken! They were blessed with 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grands! Nancy was married to Larry for almost 70 years!

Wandalee [Smith] Fullerton '54 died August 3, 2022

Wandalee Fullerton ’54 (2012 Alumni Award) and her husband, JR, have committed their lives to serving others. As a social worker and firefighter, they assisted Ventura County residents throughout their long careers—and the scholarship fund they created for Westmont students will endure for generations. A sociology major at Westmont, Wandalee became a social worker after she graduated. Through the Ventura County Welfare Department, she worked with seniors and family services and licensed day care businesses and foster homes. JR began his career in Shell Oil’s drilling department. After three years in the Army during the Korean War, he turned to firefighting. Thanks to his experience with the oil industry, he developed an expertise in oil fires. As a Ventura County firefighter, he helped with the 1964 Coyote Fire, which destroyed Westmont’s Catherwood Hall and burned around the edge of campus. The Fullertons created the John R. and Wandalee A. Fullerton Scholarship Endowment to help Westmont students, and they add to it each month. The couple will fund the endowment fully through their estate. Wandalee and JR live in Paso Robles, Calif.

Mike Leming ’54 (2012 Alumni Award) earned a master’s degree in sociology at Marquette University and a doctorate at the University of Utah. He taught sociology for 41 years at the University of Utah and St. Olaf College, Minn. He directs Spring Semester in Thailand, which he and his wife, Ann Lundquist ’70, started in 2001. During the program students live with Thai families, study at Chang Mai University and participate in study-service internships. An expert in death, dying and bereavement, Mike has written 27 books and many articles on topics including kinship, religion, and death rituals. He has played a leading role in the national Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, advocating for the integration of faith and his discipline. The founder and former director of the St. Olaf College Social Research Center, he has served on the boards of the Minnesota Coalition on Terminal Care and the Northfield AIDS Response. He also volunteered with hospice, teaching and counseling the grieving. He received a Pew Evangelical Scholars grant to study Thailand’s Karen tribe for a year. Mike and his wife, Karen, also established a performing arts center in Thailand for the disabled, which the Thai government has supported with a $6.9 million grant. 

Donald Eugene Ledbetter '55 died on January 2, 2022 in Ottawa, Ill. He was born in St. Louis, Ill. on May 14, 1931 to Alden K. and Alice Ledbetter. Donald marred Carole Lone Hassley on June 27. 19598. Donald attended Murphysboro Grade and High Schools and Southern Illinois University. He served in the Illinois National Guard from 1951 to 1953, attended Westmont College for one year, and graduated from Wheaton College in August, 1955 with a bachelor's degree in education. He received a masters degree in educational counseling and guidance from Northern Illinois University in 1965. Donald served as Chaplain at the LaSalle County Correctional Center for 20 years. He played football for Murphysboro Twp. High School, Southern Illinois University, and a semi-professional team, the Peoria Rockets. Donald as a member of Grace Baptist Church, the River Valley Church, and Gideons International. He is survived by his wife Carole, three sons, and six grandchildren.

David "Dave" Holcomb '55 died on October 10, 2021. He was born in San Francisco on August 17, 1930, to Herbert and Nancy Holcomb. The family relocated to Reno, Nev. where Dave spent most of his childhood. They moved back to the San Francisco Bay area when Dave was in high school, and he graduated from Hayward High school in 1948. Dave met and married Erma Beavers while attending Westmont College. He immediately received a draft notice from Uncle Sam, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and served three years in England where his first two daughters were born. Upon returning to the U.S., Dave settled his family in Santa Barbara and began his career as an engineering draftsman. He worked for the Santa Barbara Water District for a few years, and hen moved to the Bay Area here he worked for the Bechtel Corporation for eight years and helped with the plans for Bay Area Rapid Transit. He worked for a few smaller engineering firms before branching out on his own with Dave's Drafting Service. Dave and Erma enjoyed vacations at their cabin at Pine Mountain Lake resort in Groveland, Calif., and moved their permanently in 1994. The couple had seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Leola May (Kreiman) Dothage '55, 88 went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 6, 2021 at her home under the care of her family and Compassus Hospice. She was born in Glendive, Montana on November 11, 1932 to Walter Henry Kreiman and Velma Leola Patterson Kreiman. She attended 1st-8th grades at Ten Davis School and she always said she had to walk home a mile everyday. She graduated in 1951 as Valedictorian from Parma High School in Parma, ID. She graduated from Westmont College in 1955 with her teaching degree and started teaching 6th grade in Castro Valley, CA in fall of 1955. She married Joe Dothage on December 28, 1956 in her home church in Notus, ID. They lived in Oakland, San Leandro and Livermore California before moving to Columbia, MO in 1965. Leola taught Kindergarten at Rock Bridge Elementary School for 24 years. Many of her students still say she was their favorite teacher. Leola and Joe were charter members of Open Door Baptist Church in Columbia MO. She has always been an active member of the churches she belonged to by playing the piano, organ, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and teaching in the AWANA program. Leola and Joe had many friends that they met while traveling with the Airstream Club after retirement. Leola loved gardening and definitely had a green thumb. Her favorite times were time spent with family which included Sunday dinners at her house and game nights with her daughter and granddaughters. She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Lynn) Dothage and Karen (David) Crawford of Columbia and Keith (Andrea) Dothage of Sturgeon, her 4 granddaughters, Heather, Adeana, Erica and Kathryn and her 4 great grandchildren, Adelaide, Knox, Camdyn and Haydn. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Dothage, her mother and father and her only sibling, Howard Kreiman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Open Door Church or Coyote Hills Children's Home c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202

Robert "Bob" Runyun '55 died November 5, 2022

Bob Runyon lived in the Carriage Square area of Walnut Creek most of his life. At the age of 89, he passed away peacefully Saturday, November 5, surrounded by family. After years of hospice and palliative care, he succumbed to COVID symptoms despite being vaxxed and partially boosted. That said, it was time. Despite many limitations brought on by declining health for many years, Bob maintained a sweet demeaner, consistently thanked his care givers and adjusted with grace to the many changes that came his way. He was a faithful friend who maintained relationships relentlessly and was beloved by many because of his ability to listen, demonstrate kindness and openness to everyone. Bob spent half his career as a Young Life staffer and the other as a psychotherapist. He attended study groups and participated in centering prayer, leading prayers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek and exploring creative, non-traditional forms of worship. For a period, he produced recordings under the label Discovery Records which often featured Marj Snyder. Bob earned his bachelor’s degree from Westmont College, his Master of Divinity from California Baptist Theological Seminary and his Master’s in psychology and counseling certification from JFK University. He was an ordained American Baptist minister, attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as well as Shell Ridge Community Church and practiced centering prayer at Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Mary Runyon of Nipomo and his son and his husband, Chad Runyon and Jody Black of Danville.

Sharren Southam Nagy '55 died August 3, 2020 at age 87. She was born to Romaine and Luella Southam on July 1, 1933, on Southam Road in the Colusa County town of Princeton, Calif. Sharren grew up and attended school in Princeton before moving to Santa Barbara to attend Westmont. However, she fell ill while at school and ended up returning to the North State. It was at the age of 19, at her aunt's home in Chico, where she met her future husband Thomas Corwin McHatton. They were wed in 1952. The two settled down on the family farm in Princeton and raised their four boys: Russell, Max, Lee and Jake. Sharren became active in the Methodist Church in Princeton, the very church her grandmother, Cora Southam, helped found. Sharren taught and played piano as well as teaching Sunday School there. She also worked actively on the family farm. She was known for driving the harvester while working the prune harvest. Her sons describe her as the hardest-working person they have ever known, and credit her for instilling her work ethic to them. In 1976, Sharren moved to Chico, where she began working as a secretary at Chico State. This is where she met her final husband, Paul Nagy. The two were married in 1978. She is survived by her four sons, five grandchildren and twin great-grandsons.

Anna [Dayian] Cooper '55 Mrs. Anna Mae (Dayian) Cooper slipped away from us on Wednesday evening, June 14, 2023, and stepped into the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ as a forgiven sinner and beloved daughter. She trusted Jesus completely to save her, change her, and lead her, and He did. She "opened her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue was the law of kindness" - Proverbs 31:26. Her children rise up and call her blessed (and gentle, consistent, and patient). Janice (Stephen) Green, David (Diane) Cooper, Daniel (Beth) Cooper, Steven (Rita) Cooper, and Joy (Garry) Geer all survive her, while her youngest son James Jr. passed away in 2002. She loved being grandma to 13 (and their spouses) and great grandma to 17. Anna Mae was born August 17, 1932 in Los Angeles into a loving Armenian home to her parents Harry Sarkis and Johanna (Lenko) Dayian and her older brothers Harry, George, and Ted, who all preceded her in death. She graduated from Lincoln High School and attended Westmont College before marrying her handsome young seminary student, James David Cooper (her "Jim") on May 30, 1952 and moving to the Midwest. Theirs was a love story that held each other strong and created a home where tranquility and good food met and sheltered many souls over their 63 years together. Anna would patiently "add more water to the soup" whenever Jim brought home an unexpected guest or two, making everyone feel welcome and often while humming a quiet song. They planted and ministered in churches in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, including 25 years in Paris, IL. Pastor Jim preceded her to Heaven in 2016, after which she made her home with her daughter Jan and family in Danville, IL. She loved music, watching birds (especially bright cardinals), writing encouraging letters, and letting other people have the spotlight. Hers was a genuine faith in a real God lived out in a fallible human life.

Syvilla (Oyer) Cripe '55 passed away June 29, 2023

Lindquist, Oscas '55 passed away March 19, 2024

Gerald "Jerry" Smith '55  Gerald Ray "Jerry" Smith passed away on April 25, 2023 in Kent, Washington at the age of 90. He was the fourth son of Ola Belle and Larry Smith. Jerry grew up in Los Angeles then later went on to Westmont College in Santa Barbara where he met his future bride, Caroline Joy. After they married, Jerry and Caroline settled in Clayton, CA where they raised a family and lived for 20 years. They eventually retired up to Gig Harbor, WA in 2004. Jerry was a beloved high school choral music teacher at Ygnacio Valley High School where he expertly led the award winning Madrigal group as well as the concert choir, & the men's and women's ensembles. He was a respected director for many years of the Cathedral and High School/College choirs at the First Presbyterian Church of Concord. His career eventually led him to Los Medanos College in Pittsburg where he taught voice lessons and class piano. Jerry's favorite hobby was fishing which he enjoyed immensely with his son, son-in-law, and grandchildren. He was an avid boater, building his first boat in his carport in Clayton fittingly named "Home Aid". He also enjoyed golfing and creating things with wood, including helping to build two of his own homes as well as the homes of friends. He was a gifted baritone, performing many solos at weddings as well as singing in the traveling quartet known as the Covenant Four. He was also an accomplished pianist. During his summers off from teaching Jerry enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their second home in Lake Almanor, CA where they fished, boated, played games and enjoyed evening golf ball hunts. Jerry and Caroline enjoyed a robust retirement in Gig Harbor where they immediately joined the Welcoming Club and started making friends wherever they went. Jerry's musical ambition followed him to Washington where he led the singing group known as the Soundsations. Jerry was a true disciple of Christ, always willing to make or give time to his family, friends, or students when needed. He will be truly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Jerry is preceded in death by his two parents and his three brothers. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Caroline, their three grown children, Cathy Robare (Glenn), Laurie Milano (Mike), and Steve Smith (partner Destiny Jensen). He is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

David A. Iverson '55  - Pastor David A. Iverson of Winnett completed his earthly calling and went on to his heavenly home on September 19, 2022. He was born on February 8, 1932, the second child and eldest son of Andrew and Helen Iverson. When David was very young, his family lived near his grandfather’s homestead in the Dovetail area north of Winnett. In 1936, they moved to western Montana to escape the worst of the “Dirty Thirties”, but returned to Petroleum County in 1941. At that time, Andrew leased a place on Flatwillow Creek and moved his family there.

David completed his elementary education at Lone Prairie School, a couple of miles from his home, and later graduated from Roundup High School. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and a few years later, he earned a Master of Biblical Literature degree from Wheaton College near Chicago. In 1954 he leased the William Arganbright place about five miles from his parents’ home and started a band of sheep of his own. That leased property became the base of his present day ranch. In 1956, David married Ella Dover of Buffalo, Montana. They both became teachers in area schools. David taught math and science in Grass Range and Winnett, and Ella taught in Windham and used her salary to furnish their home and expand their flock of sheep.

David and Ella’s first child, Daniel arrived in 1958 and that same year David became an ordained minister. He began pastoring a group of people in Winnett that met in the old school building. In 1960, he designed the First Baptist Church of Winnett, and the congregation helped complete its construction.

With the Winnett church well established, David and Ella wanted to reach even more people with the Gospel message. They built and started a church in Sand Springs in 1962. Their daughter Janelle was born in 1965 and they began holding regular services at the historic Forest Grove Church in 1968. He continued pastoring people at all three churches to the end of his life. He officiated at many weddings, funerals and baptisms over the years. Some area families have continued to request his services for two or even three generations.

He liked nothing more than talking to people about big ideas. In his mind, interesting topics were wide ranging. They might include engineering a water line, leading someone to the Lord, current events, cattle prices, philosophical or theological questions or anything else that mattered to the person with whom he was talking. His faithful service to others left a legacy that will not be forgotten. He is survived by Ella Iverson, his wife of 66 years; his son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Dixie Iverson; his daughter and son-in-law Janelle and Dave Spainhour; his four siblings: Louise Baldridge, Thomas (Diane) Iverson, Edwin (Paula) Iverson and John (Pat) Iverson; four grandchildren, Delight (Josh) Howley, Davey (Ashley) Iverson, Danny (Marisa) Iverson, and Drew Iverson; along with seven great grandchildren. He experienced immense love, and many hours of joy and laughter with his family and considered himself a man most blessed in this regard.

Lucille Ann (DeBoer) TeSelle ‘55 passed away on March 19th, 2021. She was born December 15, 1929, in Bozeman, Mont. to Charles and Anna DeBoer. She received her grade school education at the Baker Creek School near Belgrade and graduated from Manhattan High School in 1947. She started her piano lessons at the age of 7, played for church services at age 13, and played for her first wedding, also at the age of 13. She graduated from Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Ore., then transferred to Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Lucille married Ben TeSelle on February 13, 1953 in Bozeman, Mont. She taught piano lessons from 1953 to 2017. She was an active member of the Bozeman Piano Teachers Association, the Montana Music Teachers Association, and the National Music Teachers Association. Lucille played the organ and piano for Grace Bible Church for over 50 years, and she played for hundreds of funerals and weddings. For years, Lucille volunteered with many organizations throughout the Gallatin Valley. Lucille is survived by two daughters, one son, five grandsons, three granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren.   

Paul Hook ’55 (2022 Alumni Award) retired as a tenured faculty member at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2007, where he had worked since 1960. The Pennsylvania native joined his siblings, Margaret and Phil, at Westmont in 1951. He was blessed by “Doc” Ryrie and coaches Fisher and Siemens. In addition to earning his bachelor’s, he went on to earn a master’s, Th.M., and Ph.D. Paul has also used his God-given gifts at First Baptist Church, Dallas, where he has been a member for 67 years. He displays exceptional commitment to Westmont, including attending each of the last 16 Homecomings and working with selfless generosity to help other alums stay connected. “As for God, his way is perfect. The word of the Lord is true,” he says.

Tine Hardeman ’55 (2017 Alumni Award) has taught and coached at Faith Academy in the Philippines, a school for the children of missionaries for the past 59 years. He serves as sports chaplain, meeting with teams who come to play against Faith Academy and sharing the love of Christ. Hardeman, who played on Westmont’s basketball team and earned honorable mention All American, was inducted into Westmont’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2013, Westmont honored the Hardemans as Educational Family of the Year. Tine and his wife, Janet Rice, have four children, all of whom graduated from Westmont, and two of their grandchildren also graduated from Westmont.

Bonnie Leigh Allen Hansen ‘56 died at the age of 85 on January 25, 2020. She was loved and cherished by many people including her parents, Walter Allen and Byrdea Allen; her husband John S. Hansen ‘56; and her children, Donna Wood (Michael) ‘84, David Hansen, and Mark Hansen (Donna). She was also cherished by eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Jean Marie Wilson (Colvin) '56 died on January 25, 2021 in Hayward Calif.. She was born in San Francisco, California on September 25, 1934 to Russell and Evelyn Colvin. She married Eugene Wilson on June 18, 1952. The couple had two sons, Steve and Michael, and settled in San Leandro, Calif. Jean served as a Sunday school choir member at San Lorenzo Baptist Church, a room mother at Halcyon Elementary School, and a den mother for Cub Scout Pack 518. She helped and chaperoned the San Leandro High School band on various trips and performances. Jean was a loving homemaker to her children and husband of 49 years. She is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Paul William Preddy ‘56 passed away on November 18, 2020.

David "Dave" Amstutz '56 passed away, October 2, 2022.

Phyllis [Kreps] J Dow '56 - Passed away on July 18, 2022.  She was at that time in a care home in Temecula.   Phyllis was born in Buena Park, California, to Homer and Millie Kreps, on February 11, 1934.  The family moved around southern California, and in 1948, with three children, made a decision to go to the Philippine Islands to aid in the building and start of a new Christian Radio Station (Far East Broadcasting Company).  After she turned 16 there were no educational facilities for a teenager Phyllis’ age.  She returned to Montebello and lived with a family from the First Baptist Church, finishing her high school.   When the family returned to the U.S. in 1952-53, Phyllis stayed with them until she got settled in her dorm at Westmont.   The Kreps went to Japan, and after Phyllis’ graduation in 1956 she came to Japan and taught a second grade class at the Christian Academy in Japan, rooming with her family and sister until she became engaged to a serviceman she met there.  There was a fine wedding celebration, and that next year a child, Judith Joyce Dow, was born in the summer.  Then the Dows returned to the “States”, following the rest of the Kreps’ family.  For some years her husband Jack’s military had them living in a number of states, finally ending in Florida. With four children, and her marriage ended, Phyllis went on to get her teaching certification, while holding a number of jobs.  One favorite was designing for an all occasion notecard company.  Eventually she taught in the Buena Park School District, and many parents strove to have their child in her class!   She could cook, sew, decorate a home, and pinch a penny.  Her old friends from Westmont were her treasure.  They gathered whenever possible, traveled abroad when they could, and came to Westmont for annual gatherings when feasible.  Phyllis loved Westmont and talked many times of teachers and students she met there.   As she got older the group of women dwindled, but they kept in touch when they could. ( Both her brother and sister were able to spend time at Westmont.) Phyllis leaves three children in the Southern California area, Scarlett, Jennifer and Elwyn.  Her eldest daughter Judith passed away due to cancer the previous year.  Phyllis was the greatest of grandmothers to eight grandchildren, who still lovingly refer to her as “Mousey Grandma”, because of her penchant for all things “mousey”.  She is loved and missed so much.   

Russ Carr ’56 (2012 Alumni Award) studied physical education and psychology at Westmont and earned a master’s degree in education at California State University, Los Angeles. He coached soccer for 17 years, compiling compiled one of the most impressive records of any soccer coach in the country: 211-108-26. He led the Warriors to a national championship in 1972 as well as 11 NAIA district titles and seven area championships. He was named National Coach of the Year in 1972, Russ earned 22 district or area Coach of the Year honors. In addition, He taught education classes and chaired the department at Westmont. Russ understood the power of sports to change lives. He founded the Sports Outreach Institute (SOI), a global organization that trains people in the use of sports ministry. The group organizes activities like sports leagues for kids in the slums and feeds more than 2,000 children daily. Kids learn how to clean up their neighborhoods and take care of themselves through service projects. SOI also provides vocational training and pays tuition for children who lack free public education. For 23 years, SOI has joined with other agencies to help impoverished children. Always, SOI cultivates faith in Christ. Russ and his wife, Sue Witherspoon ’79, live in Monroe, Va.

Dale Frederick Myers '57   - Dale Frederick Myers of Santa Barbara, California, passed away on September 13, 2022, after a brief illness. He was 87. Dale was born on July 21, 1935, to Albert Eugene “E.E.” Myers and Katherine Minch “Grandma Gucci” Myers in Jordan Valley, Oregon. As a young child, his family moved to San Ramon, California, where he graduated from San Ramon High School in 1953. His education continued at Westmont College in Montecito where he graduated in 1957. While attending Westmont, his best friend, Ralph De la Vega, introduced to him to his future wife, Roberta Paulin, whom he would marry and raise two children with in Santa Barbara. He remained best friends with Ralph until his passing. After college, Dale joined the Navy, where he completed officers’ training and went on serve his country as a pilot (flying P2Bs) and a commander for 10 years — eventually going into the Navy Reserve for an additional 12 years. After the Navy, Dale worked in the public sector using his leadership, communication and writing skills in the advertising industry and eventually worked with and in the development of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission programs. He genuinely believed in the work of the mission and was passionate about his role.Dale is survived by his wife, Roberta Myers; their son, Michael, and daughter Nancy; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made on his behalf to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission.

Preddy, Nancy (Vriend) '57 passed away March 13, 2024

William "Will" Rose '57 passed away January 19, 2023

Nancy (Vriend) Preddy '57 passed away March 30, 2024

Aarsby, Joan Nathalee "Nat" (Morrell) '58   87, of Rapid City, SD passed away February 15, 2024.

Nancy Ruth Couch Roberts ‘58 passed away on March 15, 2021, in Fort Collins, Colorado. She was born on July 17, 1936, in Portland, Ore., to the late Lloyd and Ruth (West) Couch. Her early years were in Oregon and California, and her college years were at Westmont College and the University of Oregon. As an elementary school teacher, she accepted a position with the military-dependent school system in Germany in 1961. There she met her future husband, a U.S. Army officer, William Mather (Bill) Roberts. They were married in Laguna Beach, Calif. on November 23, 1963. Upon retirement, they settled in Fort Collins in 2001. Nancy is survived by her devoted husband Bill, one daughter, and two grandchildren.

Ron Smith ’58, (2017 Alumni Award) who teaches an adult class at Church of the Valley in Apple Valley, attended Fuller Theological Seminary for two years before earning a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. He taught bible and other courses at Ontario Christian High school for 35 years and served as program director for Laurel Pines Camp in the San Bernardino National Forest for 20 years. He has served as youth pastor for three churches, and as an associate pastor and minister of visitation at Bethany Reformed Church of Redlands for 15 years.

Carroll D. Cone '58 was born on November 3, 1927 near Hot Springs, South Dakota, to Ivan and Maud (Freer) Cone. Carroll passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 26, 2021 in Lebanon, Oregon. Carroll grew up in South Dakota and Washington, and graduated from Tenino Union High School in Tenino, Washington. He attended college at Biola in California, was drafted into the Marine Corps, attended Rockmont College in Colorado, Westmont College in California, and Southern Oregon State College. He worked in sawmills in his early years, pastored a Presbyterian church in Meyers Flat, California, then taught elementary through high school at Dora, Imbler, then Sitkum, Oregon. He went on to receive his Masters in School Psychological Services and became Director of Student Services at North Bend High School for 23 years, from 1963 until his retirement in 1986. In his early retirement years, he enjoyed working with his portable sawmill. He always loved hunting, diving, woodworking, and music, and taught guitar to a granddaughter. For many years he taught Bible studies, adult Sunday school at North Bend Presbyterian Church, was a backup crisis line professional in Coos County for a few years, and was on the Board at South Coast Gospel Mission for a few years. Carroll was a beloved husband and best friend of his only love of 64 years, Jacquelyn Jay (Witt) Cone, whom he married on June 2, 1955, in Briggsdale, Colorado. Together they raised a family of four daughters, Chyril, Lorie, Kaylyn and Gaylee. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, as well as many other family and friends. Carroll is survived by all four daughters, Chyril Walker of Carlton, Lorie Kuckuck of Lebanon and her husband, Don of Centralia, WA, Kaylyn Fierro and her husband, David of Goleta, CA and Gaylee Cone of Orange, CA; grandchildren, Lindsey Mason and her husband, Carl, Vasili Walker, Joshua Walker, Larraina Erland and her husband, Jeremy, Natasha Colson and her husband, Jay, Nikita Kuckuck, Nicholas Kuckuck, Philip Kuckuck, Britta Kuckuck, Annika Kuckuck, Alaina Kuckuck, Steven Fierro and his wife, Miranda, Jackie Fierro, Quinn Fierro and Chase Fierro; and great-grandchildren, Ellory and Mateo Fierro, and Scarlett Erland. Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Maud Cone; wife, Jacquelyn “Jackie”; brother, Ken; and sister, Lorene.

Carol (Sherwood) Luce '59 passed away December 2023 (Day Unknown)

David Clarkson '59 passed away November 30, 2013. A veteran of the Korean War, Reverend Clarkson graduated from the Conservative Theological Seminary in Denver, CO with a Master of Divinity. Throughout his long ministerial career, Reverend Clarkson lead congregations in Santa Barbara, CA and Aiea, HI, as well as in Bellingham and Gorst, WA. Additionally, he founded the Christian Counseling Service of Lynnwood, WA, held a chaplaincy with the Civil Air Patrol, and served as Assistant Director of the Operation Nightwatch ministry in downtown Seattle. He is survived by his son David J. Volkmar, daughter Cindy Clarkson, two grandchildren and many loving family members and friends.

Barbara Surette (Wiley) '59 died on July 22, 2021 in Caldwell, Idaho. She was born April 4, 1938 to William Allen Wiley and Ellen Miller Wiley in Nampa, Idaho. After graduating from Caldwell High School in 1955, she attended Westmont in 1955-1959, and graduated at age 20 with degrees in History and English. Barbara formed lifelong friendships at Westmont. She taught school in Idaho and Calif. during her twenties. In 1968, she married Leonard Thomas Surette, an Electronics Engineer with Raytheon Company in Santa Barbara. They lived in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez, Calif. until Sept 2018 when they moved to Arock, Ore. and Caldwell, Idaho. Barbara loved sharing the Bible with others at her weekly Bible Study. She enjoyed visiting England and the Middle East. She loved collecting and reading books, doing needlepoint, collecting artwork, and gardening. Her deep love for her family and friends meant that Barbara never forgot a gift for a birthday or other occasion. She is survived by her husband, Leonard, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Malcolm Alvin Hughes '59 died on July 6, 2021 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 15, 1933 to Benjamin F. and Amy M. Hughes. Malcolm grew up on an almond and tomato orchard in Los Angeles, and graduated from Beverly Hills High School, where he played brass and ran track. He eattended Arizona State University, Westmont College, and Pasadena Christian College. Malcom served in the honor guard in Tokyo in 1954-1955, worked at Librascope in the early days of computers, and worked as a night supervisor at a boys’ correctional facility. He and his wife, Barbara, of 57 years, served with Wycliffe Bible Translators for two and a half years in Bolivia, where Malcolm used his mechanical abilities in a support role. For 29 years, Malcolm serviced several Iowa communities as postmaster. Malcolm’s faithful love for Jesus Christ as his redeemer fueled hours of volunteer work: serving in a care center ministry, leading Boys Brigade, serving in the Lions Club and Rotary, building a church in Maui, Hawaii, working with the Gideons, and serving as an elder at Fellowship Bible Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, 35 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

 Marian Jean Groff ‘59 died on August 20, 2021 in Santa Barbara, California. She was born on September 4, 1937, in Clinton, Iowa, to Ruth and Merill Lorenz. The family moved to California in 1951, the family moved to California. Marian’s favorite memory was seeing the ocean for the first time in her life. Marian participated in Westmont’s first summer mission trip. Students went to Hawaii to work with churches and Youth for Christ .“That experience gave me a heart for missions,” she said. Marian married her second husband, Jerry, in 1984. The couple volunteered with Potter’s Clay for eight years. Jerry worked as an optometrist and traveled to Mexico with Westmont students for 11 years to provide free eye exams and pass out donated glasses.They were active members in Santa Barbara Community Church (formally Trinity Baptist Church) and Oaks Bible Church where they sang in the choir, performed in plays and musicals, led and attended Bible studies, and counseled engaged couples. Marian was an active leader in Royal Family Kids Camp where she shared the love of Jesus with disadvantaged children from the Santa Barbara community. She helped start a preschool for low income families in Santa Barbara. In 2008, the Groffs lost their home in the Tea Fire. They were overwhelmed by the love and generosity of friends from church and Westmont as they rebuilt. Shortly after the fire, the couple took advantage of a new law to roll over part of their IRA to the college. Marian celebrated her 50th reunion in 2009, and marched as a Golden Warrior. The Groffs contributed to the Westmont Annual Fund and belonged to the President’s Associates. They provided for the college in their estate plan, making them Wallace Emerson Society members. “We want to make Westmont available to all students,” they said. Marian’s son, Michael Thompson, also attended Westmont. She is survived by two children, two grandchildren, and two step grandchildren.

Reeder, Lucille "Lucy" '59 peacefully departed to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, April 21, 2024. She was born on May 21, 1932, in Denver, Colorado, to Jay and Lola Emrich. Lucile pursued her passion for music education, graduating from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley Campus. Later, she continued her studies at Westmont College in Southern California, where she cherished singing in the choir and was proud to contribute editing to one of Corrie Ten Boom's books. Lucile's dedication to education shone brightly in her role as a beloved elementary school teacher in Covina and West Covina. It was during this time that she met Howard Reeder, the love of her life, whom she married on April 13, 1957. Together, they raised three sons: James, Thomas, and Charles. Lucile continued her education, completing a masters degree in counseling from Cal State Fullerton in 1981. After 25 years of teaching, Lucile and Howard retired to Fallbrook. Howard had previously transitioned from teaching to becoming a pastor and they continued their service at the Fallbrook United Methodist Church. Lucile was an active member of the California Retired Teachers Association local chapter as well. Lucile is survived by her three sons: James (Karen), Thomas (Lila), and Charles (Julie), along with nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law, known for her genuine love and devotion to her family.

Kenneth Paul '59 died on July 2, 2021 in Palo Alto Calif. He was born in San Francisco, Calif. on December 26, 1932. He grew up in a Marin County orphanage until he was reunited with his family as an adolescent. Kenneth graduated as valedictorian of Calistoga High School and served in the navy during the Korean War. He is remembered as the wood sculptor of Half Moon Bay. Every day, Ken sat at the entrance to Main Street and hand-chiseled wood sculptures that reflected a lifetime of dedication to education, athletics and the arts. He attended Westmont College, Simpson Bible Seminary, received a B.A. from Oakland College of Arts and Crafts, and a masters from the University of Hawaii. Ken practiced martial arts, enjoyed running marathons, and taught track and field at high schools for many years. During the 1960s and 1970s, Ken was known for his pen-and-ink illustrations of San Fransisco Victorians. He dedicated the 1980s to rendering drawings of Peninsula landmarks for the local history museum. Ken focused his last 30 years on wood sculpting, writing, and hand drumming. Coastide communities remember the wood sculptor’s strong handshake, warm smile, and willingness to listen to every individual’s story.

Harold Al Franklin '59, age 84, of Paso Robles, California, passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Harold was born June 12, 1937.

Dr. Leigh Forsberg '59, beloved husband, brother, and Papa, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2021, at the Emerald Care Home in Walnut Creek, California. After leaving Ethiopia by mule, plane, train and ship, expectant parents, Malcolm Iver Forsberg and Enid Hattersley Miller, welcomed their first child, Peter Leigh, on June 5, 1937, in Milwaukee, WI. He grew up in Sudan and Ethiopia, where he attended Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa. He played rugby and hockey at Collingwood Collegiate Institute in Ontario, Canada. He completed his undergraduate studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA and Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He married Gertrude "Trudi" Kuhn in 1959. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. In 1963 the couple moved to San Francisco where Leigh continued his medical training at San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center and UCSF School of Medicine. He did his residency in Radiology at Stanford University Medical Center. Starting in 1968, he worked as a radiologist at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley and later in private practice. He retired in 2007. He married Nancy Taylor Mattick in 1977. Leigh was an avid runner and hiker with a special fondness for Mt. Tamalpais. A passionate patron of the arts, he also enjoyed travel and scenic photography. His family fondly remembers vacations at Bodega Bay, the chocolate safe, Ethiopian ululating, ball games, ballets, the Christmas train, and the waving of the pink section of the Chronicle at Stern Grove as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band played "When the Saints Go Marching In." His family's hearts were ululating and marching with him as he took his final voyage beyond the Golden Gate. His ashes were scattered by the Nautilus Society on January 6, 2022 in the Pacific Ocean. He was preceded in death by his brother Dr. Malcolm "Kim" Forsberg, Jr. He is survived by his wife Nancy Forsberg, brother James Forsberg (Linda), sister Dorothy Forsberg, former wife Trudi Forsberg as well as his children and step children: Karen Wilk, Karl Forsberg (Quinn), Anita Forsberg, Dinah Mattick (Erik), Ben Mattick (Kristin), Nicole Forsberg (Josh). Grandchildren include Hailey Forsberg, Claire Forsberg, Brennan Forsberg, Koen Miller, Malcolm Mattick, Micah Wilk, Beatrice Miller, and Esther Leigh Andrews.

Dana Hawkes '59 was born March 22, 1937, and died September 21, 2021, in Encinitas, California. Dana Hawkes of San Marcos was a husband, father, beloved Papa, college professor, and devoted man of faith who served part of his career as a Baptist minister. But his wife, after his death on September 21, 2021, gave him the most appropriate title of all: "he was the greatest man I ever knew."Hawkes, 84, passed after a quiet struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Karen Jensen, daughters Julia Hawkes Reece and her husband Kevin Reece of Dallas, TX, Lisa Hawkes Peck and her husband Randall Peck of Virginia Beach, VA; and granddaughters Aubrey Reece of Chicago, IL, Jessica Peck Knocklein, and her husband Oliver Knocklein of Washington, D.C., and Shelby Peck of Virginia Beach currently a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.Karen Jensen's children also welcomed Dana into their family when they married in 2013. He is also survived by daughters Jennifer McCullough Ziegler and her husband Geoff Ziegler of Hinsdale, Illinois, Joy McCullough-Carranza and her husband Mario Carranza of Seattle, and grandchildren Timothy Ziegler, Daniel Ziegler, Joel Ziegler, Cordelia Carranza, and Joaquin Carranza.Dana is preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Shirley Scoggins Hawkes, whom he met while they were students at Westmont College in Santa Barbara in the late 1950s. They were married for 51 years until Shirley's passing in 2010.Dana Hawkes attended the University of Southern California, completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Westmont, obtained his Master of Divinity degree at California Baptist Theological Seminary in Covina in 1964 before pursuing graduate studies in Telecommunications at USC and then receiving a Master of Arts degree in Radio and Television at San Diego State University in 1979. His pastoral assignments included Fountain Valley First Baptist Church and University Avenue Baptist Church in San Diego before his career transitioned to educational instruction in radio and television.After serving as an instructor and lecturer at the University of San Diego, San Diego State, and California Baptist Theological Seminary, in 1973, he became the founding professor of the Radio and Television program at Palomar Community College in San Marcos. In a career that saw him serve as professor, Director of Educational Television, Chairperson of the Palomar Community College Department of Communication, and eventually as Professor Emeritus, he was recognized in 1998 as a Silver Circle Award recipient by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for "over 25 years of outstanding service to the San Diego Broadcast community."But throughout his educational career, he was continuously active in pursuit of his Christian faith and the desire to lead others to Christ. He served in multiple capacities as teacher, mentor, deacon, counselor, and lecturer in churches throughout Southern California, including Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, where he also served as an Elder, and Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido.In his final years, Dana Hawkes persevered through a variety of physical ailments. But in that struggle, he only cemented his legacy as the "greatest man" his wife Karen ever knew.Spinal ailments forced the reliance on an electric scooter for most of his transportation. But there were still Sunday school lessons that needed to be taught, a world of European and Alaskan cruises he wanted his new wife to experience, granddaughter high school and college graduations on the East Coast that he needed to attend, and trips throughout the Midwest to witness a granddaughter on stage in multiple musical productions. He made the sometimes-difficult journeys to see them all and let his family know that Papa was their biggest fan.

Larry Ballenger ’59 (2022 Alumni Award) retired as pastor of Ukiah Presbyterian Church in 2002. He served congregations in Irvine, Fresno and Arcadia, California. Before ordination, he served for 15 years in the ministry of Youth for Christ in East Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Azusa and Fresno. Larry attended Fuller Theological Seminary and also studied at Claremont School of Theology and California Baptist Theological Seminary. He received a master’s degree in music history and literature from Fresno State University and a D.Min. from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Larry and Judy Klempel Ballenger ’59 have three children and five grandchildren.

H. Norman Wright ’59 (2012 Alumni Award) is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist and he has taught in the graduate department at Biola University. He was former director of the graduate department of marriage, Family and Child Counseling at Biola, as well as an associate professor of psychology. He was also associate professor of Christian education and director of the graduate department of Christian education at the Talbot School of Theology. He is research professor of Christian education at Biola. He was in private practice for more than thirty years. Dr. Wright received a master’s degree in religious education at Fuller Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree at Pepperdine University. He has received two honorary doctorates from the Western Conservative Baptist Seminary and Biola and is the author of more than seventy books. Dr. Wright has pioneered premarital counseling programs throughout the country. He conducts seminars on parenting, recovering from the losses of life, trauma and crisis counseling, and marriage enrichment. His current focus is in grief and trauma counseling and critical incident debriefing. Part of his work is developing curriculum in loss, crisis and trauma as well as community wide grief recovery seminars. He is a Certified Trauma Specialist and a Certified Traumatologist. He is an ICISF trainer for the course, Trauma After Grief.

Roger Koskela '60  After several months of declining health, Roger Arthur Koskela took his last breath at home on February 24, 2024, with his wife and sons by his side. His family is grateful he is no longer in pain, and trust in the hope that he and we share in Christ. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 9, 1938, he was the only child of Hugo and Helen Koskela. Their Finnish heritage was something Roger was proud of his whole life long. While he often claimed the Finnish word (meaning stoic determination, grit, and resilience), his family saw in him a characteristic optimism that helped him see and name the best in people, particularly those in his family. The early death of Roger's mom while he was in college was a profound loss. He transferred from Westmont College to San Jose State University, getting an apartment with men who would prove to be lifelong friends. Ralph Higgins, Jerry Horton, Dwight Klassen, Joe Medal, Bob Rodde, and Roger called themselves "The Baggers" and remained close their whole lives.
He was active at First Baptist Church in San Jose, California, first as the college group leader and then hired on staff in Public Relations. That church is where he met Kay Lynne Keethler, getting to know her while they were in a play where he played the role of her older brother. They were married on March 27, 1965. Roger was preceded in death by his mother, Helen; his father, Hugo; and his step-mother, Dollie Larson. He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Kay Lynne; son, Gregg and Elaine Koskela and their children, Natalie and Nolan Koskela-Staples, Hayley Koskela, and Aubrey Koskela; and son, Doug and Jamie Koskela and their children, Nathan Koskela and Ally Koskela.

Don Goehner  '60 of Nipomo, California entered heaven on August 10, 2021. He was born on December 22, 1938 in Dryden, Washington where he grew up with his parents, two younger sisters, 9 aunts and uncles and 36 cousins. He married his high school sweetheart, Bev, at age 19 and the two of them moved to Santa Barbara, CA so Don could attend Westmont College. Don graduated from Westmont with a degree in sociology in 1960 and he and Bev welcomed their first daughter, Terri, shortly thereafter. Don served as the executive director of the Greater Long Beach Youth For Christ for 14 years. He worked in advancement at Azusa Pacific University and Westmont College and earned a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. In 1990 he formed the Goehner Group in San Jose, CA, which provided consulting services in fundraising, management and executive searches. He served on the board of trustees at Westmont College from 1986-2017 and was active in Young Life Capernaum, a ministry to youth with disabilities. Don had a heart for people and loved to serve his Lord by caring for those in need. He especially loved and cared for his family, in particular his grandsons and their wives who brought him so much joy. Don is survived by his wife of 11 years, Caryl Goehner, of Nipomo, CA, his son, Todd, of Ventura, CA, his daughter, Trina, and son-in-law, Steen of Spokane, Washington, grandsons, Keaton (Angela) Hudson, of Portland, OR, Taylor (Gabrielle) Hudson, of Los Angeles, CA, and Carter Hudson, of Spokane, WA. His first wife, Bev, and daughter, Terri, preceded him in death.

Don Goehner ’60, (2017 Alumni Award) (2010 Alumnus of the Year) a member of the Westmont Board of Trustees from 1986 to 2017, started the Goehner Group in 1984 to help non-profits with fundraising and executive coaching. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University and served as an administrator at Azusa Pacific University and director of development at Westmont. After graduating from Westmont, he spent 14 years in youth ministry, directing Youth for Christ in Ventura County and Long Beach. He lost his first wife, Bev, in 2006 and has been married to alumna Caryl ’64 since 2010. Don has three children and three grandchildren.

Truman "Ted" Bergman '60  Ted Bergman passed away in October of 2020, due to a fast-acting cancer. He is now united with his wife,  (Gwen Smith Bergman) in the presence of our Lord.

Dale Johnson '60 Passed away, June, 2022

David Leonard Bergman '60 died May 28, 2020, at the age of 81. David lived in Alpharetta, Ga. He was born to Dan Welty Bergman and Gertrude Leonard Bergman on August 6, 1938, in Tulare, Calif. Growing up, David worked on the family farm and Bergman Dairy. At Westmont, he majored in engineering for three years before transferring to UC Berkeley where he earned a BS in physics in 1961. In 1967 he took a year of sabbatical leave and earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at UC Santa Barbara. David began his career with Boeing Airplane Co. in Seattle. Two years later he returned to California to begin a 30-year career as an electrical engineer working on military systems for the Navy and Air Force, including working at the Pentagon. In 1980 David recognized the electrical character of natural phenomena and began active research on elementary particles. In 1990, he published his first paper on electrons and in 1997 he founded Common Sense Science, Inc., a non-profit corporation providing research and education in fundamental physics. He published over 44 research papers and a book, Science and Rationalism. He was a constant reader, and he grew to love tennis. After his college years he taught himself guitar. David maintained a committed relationship with Jesus Christ and wherever he lived he was always an active member in his church. David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Gema and their son, his former wife Susan and their two children and his two sisters, including Edie Bergman Burckhardt ’66.

Betty [Coon] Obendorf  '60 Betty was born Feb 12, 1938 in Caldwell, Idaho to Jim & Zola Coon and died April 15, 2020 in Chicago. She is survived by her husband, Chuck and children: Timothy Obendorf (and spouse Becky), Heidi Baumgaertner (and spouse Martin) Steven Obendorf (and spouse Gary Leger) Dean Obendorf (and spouse Karen) and Roberta Howry and four granddaughters: Katie & Amy Obendorf, Zola Baumgaertner, and Brianna Howry. Betty lived in Boise Valley in her early years, graduating from Notus Idaho High School in 1956. She attended Westmont College in 1956-58 and University of Redlands in 1958-60. In August, 1960 she married Chuck Obendorf, whom she had known all her life. They settled in Anchorage, Alaska, where Chuck was working with a CPA firm. Betty taught school for two years and then became a full-time mom as they had adopted two Aleut children by then. In 1961 they made their first trip to Europe which started their love of travel. In their next 59 years they traveled to Europe six times, including four trips to the passion play at Oberamagau, Germany. Through the years, Betty also traveled to Japan, China, South Korea, South America, Thailand, Russia, and Africa. In 1964 they experienced the great Alaskan Earthquake. Other scary incidents include being burned out of their apartment in Anchorage, surviving a Lassa fever epidemic in Africa, being covered with ash from the eruption of Mt. Redoubt in Alaska, and the current corona virus pandemic. In 1966 they joined the mission, SIM (Sudan Interior Mission) and went to Nigeria for four years. While Chuck did accounting work, Betty substituted in the school, and was the dietician at the mission hospital. In 1970 they returned to Alaska where Chuck joined a CPA firm. Betty was very active in the church and kept busy taking care of five children. In 1979 they moved to Soldotna, Alaska. While living there, Betty served on several boards including: KDLL, the local public radio; Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, Kachemak Heritage Land Trust, Performing Arts Society, Soldotna City Council, and Kenai Watershed Forum. In addition, she was on the Kenai Peninsula School Board for 9 years, including 6 as president. This school district is the largest in the US, covering over 25,000 square miles (larger than the ten smallest US states). In 1994 she was named as the outstanding school board member of the State of Alaska. While doing this, she also ran a B&B out of their house, managed the local visitors center, and worked in the local bookstore, as well as her usual church activities. In 2013 they moved to Chicago to be near their children and grandchildren. She adored her grandchildren and they became the center of her life. She also kept busy as a member of the Ebenezer Lutheran Church council, and on the board of the condo association. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. She wanted to be remembered as one who loved and trusted God, one who deeply loved her husband, and one who dearly loved her children and granddaughters.

Ken “Skip” Ross ‘60 died on June 13, 2021, at the age of 82. He was born in Brainerd, Minn. to Mary Lu Matson and Wallace G. Ross on September 27, 1938. After his time at Westmont, Skip graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary. He founded and directed Circle A Ranch, where he worked to create an environment where all were included and welcome. Skip worked as a Crown IBO with Amway. People knew him for his generosity throughout his career. He authored “Say Yes to Your Potential” and “Daily Disciplines,” and created the Dynamic Living Seminar and the Thrive Study Series. As a speaker, Skip inspired and challenged people to become who they were created to be. As a singer, he wanted to help people recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit. He desired to be a channel for the love of God. He is survived by his wife, Susan, five children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Bill Kliewer ’60 (2017 Alumni Award) served in executive positions at World Vision for more than 35 years before becoming interim CEO for Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity. He served as executive vice president for World Vision U.S., as well as other senior leadership positions with World Vision in Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. During his time at World Vision, he helped to grow the charity from a $4 million organization to a nearly $3 billion global nonprofit. He helped launch programs that galvanized support around global disasters in Ethiopia and Bangladesh. He pioneered the development of global marketing and fundraising programs in developing nations.  

Reverend Norm Nelson ’61 (2012 Alumni Award) (2011 Alumnus of the Year) is president and on-air host of Compassion Radio, a nationally-syndicated radio and humanitarian ministry that broadcasts over 1,000 program releases daily across the U.S. and sponsors compassion projects in 31 countries. Norm and his wife, Cher, have traveled in 150 countries, engaged in back-door diplomacy initiatives and participated in official Muslim-Christian dialogues in several Islamic countries. Norm was invited to speak at the Institute for International Studies and Politics with Shiite clerics in Tehran, Iran. He was the only American delegate to attend a meeting of the High Council of Religious Leaders of Iraq, sponsored by the Foreign Ministry of Denmark in Copenhagen. The council addressed violence targeting Christians in post-war Iraq. Norm served as Westmont’s student body president, founded Westmont’s Spring Sing event and played varsity basketball. He graduated with a degree in philosophy and was nominated for a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. Following graduation, he served as a college chaplain and parish-based minister to university students in New England. He also graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary, and is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree at Duke University Divinity School. Norm and Cher have six children and 14 grandchildren.

Ruth Sharon Hopson DuBois ‘61 died on December 26, 2020. Sharon was born in Marysville, Calif. on February 17, 1940 to James Hopson Sr. and Janice Gladding Hopson. She earned her B.A. in Education along with her teaching credential from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. She taught in Belmont, CA for two years, in Santa Clara, CA for three years, and for the Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy for 26 years. Sharon's care for people and warmth was well known. She was always a witness for Christ with her students. She was loved by them, by many families in the Santa Ynez Valley, and especially by her friends and family. She leaves behind three children, five grandchildren, and three siblings: James Jr, Judith Somerville, and E. Daniel ‘74.

Theodore Malcolm Best ‘61 died on February 14, 2020, at the age of 78. Ted was born to Sydney and Dorothy Best in Chungwei, Ninghsia, China, living there until he attended high school in Los Angeles. Ted attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara and graduated in 1961. The summer before he graduated he met his wife Marilyn who precedes him in death by thirteen years. Immediately following his graduation from Westmont he began teaching at La Colina Junior High School. He would remain at La Colina for the next 40 years. Ted’s passion and dedication for teaching was expressed in the student programs offered throughout the years. He began as a Physical Education teacher and coached the basketball team for several years. Later, he began teaching history. He particularly enjoyed taking students to Washington D.C. each spring. Mr. Best, as his students knew him, made a lasting impact on them as well as the faculty he worked with until he retired. It was common to have a former student approach him to say hi and share with him how much they admired and remembered him from their Jr. High days. This happened quite frequently considering his teaching career lasted four decades. Ted will be lovingly remembered by his 4 children, and by his grandson. Ted is also survived by his brothers, Trevor and Richard. His brother, Gordon, preceded him in passing.

Samuel Henry McCreery ‘61 died on June 24, 2021 in Estes Park Calif. He was born on January 14, 1940, in Los Angeles, Calif. to Dr. Samuel and Dorthy McCreery. Sam grew up in Fillmore, Calif. He moved back to Calif. after attending Wheaton College and graduated from Westmont College in 1961, where he met his wife, Karan Anderson. They married in 1962. Following his work as a Youth for Christ club director and a middle school math teacher, Sam moved to Lake Arrowhead, Calif. in 1965 to start Smooth Move Concrete Pumping Business. He served as music director and Sunday School teacher at the Community Baptist Church, and was a member of the Rim of the World School District Board of Trustees and Mastermedia International. After retiring from his business, Sam served as a DSA inspector for concrete and steel at the Santa Ana school district, a securities broker, and an orange rancher at Fillmore Orange Groves. Sam lectured often for Community Bible Study. He sang and played the trombone and guitar. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf, taking his grandchildren for ice cream, and making Sunday morning waffles. Sam read through his Bible every year and was passionate about sharing Christ with others. He is survived by his wife, Karan, three children, and eight grandchildren.

Shirley Gilliatt King '61 died June 13, 2020, at 80 years old in Roseburg, Ore. She was born in Coalinga, Calif., on December 11, 1939, to Dr. Henry William and Lena May Gilliatt. She spent her youth in Coalinga. Shortly after coming to Westmont, her mother died, so Shirley returned home and received her AA degree at Coalinga Community College in 1960. She then moved to Oakland, Calif., to live with her aunt and uncle, where she received her nurse's training at The Alameda County Medical Center from 1962-65. She also worked as a hostess at the Oakland Christian Serviceman's Center where she met her husband of 55 years, Gene King. They married on December 12, 1964. In 1966 they moved to Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, where she worked as a nurse. In 1967 they adopted their daughter, Aeja, from Korea, after sponsoring her at an Open Doors Orphanage for nine years. Their first son, Allen, was born in 1967, and their second, Paul, was born in 1968. The King family returned to San Diego in 1970, and they settled in Chula Vista, Calif. In 1972 Gene and Shirley adopted their son, Alan ("Al"). In 1973, their son Steven was born. They attended the First Baptist Church (The Refinery) in Chula Vista for over 30 years. Gene and Shirley moved to Roseburg, Ore., in 2003, where Shirley was a vital part of the prayer team at New Life Church. Shirley was involved with Child Evangelism Fellowship for over 50 years. She is survived by her husband; sister, Nancy Gilliatt Young ’58; brother, Jim; four children;10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Wesley "Wes" D. Schraeder '61  - Wesley Dean Schraeder passed away in his sleep on March 15, 2023. Wes was born in Greeley, Colo., on Feb. 24, 1939. Shortly after graduating from Westmont College in Santa Barbara in 1963, Wes took a teaching position at Hayfork Elementary School. He stayed on to teach two generations in Hayfork and was a well-known and beloved member of the community. Wes retired from Education in 2000 and spent his free time gardening, traveling and enjoying his dogs. Wes is survived by his wife Kathy; and his five children: Larissa, Gwynn, Jonathan, David and Marshall.

Carole Martin '61   Carole passed away on April 15, 2023 and now is with the LORD!

Calista "Betsy" (Schuler) Barry '61 passed away in 2020 (date unknown)

Sylvia Parlee '61 Passed away, November 19, 2019

Nancy Avakian (Malootian) ‘61 died on October 1, 2021. She was born on August 5, 1939, to Jacob Malootian and Effie Roumian, who immigrated from Turkey. Nancy parents survived the Armenian Genocide. Because of her mother’s faithfulness in the midst of hardship and her commitment to raising Nancy in the church, Nancy accepted Christ in Sunday school at the age of 12. Nancy attended Westmont College for two years. Her Bible classes grew her love of studying the Word. She completed her education at Calif. State University Fresno, and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, and a K-8 teaching credential. Nancy taught elementary school in Burbank, Calif., and then returned to Fresno to teach at Winchell Elementary School. She especially enjoyed teaching third grade. Nancy met her husband, Karl Avakian. They were married in 1963. Nancy and her husband, Karl, a pastor, shared the same calling for ministry. She ministered alongside Karl to the youth at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, in Fresno, Calif. in the pastorate at the Armenian Presbyterian Church in Paramus, New Jersey; and in the church conference pastorate, to the 24 churches of the Armenian Evangelical Union in the United States and Canada. Nancy loved seeing the impact God's word had on peoples' lives. She taught children Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and led high school women's, young women's and women's Bible studies. Nancy is survived by her two children.

 Joan Kay Womack '61, a beloved mom, grandma, GG, aunt, and friend, Joan Kay Womack passed away December 21, 2021, due to numerous health complications. She was born to Mathew and Bessie Silver Nelson on February 24, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. On January 14, 1961, she married her best friend and sweetheart, John C Womack. Joan received her Bachelor's degree in Education from Westmont College and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Development from Pepperdine University. Always an educator, Joan taught Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade in Norco, California and helped establish the Kindergarten at Crossroads Christian Church in Corona. Joan accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and served Him faithfully throughout her life in California and Utah. She was a member of Risen Life Church where she faithfully taught Children’s Sunday School and Children’s Worship, sang in the choir and was very involved in her Sunday School class and supporting missionaries. She was also blessed to be the Children’s Director for Bible Study Fellowship for many years. Her greatest joy was loving and caring for her family. She is survived by her daughters Jan (Jeff) Rolan, Jill Wiggins; grandchildren Jeremy (Sabrina) Rolan, Joanna (Daniel) Hackman, Katy Wiggins; and cherished great-grandchildren Macenna, Kayzlynn, Rory, and RJ. She also leaves her niece Karen (Tom) Wong who was as close as a sister; and is preceded in death by her husband John and her parents. The many cards, messages, and prayers from friends during her illness were a great comfort to Joan and her family.   

Bruce Herman '61 passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020 at the Iowa Masonic Memory Care Unit, in Bettendorf, Iowa. Bruce was born in Berwyn, Ill. on May 15, 1938 to LeRoy and Borgny (Nilsen) Herman; and spent his entire life along the Mississippi River he loved. On April 9, 1965 he was united in marriage to DeEsta Joan Scharff. Bruce was an interesting, accepting, and unique person to his family, friends, and customers. He spent over 50 years cutting hair at his barbershop in Princeton, Iowa welcoming and enjoying conversation with all. He enjoyed being on the river, riding his motorcycle, working on projects, yoga and meditation, as well as spending time with his family. Bruce was a thinker, builder, inventor, writer, and problem solver. He built a 35’ trimaran sailboat, a house, a car, and a not so finished seaplane. He self published a couple of books about his views on life and growing up on the river and was active in the Unity Church. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two grandchildren, three brothers, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, and sister-in-law.

Esther Carol Bennett '61, age 81, died at home in her sleep on January 26, 2021. Born August 26, 1939, in Wahkon, Minn., Esther was the youngest of nine children of James and Florence Brinks. She lived in small towns in North Dakota, Nebraska, and Oregon before moving to Portland, where she graduated from high school. After graduating from Westmont College, Esther taught for one year in Orcutt and then returned to Santa Barbara where she taught English at La Cumbre Junior High School for five years. During that time she fell in love with and married her next door neighbor, Don. Together they raised two sons, Jim and Brad. For the last few years Don cared for Esther at home as her Alzheimer’s progressed. Esther was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, where she sang in the choir, taught church school, served as a Deacon and Elder, and coordinated meals for Transition House. For nineteen years she worked as Director of Christian Education and then Director of Adult Education, where she loved teaching and mentoring, especially young mothers. She remained passionate about teaching, later earning a certificate to teach ESL in the SBCC Adult Education program. Esther fostered in those she loved an appreciation of faith, music, good food, and remaining connected to extended family. Esther’s family was her biggest priority and source of pride. She always had a welcoming home and beautiful meals that brought the family together for some of our most special memories. Among her other favorite things were reading, singing, and reciting rhymes she learned as a child. Family and friends appreciated her warm smile and welcoming laugh and she took special pride in being silly. Esther is survived by Don, her husband of 56 years, two sons, three grandchildren, and a sister, Florence Larsson, of Seattle.

Earl Petznick Sr. ‘61 died on July 22, 2020. He was born June 15, 1939, in Chicago, Ill., and relocated to Phoenix when he was 3 years old. Earl attended Phoenix Christian High School and graduated with honors. He attended Westmont College, then transferred to Grand Canyon College during his senior year. It was there he met his future wife of 60 years, Patricia Dryer. In 1980, Earl entered a partnership to purchase Sunland Beef Company, a struggling beef processing plant located in Tolleson, Arizona. The partners turned the company around and reaped the benefits a dozen years later when they sold it to Wisconsin-based Packerland Packing Company. The venture was the crowning achievement of Earl's career. Earl's legacy is rich on all fronts. He fully supported Pat and her sister Beverly's efforts in founding Fresh Start Women's Foundation. He also supported Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital, and various other organizations that support the community at large. Earl was appointed to the Arizona State Fair Board of Directors by Governor Jane Dee Hull where he served 10 years, two as board president. He was president of the Arizona Cattle Feeders Association and was inducted into the Arizona Farming & Ranching Hall of Fame in 2009. Earl was an avid student of world history, and an angler, fishing many waters. Earl is survived by Adele Smith, his wife, Patricia, his two sons, his four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, and his sister-in-law Beverly Stewart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ebba Petznick.

Ron ’61 and Becky Mulder ’62 (2012 Alumni Award) taught elementary school upon graduating and culminated her education career as principal of Montecito’s Cold Spring Elementary. In 1985, she began a full-time career in real estate, combining tax planning and sales. Retiring in 2008, she founded and now administers the non-profit organization, Friends of Foster Families. The organization pairs existing foster families with individuals who have a heart for foster children and seek to assist the young families who care for the children. Becky’s husband, Ron, served as Westmont’s basketball coach, baseball coach, director of athletics, professor and chair of the kinesiology department. Graduating seniors voted him teacher of the year, and he was inducted into the Westmont Hall of Fame. Ron retired in 2004, remains a fan of Westmont athletics, volunteers for Meals on Wheels and sings in the choir at El Montecito Presbyterian Church. Becky and Ron have two daughters, Sharol Mulder Chris ’86, and Patsy Mulder Kyle ’88, and six grandchildren. 

Wayne Siemens ’62 (2017 Alumni Award) graduated from Westmont College in 1962 and one year later married another Westmont grad – Sharol Walen. They have resided in Santa Barbara since 1969 and their sons – Ryan and Jason – also live in the Santa Barbara area with their collective five children. Wayne and Dave Grotenhuis formed their own company – Santa Barbara Capital – in the late 70’s. The company has primarily concentrated on the acquisition and construction of multi-family communities in Oregon and California. Westmont College has been a superlative and highly-respected neighbor during our tenure in Santa Barbara and it’s an almost daily pleasure to share Westmont’s positive impact here and abroad.

Coral (Swickard) Corsaut '62 died on December 29, 2020, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., after a year-long battle with reoccurring cancer. She was 80 years old. Coral was born on November 24, 1940, to Sheldon W. and Lois C. (Pierce) Swickard in Tiffin, Ohio. At a young age, Coral's family moved to California. She attended West Los Angeles schools and graduated from University High School where she enjoyed her studies and singing in the school choir. Outside school, she loved her Girl Scout friends and activities. She attended Santa Monica City College and Westmont, where she graduated with a major in education and a minor in math. Later, post graduate classes were taken from UCLA, UCSB and Cal State Northridge. She taught secondary math from 1962-1977 in Santa Barbara, Beverly Hills and Exeter, followed by teaching at Cuesta College and then being director of the Central Coast Math Center in Arroya Grande until 1987. In 1987, Coral was hired as an academic instructor at the California Men's Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo. She was a conscientious and dedicated teacher. During her almost 20 years career at CMC she was chosen "Teacher of the Year" for the 1992-93 school year and selected as a finalist for the Correctional Education Association (CEA) Region VII Teacher of the Year. At CMC, she established "Project Change", a program for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Coral loved music, singing, the outdoors, camping, hiking, and watching home and garden shows on TV. Her greatest joy was connecting with family, friends, and neighbors. She looked for those who needed a smile, a word of encouragement or someone to listen to them. She is survived by her brother, Ernie; sister-in-law, Jan; sister, Arlene; four cousins; and many nephews, nieces, and their children.

Mary Elizabeth Pooleon (‘62), wife of Michael S Pooleon, was born on May 25, 1940 and passed away on December 4, 2020. She had been in decline from Alzheimers for several years. She died at home peacefully.

Eunice Loretta (Boldt) Olson '62 passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on September 1, 2021 in Manteca at the age of 81. She was a devoted wife, mother of five, grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother. She was dedicated to serving her church, school, and neighborhood communities, and will be remembered by the many lives she touched for her giving heart and fun-loving spirit. Eunice was born on April 10, 1940 in Austin, Minnesota, to Roy and Loretta Boldt, originally of Des Moines, Iowa. She was the baby girl of the family, and adored her older brothers, Donald and David. During World War II, the family lived in Pacific Grove, Calif., where her father, an Army Chaplain, was stationed before his deployment to Europe. After the War, the family settled in Portland, Ore. Euni grew up as a "PK" (pastor's kid) in the church parsonage. Her father was a Baptist minister, and her mother the church pianist. During her childhood in Portland, she loved to ride her bike around town. For her high school years, Euni moved with her parents to the rodeo town of Prescott, Ariz., where she played cornet in the school marching band. Euni attended Westmont College in Montecito, Calif., where she met her future husband, Kenneth Olson, and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a teaching credential. The couple, who would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary next year, wed on December 28, 1962. Euni began her career in education as a third grade teacher in Ojai, Calif. She enjoyed young married life in Corvallis, Ore. where Ken pursued graduate studies in biochemistry. With an adventurous spirit, and three little girls in tow, Euni embraced a move across the country to New Jersey, where her husband began his career as a biochemist at Hoffman-La Roche. When the family grew to five daughters, they bought a Victorian house in Caldwell, NJ, which Euni decorated in a historic style. They found a church family where Euni served in the nursery, junior high youth group, and Bible quiz team. Euni was patriotic and loved parades, historic sites, and traveling with the family, visiting 49 states. Euni was a teacher and music lover who filled the family home with books, musical instruments, games, pets, arts and crafts, sewing projects, baking cookies, and laughter. She had the gift of hospitality, and the Olson home was often filled with friends and family, old and new. In 1979 the Olson family moved back west to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Ken was recruited to a biotech startup, Genentech. They lived first in Burlingame and then in Foster City. Euni taught reading at McKinley Elementary School and returned to college for a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Throughout the 1980s she was a preschool teacher at Westcott Preschool. In the 1990s she volunteered at Holt Children's Services as a greeter of Korean babies to facilitate international adoptions. She served in various churches in the choir, senior ministry, and Bible study groups. In her retirement years, Euni enjoyed spending time with her nine grandchildren, traveling internationally, and hosting friends from near and far. She traveled with Ken to European destinations and on group tours, and they enjoyed cruises to Alaska, Mexico, and the Panama Canal. In 2010 Euni and Ken moved to Del Webb, an active adult community in Manteca, and became members of Quail Lakes Baptist Church in Stockton. At Del Webb, Euni joined the women's Bible study and continued her love of music as a member of the Woodbridge Singers and of "Strummin' Wonders," a performing ukelele band. Although Euni began to slow down physically, her social networking remained active. Every year, without fail, she remembered hundreds of friends and family with handwritten birthday, anniversary, and holiday cards. Eunice is survived by her loving husband, Ken; her daughters Wendi Olson Crocker (Laramie), Tammi Foster (Jim, deceased), Lauri McInnis (Ron), Nanci Olson Gundry (Mark), and Marci Barta (Rob); her grandchildren Lukas (Ada), Jordan, Jessica, Sam, Colin (Alby), Deanna, Blake, Kelly, and Peter; and great-granddaughter, Violette. She is preceded in death by her brother, Donald Boldt (Jo Anne) and survived by her brother, David Boldt (Betty). A celebration of life service will be held at Quail Lakes Baptist Church in Stockton on October 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. A reception and luncheon will follow at 12:45. The address is 1904 Quail Lakes Dr., Stockton, CA 95207. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Eunice Olson, consider one of two charitable organizations, Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, at P.O. Box 413, Mount Hermon, CA 95041 https://www.mounthermon.org/give/, or Samaritan's Purse Children's Fund at Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 https://sampur.se/3EYltC2.

Donna Kathleen Murphy (McGregor) ‘62 passed away peacefully with the love of family and friends on September 17th, 2020, at the age of 79 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Donna was born in Chicago, Ill. on January 30th, 1941. She moved to Calif. when she was young and remained a resident of Calif. until moving to Colo. in 1994. Donna graduated from Westmont College before marrying her husband (Joseph) of 58 years in 1962 in Los Angeles. Donna and Joe moved to rural Orange County after the birth of their first child. Donna focused her life on her family, raising two loving children, and supporting her husband. Donna always enjoyed the outdoors, including annual camping trips with her family. In her later years in Colorado Springs she enjoyed hiking and snowshoeing. In her last months, she relished hiking in Cathedral Pines. She was kind and giving and always put the well-being of others first. Donna is survived by her husband, Joseph; one son and one daughter; her sister, Bonnie; and loving nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Erma.

Carol Hafer (Weller) ‘62 died on September 19, 2021 in Prescott, Ariz. She was born on August 21, 1940 in Bloomburg, Penn. to Frank and Ruth Weller. Carole loved to teach others, whether they were preschool children or adults. She taught students from her home and was leading others in how to teach as their Sunday school superintendent. She often taught from the Bible about Daniel and the book of Revelation. Carole was an excellent cook, seamstress, and hairdresser. Her friends and family praised her creamed corn and garlic mashed potatoes. She loved to play “Kings in the Corner,” Dominos, Scrabble, and Scattegories. A cowgirl at heart, Carole enjoyed the rodeo, owned a great pair of boots, and let the kids shoot BB guns outside the house. She never tired of the surrounding rock formations and the landscape of the high desert. She is survived by her sister and two children. 

Carolyn Finn '62  Carolyn Rose Finn was born March 30, 1938 and passed into the presence of her Lord at the age of 84 on September 22nd, 2022. She was the daughter of John and Rosalie Finn who preceded her in death  and  is survived by a brother Daniel Finn of Denair, CA and a sister Beverly Gist of Manteca, CA and several other family members. Carolyn graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, CA in 1956.  She attended Sterling College in Sterling, KS and Westmont College in Montecito, CA receiving an  Elementary Teaching Credential and taught for several years.  Later she served with Wycliff Bible Translators in Papua, New Guinea for two years teaching missionary children.

Lanny "Stewart" or "Lan" Farley '62  - Stewart (also known as Lan or Lanny) Farley was a Renaissance man who left this world on October 5. Stewart’s last retreat was his own chosen version of desert solitaire: a night sky full of beautiful stars and surrounded by nature. “His suffering has ended, and for that, his loved ones are grateful,” his family shared. He was born in Worland, Wyoming on February 10, 1940, to Bob Farley and Jeanette Dawson Farley. He started life on a homestead farm near Manderson, Wyoming, and progressed to the small town of Basin, Wyoming. Much of his childhood included exploring the Big Horn Mountains while riding his palomino, Blondie. Stewart attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara and Claremont Graduate University, where he earned his master’s degree in teaching. In 1993 he earned his Ph.D. in training and learning technologies from the University of New Mexico. He was a devoted and creative teacher, and later served as an education administrator. Stewart worked in education for most of his career, and his commitment to youth was a contribution that positively impacted numerous lives. Stewart’s talents were used in many ways. He opened a restaurant/bed and breakfast, launched a solar and construction business, started a school, and created video productions for the Eight Northern Pueblos in New Mexico, among other careers. He raced motorcycles, flew small planes, restored cars, built homes, collected tools, created fabulous meals, and cultivated beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. Not just a man of action, but also a true intellectual, Stewart always sought knowledge and deeper meaning in life. He enjoyed thoughtful discussions in the hot tub both day and night. He also particularly loved mountain and desert camping with his longtime partner, Paula McGee, and their dog, Atti. “Stewart was known for his initiative (there was nothing he couldn’t start!), his versatility (he was good at nearly everything he tried), and his breadth of knowledge,” his family shared. “He had incredible luck, both in smaller matters like finding parking spots, and in much larger daredevil pursuits. His antics were legendary. Those who knew him well have many stories to tell! “Perhaps Stewart will be best remembered for his incredible generosity and soothing hugs. He reached out a helping hand to those he cared about, and he gave deeply of himself. His love and sense of adventure were a gift to this world, and he will be greatly missed.” Stewart is survived by his partner, Paula McGee; ex-wife Elisabeth (Merriam) Farley; daughter Alicia Johnston and family; and sister, Janis Smith.

Thomas "Tom" Englund '62 Concord, NH - Thomas Howard Englund, 82, of Dunbarton, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2023. Born on August 13, 1940 in Rockford, IL, he was the son of the late Howard Hjalmar and Mildred Magdalene Englund (nee Carlson). Thomas spent his early years in Rockford, IL until he was 14 when his family moved to Burlingame, CA. He met his wife, Susan Yulich, when they were both juniors and active in the same church youth group despite attending rival high schools. Tom graduated in 1958 from Burlingame High School, then attended and graduated from Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA in 1962 with a BA in Chemistry. Sue and Tom were married at Millbrae Baptist Church in Millbrae, CA in June of 1963, then they both attended Michigan State University to further their education. Tom graduated in 1967 with a PhD in Higher Education Administration. After earning their degrees, Tom and Sue settled in Topsfield, MA where they lived for 10 years and their two children were born. In 1977 the family moved to Chevy Chase, MD where they lived for 6 years. In 1983 they purchased an old farm house in Dunbarton, NH where they settled down permanently. In addition, they enjoyed spending time at Lake Ossipee in New Hampshire, generously sharing the lake house they purchased there with lifelong friends. Tom's gift was administration, loving to work towards solutions to difficulties, excited by the expansion and betterment of higher education, especially within Christian schools. Tom held many positions over the years in higher education administration from the Dean of Students at Gordon College, to being the Director of a Federal Grant in Washington, D.C., to the Dean of Faculty at Franklin Pierce College, to the President of the consortium of 13 Christian colleges across the US. An early love of Africa led to long term work toward the establishment of a Christian university in Nairobi, Kenya named Daystar. He helped in the development of the faculty there by supplementing with individuals from the US and Canada. Additionally, he helped develop an exchange program of students between Daystar and US schools. He served on Daystar's support organization of the US board of trustees for many years as well as serving for a short time as interim chairman. Being an amateur photographer himself, his interest in photography was invigorated by his many trips to Africa and the thousands of photographs he took of African wildlife while on safaris. His interests included early American photographers, particularly of the American West. Another fascination was following and collecting early American pewter and antique furniture. He is survived by his loving wife Susan Margaret Englund (nee Yulich); son Brent Thomas Englund; daughter Jessica Margaret Jones (nee Englund); grandchildren Tyler Philip Jones (age 12), Emma Margaret Jones (age 9), and Gabriel Thomas Jones (age 7). He is predeceased by his beloved brother Philip James Englund.

Joyce [Davison] Huteson '62 passed away on February 25, 2023.Joyce was born on August 11th, 1940 in Whittier, California to parents, Orval Davison and Blanche Davis Davison. She grew up in California and Missouri. Joyce attended Bethel College, Westmont College and the University of Hawaii, and she graduated from Chapman College in 1962.
Joyce was a loving wife. With her husband Traff, she lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico; Dugway Proving Ground, Utah; Pennsville, New Jersey; Willingboro, New Jersey; Phoenix, Arizona and eventually in Austin. She has resided in Austin since 1972. Joyce and Traff had four children: Mark Huteson, Greg Huteson (Bonnie), Sean Huteson (Robin) and Stephen Huteson; eight grandchildren: Charlotte Huteson, Rebecca Huteson, Tabitha Huteson, Benjamin Huteson, Tyler Huteson, Brianna Tomkivits (Travis), Reagan Edwards and Seth Huteson, and three great-grandchildren: Blair Huteson, Naomi Tomkivits and Noelle Tomkivits. She is preceded in death by her parents and her loving stepfather Vernon Slayden. Joyce has always been very involved in church activities, serving as a Sunday School teacher for 60 years at various churches around the country. Her Christian faith was the central focus of her life. Joyce worked at many jobs, including as cake decorator, library page and personal caregiver. She was a longtime member of the Gideons Auxiliary.

Stan Anderson ’62, (2017 Alumni Award) vice chairman of Accretive Exit Capital Partners, serves on the boards of Physicians Realty Trust (DOC), Blue Ridge Networks and several nonprofits. In 1969, he graduated Willamette University Law School with honors and as a member of the Law Review. He has practiced law in Washington, D.C., since 1969, serving in the Nixon White House, leaving in 1973 to join Secretary Henry Kissinger as deputy assistant secretary of state. He founded his own law firm in 1981 and later served as executive vice president and chief legal officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

David Grotenhuis ’63, (2017 Alumni Award) a founding partner of real estate investment groups Santa Barbara Capital and Cascade Investment Capital, has been involved in real estate for more than 50 years. He received the Wall Street Journal Award as the outstanding graduate in Economics and Business. He was a founding board member of the Bank of Santa Barbara and past board member of Birnam Wood Golf Club. He enjoys spending time at Jalama Canyon Ranch and Vineyard, which he purchased with his partner, Wayne Siemens ’62. David and his wife, Anna, have two children and six grandchildren, who all live in Santa Barbara

Dewayne and Faith Perry ’62 (2012 Alumni Award) wish to congratulate Westmont on its 75th anniversary. They write, “You gave us extremely fond memories of our classes, teachers, chapel, music, and Christian fellowship. You also gave us a passion for learning that has served us extremely well in our work, our vocations, and our Christian endeavors. We appreciate what Westmont was to us then and what it has become. This preparation has served us well in our work as we both have ended up in entirely different directions than we had initially prepared for. Faith’s psychology major led to being a social worker, but that changed into becoming a software engineer; my music and philosophy majors led to becoming a musician on the side but primarily being a software engineer, then a software engineering researcher, and now professor of software engineering. Besides work and church, our lives have been centered around collecting—we are collectors! It began with furnishing our living spaces with fine art and decorative arts and crafts, and still continues. Our two main collecting passions today are old master prints and contemporary studio ceramics. All of this has led to our involvement in, and our support of, not only Westmont’s art program, but Westmont as a whole.”

Dorothy "Sue" [Falkner] Wood '63 passed away at home in Astoria on July 22, 2022. She requested no funeral service. Sue was born in Oklahoma on Aug. 2, 1941. She grew up in Pomona, California. She graduated from Ganesha High School in 1959, and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Pomona. She attended Westmont College. She married and divorced Paul DeYoung of Pomona. She moved to Visalia, California, with her two young children in 1973, where she returned to college to become a registered nurse. She married James P. Wood in 1978. They moved to Astoria in 1998. She is survived by her husband, James P. Wood, of Astoria; her son, Jeffrey P. Wood, and daughter-in-law, Julie F. Burns Wood, of Keller, Texas; and her daughter, Karina Beth Wood Newenhof, and son-in-law, Jeffrey E. Newenhof, of Astoria. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Benjamin W. Wood, Zachary S. Wood, Daniel M. Wood, Shealynn G. Wood, Gerald W. Newenhof and Sadie O. Newenhof. She was preceded in death by her parents, William T. Falkner and Dorothy M. Reed Falkner; and her sisters, Norma Falkner Gallagher, Leona Falkner Hays and Billie Falkner Israel. Sue suffered with an autoimmune disease for more than half of her life. She was a well-known and well-respected writer of a blog on chronic pain on EverdayHealth.com, and her own blog, “Weekly Dose of Sue.” She wrote several published prose and poetry pieces for varied newspaper and magazine publications, and aspired to be a young adult literature author.

Vince Nelson ’63 and Cathy 73' (2022 Alumni Award) married in 1975. They had three children, two of them Westmont graduates. Vince majored in history at Westmont. Together they maintained a lifelong love and service to the college. After receiving an MBA from Columbia University in 1965, he served as a naval officer with two combat tours in the Gulf of Tonkin, worked in sales for IBM, then pursued a career in financial services and board leadership. In 1983 Vince joined the Westmont College Board of Trustees. He served as chair of the academic committee and as chair of the board from 2009–14. Vince was called home to be with the Lord Jesus September 25, 2021.

Vincent Carl Nelson '63, Resident of Alamo, was born December 23rd, 1941 and passed away on September 25th, 2021. Vince was called home to be with the Lord Jesus on Saturday, September 25. He was born in Chicago and lived in Illinois until he went to college. He attended Westmont College in California (later becoming a trustee) and then attended Columbia Business School in New York. After three years in the Navy as navigator on the Arnold J Isbell, he returned to Chicago and joined IBM. Business eventually brought him back to California where he stayed. Vince was an avid reader, loved to ski, enjoyed traveling, and served the local church. He was an expert on Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower and WWII. Moab, Utah was his favorite place to visit during his later years. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, daughter Annie, and two sons, Andrew (Andrea) and David. Vince is also survived by his brother James, his two granddaughters Ellie and Madi, and by Walter Hansen (Darlene), Jean Johnson, Joyce Spurlock (Doug) and Linnea Kuhnhausen (Rick), with whom he was raised. Vince was buried at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.

Vince Nelson ’63 (2017 Alumni Award) left Illinois in 1959 to attend Westmont, graduating in 1963 with a major in history. After receiving an MBA from Columbia University in 1965, he served as a naval officer with two combat tours in the Gulf of Tonkin. After the Navy, Nelsone worked in sales for IBM and then pursued a career in financial services and board leadership. In 1975, Vince married Cathy McKinley. They have three children, two of them Westmont graduates. In 1983, Vince joined the Westmont board of trustees. He has served as chair of the academic committee and served as chair of the board from 2009-2014.

Marsha Kay Funk ‘63 died on September 12, 2020 due to heart problems and liver cancer. Marsha was born to Alden and Wynona Derby, Sept. 25, 1941 in Denver, Colo. and her sister Pamela followed. She lived in a Christian home with extended family living close by. The family then moved to Albuquerque, N.M. for her high school years and upon graduation they moved to Livermore, Calif. She attended the College of Pacific (UOP) for one year and finished her undergraduate years at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. Her graduate years were spent at the Univ. of Calif. Berkeley, receiving a Master's Degree in Librarianship and a teaching credential at Calif. State University, San Jose. Marsha was very devoted to her husband and family. She was a teacher at several different levels and locations. She finished her career as a Library Media Teacher at Sierra Jr. High. At the core of her life was an unwavering belief from an early age that she was a child of God. At Westmont College, she found the scriptures to come alive. She served her Lord and Savior in many ways, including being a Sunday School teacher, being involved in women's and mixed Bible studies, mission trips and Mom's in Touch groups praying for their children and grandchildren. She and Bob were actively involved members of Fruitvale/Riverlakes Community Church for over 50 years. For a number of those years, she faithfully served as the church librarian. Marsha is survived by her husband Bob, son Corey Funk ‘96 and daughter in law Jill Dobbie ‘97, son Joel Funk ‘00.

David Eldred ’63, (2017 Alumni Award) a Westmont trustee for 22 years, was a pioneer of the Southern California self-storage industry. Born to a hardworking, entrepreneurial family, he became a barber during high school and used that skill to pay his way through college and dental school. After serving with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, he founded the family storage business 45 years ago outside San Diego while simultaneously running his dental practice. As a trustee, he spearheaded the approvals for water rights and the 41 faculty homes now known as Las Barrancas.

Rev. Douglas Hayward ’63, (2017 Alumni Award) whose research interests focus on anthropology and missions, taught more than 18 different classes at Biola University, supervising more than 30 doctoral dissertations. After graduating from Westmont, he and his wife, Joanne ’64, traveled to West Papua, Indonesia, to work among the Dani people. He has written three books on the Dani people, as well as “Serving Jesus with Integrity.” Hayward, who started 80 churches after leaving Indonesia, earned a Master of Arts from Fuller Theological Seminary. He earned a Master of Arts and a doctorate from U.C. Santa Barbara.

David Talbott ’64, (2012 Alumni Award) a music major, was pianist for the Westmont Quartet for three years and editor of the Horizon his senior year, plus chapel organist and pianist. He worked for Billy Graham in Atlanta and Berlin for three years, then returned to his alma mater to work in fundraising in 1967, for nine years, ending as director of public relations and alumni affairs. He has coordinated most of the five-year reunions for the class of 1964, and was named Alumni Volunteer of the Year in 1991. The Talbotts are members of the President's Associates and charter members of the Wallace Emerson Society. For the last 37 years, David has been resident musician at the Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center in Northern California, where he has worked in public relations, marketing, program development, and fundraising. As associate director of family ministries, he assists in adult and family camps, programs 18 concerts annually, and directs a donor recognition society. He especially enjoys mentoring young men. His wife, Carla, worked for Westmont for two years. They have two daughters and six grandchildren. A concert pianist and organist, David concertizes widely, and has recorded six albums of his music. He is organist and pianist for the Peninsula Covenant Church of Redwood City.

Stephen "Steve" L. Janzen '64 - Stephen Lee Janzen was born in Wasco, California on February 16, 1942. He went home to be with the Lord on September 2, 2022. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 He was the oldest child of Darrell and Ruth Janzen who raised him in the First Baptist Church. Steve attended Wasco schools where he excelled in academics and track. After graduation, he went on to Westmont College, Bakersfield College, and graduated from USC with degrees in political science and pharmacy. After college, Steve returned to Wasco to work alongside his father at Janzen Drug. Active in his community, Steve served on the city council and was elected mayor. In June of 1969, Steve married Linda Campbell to whom he was married for over 53 years. About 1980, they moved to Yucca Valley, then Lancaster, finally settling in Atascadero until 2017 when they moved back to the Valley and resided in Bakersfield. Steve was an avid reader and spent most mornings reading scripture and spiritual literature. In the afternoon he read fiction, news items, and other secular material. He was a fan of USC football and spent many Saturdays watching college football. Steve was preceded in death by both his father and mother. He is survived by his wife Linda, sister, Donna Cooley (Mike), brother, Keith Janzen (Carol), nieces and nephews, Sara, Jeff (Heidi), and Chris Cooley, and Natalie Lehmann (Curtis), Jonathan (Ashlee), and Kara Ayler (Eric), along with 9 great nieces and nephews. A special thank you to the caregivers at The Pointe for caring for Steve and Linda for the last 5 years.

Eugene Whitney '64 After graduating from Westmont in 1964, Gene attended seminary.  During this time he took one year off to volunteer with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Yarinacocha, Peru. Upon completing seminary Gene became a licensed Marriage and Family Counselor.  He was initially affiliated with The American Institute of Family Relations where 2 of his cases were published in the Ladies Home Journal column "Can This Marriage Be Saved?" Three years later he launched his own private practice in Burbank.  When he married Arleen, they moved to Mission Viejo.  Arleen gave up her career in teaching nursing at UCLA to become a Presbyterian Pastor.  Concurrent activities in Orange County included publishing a book, "How To Sing A Love Song: Loving Your Mate With Passion, Intimacy, and Commitment."  He then received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology and worked part time with Focus On The Family in their counseling department for two years until they moved to Colorado.  Gene retired in 2012
after a 40 year career.  They then moved to Eagle, Idaho to care for Arleen's aging father until he died approaching the age of 101.  In 2020 at the start of the Covid Pandemic, Gene and Arleen relocated to Covenant Living at the Samarkand in Santa Barbara.

Majorie "Margie" (Bailey) Haskins '64 passed away 6/24/2023

Robert K. Altig '64 passed away September 30, 2021

Arthur Shoap '64 passed away November 24, 2021

Mary (McFarland) Griffin '64 passed away January 4, 2024

Leonard "Len" Sunukjian '64 passed away on November 28, 2023

Robert "Bob" Lewis '64 passed away on July 21, 2023.

Kenneth "Ken" C. Olson '64 passed away on June 23, 2023. Kenneth Charles Olson, a biochemist best known for his work in the field of recombinant DNA, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2023 in Stockton, CA. He lived independently until three months prior to his passing at age 80 from complications of acute kidney failure and sepsis. As a scientist during the genetic engineering revolution, Ken contributed to the biopharmaceutical field with multiple patents in protein purification and human growth hormone. He was known for his love of God, family, church, and friends, welcoming any to his home for talk, laughter, dining and music. Ken’s interest in science and chemistry began at an early age with his first basement chemistry set. He went on to have a productive career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries when “gene-splicing” was in its infancy, and he contributed widely to the science world. Among his multiple patents in drug development, his most notable contribution is the first Human Growth Hormone synthesized and approved for human use...His was a quiet and kind presence that spoke to others of God’s grace and love for his neighbors. He was consistent in providing for his family and was well known for being the father of 5 girls. He allowed his silly side to come out, with his mischievous grin, dry humor and Dad jokes. Ken loved to travel, and instilled this in his family as they would navigate across the country, from coast to coast. He visited all 50 states and traveled overseas for conferences and for tours, such as The Holy Lands and the Wesley Heritage and Hymns Tour in England. Later in life, he and Eunice enjoyed taking cruises, especially when they were able to hear some of their favorite gospel groups sing and to join up with fellow church friends. In addition to travel and tennis, Ken enjoyed biking, attending and watching sporting events, gardening (especially tomatoes and oranges), wildlife and photography, stamp collecting, concerts, and singing in church choirs and the Woodbridge Singers. He participated in Bible studies and made every opportunity to spend time with his family and grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings: Paul Olson (Linda), Ron Olson, and Ruthann Baysdorfer; his 5 daughters: Wendi Olson Crocker (Laramie), Tammi Foster, Lauri McInnis (Ron), Nanci Olson Gundry (Mark), and Marci Barta (Rob); 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Eunice (Boldt) Olson.

Marcia Renck ‘64 died on December 2, 2021. She was born on November 23, 1940, in Long Beach, Calif. to Charles and Patricia Renck. She attended elementary school in Lomita, Calif. and high school in Fullerton, Calif. Marcia attended Santa Barbara College and then graduated from Westmont College in 1964. She taught elementary school in La Puente, Calif. for one year and moved to Livermore in 1966, where she taught fifth and sixth grade at Almond Avenue and Arroyo Seco Schools until her retirement in 1998. During her years in Livermore, Marcia was a member of PEO Chapter FX, California Retired Teachers Association, and was active in many other organizations and clubs. She is survived by her sister and nieces, nephews, and nine great nieces and nephews.

Thomas William Henry Mills ’64 passed away surrounded by his family on January 12, 2021. Tom was born on December 25, 1941, and grew up in Guadalupe, Calif. He graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1959. Tom attended Allen Hancock and Westmont College where he earned a BA in Social Science. He was drafted in 1966 to the Vietnam War where he proudly served in the US Army. Upon his return, he moved to Santa Barbara where he met and married Linda McCabe. Tom later went on to complete his Ph.D., and was a longtime teacher with Lompoc Unified School District where he taught for over 30 years. Tom also received the very prestigious honor to teach abroad in England for one year through the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program. He loved singing in his church choir, serving with Gideons International, and traveling around the world. Tom had a deep love of learning and always sought out new experiences and novel opportunities for learning that he instilled in his family. Tom's greatest legacy is, and will be, his faith in Jesus Christ. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Mills, and his mother, Lois (Gaddis) Mills, and his wife, Linda (McCabe) Mills. He is survived by his two brothers; Bill (Sandi) Mills and Allen Mills; his three children and his seven grandchildren.

Alvin O. “Bud” Austin ’64 (2022 Alumni Award) calls Westmont the launching pad for his life in Christian higher education. “Coming from a fractured, lower-middle-class home to Westmont was life changing. Through the academic offerings, faculty and staff role modeling and fellow student engagement, my vision for the future was totally altered,” he says. At Westmont, Bud met Samantha (Sammie) Bates ’65, his life mate for 57 years—through master’s and Ph.D. programs and a long career that included deanships and vice presidencies at four universities. He spent 21 years as president of LeTourneau University and retired as president emeritus in 2007. Bud and Sammie are blessed with three children, seven grandchildren and their first great grandson.

Peggy Gilbert Kirschner ’64 (2022 Alumni Award) and Len Kirschner, MD, MPH, met in Madrid in 1971 after Peggy finished her master’s degree in guidance counseling. Len was stationed in Spain as a U.S. Air Force (USAF) physician after having served as a flight surgeon and flown 35 F-4 missions in Vietnam. Now a retired USAF colonel, Len has led AARP Arizona, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and the USAF hospital at Luke Air Force Base. Peggy has taught a range of grade levels in the U.S. and overseas and served as a guidance counselor. Through their estate plan, they will establish an endowed scholarship at Westmont.

David Lewis Thoreson '64 passed away October 10, 2018. It is with great sadness that the family of David Lewis Thoreson, longtime resident and personality of Santa Barbara, announces his passing in Lynchburg, Virginia, on October 10, 2018. Dave and his wife Janie had moved to Lynchburg in 2008. Dave was a beloved physical education teacher at La Colina Junior High School for 38 years where he was renowned for his enthusiasm, humor and zany approach to life circumstances.David was born in Valley City, North Dakota on May 16, 1941. His parents moved the family to California where Dave spent his early years in the Oceanside-Carlsbad area. He loved people and described those years almost like a Huckleberry Finn adventure. Dave never met a stranger he couldn’t find some commonality with.Dave was a talented athlete and earned a track and field scholarship to Westmont College. Dave competed in the Decathlon where he was nationally ranked for many years and won the bronze medal in the 1967 Pan American Games. Dave is lovingly remembered by his wife, Janie, of 43 years, and his children, Ozzie Thoreson, Mike Patton, Lisa Patton (deceased), Tamara Orozco, Tye Thoreson, Tiffany Wallace, and seven grandchildren and his siblings, Cheryl Johnson, Jack Thoreson, and all their spouses and kids.

Rafaeal "Rafe" Payne '64 passed away, October 19, 2023.

Robin Catlin Wainwright ’64, (2017 Alumni Award) (2014 Alumnus of the Year) president of Middle East Fellowship. For the past two decades, Wainwright and his wife, Nancy, have developed ministries throughout the Middle East, working with local church leaders. He created an outreach for inner-city youth in Santa Barbara in 1969 and became the first director of Westmont’s Urban Program. He taught at Bethel Theological Seminary in Minnesota and served as executive director of Jubilee Foundation in Chicago. After graduating from Westmont, Wainwright earned a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. He serves on the board of directors for the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies in England. Robin and Nancy organized the Journey of the Magi 2000: A Pilgrimage for Peace, a team that traveled 1,200 miles by foot and camel and arrived in Bethlehem on Christmas Day 2000 to honor the 2,000th birthday of Jesus.  

Sharon Danice (Low) Moss '64 passed away, October 21, 2019. She was born in Ventura on May 7, 1942, as the youngest of nine children to Lewel Crawford Low and Mary Edith Moore Low. She had a passion and love for
children, beginning her 46-year teaching career in the Fountain Valley School District. Sharon was then the Founder and Director of Trinity Baptist Preschool and Primary in Simi Valley for 17 years. After
retiring from Trinity, Sharon spent 24 years at Garden Grove Elementary School teaching both Special Education preschool and later, first grade. During her time at Garden Grove she started her private
practice as a Marriage and Family Counselor, specializing in child therapy. Sharon received a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Elementary Education from San Francisco State University and a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.
Her hobbies included knitting, scrapbooking, playing bridge, reading, playing the piano, frequent beach trips and cheering on the Los Angeles Dodgers. The family would like to thank her devoted physician of 40 years, Dr. Timothy McNicoll, and acknowledge the ALS Golden West Chapter of Ventura County for their sincere and personalized attention. Sharon is survived by her three children – Kevin Heddwyn Moss and spouse Shelley; Kirsten Moss Frye and spouse Ryan; Kari Moss and spouse Jennifer; and four grandchildren – Jolene Moss Frye, Benjamin Heddwyn, Jonathan Moss Frye, and Kody Moss.

Jim '64 and Janet Harley '65 Brown (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2021) met at Westmont, married at an early age and grew up together. The daughter of psychology professor Willard Harley Sr., Janet roamed freely around campus with other faculty and staff children. She started college the same year Page Hall opened and enjoyed living there. Jim went to UC Berkeley intending to study dentistry but soon transferred to Westmont, a much better fit for him. Jim completed law school at UC Berkeley School of Law. Jim practiced civil law for the firm Mullen and Henzel for nearly 30 years. In 1998, Jim applied for an open position as a judge, and Governor Pete Wilson appointed him to the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County. After 13 years on the bench, Jim retired in 2011.

Carl B. Dodrill ’65 (2012 Alumni Award) graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, receiving the first Outstanding Student in Psychology award. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology at Purdue University in 1970. In September of 1970, he returned to Westmont as assistant professor of psychology, and in 1971, became chair of the psychology department. In 1973, he moved to the University of Washington School of Medicine and did full-time work on the neuropsychological and psychosocial aspects of epilepsy in the departments of neurological surgery and neurology for 30 years. Broad professional recognition accompanied his publication of 170 papers in medical and psychological journals and books, and he is now professor emeritus at the University of Washington. In 2001, he founded the Pipe Organ Foundation, a charity devoted to preserving and rebuilding pipe organs for the public good; he also engages in significant church work. Carl and his wife, Halie Williamson ’65, live in Washington; they have two children, Susan ’93 and Mark. Carl and his wife greatly value their time at Westmont because God brought them together at the college and the college impacted their lives in numerous ways.

Cliff Lundberg ’65, (2017 Alumni Award) a member of Westmont’s board of trustees from 1993- 2002, is vice president emeritus at Westmont. He earned a Master of Business Administration and a professional designation in contract management from UCLA and became CEO of General Offshore Corporation, a multinational telecommunications and data network company. Under his leadership, General Offshore became the world leader in shallow water installation of fiber optic infrastructure. He serves on the boards of Sports Outreach Institute, the regional United Way, the Cold Spring School Foundation, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Advisory and Research Institute of Human Movement. He and his wife, alumna Diane ’66, are active in Montecito Covenant Church.

Frank Ramsey '65 Died September 7, 2022

Karen J [Voget] Lawson '65 passed away on September 1, 2023. Karen Jean Lawson, 79, wife of 52 years to Ronald Paul Lawson, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 1, 2023 as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and lover of the Lord Jesus. Born in Bethesda, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Julius Abraham Voget and Bertha Slonaker Voget. Her mother helped her pray to receive the Lord as her Savior as a young girl. Karen received her BA in Education from Westmont College (Santa Barbara, CA) and began teaching with Los Angeles City Schools. She was a gifted educator who continued teaching in early childhood settings for 40 years.
She and Ron were married in 1970 and shared a joyful married life in Los Angeles, Baltimore/DC, Boston, Phoenix, and Athens. Karen dedicated her life in faithful service to Christ and the Church – pouring out through children's services, summer camps, college student Bible studies, hospitality, gardening, cooking, and opening their home for various gatherings. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. We rejoice that she is resting with Lord whom she loved and served. We treasure her as a pattern of one who loved the Lord in all things. Survivors, in addition to her husband, include three children: Laura (Brad) Langford of Watkinsville, GA, Aaron (Elisabeth) Lawson of Irmo, SC, Lynee (Micah) Boswell of Conway, AR; siblings; JoAnne (Dan) McCarrell of Mankato, MN, Elizabeth (William) Lawson of Storrs, CT, Jon (Kim) Voget of Avila Beach, CA and Terri Voget of Newington, CT and seven grandchildren: Ashley, Aaron, Susanna, Lydia, Charlotte, Apphia and George.

Donald "Joe" Zottnick '65 passed away on August 21, 2023. How do we wrap a summary around an iconoclast with a rapier wit who dived deep into archeology, historical linguistics, ancient migrations, the Social Gospel and its historical-critical method for interpreting the Bible and the historical Jesus, all the while holding down his day job as an accountant for OPM in Washington, D.C.? That was our Joe, the much-loved Unca Joe, noble, committed to his causes, to justice, and forever in pursuit of the truth. A lover of books. On his final trip to the hospital, he was told to pack one bag. It was filled with books. He leaves behind his partner in life, Rosalia (Sally) and son Erik of Annandale, Virginia, his favorite (and only sister), Maryln Zupicich of Bigfork, John Zupicich, his best friend, most loved niece Aimee Zupicich of Bigfork, nephew Joel Schick of Munich Bavaria, grand nephews Isaak Winkelman (Bigfork), Johnny and Niklas Schick (Munich), and grandniece, Emma Zupicich, Missoula...In 1925, they settled in Missoula where Joe's father, Herman, with only a fourth-grade education, put his talents and skills into his business as a barber and with considerable insight and acumen invested in commercial real estate. From these humble beginnings and with the encouragement of his Missoula County High School teachers, Joe developed a passion for education, particularly math, science and history. After graduation in 1960, he went on to receive a BA from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Ca, before returning to Missoula where he worked on the Green Chain at the Bonner Mill until he enlisted in the Army in 1966. His education was never complete, he obtained two Masters' Degrees, was working on a third before his final illness...It was his honor to serve his country and to be recognized for that effort. In the last few weeks of his life, and still with the belief that he could prevail over the many illnesses that plagued him, he vowed to take up again his teenage hobbies of fly tying and chess. "I'm going back home in 8 days," he promised from the rehab facility. He did go home, and we hope he was met by his beloved lab, Pal, the dog he trained to climb trees. He and Pal are probably busy planning a day of duck hunting up the Nine Pipes, or a hike on a propitious morning up to Finley Lake, the second Finley Lake, where the mountain trout practically jump on the line.

Judith Lynn Reid ‘65 died on December 19, 2021 in Orange, Calif. She was born on October 8, 1941. Judith graduated from Westmont in the middle of the 1964-1965 school year. She married Donald Reid in 1968.

Tacheeni Scott ’66 (2012 Alumni Award) enjoyed a career as a microbiology and cell biology professor at California State University, Northridge. Partially retired, Tacheeni and his wife, Debbie Bridwell ’70, devote more time to a new ministry. A full-blooded Navajo raised on the reservation in Arizona, Tacheeni has founded Dineh Bible Ministries to train biblically qualified elders for reservation churches. Tacheeni works alongside Ameritribes, formerly Navajo Gospel Mission. Now focused on Mexico, Ameriribes owns a Flagstaff conference center under-utilized by Dineh Christians. By training Dineh elders, Tacheeni hopes to change the continuing perceptions of Christianity.

Neal Steinhauer ‘66, the former Oregon track and field star who was an NCAA champion in the shot put, died at age 76 on September 7, 2020. The graduate of North Eugene High School won three consecutive Pac-8 Conference shot put titles and led Oregon to the 1965 NCAA outdoor championship with the individual shot put title as a sophomore. He was the national runner-up on two other occasions. A three-time all-American, Steinhauer held the Oregon school record in the shot put from 1967, a record that stood until 1982. Steinhauer’s mark remains No. 2 on the UO all-time list. He spent his freshman season at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, before transferring to Oregon to join a Ducks team coached by Bill Bowerman. He was the silver medalist at the 1967 Pan American Games and won the U.S. title in 1969. Steinhauer was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 and the University of Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995. Steinhauer was living in Turlock, Calif., at the time of his death.

Diane Laverne Roth ‘66, wife of retired Covenant minister Randy Roth ‘66, died January 11, 2021. She was 76. She was born June 2, 1944, in Eagle Pass, Texas, to Alfred and Laverne Graf and grew up in Sacramento, California. Diane earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Westmont College and a Master of Arts in English from the University of California–Los Angeles. She married Randy on July 2, 1966. They served West Hills Covenant Church in Portland, Oregon, and First Covenant Church in Oakland, Calif. Diane was known for her hospitality and commitment to praying for others. She is survived by Randy, four children, and nine grandchildren.

Dave Glass ‘66 published a book entitled Growing the Golden State 1846-1900 - The Adventures, Experiences, and Contributions of Two Pioneer Families. Dave graduated from Westmont College in 1966 and continued his education at Denver Seminary, earning his Master of Religious Education degree in 1972. He also went on to become a Doctor of Education, graduating from Tennessee Temple University in 1998. His book on California history can be found on Amazon.

Neal Steinhauer ‘66, the former Oregon track and field star who was an NCAA champion in the shot put, died at age 76 on September 7, 2020. The graduate of North Eugene High School won three consecutive Pac-8 Conference shot put titles and led Oregon to the 1965 NCAA outdoor championship with the individual shot put title as a sophomore. He was the national runner-up on two other occasions. A three-time all-American, Steinhauer held the Oregon school record in the shot put from 1967, a record that stood until 1982. Steinhauer’s mark remains No. 2 on the UO all-time list. He spent his freshman season at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, before transferring to Oregon to join a Ducks team coached by Bill Bowerman. He was the silver medalist at the 1967 Pan American Games and won the U.S. title in 1969. Steinhauer was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 and the University of Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995. Steinhauer was living in Turlock, Calif., at the time of his death.

Nancy McCulloch '66  Beloved mother, grandmother, and companion Nancy Jo McCulloch died unexpectedly in her home in the early hours of Sunday, March 24, at the age of 79. She leaves behind countless admirers of her independent spirit and generous heart. Nancy was born on December 4, 1944, in Pasadena, CA, the second of James and Mary McCulloch's three daughters. Her idyllic girlhood was spent in Altadena and then Santa Ana, where she graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1962. She attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, graduating with a BA in Literature, Summa Cum Laude, in 1966. Married to Tom Graff in 1965, she delivered the valedictory address visibly pregnant with their first son, Sean.  Her marriage to Tom Graff ended in 1995, and she was partnered with Wolfgang Ametsbichler from 1995 until 2011.  After suffering a mild heart attack on March 17, Nancy was treated and appeared to be making a full recovery. She was making plans for the future and embracing the challenge of rehab when she suffered a fatal heart attack brought on by a rare complication. The whole family takes solace in the knowledge that her last day with Bob included a walk along the Clark Fork, watching a streamed opera production at the Roxy Theater, and a slow dance at the Union Club. She is survived by her partner, Bob Luceno; her sons: Sean (Kirstin Scott) and Keir (Marya) Graff; grandchildren: Wilhelmina, Oscar, June, and Cosmo; her sisters: Susan (Walt) Buster and Molly (Dennis) Edwards, and their families; and a rich extended network of strong women who were proud to call her their friend.

William "Bill" Reed, Jr '66  - William Turner Reed Jr. (Bill) was born on October 5, 1944, raised in El Centro, CA, at 1056 Brighton St., and left us on March 14, 2023, in Tacoma, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Turner Reed Sr. and Evelyn Jean Martin Reed; and half-sister, Marilyn Reed Burkhardt (Ray).  He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda Tieman; daughter, Jeanne Tieman-Reed McCool (Jon); and granddaughter, Fiona Reed McCool. Bill loved El Centro, with its clear desert skies, the moon and shooting stars, picnics in the desert, the roadrunners, and his friends, some of whom he kept all his life. He developed his love of baseball playing Pop Warner ball in El Centro. His spirit broke a bit when the family moved to San Diego in 1958 after his father had a dispute with his employer, but he learned to love the beach, though he never learned to swim. He lettered in baseball and football at Mission Bay High School, graduating in 1962. He played baseball at Palomar Junior College and Westmont College before transferring to San Diego State University, where he graduated with a BA in history, English, and social studies in 1968. He worked at a variety of jobs, took up running, and nished the San Diego Marathon in 1975. Bill began writing poetry and short stories early. He spent time in Micronesia (Chuuk) in the early years of the Peace Corps. He and Linda were together since the night they met in 1974; they traveled the US for a year and, later, Europe for 10 months. His pride was their daughter Jeanne, born in 1981. Bill and Jeanne had a special bond, loving language, cooking, literature, and humor. When the family moved to Upper Arlington, OH, Bill began writing daily, creating a series of mysteries. He wrote occasional pieces for the Columbus Dispatch and worked for Warner Cable Co. Moving to University Place, WA, he worked at North Pacic (now Heritage) Bank for 20 years. He continued to write daily and achieved his goal, publishing "Expatriates in Paris," a historical mystery about Paris in the 20's. Bill had been an avid jazz fan since he was a teenager. He also loved classical music, opera, cowboy ("not country"), and Hawaiian music. He appreciated art, museums, live music performances, spicy kimchi, walking at Chambers Bay, and hugs. Bill was a handsome, sweet, and kind man, initially shy but quickly warming to people. An extravert waiting to get out of the introvert's persona. Humor and laughter were important to him. While he liked to read, he had an undiagnosed reading disability that made reading challenging all his life. The family thanks the staff at Kaiser-Permanente-WA for excellent, kind, coordinated care; the staff at the Weatherly Inn in Tacoma for their special care for Bill's nal years, and the expertise of Wesley Hospice Services. No services are planned, but Bill would want you to raise a glass at sunset and be happy for having had a good life, good friends, and love. And he'd say, "Keep walking."

Greg Dixon’66 (2022 Alumni Award) met his wife Barb on the Lawrence Welk Show. Greg sang with the Westmont Quartet, which went on to sing with the show for two years, and Barbara was a dancer. After earning a master’s at USC, Greg spent the majority of his career in human resources at Lockheed and J.D. Edwards software company. Since retiring, he has served for more than 20 years in international and local missions, from Central America to the inner city of Denver. During the late 1970s and early 1980s Greg served on Westmont’s alumni board and as president of the Westmont College Alumni Association. Greg and Barbara established the John Lundberg Music Scholarship Endowment at Westmont.

Pat Clemens '66 Was recognized as a "local hero" by the Santa Barbara Independent. Almost 50 years ago he opened Patco Jewelry. He makes and designs jewelry, buys pieces on consignment, and repairs jewelry in various stages of distress. Pat takes care of his customers. “We try to do solid work at reasonable prices,” he said. “We’re not always perfect, but that’s our philosophy.” Business is always brisk. Since 2016, Clemens, who has a degenerative muscle disease, has been confined to an electric wheelchair with an American flag flying from the top. Fortunately, his large hands remain nimble. At 80 years old, he’s still happy to go to work. He’s proud he kept all his workers through the economic ravages of COVID. He’s proud that his shop contributes to various nonprofits, such as the Rescue Mission. “This community has taken care of me. You have to give back,” he said. “It’s what you do.”  You can read the article HERE.

Nancy [Smith] Scarper '67 Passed away, November 10, 2021. after 56 years of marriage. She was faithful to God and to her family. 

John Beck '67  December 20, 1945 - June 6, 2023
Kenmore, Washington - John N. Beck, age 77, of Kenmore, Washington, died Tuesday, June 6, 2023, after a long illness, at Overlake Medical Center, in Bellevue, Washington. He was born December 20, 1945, in Sacramento, California, the son of Romaine and Beth (Gage) Beck. He graduated from C. K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento in 1963; from Westmont College in Santa Barbara in 1967; and earned a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University in 1974. He married Sondra M. Lucht on March 24, 1967. John spent the majority of his career as a legislative advocate representing various healthcare professions. He successfully shepherded several important health care laws through the California legislature. He later served as Executive Director of the California Date Growers Association and of the California Raisin Growers. John was an accomplished musician and avid golfer.
In addition to his wife, Sondra, he is survived by three children: Christopher and wife Christy of Portland, Oregon; Erik and wife Leilani of Placentia, California; and Amanda Lopez-Solis and husband Ruben of Santa Barbara, California; seven grandchildren and one great grandson; as well as a brother James and wife Virginia of Manhattan, Kansas, extended family, and devoted friends

Bob Lonac ’67 (2017 Alumni Award) is the president and CEO of CRISTA Ministries, a worldwide Christian ministry headquartered in Seattle that serves in four distinct areas: education, media, senior living, and international relief and development. Prior to joining CRISTA, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of International Justice Mission. From 1967 to 2000, Lonac served in various capacities in Young Life, including senior vice president for the Western division field. Lonac and his wife, Kathleen, have four adult sons and eight grandchildren. He is an avid fly fisherman, woodworker and runner.

Ron W. Shelton ’67, (2017 Alumni Award) is an Oscar-nominated film director and screenwriter, is known for the many films he has made about sports including “Bull Durham,” “Tin Cup” and “White Men Can’t Jump.” A former minor league baseball infielder in Baltimore’s farm system, Shelton played with the Bluefield Orioles (Rookie), Stockton Ports (A), Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs (AA) and Rochester Red Wings (AAA) between 1967-1971. Shelton, who earned a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona, directed “Jordan Rides the Bus” in 2010 for the 30 for 30 TV Series. He was inducted into the Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame last July.

Richard "Dick" Whipple '65 passed away May 24, 2024

Lynne Small Tahmnisian '67 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) Is president of the La Arcada Investment Corporation and a director of the Petersen Foundation. In 2011 she joined the Westmont Board of Trustees. Lynne majored in literature and education and married Jim Tahmisian ’66, moving with him to Kentucky where he earned a doctorate in psychology and she completed a teaching credential. She taught in an urban school there for several years, witnessing overt racial prejudice for the first time. The experience shocked her and strengthened her determination to serve others. Jim later became director of mental health for Santa Barbara County. She later became a background checker at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in San Luis Obispo. Through careful research, Lynne determined that a woman claiming to be a scientist had presented false credentials, and armed guards escorted her out of the facility. To earn a master’s degree in counseling, Lynne spent two years at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

Dr. James Stanton Dixon ’68 (2012 Alumni Award) was born and raised in southern California. He received his bachelor’s degree from Westmont and his master’s degree and doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. He also holds an honorary doctorate in theology from Colorado Christian University. Dr. Dixon served as an associate pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church in Aurora, Colo., for more than eight years. He founded and pastors Denver’s Cherry Hills Community Church, which was listed as one of the fastest growing churches in the United States. Conceived 30 years ago, Cherry Hills Community Church has a regular Sunday attendance of more than 6,500 adults, children and youth. Dr. Dixon serves on the board of Colorado Christian University, Valor Christian Schools and the Clergy Council of Denver Mayor’s Commission to End Homelessness. He has authored two books, “Vice and Virtue, The Battle Within” and “Last Things Revealed.” Jim lives with his wife, Barbara, in Castle Pines North, Colo.; they have two children. Barbara has worked part time on the church staff for more than 20 years, doing special projects and researching for Jim’s sermons.

David Gustafson '68 passed away Sept. 23, 2022, in his home with his loving wife by his side.David was born in Grand Junction, CO, on Oct. 20, 1946. His parents, Rev. Clifford Gustafson and Ruth Gustafson, predeceased him. His son Kevin also predeceased him in 2017. David is survived by Dianna, his wife of 54 years. He is also survived by daughter Shannon Tunnell, her husband Ross, granddaughter Elise Ruth, daughter-in-law Roberta Gustafson, and grandson James Gustafson. David is also survived by sister Anna Grotenhuis, her husband David, sister Christine Kobayashi, and brother Dan Gustafson and his wife Pam. He also leaves eight nieces and nephews as well as many cousins and dear friends. David led a wonderful, deeply fulfilling life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by his side. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing gospel music in choirs and with his family. David graduated from Weed High School in Weed, CA. He went on to graduate from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. There he met the love of his life, Dianna, and they married shortly after graduation. They continued to be involved in the Westmont community. David began his varied and accomplished career by teaching Music and Math in Long Beach, CA. He later became Vice President at Olga Lingerie and at Wacoal America. In 1990 David joined his brother-in-law, Tom Kobayashi, and together they started the company Entertainment Digital Network. David was an amazing optimist with a brilliant mind. His joyful, vibrant, hopeful, gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Patricia Childers ‘68 died on November 26, 2021, in Wheat Ridge, Colo. She was born to John and Florence Childers on March 19, 1946. The family moved to a farm north of Longmont, Colo. where Patty began her dad’s “right hand man,” driving trucks, tractors, and other equipment as needed. She attended one of the last of the old-fashioned, 3-room country schools. She graduated from Longmont High School in 1964 and attended Westmont College in 1968. Her sister, Phylis [Childer] Giddings ‘66, also attended Westmont.Patty returned to Longmont in 1967 and worked for JC Penny. She drove a delivery truck for UPS after moving to Wheat Ridge. In 1987, she became a licensed massage therapist. Patty loved to help people feel better. She worked primarily at the Aurora Senior Center. On her days off, she drove cars at the Colo. Auto Auction. Patty was interested in the lives of others, and supported organizations and missionaries. She was fondly known as “Pip” by the girls she worked with in Pioneer Girls. Patty loved traveling and visited Sweden, Hawaii, Alaska, many states across the U.S., and the Great Wall of China. She enjoyed fishing with family members in lakes in Northern Canada. Patty treasured her family: parents, siblings, and siblings-in-law, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews- and supported all “her kids” at their sports games, school functions, and church programs. Her niece, Nicole [Giddings] Spahn ‘04 attended Westmont.

Malcolm Collins '68 passed away on September 4, 2023. Malcolm Barnett Collins died on September 4, 2023, in Clermont, FL.  He was born on July 23, 1946, in Sollihul, England and adopted by the late Tom and Ruth (Barnett) Collins. He was raised in Kenya, formerly British East Africa. He graduated from Rift Valley Academy in 1964 and Westmont College in 1968. He was honored as the 100th graduate of the Fuller School of World Mission in 1989.  Malcolm was known for his gentle spirit and love for everyone he met.  His commitment to welcoming people into the “great big love of Jesus” led him to the front lines of building cross-cultural community and inter-racial connections with Africa Inland Mission in Kenya from 1977 to 2001, then with East African immigrants in the U.S.  More recently, he took great joy in joining his friends via Zoom or in person to celebrate and pray for the work of God around the world.  Malcolm saw the image of God in those around him - as an editor with Gospel Light Publications in California and beginning the Rendille Bible translation work in Kenya. He helped found the AIC Missionary Training College which equipped African pastors and their families for cross-cultural ministry, and when he returned to the U.S. he taught ESL and supported many individuals through their U.S. citizenship journey.  Malcolm loved the U.K., the land of his birth; Kenya, the land where he spent much of his youth and adult years, and the U.S., where he met his wife, Barbara and spent the last 20 years of his life.  He is survived by Barbara (Miner), his loving wife of 47 years; his children: Shawn (Kristine), Gregory (Jenny), Michelle, David (Shannon), Daniel (Nicole), Stephen Deion, and Joanne, and his grandchildren: Cassia, Charis, Clare, Elise, Jonah, Luce, Madison, Nathan, and Reagan. In addition to his parents, Malcolm was predeceased by three “angel baby” grandchildren in 2004 and 2010. 

Kathryn [Shaver] "Kathy Stolzfus '69 passed away September 19, 2023. Kathryn Lynn Stoltzfus was called home by the Lord to be with her beloved husband and departed friends and family on September 19, 2023. Born on May 11th, 1947 in Lansing, Michigan, Kathryn was the eldest of three siblings, and traveled with her family to Arizona before settling in Goleta, California. After graduating from San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, Kathryn attended Westmont College in Montecito. She then took to the skies and served as a flight attendant for 30 years, first with Western Airlines, then with Delta. Despite her busy schedule, Kathryn remained a proud lifelong learner. She earned two masters degrees: in Marriage and Family Counseling and later in Business Administration. Kathryn’s heart of service knew no bounds. She helped innumerable people as a marriage and family therapist, as well as fostering many children during times of need over the course of many years. Kathryn’s education, innately kind heart and generosity of spirit afforded her a unique ability to be an amazing listener and confidante to clients and friends alike. On December 7, 1991, Kathryn married her true love, Richard Lee Stoltzfus. They moved from Hubbard, Oregon to Salt Lake City, Utah, and finally to their true home in Cordova, Alaska in January of 2000. In 2010, Kathryn was called back to Goleta to help her mother Elizabeth Ann Shaver and sister Karen Ruth Hall, who were both experiencing health challenges. She remained there until 2011, when Richard tragically passed away in an airplane accident. Kathryn, her beloved foster daughter Salina and pets moved back to Goleta in August of 2022...When Kathryn shared news of her husband Richard’s passing, she wrote:
“From the Bible that Richard loved, I take comfort in the words from 1 Thessalonians 4:13 that says we have hope in our grief. I know that Richard is with his Lord, is probably enjoying a conversation with his Dad, Grandpa and beloved first wife Flossie sharing all the wonderful events that we shared together as a family. I also know that I will see him again someday when my purpose on earth is over and I too am told, ‘Welcome HOME.'” Kathryn is home, but will be forever missed by those left behind. A service may take place in Cordova, Alaska at some point in the future, to be determined. Kathryn is survived by her stepsons and their families: Jeremy, Stacy, Lucas, and Nathan Stoltzfus of Grantham, Pennsylvania, Justin Stoltzfus and Tracy Bacon of Wenatchee, Washington, and Joel and his wife Julie Stoltzfus of Canby, Oregon; nieces Jessica Hall (Jeff Bayer) of Portland, Oregon and Kristin Hall of Goleta; foster daughter Salina; many cousins and extended family, and uncountable friends of the heart.

James "Jim" Jennison '69 passed away, July 9, 2024

Anthony "Tony" Sanford '69 passed away on September 9, 2023. Anthony (Tony) Leon Sanford 77, passed away peacefully September 9, 2023 while sleeping. Tony was born in McMinnville, TN in May 1946, to Army Captain Leon Franklin Sanford and Mildred Louise. Before retiring, his parents purchased a home in Glendale, AZ where Tony attended Glendale High School. It is believed that he was the first to "Letter" in all four sports all four years. He excelled in the track high hurdles and was preparing to run in the Olympics before he suffered a lifelong knee injury. He attended college at Illinois University, Westmont College in California and later the University of New Mexico where he obtained his Doctorate Degree. Tony was an extraordinarily dedicated athlete. He taught sports at the University of New Mexico when he wasn't playing sports. He worked for a time at a local gym, then tried his luck in commercial real estate. He enjoyed working for the Juvenile Justice System as a Juvenile Probation and Parole Officer climbing to the Supervisory level where he later retired. He was a Past Master of the local Masonic Lodge #6 and served on the Board of Directors for Ashlar Assembly #58 Rainbow Girls. Other hobbies included attending antique auto shows, camping and fishing with his wife/partner and friends. Tony is survived by his wife and partner, Kim Sanford (Lusk) of Albuquerque, a sister, Barbara Coleman Parish of Roy, UT and a son, Michael Sutton of Mesa, AZ. He also has a niece, Michelle Locke (Roy, UT) and her daughter, Alaina Hopkins Locke (Mesa, AZ) with 5 children. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Kenneth Sanford, and a nephew, Michael Locke.

Beth [Songer] Smith '69   - Beth Ellen Smith passed away April 2, 2023 at 0433 am with her family at her side at her home in Elk Ridge, Utah. She was 75 years old and was born on April 19, 1947 in Long beach California to Robert K and Myrtle R Songer. Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her Husband of 51 years Michael L Smith and two children, Sara M Saylor (of Mocksville, NC) and Ethan M Smith of Draper Utah. She is also survived by her sister, Lynne A Ditsch of Fox Grove, IL. Beth’s parents moved from southern California to the Central Valley of California where her father taught High School English. Beth attended the same High School in Turlock California. Eventually Beth graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara California with a Bachelors in History and the following year her California Teaching Credential. She is blessed to have 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren living in three different states. Beth has long professed her Christian Faith and was able to be involved in children ministries teaching Sunday School Classes She enjoyed this greatly and it kept her busy along with raising the family. She also enjoyed participating in Women’s Bible Studies throughout her life. Daily reading the Holy Bible was important to her as she felt renewed by the scripture. Her hobbies included reading and of late fiction history focused on Israel. Her other hobby was Watercolor painting of which we have several around the home. A friend of hers, Bonnie Evans, once penned a note that read,” Beth is respected and admired for her quiet wisdom, understated optimism, hard work ethics, her calm demeanor, and her uplifting spirit. Though she isn’t loud or assertive about her faith, many lean on her stability or look to her for assurance when chaos threatens to break loose. She is always a voice of reason and a constant encourager.

Dale Opp '69 died Thursday, October 27, 2022 in Eureka, his father’s hometown. Dale Allan Opp was born July 14, 1947, in Aberdeen. The first-born son of Allan and Eunice (Gross) Opp, Dale spent his early years in South Dakota, picking up snippets of German from his many relatives in the area. In the early 1950s, his family moved to Sunnyside, WA. There, his father, a builder, and his mother, a homemaker, raised their three children. In 1963, the Opp family moved to Kent, WA. Dale discovered a talent for running and joined the school track and cross-country teams. Graduating from Kent Meridian High School in 1965, he set school track records that remained unbeaten for decades. Dale attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, on a track and cross-country scholarship. He treasured the years he spent running at Westmont and would often regale folks with tales of various victories. Of particular (repeated) glory was Westmont’s cross-country team winning third in the nation at the NAIA National Championship in 1969. He graduated from Westmont in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Dale was offered a teaching position in Corcoran, CA, where he taught government and social studies at the high school. While he enjoyed the subjects he taught, it allowed him to do his real love—coaching cross-country and track. Only a few years older than his runners himself, Dale coached with competence, humor, and genuine care. In 1974, Dale was set up on a blind date with Nancy Gaskill by her sister, a teaching colleague of Dale’s, as a deal to get him to chaperone a field trip. Dale and Nancy married on January 10, 1976, in Sanger, CA. Dale continued to teach and coach until he recognized that, as much as he loved coaching, teaching was not his calling. He wanted to work with his hands. He wanted to build. In 1980, Dale and Nancy moved to Issaquah, WA. With his father, Dale built his family home on the side of a mountain surrounded by cedars and pine trees. This was where he and Nancy raised their two children. In 1981, Dale started his own construction business—and he held a hammer for the next 40 years. His dining room table and floor were always covered in blueprints. He disdained architects and could spot an error or “overbuild” by sight. With unimpeachable business ethics, Dale built countless homes and remodeled just as many. His crew, subcontractors, and customers valued his honesty, building acumen, and forthrightness. A particularly dear project to Dale was building his home church with his father. Together, they built First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Renton, WA. After his father’s death in 1995, Dale and his crew built the church’s later additions and, eventually, the engineering and architectural feat of its large new sanctuary. Dale would often point out that the sanctuary contained “not one single 90-degree angle!” Dale’s daughter was married in that sanctuary in 2007. His final large project was a vacation home for his son and his family in early 2021. Like building, coaching was Dale’s other passion. In the early 2000s, Dale coached Liberty High School’s cross-country and track teams. He strongly believed that sport was its most heartfelt and pure at the high school level. In Eureka he returned a final time to coaching, leading the Eureka-area schools’ North Central Thunder cross-country-team. Coaching this team was one of the greatest joys of his later years. It was hotly debated whether he loved his runners or his grandchildren more. Throughout his life, Dale’s coaching was not limited to high school sports. He saw potential and goodness in people that most had written off. He gave them jobs, encouragement, tough advice, and his faith in them. No one was a lost cause. Dale was a true outdoorsman, fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking. Moose hunts in Canada with his brother, Dwight, were particularly special. He enjoyed hours and hours spent around the campfire in Sedro Wooley, WA, with dear friends. For 50 years, every March Madness, Dale trekked to Las Vegas with his buddies from the Corcoran days. Dale eventually fulfilled a lifelong dream, building a homestead in Eureka. Summer thunderstorms and winter blizzards on the prairie made him giddy, laughing at his own good luck to live in such a wild, beautiful place. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Eunice, and his brother, Dwight Opp. He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Nancy; daughter Ashley Hofmann (Christopher) of Poolesville, MD; son Tyler Opp (Christine) of Redmond, WA; sister Jane West (Jim) of Lake Tapps, WA; and four adored grandchildren, Charlotte, Lorelei, James, and Nathan.

Diane Dunlap Craig '69 died February 25, 2020, after a two-week battle against an undiscoverable and untreatable cancer. Born to Clyde and Jean Dunlap in Lakewood, Calif., on March 20, 1947, she spent her young years in Southern California and on buying trips to New York with her parents for the Dunlap's Department Store chain. After moving to Modesto at age 15, she graduated from Downey High School before attending Westmont, where she received a degree in Communication Arts. While at Westmont, she met Wayne Craig ’68, who was to be her husband for 51 years. They moved to Lodi in 1969 and she taught English at Lodi High School for a few semesters before leaving to raise two children, Jorie and Zachary. For the next 50 years Diane contributed her time to her family and her community, supporting Lodi schools, Hutchins Street Square Foundation, Lodi Memorial Hospital Auxiliaries, Omega Nu Sorority, PEO and countless other efforts supporting those in need. She also worked with women at the Salvation Army center for over ten years and helped young people feel supported and find balance. Diane will be remembered for her sense of humor and being a lady that truly cared about you. She was selfless, always trying to improve others and her family. She had a special gift of connecting with people in a way that made you feel like you could tell her anything. Her generosity was founded in compassion and service. Her kindness will be remembered by those she touched. She is survived by her brother, husband, two children and three grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents.

Barbara Gregg Burner '69 died October 11, 2019, at her home in Thousand Oaks, Calif., surrounded by family after a brief struggle with cancer. She was 72. Barbara was born on July 24, 1947, to Marian Winnifred (Anderson) and Jesse Franklin Gregg, Jr. in Panamá City, Panamá. Barbara's faith in Jesus was a central focus of her life since childhood. She grew up in Hollywood, Calif., where her parents owned and operated a Foster's Old Fashioned Freeze store and both she and her sister worked. She attended Westmont before transferring to UCSB to pursue a career as a dietician. After graduating in 1971, Barbara spent a year's internship in dietetics at the New York Hospital followed by working as a dietician at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric (NPI) hospital for 10 years until she began a 46-year career as a top real estate agent in the Conejo Valley with Lamb Realty, Century 21 Rolling Oaks, and Aviara Realty. Barbara was active in the Fountain Avenue Baptist Church while growing up, then attended the Church on the Way in Van Nuys, Calif. for 47 years, where she married Robert (Buzz) Russell Burner on August 8, 1980. Barbara was an avid skier and loved visiting their condo at Mammoth Lakes with Buzz. She loved good coffee, champagne and mimosas, and Sunday brunch at The Cheesecake Factory. She enjoyed scuba diving and watersports. Barbara especially enjoyed traveling. Anyone who knew Barbara knew at least one thing about her: she loved cats! She is survived by her husband, sister Marjorie, step-daughter and two step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

Edward Paul Zahora '69 died on May 9, 2020. Edward was born in Berwyn, Ill. on August 19, 1947 to Edward and Lillian (Makovsky) Zahora. He grew up in Cicero, Illinois and graduated from Morton East High School. Ed attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California and Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. He graduated from Westmont College with a Bachelor of arts degree in 1969. He also spent two years in graduate school at Illinois State University and majored in organic chemistry. Ed met Mary Kay Wallin at Wheaton College in 1968. They were married in 1971. They enjoyed sailing on Lake Geneva and vacationing with the extended family at the lake in Minnesota. Ed enjoyed being creative in the chemistry lab and formulated specialty coatings at the companies where he worked including DeSoto, DSM Desotech and C. E. Bradley. His accomplishments included over 20 patents. Ed was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Aurora, Illinois. More recently he enjoyed the fellowship at Rivertown Church in Brattleboro, Vermont while he was employed at C. E. Bradley. Ed is survived by his wife, Mary Kay, two brothers-in-law, several cousins and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Dr. Michael Gregory Terpstra '69 died on August 18, 2021. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and spent ten years of his childhood in Micronesia. His memories and love for these islands lasted a lifetime. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Honolulu. Mike began at Westmont in 1965, where he met MaryAnn, his wife of 54 years, that fall. The couple married in December 1966. About to be drafted, Mike entered the United States Military in June 1967. Mike came just in time for the fourth of July, 1970, and was reunited with his wife, son, and new daughter. The family lived in California – San Jose, Felton, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Watsonville and Sacramento. During that time, Mike earned his BA in Social Sciences, an MA in Theology, and a Ph. D. in Human and Organizational Systems. In 1997, he and MaryAnn moved to Portland, Oregon. He worked as a Registered Nurse for 20 years, a salesman for Forest Lawn cemeteries in Southern California, a teacher for 3 years and as a Christian Education director for a Portland congregation. Throughout his time in Portland, he was closely involved with the Oregon Micronesian community. Mike’s best loved job was caring for his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, two children, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. 

Gloria J. Beaird ‘69 died on June 5, 2021. Her sister Loris (Beaird) Mills ‘74 also attended Westmont.

Victoria (Viki) Jones '69 died June 8, 2018, in Bothell, Wash., at age 70 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Viki was the youngest of six children born to Judy and William (Bill) Jones on February 27, 1948 in Nicaragua. While Viki enjoyed reading, studying the Bible, and playing cards with her friends at Woodcrest, her true passion was to be with people. From her elementary school teaching days in Illinois and California, to helping to take care of her mother, Judy, to being a nanny to her grandchildren Ben and Sean, to volunteering at many organizations and schools, Viki was one to always put others before herself. She was preceded by her brother Paul and her parents. She is survived by her brothers Bill and David; sisters, Cindy and Vivian; five children, Tim, Kristi, Jennifer, Jamee, and John; and 11 grandchildren.

Jay Pierson ’69 (2012 Alumni Award) has worked on the floor of the House of Representatives for more than 25 years. His career began in the Office of the House Journal Clerk and the House Republican Cloak Room, but he soon moved up to floor assistant for the minority leader. When the Republicans took control in 1995, he became floor assistant to the speaker. Jay never expected to work in politics. He earned a doctorate in English literature from the University of Maryland. His wife, JoAnne Boyd ’69, had a job with the House minority leader, and she got him involved on Capitol Hill. He got hooked and never looked back. While Jay can put in long hours, he hasn’t built his life around his work. His family has always come first, and he has been an active member of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Md. The Piersons have two sons: Joel graduated from Westmont in 2001 with a degree in music and plays in two bands in Santa Barbara; Jeff is a junior at Messiah College in Pennsylvania.

Judy (Brinkman) Gaede ’70 and her husband, Stan ’69, (2017 Alumni Award) have partnered together in Christian higher education on the East and West Coasts throughout most of their 50-year marriage. Judy serves as assistant to the president of the Christian College Consortium and scholar-in-residence at Gordon College. Stan has served on the faculty and administration at Gordon and as provost and president at Westmont. Judy has taught and worked as administrative assistant for the academic dean and president, registrar, and sidekick to Stan. Judy and Stan enjoy visiting their three children, Heather, Nathaniel ’98 and Kirsten ’06, and their four grandsons.

Judy (Brinkman) Gaede ’70 and her husband, Stan ’69, (2017 Alumni Award) have partnered together in Christian higher education on the East and West Coasts throughout most of their 50-year marriage. Judy serves as assistant to the president of the Christian College Consortium and scholar-in-residence at Gordon College. Stan has served on the faculty and administration at Gordon and as provost and president at Westmont. Judy has taught and worked as administrative assistant for the academic dean and president, registrar, and sidekick to Stan. Judy and Stan enjoy visiting their three children, Heather, Nathaniel ’98 and Kirsten ’06, and their four grandsons.

Carolyn Custis James ’70 (2012 Alumni Award) is an evangelical thinker who loves God enough to break the rules—rules of cultural convention which attempt to domesticate the gospel message of the Bible. Carolyn is president of WhitbyForum, a ministry dedicated to addressing the deeper needs which confront both women and men as they endeavor to extend God’s kingdom together in a messy and complicated world. Carolyn’s many books have been described as provocative, honest, and deeply moving. She is also founder and president of the Synergy Women’s Network, Inc.—a national organization for women emerging or engaged in ministry leadership. Carolyn serves as consulting editor for Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary Series on the New Testament; a regular columnist for FullFill Magazine; contributing editor for Leadership Journal; and advisory committee member for the Biblica Justice Bible Project. She speaks regularly at church conferences, colleges, theological seminaries and other Christian organizations both in the U.S. and abroad. A pastor’s daughter, Carolyn grew up in Portland, Ore. During the years between seminary and her present ministries, she had her own business as a computer software developer in Oxford, England. Her husband, Frank, is provost and professor of historical theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. They live in Boxford, Mass. and have a grown daughter. 

Smith, Brecky "Breck" '70 passed away November 9, 2023

Kenneth Sampson ’70 (2022 Alumni Award) is a retired U.S. Army colonel. He served as chaplain for more than 20 years and is now military advisor to Guideposts. Ken says, “My heart and person are deeply indebted to Westmont,” where he studied sociology under Ron Enroth. These courses ignited in him a fire to know “you can live out your faith and do something about the cataclysmic forces in society.” Ken also attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois (M.Div.). He earned a masters of theology, world religions, at Princeton Theological Seminary, and a masters of strategic studies at US Army War College. He is an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church of America. Ken is married to Kate, and they have two children.

Dennis Savage ’70 (2022 Alumni Award) and his wife Sue have been married for 49 years. Dennis, a Santa Barbara native, attended Westmont because of former track coach Jim Klein and the inspirational runners he met at the college. He enjoyed the Bible classes and chapels, but it was through Dr. George Howe’s class on origins that “the Lord convinced me this is a created world and eventually led me to confess Jesus as Lord.” As a teacher at La Colina Junior High, Dennis met a charming art teacher, Susan. She had come to UCSB to complete her art degree and obtain a secondary teaching credential. She later earned an MFA in painting. As an art professor at Westmont, Sue loved teaching and nurturing each individual’s creative spirit. Upon her retirement, Westmont awarded her emerita status. She credits teaching at Westmont for helping her develop the spiritual content and visual language she uses in her professional painting practice.

Paul Kennedy  '70 Passed away December 9, 2023 from Alzheimer's disease. Paul was born in New Jersey to parents, Frank, and Joyce Kennedy. He lived in Altoona, Pa and moved to Montebello, Ca, where he attended Montebello High School. He graduated from Westmont College and Fuller Theological Seminary. Paul was a pastor at South Hollywood United Presbyterian Church in the 1970's and then worked in the water sports industry for the rest of his career.Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Frank, and Joyce Kennedy, and by his sister, June Marshall. He is survived by wife, Mary Kennedy; daughter, Erin Trudeau; sister, Janice Mauw; brother, Mark Kennedy; grandchildren, Augustus, Walter, Calvin, and Charlotte Trudeau; and many nephews and nieces.

Paul Johnston ’70 (2022 Alumni Award) served as college ambassador for three years as a member of the Westmont Quartet. He married his classmate, Ellen Yamamoto, on graduation day, 1970! They settled in Fremont, California, and have three children and five grandchildren. Paul’s career spanned retail and hi-tech management before he launched and ran a construction company for more than three decades. Paul also consistently served his local church in youth and adult ministries and as a church elder. He credits his Westmont education for his ability to thrive in diverse environments and gratefully acknowledges God’s blessings for any successes he has had in life.

Steve and Karen Ray ’70 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 22, 2020. They wed in the Formal Gardens of Westmont College.

John Wilson ’70 (2012 Alumni Award) is editor of Books and Culture and editor-at-large for Christianity Today magazine. He majored in English and received a master’s degree at California State University, Los Angeles, in 1975. His reviews and essays appear in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, First Things, National Review, and other publications. He and his wife, Wendy, are members of Faith Evangelical Covenant Church in Wheaton; they have four children

Vickie [Ryder] Smith '70  Jan. 22, 1948 — March 28, 2023 Vickie Lee (Ryder) Waldier went home to her Lord and savior on March 28, after a three-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Vickie was born in Portland on Jan. 22, 1948, to Paul Edwin and Mary Lois (Bettcher) Ryder. She grew up in Alameda, California, and graduated from Alameda High School in 1966. She attended Westmont College, graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1970 and went on to earn her teaching credential from San Francisco State University. She taught elementary school in Alameda, and then in Portland. She married Brian Aaron Waldier on June 7, 1969, in Portola Valley, California, and he remained faithfully by her side until her death. She worked tirelessly as a homemaker, pastor’s wife, homeschool teacher and family dietitian. She passionately pursued health and nutrition, and found joy in sharing information, recipes, supplements and food bargains with family and friends. She lived in Ilwaco, Washington, for most of the last 43 years, except for 10 years in Jewell. Brian and Vickie have been members of Seaview Baptist Church and Ocean Park Community Church in Washington, Nehalem Valley Community Church and Warrenton First Baptist Church. Vickie loved to share her faith in Jesus Christ. She was thrilled to share her cancer journey, miracles and trials with family, friends, supporters, doctors and even acquaintances, inspiring many who have witnessed her faith. Vickie is survived by her husband, Brian, of Ilwaco; son, Aaron Paul; grandchildren, Waylon and Aubrey Waldier, of Sandy; brother, Brent G. Ryder, of Las Vegas; and many cousins who have faithfully supported her. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Elizabeth Waldier; and beloved daughter-in-law, Crystal (McCarthy) Waldier.

Michael Ray Mitchell '70, 73, of Midlothian, Virginia, went to be with his Lord on October 25, 2021. He was the loving husband of Sharyn Mitchell for 40 years and the devoted father of his two children, Michael Jr., and Charis. Michael was born on July 16, 1948, in Santa Ana, California. He was a good man and a devoted and beloved husband, father, and friend. Michael was a gifted Christian educator and minister and earned degrees from Biola College, Talbot Theological Seminary, and an Ed.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. At 24 years old, Michael began serving as the children's ministry director at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, where he met his wife, Sharyn. Since that time, Michael went on to serve as pastor and principal of schools and churches across the country, including pastoring Emmanuel Community Church in Arvada, Colorado. Michael served as an associate professor of Christian Leadership at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia for ten years, until he retired. He is the author of the book Leading, Teaching, and Making Disciples as well as the author and presenter of countless leadership and family training seminars, including The Ezra Experiment and Go Make Disciples. Michael always focused on Christ's calling to "Go, make disciples," and was dedicated to teaching and ministering to whomever the Lord placed in front of him, no matter how small or large the gathering. In addition to his academic accomplishments and life-long ministry, Michael also enjoyed leisure outdoors as well as leading camping ministries, including Christian camps at the Green Oak Boys' Ranch in California and at Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je in Colorado. He was a talented athlete and enjoyed playing softball, baseball, basketball, and racquetball throughout his life. He had a delightful sense of humor, loved music and the arts, and he taught himself acrylic painting during his retirement. Michael impacted countless people through his Christian life and ministry, and none more so than his late wife, Sharyn and his two grown children, Michael Jr. and Charis. Through all of his ministry and service, Michael always remained devoted to his family, prioritizing and constantly supporting them throughout his life. Michael was preceded by his parents, Kenneth and Betty Mitchell, and his wife, Sharyn. He is survived by his two grown children, Michael Mitchell Jr. and Charis Mitchell, and his sister, Patti Zielke of Anaheim, California.

Mike Leming '70 (Fall 2022 Westmont Magazine Article) Taught sociology at St. Olaf College for 40 years- just retired. He is married to Ann Lundquist Leming '70. They live in Thailand from January to April every year. They started the Westmont Thailand semester in 2001. They just opened an orphanage in Chiang Rai for the poorest of the poor. 

Jim ’70 and Sue Bergman DeVries ’71, (2019 Global Service Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2014)  The DeVries have shared a lifetime of marriage and minis- try, raising three daughters who now serve in the mission field themselves with the DeVries’ 10 grandchildren. The couple began their career in Ghana, teaching high school. For the next 20 years, based in Kenya with eight families, they traveled and trained pastors. In 2006, they moved to Cyprus to support missionaries in the Middle East who face ongoing stress. After 38 years, Jim and Sue have moved to Colorado, but they continue to work with OCI.

Preston Hannibal ’71 (2012 Alumni Award) has invested his life in the church and in education. An Episcopal priest, he has served as a chaplain at secondary schools and at Harvard. Today, as canon for academic and transition ministries for the Diocese of Washington, D.C., he works with chaplains at 20 Episcopal schools serving 5,000 students, prepares candidates for ordination, and preaches at the National Cathedral. In 2008, he helped establish the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, a primary school for inner-city, African-American youth in Anacostia. Families pay no tuition and sign a contract to volunteer at the school and support their sons. A sociology major at Westmont, Preston seeks to provide mentors for the boys at Bishop Walker School like the ones who inspired him when he was growing up.

Richard A. “Dick” Swift '71 was promoted to glory on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, at the Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford. He was born May 30, 1947, in Santa Fe, N.M., the son of Kenneth and Jessie Olive Swift. Dick attended school in California and later graduated with a music degree in clarinet from Westmont College in Santa Barbara. He subsequently received, when he was in his fifties, an accounting degree from the University of Southern Maine. Dick taught music for a period of time, and worked as a mailman for the U.S. Postal Service. He was employed as a bookkeeper for the Seashore Trolley Museum, and for the past ten years he worked as a cashier for Walmart in Biddeford. On Oct. 24, 1982, he married the love of his life, Linda Hilburn, in a memorable ceremony with family and friends on Captain’s Beach in Northport, Maine. Dick and Linda are members of the Salvation Army of Old Orchard Beach. He countered a diagnosis of MDS by following a macrobiotic diet that served him well and provided eight years of quality living. Dick’s passions were serving the Lord, loving his wife, reading, hiking and cooking plant-based meals. He was also able to construct anything from reading directions — a real talent. The Swifts enjoyed many adventures together, including hikes, staying in a tree house and a yurt. In his late sixties, he aspired to through-hike the Appalachian Trail. Eventually he hiked sections of the trail. In February, 2019, Dick and Linda attended a marriage cruise in the Caribbean, where they renewed their vows. He sang bass in the Songsters at the Salvation Army in Old Orchard Beach. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Normie. He is survived by his wife of 39 years and two sisters, Marilyn Sears of Guelph, Ontario, and Kat Swift of California.

Larry Whitmere '71 died January 6, 2023

Lyle Thomas Burchette ‘71 died on April 5, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer. Lyle was born in Louisa, Ky. on November 21, 1932. He accepted the Lord at an early age and walked the hills of Kentucky as an itinerant preacher. Lyle then served in the U.S. Navy where he continued to spread the gospel through his service on the USS Cascade earning the nickname “Preacher”. Lyle has built churches in Guam, Hawaii and Hollister, Mo. Lyle was a realtor in California and Missouri. His goal in life was to bring people to the Lord. He wanted everyone to know Jesus. He had a servant’s heart and was willing to help anyone in the community who needed assistance. Lyle founded the Hollister-Branson Chapter of the VFW, of which he was commander for several years. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW. Lyle and Phyllis hosted many reunions for the USS Cascade which was commissioned in 1941 until 1974. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, siblings, and four children. Lyle has 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Violet Burchette.

Randy Giusta ’71, (2017 Alumni Award) who has worked for Young Life in Encinitas for 44 years, was called by Christ to pursue full-time ministry during his freshman year at Cal Poly. He transferred to Westmont in the fall of 1968 and changed his major to preministerial major. He served as a volunteer Young Life leader at Santa Barbara High School for two years, and started a new Young Life club at Carpinteria High School. He finished his master’s degree at Fuller Theological Seminary while his wife, Judy, earned a teaching credential at California State University, Los Angeles.

Paul Swanson ’72 (2022 Alumni Award )shares these verses: Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:37–40, Hosea 6:6 and Zephaniah 3:17. “Lord, help me to . . . let go of things that don’t matter and finish well . . . burn out enthusiastically . . . and rust out gracefully!”

Tom Turrentine ‘72 died on June 2, 2020, due to an unforeseen coronary event while on a bike ride. He had been a resident of Santa Cruz County for 31 years. He received a full athletic scholarship to play soccer at Westmont College in Santa Barbara in 1972. He later moved to Santa Cruz, where he got a job with Summit Expedition. Tom went back to school, first to Cabrillo College, then UCSC, where he studied Anthropology. He traveled south to the Andes, and lived in a village outside of Huaraz, Peru during the fall of 1980 and winter of 1981. He was drawn to the hard-working and gentle Andean people, and enjoyed trying to understand their way of life. His thesis "The Politics of Language: The Structure of Linguistic Inequality in Peru" was completed in September 1982. He received his Doctorate in Anthropology in 1994 from UC Davis. In 2007, Tom became the founding Director of the Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle (PG&EV) Center at UC Davis. Tom was goofy, light-hearted, and he loved to make you laugh. He is survived by his wife, Pat, their daughter Sasha, and two brothers and sister, Ralph ‘69, Jim ‘67, and Betty ‘65.

Sherry Saylor ’72, (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2018)  who chairs the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee (AFBWLC), has served as a guidance counselor at Buckeye Elementary School in Arizona for the past 30 years. She and her husband, Rick, a third generation farmer, are partners in R&S Farms, a diversified row crop farm that grows sorghum, wheat, alfalfa and barley. Sherry serves on the board of the American Farm Bureau Federation. She has represented the AFBWLC on the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s board of directors since 2012 and has served on the AFBWLC since 1990. Sherry speaks for the Christian Women’s Club in the Southwest.

Daniel Martins ’73, (2017 Alumni Award) who earned a master’s degree in music history at UC Santa Barbara, is bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, Illinois. After graduating from Westmont and UCSB, he spent the next decade in various business endeavors in Oregon. In 1989, he completed a Master of Divinity from Nashotah House, a theological seminary of the Episcopal Church, and subsequently served as a parish priest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Stockton, California; and Warsaw, Indiana. Martins, who was elected bishop in 2010, married alumna Brenda (Hansen ’72) in 1972 and they have three adult children and three grandchildren.

Luis Villarreal ’73 (2022 Alumni Award), a psychiatric social worker by training, focused his 46-year career in ministry to low-income individuals and families as an inner-city pastor. He is the founder of Save Our Youth Mentoring, a 30-year ministry serving Denver’s youth caught in gang violence. Luis is also founding director of The Master’s Apprentice Ministry, where he serves 2nd Chance Ministries, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those locked in poverty, training them to enter apprenticeships in the construction trades for economic security and upward social mobility. Luis resides in Englewood, Colorado, with his wife of 48 years, Nancy (Allen) Villarreal ’73.

Deborah "Debby" [Boggs] VanderWoude '73 died May 24, 2022 (Tampa, Florida). She was loved and cherished by many people including : her parents, Jacob Woodyard Boggs and Betty Rae White Boggs; her husband Dean VanderWoude; her children, Ryan Dean VanderWoude and Michal Anne Vander Woude; her brother Jonathan David Boggs; and her close friend Sharon Taylor. She was also cherished by many loving family members and friends.

Gary Barsness '73 died March 29, 2014.

Francine [Bus] Phillips '73 died June 10, 2022 (La Mesa) – Francine Phillips, an award-winning journalist, editor, writing instructor and communications specialist based in La Mesa, has passed away. Phillips wrote for many local publications, including East County Magazine. She worked as managing editor at the Daily Californian, executive director of California Garden Magazine, and as a freelance copywriter at U-T San Diego, in addition to numerous other communications positions.“Francine was a talented writer with a passion for life and a broad range of interests. She will be deeply missed by many in our community,” says ECM editor Miriam Raftery. Phillips covered a wide range of topics for ECM, including coverage of local water board and school board issues, a weekend at a local lavender farm, environmental issues, and a global leadership summit featuring former Secretary of State Colin Powell at Journey Church, where she served as a spiritual care minister and writing teacher. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended Eagle Rock Junior-Senior High, then obtained a B.A. in English literature at Westmont College in Montecito, CA. She also received  master’s degrees in theology and in marriage and family counseling at Denver Theological School, according to her LinkedIn page. Her career path included positions as director of communications for the Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego/Imperial Counties and for the La Jolla Country Day school, where she taught journalism and speech. She also served as a communications officer at SDCERA and held positions with the San Diego City Attorney, San Diego District 2 Supervisor, and the President’s Initiative for Family Justice Center. She was the principal of her own business, Write Now!, from 1993 until her death. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting, gardening, and beach barbecues with friends, many of whom posted fond memories on her Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/francine.phillips, where they recalled her kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit.

Douglas “Doug” Arensmeir '73 died Jan 14, 2020. Doug was born in Salem, Ore., on February 8, 1950, to Purl and Wilma Arensmeier. Growing up, Doug was very involved in the children's and youth departments at First Baptist Church. He attended Englewood Elementary School, Parrish Junior High School and graduated from North Salem High School. He attended Westmont and Portland State University. Doug was very musically talented and throughout his life played many musical instruments. He was a choir and orchestra member in high school and later played in several bands. Doug worked for Linn County Fire Patrol, Del Monte Cannery and Fairview Training Center in Salem. In 1988 he launched his own marketing business, Arensmeier & Associates. Since 2001 he was employed by the Oregon Department of Human Services, most recently in the Background Check Unit. He loved motorcycles, piloting aircraft and talking about politics. He had many, many friends and acquaintances in the Salem area. He would meet weekly with groups of people to stay updated on what and why "things" were the way they were. He loved politics and assisted candidates with their campaigns for state, local offices and boards. He enjoyed devoting his life to giving back countless hours by serving on over 25 state and local entities. Doug is survived by his loving wife, Gayle; his sister, Shari, and her husband; three nieces; five great-nieces and three great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; mother and brother, David.

Beth Lynnette Kreiss (Gamble) '73 passed away at the age of 70 on December 19, 2020,. She is survived by her husband of almost 40 years, David Kreiss ‘73; one son and daughter; mother, Agnes Gamble and three siblings. She was preceded in death by her father, Dean Gamble. Lynnette was born in Pasadena, Calif. She attended Livermore High School and Westmont College in Santa Barbara, where she graduated with a BA in Biology. After that she worked as a phlebotomist. She got married to David Kreiss on January 24, 1981. The family moved to Vallejo in 1986. Lynnette enjoyed writing poems, painting, and photography and other forms of artistic expression. She wanted to be seen, to be heard, and share her joys and struggles with the world. She also enjoyed the outdoors, especially the Redwoods. She was a willing listener and a caring soul. She was never afraid to speak her mind, She gave generously to people in need and was hospitable to those who needed a place to stay. Lynnette will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Carol Sue Butterfield '73 died in Vancouver, Washington on Oct. 7, 2021. She was born on Feb. 6, 1939, the second of 8 children, in Desoto, Kan. to James and Margaret West. Carol was raised in Kansas and graduated from Desoto HIgh School at the age of 16. The following year, she began college at Westmont college. She transferred to the University of Kansas for her sophomore year where she met and soon after married Donald Butterfield, a Korean War veteran. In 1958, the couple moved to Vancouver where they raised their four children. Carol opened the world to her children through many family field trips that included Sunday afternoon picnics in the shadow of Mount St. Helens. Carol worked for nearly a decade in classified advertising for the Columbian Newspaper. She took a job as a hostess with The Holland Restaurant in order to send more time with her children. Carol transitioned into medical billing with Kaiser Permanente and later with the Vancouver Orthopedic Group. In 1984, Carol Don died of an aggressive form of cancer. After several years, Carol met and married William Nuemamm. The couple enjoyed taking road trips and traveling to Hawaii. Carol was an avid reader and loved discussing current events. She had a keen memory for history and the way that people in the community are connected with one another. Carol is survived by her four children.

Cynthia Clampitt '73 released her newest book - Destination Heartland: A Guide to Discovering the Midwest's Remarkable Past- by the University of Illinois Press. This is her fourth book, but her second for the University of Illinois. For those interested in buying the book, the publisher is offering a Friends and Family discount of 30% off the cover price using the code S22UIP at the publisher's site.

Cathy ’73 and the late Vince Nelson ’63 (2022 Alumni Award) married in 1975. They had three children, two of them Westmont graduates. Vince majored in history at Westmont. Together they maintained a lifelong love and service to the college. After receiving an MBA from Columbia University in 1965, he served as a naval officer with two combat tours in the Gulf of Tonkin, worked in sales for IBM, then pursued a career in financial services and board leadership. In 1983 Vince joined the Westmont College Board of Trustees. He served as chair of the academic committee and as chair of the board from 2009–14. Vince was called home to be with the Lord Jesus September 25, 2021.

Stephen "Steve" Zoradi '74 passed away July 16, 2024.

Dave Willis ’74 (2012 Alumni Award) witnessed the sad contrast between wild country and the rapacity of market-driven, industrial logging on numerous trips into Oregon’s Coast and Cascade Ranges with his de facto uncles, Dale Ritter ’64 and Roger Dejmal ’63. As a result of these experiences, in 1972, he began coordinating Mount Hermon’s Sierra Treks wilderness trip program, founded by Robin Wainwright ’64. Sierra Treks became independent from Mount Hermon under Dave’s leadership in 1983, after he earned a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Seminary. Sierra Treks has offered many trips and courses for Westmont students, including the Inoculum program, which Dave started in 1974. Time in the disappearing wilderness, combined with a biblical understanding of creation’s “good, very good” value to the Creator/Redeemer, led Dave to increase his involvement in wildlands protection work. With the Soda Mountain Wilderness Council, Dave spearheaded the effort that led to President Clinton’s establishment of southwestern Oregon’s Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in 2000, followed by congressional designation of the Soda Mountain Wilderness in 2009. Dave has received numerous awards from various conservation groups. He lives near Ashland, Ore., with the Oregon Extension College community, his home for more than thirty years.

Sharon Wilcox ’74, (2017 Alumni Award) a communication and learning specialist, works as a neuro-acoustic therapist, providing specially engineered music to improve the brain’s architecture. She worked as a speech language pathologist and psycho-educational therapist after earning a teaching credential and master’s degree. Her work in the emotional intelligence field led her to be a head coach in business and leadership communication. She also taught at a university. “Regardless of the role,” she says, “I see my work, as Finley Peter Dunne put it, ‘To comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable. I am the unseen support, with a servant’s heart and God’s love.’”

Steven Pattie ‘74 (2022 Alumni Award) graduated from Westmont with a degree in English and earned a M.Div. in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. In higher education he has served in the administration at Fuller and later as President of New College Berkeley. Steven has been engaged in advertising and fundraising on behalf of nonprofits as a Vice President at Russ Reid Company and Merchant McIntyre Associates. His life’s calling is his work as a visual artist, writer, poet, musician, film producer, and art collector/dealer. Through his own Redwood Retreat Gallery, featured is contemporary self-taught/outsider/folk/art brut, the Mid-Century/Beat period, Native American art, artifacts, and jewelry, his own work, and the gallery’s permanent collection. He shares his life and work with Diane and has two sons, Nathan and Lucas.

Purvis, Connie (Worthington) '74 passed away February 25, 2024

Carolyn Platt '74 died August 29, 2022, went to be with the Lord, after losing her battle to pancreatic cancer.  Born to Alvar and Mary Platt on January 10, 1949. She grew up in the small town of Ripon, CA with her parents and only sibling, Alan. After graduating Ripon High, she went on to Westmont College to obtain her teaching credentials in 1971. Shortly after, with her love of teaching, went to Kijabe, Kenya for two years, teaching English. While there she was convinced to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, where she then reached the top of the mountain in December 1976.  Coming back to the states her first teaching assignment was at Riverbank High, while continuing with a master's degree from CSUS in 1992. After a stint at an Adult Education school as an administrator, she ended her career as an English teacher at Oakdale High School.  Her love was helping others, whether it be students with their studies, or helping friends and neighbors with whatever they needed, her giving heart made her easy to love.  She is survived by her nieces Stephanie Trillas, Jenny Rameriz, and their families. 

Dr. Rick Love ‘75 had been battling cancer and died of a heart attack early on December 29. 2019. Rick was an internationally recognized expert in Christian-Muslim relations. He and his wife, Fran ‘75, began their service as missionaries to Indonesia. He was an ordained pastor, and a consultant on reconciliation between Muslims and Christians. After 9/11 he was an adjunct professor at the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies and Columbia International University for several years. Rick initiated the founding of Vision 5:9 in 2002, to create strong partnerships among those who shared a vision of building the Kingdom of God among Muslims. He established the values of Vision 5:9 as a network, and set a high standard for unity among Christians and love for Muslims around the world. Rick went on to found Peace Catalyst International, an organization with a heart to build bridges and “wage peace,” to unite Muslims and Christians through a common word. He was author of the book Grace and Truth: Toward Christlike Relationships with Muslims.

Karen  (Strom Hess) Morley '75 Passed away December 13, 2023.

Salvador Güereña ’75 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2021) is a local community leader whose organization, United Parents/Padres Unidos, which he founded in 2008, works to close the academic-achievement gap among Latino students in local schools. Recently he retired as director of the California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives in the University Library, UC Santa Barbara. An archivist, librarian and writer, he is well-published in the field of ethnic and multicultural archives, as well as in Latino library services. A native of Santa Barbara, Salvador serves on the board of the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and has served on the boards of various local nonprofits.

Steve Stong ’75 (2022 Alumni Award) has served on the Westmont College Board of Trustees since 1996. He was president of Steven Label Corporation and lives in Huntington Beach, California. After graduating from Westmont, Steve earned an MBA at Harvard. He purchased Steven Label in 1986 and ran the company as president and CEO until its sale earlier this year. A Westmont trustee for 26 years, he has served much of that time as chair of the finance committee. He was also a member of the presidential search committee that selected Gayle Beebe. Steve is married to Dr. Robyn Mitchell-Stong.

Robert (Bob) Huff ’75 (2012 Alumni Award) serves as the Republican Leader in the California State Senate and represents the 29th Senate District, covering portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. His legislative accomplishments include two reauthorizations of the School District of Choice program, the creation of the Open Enrollment Act and the nationally recognized “Parent Trigger” law. He also overcame the opposition of powerful union interests to successfully author legislation allowing trained volunteers to administer emergency medication to students with epilepsy when they suffer a seizure at school. Senator Huff is completing his fourth year in the State Senate after previously serving in the State Assembly for four years and nine years on the Diamond Bar City Council, including two terms as Mayor. He and his wife, Mei Mei, have three sons, a daughter and five grandchildren.

Raul (Rudy) Ybarra (2022 Alumni Award) was a local soccer standout who briefly attended and played at Westmont in the mid-1970s. Although he did not graduate from Westmont, having gone on to become a professional soccer player, he would return decades later and make an impact on many. When he moved back to Santa Barbara, he worked for two decades at Santa Barbara High School and as a leader and coach with the Santa Barbara Soccer Club. Rudy has invested in the lives of countless youth in the community and mentored innumerable first-generation college students, more than 10 of whom he has helped graduate from Westmont. In addition, he has served as a volunteer assistant coach at Westmont since 2016.

Arol and Jane Paradise Wolford ’75 (2012 Alumni Award) co-founded Manufacturers’ Survey in 1975, after they graduated from Westmont. Twenty-five years later this construction market data business grew to 1,400 folks working in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Asia, Australia and Scandinavia. Arol has been named an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects and later served on the AIA 150 Anniversary Committee, the only non-architect so honored. Arol serves on a Board of a Seminary in India, the Georgia Tech School of Architecture, Campbellstone Elderly Housing, and has been an Elder at Dunwoody Community Church for the last 15 years. Arol is currently President of SmartBIM a software company serving architects and engineers that allows them to design, build, and cost-estimate virtual 3D buildings. Jane received a doctorate in architectural history, theory and criticism at the Georgia Institute of Technology and is a LEED accredited professional. She serves as editor of the Almanac of Architecture and Design and has served on the Board of the American Architectural Foundation and the Octagon Museum for more than ten years. She is a lifetime member of the Society of Architectural Historians and belongs to numerous local and national architectural and preservation organizations. Arol and Jane have two daughters, Kristin and Alexa, along with the fantastic gift of four grandchildren. Arol and Jane feel blessed to have attended Westmont where they were instilled with a liberal arts mindset and a Christian spirit that allowed a biology major to become president of a software firm and an English major to become an architectural historian.

John Rapson ’76 (2012 Allumni Award) Died 7/21/21 was a composer, pianist, trombonist and recording artist for MoMu Records, Music and Arts, Sound Aspects and Nine Winds. His work mixes ethnic and experimental elements with more conventional jazz forms. A professor of music at the University of Iowa since 1993, Rapson also taught at Westmont and Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. Rapson has written over 100 jazz compositions and recorded 26 albums, nine of which are under his leadership and feature his compositions. In 2002, his song “Riff Bass Bridge Head” won first prize in the Julius Hemphill Competition sponsored by the Jazz Composers Alliance. He received much attention from reviewers for albums “Dances and Orations” with Anthony Braxton and “Water and Blood” with Billy Higgins. His album “Mystery and Manners” was released June 2011. In 1995, AT&T commissioned Rapson to compose “Sound Luminesce,” a jazz suite that united musicians in Iowa and Japan via fiber-optic technology in the first trans-pacific live performance. Rapson has collaborated with numerous musicians including Kenny Wheeler, Rafael dos Santos, Carla Bley, the Either/Orchestra, Julius Hemphill, Kim Richmond, Doc Cheatham, Ed Blackwell and many others. Rapson and his wife, Elizabeth Swanson, live in Iowa City, Iowa; they have three children.

Candyce [Janzen]  Homer '76 died December 5, 2017 from Lung Cancer. She is survived by her husband, David, and children, Anthony Homer, Charles Homer, Gabrield Homer, Nicolle Homer and Bridget Teyler

Carl LaBarbera ’76 ( 2023 GLOBAL SERVICE AWARD) Carl is the founder and president of Kingdomworks SDG Foundation, which serves nonprofit organizations by “maximizing capacity to complete their mission.” A Govern Fellow and governance systems professional with experience in board governance and organizational development, he has served as board chairman for World Impact Inc. since 2013, and he spent 17 years with Urban Youth Workers Institute. Previously chairman of the Executive Board of Elders of Grace Brethren Church Long Beach, he continues as an executive board elder and governance coach for the church. Carl has served as chairman for the Barnabas Group National and Kingdom Advisors. He drew on his liberal arts education at Westmont and Christian worldview as an owner/entrepreneur in the aerospace industry for 24 years. Carl and his wife, Robin, president of LaBarbera Learning Solutions LLC, live in Seal Beach, California. Their children, Ben ’04 and Rachel Vreeland ’06, both graduated from Westmont.

Jay Wood ’76 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2019) calls Westmont “a place of intellectual and spiritual awakening,” as he studied under outstanding professors such as Bob Wennberg, Stan Obitts, and visiting professor Stuart Hackett while earning his degree in philosophy. “They prepared me to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Notre Dame,” followed by a 40-year career teaching philosophy at Wheaton College, Illinois, with special interests in epistemology, philosophy of religion and virtue theory. Jay has written widely for scholarly and popular publications. His books include Epistemology: Becoming Intellectually Virtuous; God; and the co-authored Intellectual Virtues: An Essay in Regulative Epistemology.

Patricia Hanlon ‘76, a freelance writer and visual artist, has an upcoming book release. Her book, Swimming to the Top of the Tide (New York, Bellevue Literary Press) will be published June 8, 2021. Hanlon writes, “I am grateful for my Westmont education!” She attended graduate school at Northeastern University of Mass., graduating in 1976. She is married to Robert Hanlon, also a freelance artist, and they now reside in the woods of West Gloucester, Mass. She previously worked in marketing communications at Gordon College, retiring in 2017. Hanlon also has three children and four grandchildren.

  James (Jim) Howard ‘76 died on July 15, 2018 after a 13-month challenge with gallbladder cancer. Jim was born to J. Grant and Audrey Howard in Corpus Christi, Texas on Sept. 19, 1953, and later moved with his family to Phoenix, Ariz. Jim attended Stanford University and Westmont College as an undergraduate. In 1976, he won the NCAA Division III and NAIA National Championships in the shot put and discus. After receiving a master's degree from Idaho State University, he entered a PhD program in neuromuscular physiology at the University of Arizona where he met his wife, Jody. They were married on May 18, 1986. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Spokane, Wash. where Jim decided to pursue another longtime interest in finances, and become a certified financial planner. Their marriage of 32 years was blessed with the birth of their two sons. His entrepreneurial spirit led to a 30-year career in financial and estate planning specializing in complex, client situations. Jody joined his practice in 2005, and together they worked alongside each other for nearly 13 years. As their last business venture, they formed the corporation, Estate Strategies. Jim's faith served as his anchor and his direction for how he lived, loved, and contributed to this world. He demonstrated kindness, integrity, loyalty, and an eagerness to excel with an inner confidence in his gifts and who God made him. He is survived by his wife, Jody; his two sons; his mother, Audrey Howard; and his sisters, Beth (Howard) Sheets ‘77, Jeanne (Howard) Snodgrass ‘85, Juli Jewell and their respective families.

 Paul Sellers ‘76 died on September 29, 2021 in Chula Vista, Calif. He was born on October 2, 1954.

Deborah "Deb" Cooperman (Tyler) '76 passed away on January 22, 2022, after a long battle with brain cancer. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and Ventura, California, she graduated as valedictorian from Mills High School, Millbrae, California, in 1972, and subsequently Magna cum laude from Westmont College Santa Barbara, California in 1976. She then pursued a career in X-ray technology and ultrasound, working at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, California. Life took her east to Connecticut in 1982, where she continued her career at the University of Connecticut and office practice. She moved to the San Diego area in 1996, accompanying her husband's retirement. She then embarked on a new interest, becoming an instructor and sales associate at the Great News Cooking School and Cookware in Pacific Beach. Her range of personal skills and activities were considerable, being a superb swimmer and loving long-distance running, hiking, tennis, sailing, windsurfing, and skiing. She was a great cook and bread maker, enjoyed puzzles, and creating great alliterations as part of her gift messages, along with beautiful calligraphy. She had an enormous capacity for empathy and kindness and was a great listener, which drew people to her. Her physician husband always said she would have made a superb doctor. She is survived by her husband Larry (she the love of his life and he the love of hers), her sister Tamara Fedun of Austin, Texas, and father Marlowe Tyler of San Juan Capistrano, California.

Howard Kootsra ’76 (2022 Alumni Award)(2018 Alumnus of the Year) and his wife Elaine call Santa Barbara home. Howard graduated from Westmont with an economics and business degree. He started his career working for California Federal and Security Pacific before beginning his own residential lending business, Golden Empire Mortgage, in 1987. He and Elaine have been married for 40 years and have three children, including two Westmont alums, Jenna ’10 and Chelsea ’14. Howard has the privilege of currently serving on the Westmont College Board of Advisors.

Celeste (Keith) ’76 (2022 Alumni Award) and Robert White made an extraordinary gift of $7.25 million to Westmont in 2021 in honor of Celeste’s father, Ed Keith. The gift—the second largest in the college’s history—helped Westmont strengthen its mission by purchasing a four-story building in downtown Santa Barbara. Celeste is president and chair of the Lux Forum Board of Directors. She curates the nonprofit’s speakers and events, as well as stories that provoke inner reflection and inspire gratitude, action and change. Also serving on several other boards, including Westmont’s, she is the owner and CEO of Horse Rock Olive Oil and cofounder of Stitches Medical, Inc., a privately held healthcare and adaptive clothing company. Robert is a trauma surgeon, secretary of Lux Forum, and board member of Stitches Medical and several other corporations and nonprofits. He holds a bachelor’s from Pacific Union College and attended the University of California, Davis, for postgraduate work. After attaining his MD and completing a surgery residency, he became a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. Celeste and Robert have four adult children.

Mark Zoradi ’76 (2022 Alumni Award) is a member of the board of directors of Cinemark Holdings, Inc. He served as CEO from 2015–21, guiding the company during the turbulent COVID-19 crisis. Mark spent 30 years at The Walt Disney Company, most recently as the president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Group. In addition to serving as a board member for Cinemark, National CineMedia, Steven Label and other organizations, Mark has served on the Westmont College Board of Trustees for 26 years. He holds an MBA in marketing and finance from the School of Management at UCLA (now Anderson School of Management) and a bachelor’s in economics and sociology. Mark has been married to Cathy ’76 for 45 years. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Steve Fratt ’76, (2017 Alumni Award) professor of history and department chair at Trinity College, is a national leader in the reenacting and wargaming communities and brings these experiences into his classes for a hands on approach to learning. He is an expert in 19th-century military tactics. He is the colonel commanding the Federal 1st Brigade, Illinois Volunteers of Civil War reenactors, and president of the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society-Midwest, which runs the Little Wars convention in Chicago annually. He earned a Master of Arts degree and doctorate from UC Santa Barbara. He taught at Sterling College and Westmont before joining the faculty at Trinity in 1990.

Mark A. Miller ’77 (2012 Alumni Award) played and coached basketball overseas for several years before returning to graduate school in the early 80s. He holds graduate degrees in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. He has worked in the public child welfare and mental health fields for more than 30 years. Mark currently serves as the director of training and development for the County of Los Angeles, Department of Children and Family Services. For the last 20+ years he has also provided training and consulting services to other child welfare jurisdictions in California. He and his wife, Linda, have four children. Kelli played volleyball at Wheaton College and graduated in 2009; she works for a law firm in Los Angeles. His sons, John ’10 and Lucas ’12, played basketball for the Warriors; both live and work in Santa Barbara. C.J. ’14 is currently a junior studying kinesiology and also plays for the Warriors. Mark coaches basketball at a local high school. He and Linda have been active supporters of Young Life and worship at Baseline Community Church in Claremont. Mark writes, “I’m extremely humbled by and grateful for my experience with Westmont. It provided spiritual focus, the opportunity to explore gifts and abilities, and has resulted in deep and abiding friendships that have survived and deepened over decades.”

Jack Walter Grubbs '77 On November 4, 2021, Rev. Jack Walter Grubbs received a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11). Jack served as the Senior Associate Pastor at the Church of the Resurrection in Lutherville, Maryland, Chairman of the Board for Shade (Tanzania), and Canon for Ordination for the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic. Jack was the beloved husband of Susan Jane Grubbs and devoted father of Jessica Hayley Grubbs Lough (Adam) and Claire Elisabeth Fedele (Mike). He was the loving grandfather of Knox Christopher Lough, Pippa Jane Lough, and Jack Hudson Lough... He was preceded in death by his parents Baalis X Grubbs, Jr. and Maryon (Fuller) Grubbs of Altadena, California. Jack received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. He directed a job training program in Los Angeles for people with disabilities and worked in microeconomic development in Washington, D.C., serving the poor of Central America. Later, he answered God’s call to ordained ministry and received a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. He served at The Falls Church Anglican in Virginia, from which he planted Potomac Falls Anglican Church; Church of Apostles in the City in Baltimore, Maryland; and Church of the Resurrection...

Robert "Bob" Patterson '77  died on June 10, 2022 at the age of 66 due to complications from early-onset Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.  He is survived by his wife Martha and siblings Gregg '79 and Kathy '84. A vocal music major, he sang in the Westmont concert choir under Dr. John Lundberg from his freshman year through his senior year.  He was also in lighting and sound for drama on a summer tour, operated sound equipment for chapel, and other campus events.  After graduation, and for the rest of his life, he worked as a sound technician and repairman. He also tuned, repaired, and installed organs and carillons. His other interests included singing in various church choirs and other vocal groups, as well as cultivating a life-long interest in model trains and railroad history.  He loved conversations about choral music in general, and church music in particular.  And now (to borrow a classmate's phrase), he has "crossed the finish line" -- and he gets to sing in the greatest choir there is.

J.K.Hussa ’77 (2022 Alumni Award) and his wife Carolyn have been married for 38 years. J.K. grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and served in the U.S. Army for two years. After being discharged, he earned a bachelor’s in philosophy at Westmont and a master’s in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. He taught junior and senior high and volunteered with Young Life. J.K. spent summers guiding student groups in the Sierras and Cascade mountains and in 1983 moved to Seattle to join Airefco, Inc. He was named president in 1993 and bought the company in 2006. Carolyn has been his partner and support. They have two children, Carri and Lance, plus Havi, their Havanese dog. Carolyn enjoys the arts, and J.K. enjoys playing the guitar, golf and reading. Together, they enjoy flyfishing and the symphony.

Bruce Lewolt ’77, (2017 Alumni Award) who earned a doctorate from Fielding Graduate University in 2009, is an award-winning designer of intelligent systems with two technology patents. His latest creation is an artificial intelligence assistant for salespeople called JOY and the development of JoyisJOY.com. Since graduating from Westmont, Bruce has been actively involved in his church, running mission teams, leading men’s Bible studies, Awana youth ministries and a media outreach ministry. Bruce and his wife, Kim, have been married for 36 years and have two adult children, who are involved in ministry, and two grandchildren. 

Christina Simonson  '78  Director, the Academy for addiction and mental health nutrition. Director, Eating Protein Saves Lives, Inc. Announcing the closing of my 40 year private practice, as a psychotherapist and mental health nutritionist, specializing in trauma and addiction recovery in order to focus on the development of the Academy for addiction and mental health, nutrition and online school, founded in 2015, and the nonprofit organization, Eating Protein Saves Lives, Inc., founded in 2021. The Academy is the only school in the world applying functional nutrition to addiction treatment, and recovery.

Jim Taylor ’78, (2017 Alumni Award) philosophy professor at Westmont since 1994, has published a new book, “Learning for Wisdom: Christian Education & the Good Life.” Taylor earned a Master of Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Master of Arts and doctorate at the University of Arizona. He also taught at the University of Arizona and Bowling Green State University. He has published philosophical essays in professional journals and the book “Introducing Apologetics: Cultivating Christian Commitment.” He and his wife, Jennifer, have three adult children: Sarah, Benjamin, and Nathaniel. Jim attends Montecito Covenant Church, and enjoys cooking, playing guitar, reading and walking on Santa Barbara beaches and trails.

Daryl Frederick Roberts ‘78 died on July 6, 2021 at age 64. He was born on August 3, 1956 to Frederick Alamartin Roberts and Edith Louise Elder Roberts in Pasadena, Calif. Daryl worked as an insurance adjuster in Wurtsboro, N.Y. His friends and family miss his intellect, passion for justice, brilliant humor and love of music and nature. He is survived by his longtime life partner, Cheryl Smiley.

Dave Dolan ’78 (2012 Alumni Award) has a passion for service and social justice that began in high school. Dave has vaccinated Guatemalan children against polio, helped establish health clinics and orphanages on three continents, and built homes through Habitat for Humanity in Orange County, Calif. Each year, the college gives the Dave Dolan award to the senior who carries on his legacy. Dave earned master’s degrees in public health and Latin American studies at UCLA. He also graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary and has pursued local and global outreach as a Presbyterian minister. Dave also enjoys the challenge of mountain climbing. He has led numerous treks in East Africa, scaling Mt. Kenya, Ol Doinyo Lengai and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Some of these expeditions have raised money to provide food and assistance to Africans. In 2009, Dave accepted a prestigious Citation of Merit from the Explorers Club. Dave chairs the Southern California Chapter of the Explorers Club, and his son, Daniel, is a student member. 

Kevin Vanhoozer ’78 (2012 Alumni Award) is recognized as a leading American theologian and the author of significant works of theology. Christianity Today featured him in a 1999 cover story on six new theologians, and his scholarly work has received wide acclaim. Kevin, who grew up in Carpinteria, Calif., and attended Cate School, majored in both religious studies and philosophy at Westmont. After graduating from Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia and earning a doctorate in theology at Cambridge University in England, Kevin taught at the University of Edinburgh for eight years before rejoining the faculty of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois as a research professor in 1998. He is editor, with Philip Clayton ’78, of “New Studies in Constructive Theology,” a series of textbooks on Christian doctrine, of “The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern Theology,” and of a major new reference work in progress, “Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of Scripture.” His wife, Sylvie, has homeschooled their daughters and teaches French at a country day school. Vanhoozer is a classical pianist and a devoted musician. He has enjoyed accompanying his two daughters, who both play violin and piano, at their recitals.

Ray Callaway '78 (Westmont Magazine Article Summer 2015) In his Callaway Lab and greenhouse at the University of Montana (UM), he explores how organisms interact with each other. The prolific and much-cited scholar has built an international reputation in two areas of ecology: positive interactions and invasive species. Thomson Reuters has recognized him as a Highly Cited Scientist and one of the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds. He manages a five-year, $25 million research grant in environmental science for the entire Montana University System.

Linda Farley ’79 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2019) is CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of Central California, which serves nearly 14,000 girls in 18 counties throughout California’s Central Valley. Under her leadership the Girl Scout program grew to include STEM education. She holds an Ed.D. in leadership from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Michigan State University. Linda is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow; a member of Leadership California’s Executive Advisory Council; a commissioner for the Sacramento County Women’s Commission and a member of the International Women’s Forum.

Jeff Swanson ’79 (2012 Alumni Award) earned a doctorate in sociology at Yale University where he studied the social dimensions of mental disorder and crime. He taught at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, for several years before completing a postdoctoral fellowship in mental health services and systems research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University Medical Center, a program he now co-directs. Duke recruited him to join the faculty in 1993; he’s a tenured professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences. A prolific scholar with more than 130 publications, Swanson has conducted numerous collaborative research projects on mental illness, violence, treatment and legal policy. He lives in Chapel Hill, N.C., with his wife, Pamela, and three children. He attends Olin T. Binkley Baptist Church because of its inclusiveness and commitment to issues of social justice.

Ron Gagosian ’79 (2022 Alumni Award) and his wife Kim established the Khoren A. Gagosian Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor Ron’s father. Ron is a native San Franciscan and graduate of Lowell High School. Resident assistant of the Armington B men in 1978–79, he earned a bachelor’s in economics and business. Ron counts his best and most memorable semester as fall 1979 Europe Semester. He holds an MBA from Golden Gate University, several certificates in finance and leadership coaching and has served in senior banking and technology roles at Bank of America, Imperial Bank and Silicon Valley Bank. Ron launched The Gagosian Group, and several recent consulting and tech/media ventures.

Leeba Lessin ’79 passed away on January 25, 2021 from Leukemia. She was 62. (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2021) (2019 Alumna of the Year), Lessin started a health-maintenance organization in Santa Barbara in 1986, and she has played a leading role in a managed care company. While with CareMore, a health plan and care-de- livery system for Medicare and Medicaid patients, she created a highly regarded medical management and care model for the care of chronically ill patients. She is also the former president of the Southern and Northern California operations of PacifiCare, a health insurance company that is now part of UnitedHealth Group.

Leeba Lessin ’79 (2012 Alumni Award) worked as associate executive director of the Santa Barbara Medical Society and met many local physicians upon graduating from Westmont. Convinced that health care wasn’t the right place for her, she left to earn a master’s degree in business administration at the University of Washington. She was asked by a group of physicians to create a new, small HMO. The physician group, renamed Monarch Health Systems, continued as a delivery system for PacifiCare, and Leeba headed the company until 1994. She attended Fuller Theological Seminary to complete a master’s degree in theology and become better prepared for lay ministry. PacifiCare asked her to take a national position as vice president for provider delivery systems. Later she was offered the position of president of Northern California operations and now resides in San Francisco.

Casey Roberts ’80 (2012 Alumni Award) graduated with a degree in history and received the Dean’s Award as the outstanding male scholar-athlete. He returned to campus a few years later to earn a teaching credential and started his career at Santa Barbara Christian School 28 years ago. Today he teaches economics, U.S. history and AP U.S. history to juniors and seniors at Carpinteria High School and was honored with a Teacher of the Year award. Casey was a goalie on the Warrior soccer team and holds the Westmont records for career saves (601) and saves per game (6.53). He was twice named defensive MVP and a 1977 NAIA and NSCAA All-American, and was inducted into the Westmont Warrior Hall of Fame in 2007. His success has continued off the field in his career as a teacher and coach, and Westmont’s education department has honored him with a 2011 Excellence in Education award. Casey has coached soccer for years, for AYSO, Bishop Diego High School, San Marcos High School, Carpinteria High School and Westmont. Casey and his wife, Kathy, have two sons who are pursuing teaching careers. Casey gives back to the Westmont community by serving on numerous panels, teaching a class for the department and speaking at their Educator Connections events. He has nurtured college students and student teachers, passing on his love for the profession. He embodies what it means to be a life-long learner and professional educator.

Dan Lagasee '80 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2020) had a different Westmont experience than most students. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, he required intramuscular injections of antibiotics by the college nurse when he couldn’t afford to miss class by spending a week or two in Cottage Hospital. Armington Hall roommates also gave him chest-percussion therapy. He has written the book, “Scars Tell Stories: From a Cystic Fibrosis and Heart/Double Lung Transplant Patient.” he has been hospitalized in nine foreign countries. In spite of his terminal illness, Dan is determined to follow God’s call on his life, serving as a missionary and later a missions pastor. While serving the Kurdish people in the middle east, he discovered orphaned sisters, Shirena and Jessica, whom he and his wife later adopted. He tells the dramatic story in his first book, “Between Iraq and a Hard Place,” written under the pseudonym Kirk Legacy.

Stephanie Medina ’80 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Fall 2018)  is a nonprofit executive. After nearly 30 years in broadcast news and public affairs for several Los Angeles television stations—and winning awards, including four Emmys—she took a leap of faith to work for causes she believes in. She served on several nonprofit boards and as a transportation commissioner, appointed by two mayors, for the City of Los Angeles. A career of serving the public led her to a second career working with nonprofit organizations: Special Olympics World Games, Heal the Bay, and Goodwill Southern California, for which she currently serves as director of community relations and public affairs.

Carl Magnusson '80 died July 15, 2020, at 62 years old. Carl was born on June 25, 1958, in Palo Alto, Calif. He was the only child of Naomi and Paul Magnusson. Carl attended Westmont, then transferred to UC Berkeley, where he graduated with a degree in physical science in 1981. There, Carl met Mindy Agler, and they married in 1981. They lived in Oakland, Calif. in an intentional community with a group of friends who were, in his words, “subverting the dominant paradigm.” Carl and Mindy had their daughter, Sara, in 1988, and moved to Whidbey Island, Wash., soon thereafter. It was here that Carl began his design and contracting business. Carl’s craftsmanship has touched the lives of so many, his personality speaking though the homes he built. Carl and Kimmer Morris found each other in 2001, and together have left a lasting mark on the Whidbey arts community. From rolling a 12-foot Easter Island head he created down the Maxwelton parade, to speeding (sometimes flaming) down First street in the Soup Box Derby, Carl always found ways to express himself through art. Carl is survived by his partner, Kimmer; daughter; mother; and a community of hundreds on Whidbey Island whom he held so close.

Paul Gerlach ’80 (2022 Alumni Award) serves faithfully as assistant pastor at Jubilee Christian Center, where for nearly 16 years he has overseen marriage and family ministry with an emphasis on pre-marriage and marriage enrichment classes and personal marriage coaching as a certified life coach. Previously he was associate pastor at KingsWay Community Church and served as pastor for a church plant, Newsong Community Church. Paul earned master’s degrees in church music and in church education from Western Seminary. As a follower of Jesus he is caring, innovative in his leadership, sacrificial and “enthusiastically” Christian, as his nominator calls him. “He excels in kindness. He is the one who visits the sick, cares for those who are hurting, and does it all with a wonderful smile and attitude.”

John Riedinger '80 died on Novemeber 13, 2020.

Craig Kamper '80  Employment Information: 1980-1997 involved with the Dairy industry. 1998-2022 I worked for UPS in Nampa Idaho. I retired in June 2022. In my retirement, I enjoy living in a 55+ apartment community. I get to spend time with my 5 children who all live near me, as well as my 6 grandchildren. I am involved in my church, serving as a Deacon. If any former classmates live in the Boise area, please reach out to me. I would love to visit and share life experiences and joys!

Connie [Saxton] Lovell '80  After many years in Papua New Guinea (Wycliffe Bible Translators), we're living in Tucson, AZ, preparing the Minaveha Bible for typesetting. The Minaveha people live on west Fergusson Island, Milne Bay Province, PNG

Brad Franklin ’80 (2022 Alumni Award) graduated from Western Seminary in 1983. He and his wife, Donna, then spent a year in the Philippines as church-planting assistants. After returning to the U.S., Brad served as the associate pastor of First Baptist Church of Scotts Valley, California. In 1987 he launched Lakeside Church in Folsom, where he has served for the past 35 years, engaging the community with the good news of Jesus. Brad, who earned a D.Min. in 2002, recently published his first book, Good for You: Reflections of Hope from the Book of Romans. Brad and Donna enjoy sleepovers and soccer games with their three grandchildren.

David Batstone ’80 (2012 Alumni Award) (2010 Global Service Award) is president and co-founder of the Not For Sale Campaign, a movement to end modern-day slavery, and Right Reality, an international social venture firm. Batstone is a business professor at the University of San Francisco and has authored seven books, the two most recent being “Not For Sale” and “Saving the Corporate Soul.” He was a member of the founding team of Business 2.0 magazine and served six years as executive editor of Sojourners magazine, during which time he founded the SojoMail e-zine. Batstone has contributed articles to the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, Wired, and SPIN. He is the recipient of two national journalist awards and was named National Endowment for the Humanities Chair at the University of San Francisco for his work in technology and ethics. During the 1980s, Batstone founded a non-governmental agency dedicated to economic development and human rights in Latin America

Colette Day Cozean ’80 (2012 Alumni Award) has served as chief executive officer of public and private medical device and drug companies for more than 25 years, focusing on start-up and turnaround ventures. She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and books, holds more than 50 patents, has received more than 100 FDA product approvals, and serves as a reviewer for National Institutes of Health. She co-chairs East Africa Partnership, a ministry that provides medical services, clean water and education. She earned a doctorate in biomedical engineering, a master’s in electrical engineering and a medical degree all from Ohio State University as well as a law degree from Concord Law School. She and her husband, Kim, have two children, including alumnus Jesse Cozean ’07, who works with her.

Phillip Dunkelberger ’80 (2012 Alumni Award) was born in California in 1958 and grew up in Orange County in Southern California. He graduated from Westmont magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Phillip was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. He began his professional career working for Xerox Corporation in a variety of management positions, before leaving to join Apple. Phillip has had an extensive, successful career in the technology industry, specifically in information security. He spent many years at Symantec Corporation as vice president of sales. After Symantec, he served as chief executive and chief operating officer for a number of Bay Area startups. He was president and chief executive officer of PGP Corporation before Symantec acquired the company in 2010, building the company into a leader in the security data protection market. Phillip serves as chairman emeritus of TechAmerica’s CxO Council and chief executive officer of the Cybersecurity Task Force at TechNet. He is also working on another venture-funded startup based in Palo Alto, Calif. Phillip and his wife, Lesley, live in Saratoga, Calif.

Michael Witt ’80 (2012 Alumni Award) lives in Atlanta with his wife, Kirsten, and four children, where he cares and treats the husbands of couples with infertility. Because of the gospel more aware of how sinful I am and yet how loved I am at the same time. Michael followed his mom, dad and three uncles at Westmont. He graduated suma cum laude and is forever grateful for the faculty at Westmont for giving him the grid to see the Glory in all things. He received his medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University in 1984, and completed a urology residency at Boston University in 1990. He also completed a fellowship in male infertility at Baylor College of Medicine in 1991 and was assistant professor of surgery at Emory University from 1991-1995. Michael has assisted in pioneering numerous microsurgical procedures for male infertility. He helped create the first comprehensive, multispecialty clinic for infertile couples at Reproductive Biology Associates in Atlanta, Ga.

Don ’81 and Amy Low ’93 (2012 Alumni Award) live in Seattle and have three children. Don has been a high school basketball coach, choral director, director of admissions, marketing director, agency owner and chief marketing officer, but he has always been, first and foremost, a Westmont graduate. Don’s time at Westmont prepared him for the world of business in many ways. Creative teamwork at Spring Sing was a perfect foundation for leading an advertising agency of 60 people. Travelling with the College Singers and Howie Stevenson ’50 prepared him for life on the road as a speaker for The Art Institute of Seattle. Building the first student call-a-thon prepared him for his first job as a telemarketing supervisor. Leading music in chapel gave him the confidence he needed to present in a boardroom. Don serves as chief marketing officer for TailorWell and leads the marketing and business development efforts for the company by developing and executing go-to-market strategies, business development plans and all branding activities. Amy has been guided by wise words from former provost and history professor, Shirley Mullen: “Strive to be deeply and thoughtfully educated, and deeply and thoughtfully Christian.” A history major, Amy has devoted her career to advancing social causes through the power of advocacy. She worked in the private sector for global communications firms, and then for nearly a decade advising the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as an advocacy strategist. She serves as the chief advocacy and engagement officer at Landesa, a global organization that works to advance secure land rights for the world’s rural poor. She and her team work to elevate the cause of land ownership within the international policy and development sector, while also expanding their base of individual supporters. She is a former board member to the International Justice Mission and Successful Schools in Action, a community based partnership to strengthen Seattle public schools.

Rev. Roy A. Wingerd Jr. ’81 (2017 Alumni Award) has equipped church leaders in 120 countries through Disciple Making Movements (DMM) to make disciples of Jesus. Winegerd, married to alumna Sheryl Montgomery ‘80, served One Challenge Ministries in Guatemala from 1982-89. He was research director and South Asia coordinator for Dawn Ministries from 1989-2005. In 2005, he founded South Asia Now, and seven years later, partnered with Cityteam International to teach leaders about a simple, sustainable and scalable way to reach people who have not heard of Jesus. These disciples are transforming their own communities and creating movements that are spreading around the globe.

Dave Yuen ’81, (2017 Alumni Award) director of Kids International Ministries (KIM), works to break the cycle of poverty in the Philippines and around the world. In 2009, his life changed during an NBA Cares trip to Manila with the Miami Heat coaching staff. He witnessed how KIM served about 600 children at an orphanage and a free Christian school. Dave retired from his job in 2014 to raise funds for KIM, which builds homes, distributes food and offers prenatal care throughout the country. As director, he works with other organizations, builds partnerships and coordinates short-term teams in Asia and the U.S.

Teresa Law ’81 (2017 Alumni Award) is co-founder and chief financial officer of Mountain Hazelnuts (M.H.), a for-profit impact venture in Bhutan. M.H. is planting 10 million hazelnut trees on degraded mountainsides, doubling the income of thousands of subsistence farmers. In this Himalayan kingdom, M.H. is providing a sustainable income for up to 15 percent of the nation while rehabilitating fragile ecosystems and sequestering carbon dioxide. Law spent the first 20 years of her career as an international banker in the U.S., Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and China. After graduating from, she earned a Master of Business Administration at Columbia University.

Dan Harter ’81 (2017 Alumni Award) helped launch a nonprofit organization that has sent people throughout the world to serve and love Muslims. Dan went with his wife, Paula, to learn Arabic in Jordan and begin their 18-year role as team leaders. They moved to Syria where Dan became an English teacher to many adults and university students. Dan, Paula and their three children spoke Arabic and shared Jesus with Muslims to invite them to drink living water during their 15 years in Damascus. Currently, the Harters serve in Syrian refugee work, mobilization of cross-cultural workers and prayer movements. 

Paul Betancourt ’81, (2017 Alumni Award) born in New York City and raised in San Diego, has farmed in the San Joaquin Valley since graduating from Westmont. Betancourt, cofounder of the local food bank, has served on the local church board and various community and government boards. He served 21 years on the Kerman School Board and is a past president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. Paul and his wife, Sheryl ’81, who led Potter’s Clay in 1981, are now involved in cross cultural ministry with their church’s youth group in Mexicali. Paul has written four books, including political philosophy, history and about life on the farm.

Roy ’81 and D’Aun ’81 Goble (2022 Alumni Award) operate Goble Properties. Roy is also CEO of PathLight International and has served on the Westmont College Board of Trustees since 2003. Together, he and D’Aun demonstrate extraordinary commitment to Westmont and its values, modeling their Christian faith, supporting students and strengthening the college’s mission. They have worked to address needs in their community and around the world. Roy authors a weekly blog focused on Christian living, humility and God’s call to generosity; he has also written three books on these topics: Junkyard Wisdom; Salvaged; and Junkyard Wisdom Rebuilt. Roy and D’Aun are parents to Rachel ’05 and Jedd ’14.

Pam Johnson ’81 (2022 Alumni Award) is executive director of Emerald Cove Outdoor Science Institute. With more than 35 years of experience in environmental education, she currently works to expand partnerships among public and private schools as well as regional organizations. Previously she was an administrator for the Orange County Department of Education’s Inside the Outdoors hands-on science programs, reaching more than 150,000 students, teachers, parents and community members annually through Outdoor Science School, Field Trips, Traveling Scientist and Community Programs. She holds a master’s in administrative services from Pepperdine University, a bachelor’s in liberal studies from Westmont College and administrative and multiple subject teaching credentials.

Peggy (Trump) Loofbourrow ‘81 died on September 10, 2020. She is survived by her brother and sister in law John R “J.R.” Loofbourrow ‘82 and Laurie (Maynes) Loofbourrow ‘84, as well as her nephew Ross Loofbourrow ‘09.

Paul Eskildsen '81 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2024) died in 2017 and appeared in the 2024 Rose Parade on the OneLegacy Donate Life float, Woven Together: The Dance of Life. Paul was passionate about serving others even in death. As a registered donor and in excellent health at the age of 59, he gave his heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs to save the lives of four people, and his eye and tissue donation improved the lives of 66 others. A spontaneous and unexpected brain injury led to his death the day after Christmas. 

Stephanie Jennings '82 Family and friends gathered together on December 11, to celebrate the life of San Diego activist Stephanie Jennings, a true force for justice and peace, who passed away on November 12, 2022. Despite serious health issues, she lived life to the fullest while giving all she could to the community. She gave freely of her time, energy and resources to many organizations and causes including: Amnesty International, Karama (formerly the Middle East Cultural and Cultural Information Center), the Education Not Arms Coalition, healthcare reform, the Peace Resource Center, The Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft (COMD), Project YANO, the San Diego Coalition for Peace and Justice, and Women Occupy San Diego, where she was instrumental in the successful campaign for an independent commission on police practices. Stephanie was smart, passionate, fearless and irreverent, and definitely exemplified “Question Authority” as a guiding principle in her life. At the same time, she was a warm, loving and caring friend to all and a loving companion to her husband Bret Pickering and a wonderful, supportive mother to her lovely and talented daughter Isabelle Pickering...She will be missed and remembered, but her spirit lives on in our hearts and in our continued action on the issues important to her.

Dan DeSaegher ’82 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2018) left his corporate career after 10 years in finance in the aerospace industry and 17 years at Qualcom in business development to raise funds for Point Loma Nazarene University. In 2016 Dan felt a spiritual calling to transfer his business talents into philanthropic missions, first as executive director pioneering two residential programs for women recovering from the trauma of sex trafficking and now as CDO for TERI Inc., serving more than 900 children and adults with special needs. The common thread of this 10-year journey is a passion to empower healing and finding one’s God-given value and purpose.

Stuart Sultze ‘82 took a new position as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Ukiah, Calif. Stuart worked as a chiropractor for 31 years in Bakersfield, Calif., until he felt God call him into vocational ministry. “I was led into the ministry when I observed that many of the churches in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod... were seeking a pastor, but not enough were available,” he reflected in an article published in The Ukiah Daily Journal. Stuart met his wife, Cathy Dingwerth Sultze, at Westmont. She also graduated in 1982. Together they have three children and three grandchildren.

Greg Christian ’82, MBA, (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Spring 2021) is president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals in Hawaii, overseeing operations and working closely with the medical group to help care for more than 260,000 members, more than 4,000 employees and nearly 450 physicians in the state. Kaiser provides services through Moanalua Medical Center in Honolulu and more than 28 medical offices and clinics on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai. In addition, Greg serves as senior vice president and chief operating officer for Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California health plan and hospitals.

Mark Strauss ’82 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2024) is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mark earned a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen and an M.Div. and Th.M. at Talbot School of Theology. At Westmont he earned a bachelor’s in psychology. He has authored 20 books, including a textbook on the Gospels (Four Portraits, One Jesus), commentaries on Luke and Mark and various other books on hermeneutics and Bible translation. He serves as vice-chair for the NIV (New International Version) Committee on Bible Translation and as an associate editor for the NIV Study Bible. Mark is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, Institute for Biblical Research and Evangelical Theological Society. Mark and his wife, Roxanne, have three grown children: Daniel, Jamie, and Luke.

Ken Rogers ’82 (2012 Alumni Award) is an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience working with multinationals, U.S. and foreign government agencies, non-profit organizations, and small business start-ups. Ken currently serves as the chief technology strategist and director of IT strategy, architecture, portfolio management and IRM financial management for the U.S. Department of State, where he oversees a $1.5 billion portfolio with operations in 285 locations worldwide. Ken has worked in the public sector for the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Export Import Bank. Ken also worked in the private sector in areas of financial management, government relations, contracting, and technology management in the aerospace and commercial electronics industry. He has also served as an economic and management consultant, providing specialized international trade, development, and e-business assistance to government agencies and organizations in the U.S. and throughout the developing world. Ken has master’s degrees in information systems and technology from George Washington University; in international management from University of Maryland; in development economics from University of Pittsburgh. Ken also holds graduate certificates in Asian Studies, International Political Economy, and CIO/CTO Innovation. Ken serves as a professor at Nyack College and on the boards of Ambleside School in Herndon, Va., and the Government IT Council. Ken and his wife, Pam, live in Vienna, Va., with their four children.

Dawn Carson O'Keeffe '82 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2024). Dawn his worked for nearly 40 years in the film industry. She has served as vice president of finance for Academy Award-winning Breakwater Studios and produced award-winning documentaries at Blue Field Productions, the company she co-founded. Breakwater won an Oscar in 2022 for Best Documentary Short Film for "The Queen of Basketball" and again in 2024 for "The Last Repair Shop," about the craftspople who fix 80,000 musical instruments for students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Lisa Repko Borden ’84 and Byron Borden ’82 (2017 Alumni Award) (2014 Global Service Award) both missionary kids, met at Westmont. They married in 1982 and arrived in Kenya in 1984, devoting their lives to full-time, cross-cultural service. In 2000, they moved to Europe to work with Marty ’81 and Carey Fanoe ’85 Uhler in church planting and discipleship. In 2007, they returned to East Africa, settling in Tanzania, where they focus on empowering men and women through discipleship and helping them generate more income. In 2013 they launched Wema Ventures: Transformation and Sustainability for Africa, a non-profit that empowers and assists men and women to provide for themselves via entrepreneurial endeavors. They believe the best assistance comes through relationships that empower and nurture the whole person. They seek to alleviate poverty while encouraging active faith in God. The Bordens have been in full time cross cultural ministry for 33 years. Lisa grew up in Europe and California, arriving in Africa the week she turned 22. Byron, the son of missionaries, was raised in Kenya. The Bordens have four children, who all came to Westmont: Jesse ’09, Trevor ’11, Colin ’16 and Heather ’20, as well as daughters in law, Annie Mason Borden ’10 and Karly Dowling Borden ’11.

Robert Gordon ‘83 died on August 25, 2020. Robert was born October 15, 1961, in Elgin, Ill. to Robert and Edyth (Trethewey) Gordon. Robert received his English degree from Westmont College in Santa Barbara in 1983 and his Civil Engineering degree from University of Arizona in Tucson in 1991. Robert served as a civil engineer in Los Angeles, Walla Walla, and College Place for the past thirty years. While serving as a missionary teacher in Korea in 1987, Robert met his future wife Sharon. Together, they raised four children -- Reid, Shelby, Micah, and Hannah. Robert’s greatest desire was to bring glory to God. He fought hard for those he loved both in service and in prayer. He loved fiercely. He spoke gentle encouragement to those around him. Robert was talented and created art, stories, a business, a program, furniture, toys for his children, and a home. Robert hungered after righteousness. He fondly remembered his time on the mission field and longed for the opportunity to follow God wherever He might lead. Robert is survived by his father and mother, Robert and Edyth, his wife Sharon, his 4 children, as well as his brothers Tom, Scot, and Michael.

Gaylene Kootstra Colburn '83 died July 11, 2020, after a brief battle with leukemia. Gaylene was born on July 24, 1961, to Helen and Dewey Kootstra. She was the third of five children. The family of Dutch immigrants called North Hollywood home and lived next to the family dairy. She spent her childhood in Sun Valley, Calif., and attended Village Christian School and Bethel Christian Reformed Church where her faith grew. When she was in high school the family dairy business brought them to Bakersfield. She went on to Westmont to study business, where she met the love of her life, Dale Colburn ’82. They met while skiing the slopes of Utah on an interim semester and married on January 21, 1984. They made their home in Santa Barbara, where Gaylene worked as an accountant, and had two daughters, Ciena Colburn ’15 and Adyson. As an accomplished seamstress who often altered wedding dresses and sewed clothes for her girls, she recently made over 200 masks for family and friends. She was incredibly bold and fearless. One look at her face after she flew down the ski slope and it was clear that she absolutely loved her life. She made friends everywhere she went, often accompanied by her dog Roxy, and always had time to talk and listen. Gaylene was beloved by her friends at Trinity Baptist, Calvary Chapel and Santa Barbara Community Church. She is survived by her husband; daughters; brothers Howard Kootstra ’76 and Perrin Kootstra ’79; two sisters; nieces Jenna Kootstra Menard ’10 and Chelsea Kootstra ’16; nephew-in-law Christian Menard ’10 and cousin Marilyn Kootstra Toler ’76 among other family members and friends.

Thomas "Tom" Brian Ellis ‘83 passed away unexpectedly, while cave diving, January 20, 2021 in Ginnie Springs, Florida. Tom attended South Pasadena High School and graduated from Westmont College in 1983. He is a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Known for his larger than life spirit and lively personality, Tom was curious, full of wisdom and care, eager to offer his ear to those in need, and committed to continuing his spiritual practice. Tom was an active member of many groups and communities in the Valley and around the country. He was a supporter and confidant to many and will be deeply missed by his many friends, family and wife. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Tom and Peggy Ellis. He is survived by his wife, Shireen (Arensmeier) Ellis; three sons, three grandsons, one sister, and two brothers.

Helga Houston ’83 (2022 Alumni Award) is the chief risk officer at Huntington Bank, a $175 billion regional bank headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. She also serves on the Westmont College Board of Trustees and on the board of the New Albany Community Foundation. Helga earned her MBA from USC in 1988. She is married to Hal Houston and is the proud mother of five children, the oldest three of whom graduated from or are attending Westmont College.

Cynthia Grutzik ’83 (2017 Alumni Award) is the associate dean for undergraduate and post- baccalaureate programs in the College of Education at CSU Long Beach. She oversees credential and undergraduate programs, accreditation and assessment, and outreach and district partnerships. Her research focuses on teacher preparation policy and student success. Previously, she served on the faculty of Pacific Oaks College, and later CSU Dominguez Hills, where she chaired the liberal studies department and directed College of Education. After graduating from Westmont, she taught for three years in Cameroon before moving to Tucson, Arizona, where she taught and earned a Master of Arts in education. She earned a doctorate at UCLA in 1997.

Curt Hamann ’83 (2012 Alumni Award) followed his Westmont bride, Beth Rhode ’82, to Loma Linda University where he studied medicine and she studied dentistry. His transition from clinical medicine to entrepreneurship began in 1987, capitalizing on new blood-borne pathogen guidelines catalyzed by AIDS which required the use of disposable gloves by health care personnel for all bodily fluid contact. Innovative polymer chemistry solution designed to solve latex glove allergies catapulted the fledgling company into relationships in southeast Asia, which resulted in joint ventures producing barrier products in Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, China and Vietnam. He leveraged the sales and marketing infrastructure of the Rhode family business, which proved instrumental in growing domestic sales. Accurately diagnosing skin allergies in order to recommend product solutions became a subsequent core product development strategy. As a result, the company has become the world market leader in contact dermatitis diagnostics produced at facilities in Denmark, Holland, Germany and the U.S. Curt describes himself as a relational evangelist with a heart for the spiritual awakening of those he works with closely. Curt and Beth have been involved with a mission hospital and its satellite clinics in Honduras for over 30 years; they have six children.

Dan Harvey '84 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2014) Dan works in commerical real estate at Cushman and Wakefield. He leads a San Francisco Technology Team that manages complex leasing transactions worldwide for cloud, mobile, social and big data companies such as Salesforce.com, Uber and CBSi. Dan has been the exclusive broker for Salesforce.com, handling three large leases that totalled 1.3 million square feet in 2012; the San Francisco Business Times named him Broker of the Year in 2013. He arranged the largest lease in San Francisco history in 2014: 714,000 square feet in Salesforce Tower, still under construction. His career includes 600 transactions valued at more than $6.3 billion.

Timothy Tucker ’84, (2017 Alumni Award) one of the elite high school basketball coaches in Southern California, is executive director for Bourne Inc., a residential treatment center for boys and girls ages 6 to 18 years old in Altadena. He and his business partner took over the non-profit to help provide direction, nurturing, life skills and love for those placed with children services. Tucker, head coach for Pasadena High in 1995-2013 and Maranatha High in 2013-present, has seven CIF finals appearance with three CIF Championships, four All CIF Coach of the Year Awards, and in 2014 was named Southern California Coach of the Year. 

James Banks ’84, (Alumni Award) whose books include the bestselling “Prayers for Prodigals,” has encouraged millions around the world through his writing on prayer. His books have been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Japanese. He writes for Our Daily Bread Ministries and has been a pastor and church planter for nearly 30 years. He earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminaries. He and his wife, Cari (Dotres ’85), met at Westmont and make their home in Durham, North Carolina. They have two adult children and a 2-year-old grandson.

Christopher "Chris" Hartman '84 April 25, 1961 – April 9, 2023
On the evening of April 9, 2023, Christopher “Chris” Cook Leith Hartman passed away at his Santa Ynez home after a ten month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.
Born in Bar Harbor, Maine, in 1961, to John Burroughs Leith Hartman and Annie Verser Hartman, Chris was the third of their five children. He spent his childhood sailing at the Pleon Yacht Club in Marblehead Neck, Massachusetts, playing hockey in Houlton, Maine, and attending Stony Brook Preparatory School on Long Island in New York. Drawn to the West Coast by the warm weather, the beaches, and the palm trees, Chris spent most of his adult life in Santa Barbara. In 1984, he graduated from Westmont College with a degree in business and economics. In 1990, Chris joined the retail brokerage firm Smith Barney, where he served as vice president for 20 years. In 2010, he joined TKG as a private wealth manager. Throughout his career, Chris cared deeply about the well-being of his clients and worked hard at assisting them in reaching their financial goals. He retired in 2023. In 1995, Chris met the love of his life, Karen Thompson. They were married in October of 1996, and had two sons, Christopher and Matthew. Chris thrived on bringing people together, organizing social events and spending time with family and friends. His children were his pride and joy, and he was extremely active in supporting their growth and development. Chris regularly took time to relax with his family and savor the natural beauty near his cabin on Lake Almanor in northern California. He loved the great outdoors, spending time skiing, sailing, hiking mountain trails, and biking. Chris also enthusiastically collected and renovated classic American muscle cars and British sports cars. Throughout his life, Chris was an active member of the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez communities. He served on the board of the Carpinteria Boys and Girls Club and as president of the Santa Barbara Young Republicans. Chris sat on the Board of Directors of Old Spanish Days in 2009, through 2012, and served as co-marshal of the Fiesta Historical Parade for several years.
Chris became a member of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse in 2012, serving as Vice President for five years before being elected President in 2021. He enjoyed years of fellowship and the opportunity to support his community as a member of Vikings of Solvang. Chris also collaborated with local political candidates and was elected in 2018, as the first vice chair of the Santa Barbara County Republican Party and held that position till his passing. The Christian faith was an important part of Chris’ life. He was an active member of El Montecito Presbyterian Church and The Ranch Church in the Santa Ynez Valley. Chris is survived by his wife of 26 years, Karen, and two sons, Christopher of Burlingame, and Matthew of Santa Ynez; his sister Tiffin H. Fox and her husband W. Trent Fox of Waldmohr, Germany; his brother John B. L. Hartman and his wife Margrete R. Hartman of Alsvag, Norway; and his sister, Kate H. Klein and her husband Matthias A. Klein of Schmatzhausen Hohenhann, Germany. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Patricia Thompson Perry of Santa Barbara, sister-in-law Susan Anderson and her husband Rod Anderson of Santa Barbara, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lisa Magee '84 sadly passed away in April of 2021 from cancer.

Michael Trueblood ’84, 2021 Global Service Award Deputy Director, Economic Growth Office, USAID in Cairo, Egypt. Michael Trueblood joined USAID in 2009 and has worked for the U.S. government for nearly 30 years. Previously he served with USAID in Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Asian Republics and Pakistan. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, he worked on policy and conducted economic research on trade issues in developing countries, food security, and transitions for Russian and Ukrainian agriculture. He has also addressed trade, innovation and entrepreneurship, economic governance, energy, developing tourism, water and climate change. He has received numerous awards, including one for collaboration between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and USAID to produce the Provincial Competitiveness Index to improve the business environment and a USDA Departmental Honor Award to his Global Food Security Team for sustained excellence on international hunger issues. An economics and business major at Westmont, Michael was the first in his family to graduate from a four-year college. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in agriculture and applied economics from the University of Minnesota. Attending Westmont’s International Business Institute inspired his interest in foreign affairs, and an internship with the USDA led to a full-time job. He met his wife, Kris Sellars Trueblood ’85, at Westmont.

Barry Hamann ’84, (2017 Alumni Award) who practices medicine in Grants Pass, Oregon, is CEO of Mountainview Family Practice Clinic. He graduated from Loma Linda Medical School in 1990 and completed a UCLA residency in family medicine in Ventura. He and his wife, alumna Maritza (Carrera ’85), have three children: Blaze ’19, Aria ’16, who is earning a doctorate in physics at Harvard, and Serena (Calvin College ’15), who is in her second year at the University of Washington School of Law. Barry and Maritza are extensively involved in leadership and missions at River Valley Church.

Cindy ’84 and Jamey Lewis ’84 (2017 Alumni Award) are mentors and coaches for young leaders and social entrepreneurs, helping them to thrive and succeed. For more than 20 years, they participated in the life of Muslim-majority communities in Indonesia. They also served as Southeast Asia regional senior leaders for a faith-based organization. Now back in the U.S., they are engaged in the lives of family members, younger leaders and cross-cultural mission workers on home leave or in life transitions. Jamey and Cindy love to extend hospitality, to sing and to lead from simplicity and intimacy with Jesus.

David MacCulloch ’84 (2012 Alumni Award) graduated from Westmont with honors, earning degrees in economics and business and English. He received his law degree with honors from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles where he served as editor-in-chief of the Loyola Law School of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Journal. David began his career as an attorney working in entertainment law, estate planning and probate and trust administration. He works at Montecito Bank & Trust as vice president and senior trust officer. David has taught business law as an adjunct professor at Westmont for nearly ten years. He serves on the Westmont Music Council and as class agent for the class of 1984. He has also served on the Westmont Alumni Advisory Council, the President’s Associates Steering Committee and Westmont’s Homecoming Committee. He is a board member of Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County and the advisory board for Young Life Gold Coast and Central California Region. He and his wife, Hillary, live in Santa Barbara. They have one son.

Anne Allder Kirkby ’85 (2012 Alumni Award) graduated with majors in mathematics and physics, the second of three sisters who all attended Westmont. She went on to study physics at Caltech, and received a doctorate in theoretical nuclear physics in 1991. She and her husband, David, also a Caltech graduate student, moved to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1991, to work at the CERN particle physics laboratory. In 1995, they moved to Palo Alto, Calif., for David’s research, and for the next six years Anne focused on raising their 3 children—Dylan, Helen, and Trevor. In 2001, they moved to Irvine, Calif., where Anne worked in the physics departments at Chapman University, Concordia University, and Irvine Valley College before settling down as lecturer in physics at the University of California, Irvine. She attends Irvine Presbyterian Church, where she is an elder and teaches women’s Bible Studies. Anne and David are planning to return to Europe next year, and the family will spend the first eight months of 2013 on sabbatical in Paris.

Brent Searway ’85 and Allison Brubaker ’85 Searway (2017 Alumni Award) met at Westmont and served together on Potter’s Clay. Sharing a heart for missions and for Mexico, they quit their jobs as teachers in 1993 and sold all their belongings to move to Ensenada.For 20 years, they have directed Agua Viva Ministries, which is committed to reaching Mexico for Christ. They have seen thousands come to faith through their camping ministry and more than 20,000 Americans participate in short-term missions to assist Ensenada churches. Agua Viva’s intensive Ministry Training Institute has prepared more than 550 Mexican nationals to serve as pastors and missionaries.

Joe Karabensh ’85, (2017 Alumni Award) earned a bachelor’s degree in missionary aviation technology at Moody Aviation, is president of Missionary Flights International (MFI). His passion for missions began with Westmont’s Urban Program and Kenya mission trip. He joined MFI in 1996, piloting a Douglas DC-3, and became president in 2015. MFI serves 480 mission organizations that spread the Gospel and help the poor in the Caribbean, primarily Haiti. MFI flies missionaries, work teams, mail and cargo. They are on call for medical emergency flights and have provided disaster relief for hurricanes and the devastating Haiti earthquake.

Lisa (Ulbrich O'Neil) Seville '85 Master of Arts in International Development with a Specialization in Global Civliziation (Missions) from William Carey International University in Pasadena CA. Lisa lives in La Habra Heights and works as an Operations Coordinator for Obria Medical Clinics LA, which has crisis pregnancy clinics in Whittier, Pasadena, and Compton.

Nivaldo Tro ’85 (2017 Alumni Award) (2015 Alumnus of the Year) was born and raised in Culver City, Calif., after his parents emigrated from Havana, Cuba, in 1959. Tro has taught at Westmont since 1990 earning a doctorate in chemistry from Stanford for researching optical techniques to study the adsorption and desorption of molecules in an ultra- high vacuum. He also conducted postdoctoral research on ultrafast reaction dynamics in solution at the University of California, Berkeley. He has published more than 20 journal articles and received grants from the American Chemical Society, the Petroleum Research Fund, Research Corporation and the National Science Foundation to study the dynamics of various processes occurring in thin adlayer films adsorbed on dielectric surfaces. He has been honored as Westmont’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year three times and Outstanding Researcher of the Year. Tro is best known for his chemistry textbooks that are used at more than 600 colleges and universities worldwide and translated into five different languages. A third of all college students taking chemistry today use a textbook authored by Tro. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife, Ann, and their four children. He enjoys mountain biking, surfing, reading to his children and being outdoors.

Brent ’85 and Allyson Brubaker ’85 Searway, (2013 Global Service Award) who have directed Agua Viva Ministries in Ensenada, Mexico, for two decades. Brent and Allyson met at Westmont and served together on Potter’s Clay. They quit their jobs as teachers in 1993, sold all their belongings and moved to Ensenada. Agua Viva Ministries has worked with more than 20,000 Americans who are participating in short-term missions to assist Mexico’s churches. Their intensive Ministry Training Institute has prepared more than 550 Mexican nationals to serve as pastors and missionaries. 

Sharol Mulder '86  On January 13th, we bid good-bye to a loving, wonderful human being, Sharol Mulder Mkpado. She succumbed to a very rare cancer of the bile ducts and left us… “happily” (her word) and confident she knew God, and sure that she would arrive in Heaven. Sharol was born on June 26, 1964, the oldest daughter of Rebekah and Ron Mulder of Santa Barbara. She is survived by her husband Chris, their sons Christian (Shannon Sweeney) and Kele, and their daughter Alexandra. Also mourning the end of her life is Patsy (Kyle Lachman), her sister. She leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She attended Cold Spring Elementary, Santa Barbara Junior and Senior High Schools and Westmont College. Experiences that left her with a love of travel were a year spent in Holland (6th grade), Time share week vacations “all over the world” with her family, and a year in China with her newly acquired BA, teaching ESL in Hunan Province. She and Patsy had an idyllic childhood–roaming freely with their friends on the paths and in the canyons around Westmont. She made friends in the neighborhood and at Westmont who were in her life to the end. She returned to San Francisco State for her master’s degree in ESL, and subsequently taught in Korea and Taiwan where she met and married the love of her life, Chris. Sharol’s concern for foster children led her to Sacramento where she was instrumental in changing legislation that made it possible for foster children to participate in activities just like regular kids. She walked the walk: her beloved daughter Alex was a foster child before she was adopted by her forever family! She made friends everywhere. Many of them have stepped up lovingly to plant her garden, organize her “stuff”, decorate her house for Christmas, install grab bars in her bathroom, drop numerous bouquets and meals at her doorstep, etc. etc. etc. Those of us in her family are amazed at the love and concern given freely to us all. So many of her clients (She worked as a VERY successful realtor for 30 years–over 600 families realized their dreams with the help of her caring and expertise) have become friends as well. Our thanks to each of you for trusting Sharol with your futures. She was awarded both the Jack Kelly (most complicated exchange transaction of the year) AND the Howard Gates (most complicated residential transaction) awards, the ONLY residential realtor to have received both of the highest accolades given by the Santa Barbara Board of Realtors. She came home from the hospital to a beautiful cocoon constructed by her sons and husband. A constant fire in the fireplace, 20+ candles, a comfortable hospital bed next to the wall of windows in her living room and her two cats. Her personal goodbyes to each of us were beautiful, and her passing was so serene that it has made an unthinkable loss less sad. Farewell, dear Sharol. Our memories of you are so, so rich and numerous. They will sustain us.

Raphael "Wayne" Harper '86  Raphael Wayne Harper was born in Santa Barbara, CA, on April 17, 1961, to Raphael and Helen Dansby Harper, both now deceased. Raphael suddenly passed away from a heart attack at age 61 on October 30 while at his Santa Barbara home. He was born into a large family well known for their kindness, acts of community service, and support of Santa Barbara’s African American and Latino communities. Raphael stood regal in stature, and reigned as his family’s King of Hearts. Raphael, known to childhood friends and family as Big Wayne, attended McKinley Elementary School and graduated from Santa Barbara High School. As a Don, he was known for his abilities on the basketball court. Friends recall his prowess on the basketball court and football field, talents later passed down to his sons and grandson. Raphael attended Westmont College in Montecito before heading north to San Francisco State University on a basketball scholarship. He transferred to Long Beach State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. During his career, Raphael worked as a physical therapist, most recently as a fitness instructor at Gold’s Gym. At 19, Raphael celebrated the birth of his first child, Raquel Odile, named after her Father. His second child, Shante, came a little later. He subsequently met his wife, Joanie, and her daughter, Cryshauna McKee. They became partners, marrying in Las Vegas and celebrating the birth of three more children, Raphael Cortez, Ramon Marquez, and Raliccia. Unfortunately, Joanie preceded Raphael in passing away. Raphael’s descendants brought his greatest joy as he doted on four grandchildren from his daughter, Raquel, including Justice, Jayah, Joyous, and Jermelle. He enjoyed Raphael Cortez’s children, Ramelo, Raphael, Cortez Amir, and Ayiah; Ramon’s child Julian, and Raliccia’s children, Christopher and Legacy. Raphael loved, cheered, and praised their efforts. Raphael spent the last 11 years of his life as a partner with Josephine Pereyra. They lived in Santa Barbara, enjoying visits with family, friends, and church. As a man of faith, Raphael found tremendous comfort from life’s tribulations in his Roman Catholic faith. As a result, he became close to Father Dan Lackie and other faith workers serving Mission Santa Barbara, which honors all people in the spirit of St. Francis.

Noni Beth Kimbel Patchell '87 was born of Dorothy Elisabeth Evinger Kimbel and Elnathan Samuel Kimbel. She is survived by her loving husband James Edward Patchell, her brother James Jeffry Kimbel, and sister Lori Pavsek. Noni attended Vieja Valley Elementary School, La Colina Junior High, and San Marcos High School. She attended Westmont College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Noni and James were married December 30,2006 at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara, where Noni was a lifelong and very active member. Noni also had a column in the Montecito Journal.

Marshall Howen '87 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2020) started the company Sunrise 805, cleaning and maintaining solar panels. He is married to Celia Carlin Howen '88. 

Daryl Heald ’87 (2022 Alumni Award) is the founder of Generosity Path and travels internationally to share the message of biblical generosity. Growing up in a missionary home, he remembers the family’s praying when there was no money—and God providing. Daryl began his career as a commercial real estate broker and in 1997 joined the Maclellan Foundation, helping lead its global grant-making strategy. Beginning in 2000, Daryl helped launch several organizations: Generous Giving, Giving Wisely and Generosity Path. He has worked with families on four continents regarding their philanthropy and actively invests in private equity deals with an emphasis on businesses with social impact. Daryl serves on ten boards, both for-profit and nonprofit. He and his wife, Cathy, reside in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and two of their nine children are alums, Hallie ’14 and Anders ’22.

Scott Lisea ’88 (2012 Alumni Award) lives in Santa Barbara with his wife, Jamie McEwen ’88, and three sons. Scott served on the Young Life staff for 23 years, ending his career as regional director for the Gold Coast and Central California Region. For the past two years, he has served at Oaks Christian School as the associate head of school for spiritual life. Scott earned a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Seminary in 1998 and completed his Doctor of Ministry at Fuller in September, writing his dissertation on the nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In his work with Young Life, he initiated and now volunteers in a club designed specifically for kids with disabilities, which meets in his home. He has coached young people for more than twenty years, teaches a community-wide men’s Bible study, trains leaders throughout Asia and speaks at summer camps; he and Jamie run a discipleship and leadership training program called The Experience. Scott writes songs, plays sports and enjoys beekeeping. He is awed by the patience, mercy, grace and unconditional love of our Abba. 

Jamie McEwan Lisea '88 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2014) often talked to teenagers at Young Life meetings and camps and wondered how to make Jesus less distant and more real. She wrote the book “Rich Thirsty Hungry and the Freedom That Finds Us There,” which is available through Amazon. Jamie married alumnus Scott Lisea ’88

Scott Gibson '88 died of sudden heart failure on November 12, 2019, in his Santa Barbara home. He was 54 years old. Scott was born February 1, 1965, in Midland, Mich., to Dennis and Ruth Gibson. Growing up in Wheaton, Ill., Scott was an exceptional track athlete and football player competing in state meets and championships. Scott moved to Santa Barbara to attend Westmont. During his college years, he participated in Semester at Sea where he traveled around the world and gained a love for adventure traveling and capturing extraordinary images on film. After graduating, he pursued his love for surfing, adventure and photography as he built his own photography business. He travelled extensively to Bali, Fiji and Baja while maintaining his home for more than 30 years in Santa Barbara. He was married to Nancy Myers. Scott was widely known as a professional photographer, owner of Scott Gibson Photography and Santa Barbara Postcards and a participant in the local surfing community. Friends and family openly regard Scott as the funniest person they have ever known. His extraordinary talent with the camera and charisma to rally adventures and tell stories have been enjoyed by countless people. Above all, Scott truly loved the people in his life. He had heart, incredible humor and passion for life. He is survived by Nancy, his parents, two brothers and other family members.

Dave Detton 88’ (2018 Global Service Award) Director of operations for Sudan Relief Fund. Detton served in Germany with Transatlantische Stiftung für Afrika (TSA), promoting trans-Atlantic relations between the U.S., Germany and Africa. He was director of operations and outreach at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a federal commission created by Congress to advise the president and Congress on policies to promote international religious freedom. 

Rob Nyman '88 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2024) Rob has worked as the CFO at Jordano's in Santa Barbara since 2015. The Pacific Coast Business Times named Rob CFO of the Year in 2023. 

Jen Gonzalez ‘89 now works as a reading and math intervention specialist for K-5 students at the Carpinteria Unified School District. Her position focuses on helping struggling students through individualized lessons and a multi-modality approach.“My philosophy (is) I’m committed to providing a quality education in a caring environment. I believe that all students can learn and are capable of being successful, and it’s my role to ensure this,” Gonzalez said. “If there are kinesthetic learners… or visual or auditory learners, (we’ll focus on) what learning styles students will tackle the most.” She will be working at Canalino Elementary School for the majority of her time. Gonzalez earned her undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara and her teaching credentials from Westmont. She completed a Masters in education and technology at Azusa Pacific University.

Camille Filardo-Kraft '89 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2022) graduated with a degree in psychology, moved to Massachusetts and earned a Master of Science in athletic counseling at Springfield College. She has worked in higher education for 22 years, serving as an associate athletic director, senior woman administrator, Title IX deputy and dean. She has worked and taught at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona, Mt. San Antonio College, Sonoma State University, Mt. San Jacinto College, Concordia University Irvine, University of San Francisco and CSU Monterey Bay. She earned a Doctor of Education in administrative leadership in higher education from USC. In 2003 she launched her first business, Student Athlete Sashes (SAS), which has grown to more than 100 schools. As the CEO, she oversees all aspects of the business, which continues to grow. During the pandemic, Camille served for a year as commissioner of the Women’s National Football Conference. In 2015, Camille became the administrator of the NFL’s Substance Abuse Program, responsible for coordinating services for players seeking access to rehabilitation facilities, team doctors and clinicians across the country. She was the first woman to represent the program and serve on the NFL Substance Abuse Committee that reported to the NFL and NFL Players Association.

Michelle Hughes ’89 (2022 Alumni Award) earned an Ed.D. from George Fox University, a master’s in educational leadership from California State University, Northridge, and an English degree and teaching credential from Westmont. She taught junior high school English and served as a high school administrator. Michelle shares her passion for the teaching profession and K-12 education and equips Westmont students to serve and put their faith into action in public and private schools. Her coedited book, Joyful Resilience as Educational Practice, was published in 2022. Michelle is married to Chris ’88, a physical education teacher and coach, and they have two grown children.

Andrea Hanson (Walker) '89 passed September 23, 2021. To my dear friends and family,I told my family near the end that I can't wait to hear the words from Matthew 25:23, "Well done, good and faithful servant." spoken to me by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As you read this message, know that I have heard these words! Please know that I received sweet kisses and final goodbyes from Elizabeth, Joshua, and Brian just before my pain stopped at 6:30 pm on Thursday, September 23rd, 2021. I was showered with the love of family and friends until my last breath, and for that I am so grateful. I know that I am loved!I now have my perfect body back!!! I have one last verse that I would love to share with you all.Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.

It is hard to believe that about two and one-half years ago Andrea heard that she had colon cancer. In the time since, my family has witnessed a strength and grace in Andrea that can only be explained through her faith and the strong presence of the Holy Spirit flowing through her. I know she has impacted many lives through this journey...joy is everywhere if you just look for it. SEEK THE JOY! Forever grateful to each and everyone of you! Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts! Brian, Joshua, and Elizabeth Hanson. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: www.westmont.edu, www.grace-foundation.org, www.inheritanceofhope.org

Lt. Col. Kathleen Jones ’89 (2012 Alumni Award) became an Air Force flight surgeon and joined a special operations command a month before 9-11, and her career took off. She had 30 days of normal duty followed by two years of constant deployments. Focused on caring for pilots in her squadron, Kathleen also treated injured soldiers being moved to distant medical facilities. Kathleen intended to be a teacher like her father, Jonathan Jones ’60, who directs the academic program at a boarding school for at-risk youth in Utah, but a high school physiology teacher awoke in her a passion for science. At Westmont, Kathleen explored medicine and research, spending time with doctors and professors. Unable to afford medical school, Kathleen followed a family tradition and joined the military. After completing a civilian residency in family practice, she packed up for a year at Kunsan Air Force Base in Korea, where she became the doctor for all non-flying personnel. Kathleen then completed a three-year aerospace medicine program, earning a master’s degree in public health, focusing on preventive medicine and working with all branches of the service, NASA and the FAA. For three years she served as chief of aerospace medicine and the senior specialist at Scott AFB in Illinois, seeing patients, mentoring young flight surgeons and deploying to Kuwait. After 15 years of service, Kathleen can’t picture life outside of the Air Force.

Todd Mattson ’89 and Amie Wallin Mattson ’90 (2022 Alumni Award) are generous supporters of Westmont’s mission. Todd is vice president of surface at Horizon Hobby. Previously he was the CEO of Pro-Line Racing before the two companies merged. In his 30-year journey with Pro-Line, Todd has been content to lead quietly, building a premier RC Performance brand. He earned an MBA at the University of Redlands in 1997. Todd joined the Westmont College Board of Trustees in 2020 and also serves on the boards of the C. S. Lewis Foundation and Redlands Christian School. Todd and Amie have four children: Trevor, Tyler, Marissa and Thomas ’23.

Eraclio “Lucky” Arvizo ’89 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2021) is a high school principal in southwestern Arizona and serves in several community organizations. He earned a bachelor’s in economics and business and was a member of the Westmont baseball team. After being in the business world for 10 years, Lucky began his career in education. In 2007 he was named the Yuma County High School Teacher of the Year. In addition to pursuing his passion for teaching, he served as a head football coach for 18 years. In 2008, after receiving his master’s in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, Lucky entered administration, focusing on great educational experiences for all students as they prepare for college and career. Lucky and his wife, Claudia, live in Yuma, Arizona.

Dave Odell ’89, (2017 Alumni Award) a former Westmont basketball player, successful businessman and longtime Warrior supporter, has served as Westmont athletic director since 2009. Odell, who served as an adjunct professor in the economics and business department for six years, has been a part of several successful business ventures, including TynanGroup Inc., Anchor Point IT Solutions, and MedBridge Development Company LLC. Odell served as the chair of the Warrior Sports Advisory Board, providing advice for the athletics program and assisting in fundraising, from 2002-05 and 2007-2009. Odell and his wife, DeAnna (Morfoot ’88), have three children Walker, Raynee and Rallie.

Steve and Jenni Wiebe ’89 (2012 Alumni Award) both graduated from Westmont with degrees in religious studies and diversified liberal arts. Following their marriage in 1989, the couple moved to Pasadena, Calif., where Steve worked on a master’s degree at Fuller Theological Seminary and Jenni taught. Moving into a lower income neighborhood, they began feeling called to that urban community. Jenni started teaching part time and created a tutoring ministry in their backyard. Their outreach grew into an organization, Neighborhood Urban Family Center, which has four sites in Pasadena and serves 140 at-risk children each day. Steve and Jenni also helped advise Westmont’s initial Spring Break in the City and hosted students at their ministry for the first five years. Steve completed his doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary and directs New Vision Partners, an interfaith non-profit. He also teaches as an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University. Jenni completed her master’s degree in education at Azusa Pacific University, taught for 12 years, and has directed Neighborhood Urban Family Center since it began in 1994. She is working on a second master’s degree in educational leadership.

Bob Hartry '89 (Westmont Magazine Spring 2018) majored in economics and business, which has helped him establish and run Catbeach Music, an indie boutique publisher and record label. He won a Daytime Emmy in 2012 for his song “Dust” (Outstanding Original Song for a Drama Series, “General Hospital”) and has received six nominations.

Celeste Kirk Liversidge ’89 (2012 Alumni Award) attended Pepperdine Law School and specialized in family law. After seeing women at one of the worst times of their lives, and many expressed regrets that they married young. She teamed with a friend who works as a therapist, and co-wrote “Last One Down the Aisle Wins: 10 Keys to a Fabulous Single Life Now and an Even Better Marriage Later.” The book argues that women who spend their 20s developing 10 areas of their lives will have happier, healthier marriages. Celeste met her husband, Sam, in law school. They have three children. Today, Celeste focuses on adoption law as a partner in a small firm.

Heather Hollingsworth Issvoran '90 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2023). Works with the Center for Homeland Defense and Security and leads communications and admissions as the Director of Strategic Communications since 2009. 

Angie Hill 90’ (2016 Alumna of the Year) general manager for global marketing at Skype, oversees social media and marketing, digital and experiential campaigns, product integration across TV and film, global partnerships and promotions.  She joined Skype from Tower 18 Marketing Inc., which she founded and led for four years. The company focused on integrated marketing promotions and worked with major movie, television and gaming companies.“Angie has a true passion for advancing women in business leadership,” Hill serves on the Microsoft Advisory Council for Senior Marketing Development and Women of Microsoft Mentoring Council. She and her husband, Mike ’90, helped establish Pacifica Christian, a new high school in Orange County, which provides a rigorous, college-preparatory, liberal arts education for students from all backgrounds and neighborhoods.

Cherie Pae Kloss ’90 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2022) majored in biology and earned a master’s in physician assistant studies in anesthesiology at Emory University in Atlanta. For 17 years she worked as an anesthetist, the last 10 years as a contract or traveling nurse. As the gig economy exploded, she saw the potential for an app that quickly connects nurses seeking work to hospitals needing staff. Cherie started SnapNurse in 2018. She now works with 6,000 nurses nationwide. SnapNurse has grown to become a $2 billion industry headed to $2.5 billion by the end of 2022. Cherie won an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2021 National Award (U.S.).

Erik Olson ’90, (2019 Alumnus of the Year) a partner and trial lawyer at Morrison & Foerster LLP, Erik’s practice focuses on the litigation of securities, corporate governance, and intellectual property disputes, with particular emphasis on clients in the biotechnology, medical device, telecommunications, and high-technology industries. He serves on the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, which offers pro bono attorneys to foster youth, people with mental illnesses, and other underserved populations in Silicon Valley facing legal challenges. He earned a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in 1994. Erik is married to Jill Primuth Olson ’89. Their son, Andrew, graduated from Westmont in 2018, earning a degree in biology and political science.

Sarah [Holte] Holm '90 died peacefully July 8, 2021 after a 21 month battle with cancer. Sarah was the loving wife of Lawrence Holm, Jr., the daughter of Donna and the late Richard Holte, sister of Kathy (the late Don Riggott) and Debby (Dave Tollefson) and an adoring aunt to Megan, Zack, Rochelle and Josh. She was the daughter-in-law of Lawrence, Sr. and Barbara Holm and sister-in-law to Debbie Holm (Catherine Jacobi). 

Enrique Roig ’90 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2018) is senior advisor in the Office of Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights for the U.S. Department of State. Enrique has extensive experience managing complex foreign policy and development initiatives in 23 countries, from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus region. He served as coordinator at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Central America Regional Security Initiative to address the rise in insecurity and received four USAID awards for outstanding leadership. A political science major at Westmont, he participated in the American Studies Program in Washington, D.C., where he also met his future wife, Julia. Enrique earned a master’s in international relations from American University. Enrique and Julia live in Bethesda, Maryland, with their two teenage children.

Eric Johnson '90 died January 14, 2023

Angie Mays ‘90, (2017 Alumni Award) a tenured professor of leadership at Trinity Western University’s School of Graduate Studies in British Columbia, mentors and teaches transformational servant leadership to graduate students from around the world. She is passionate about values/virtues in leadership development, and how Jesus practiced leadership. Her qualitative research on the subject led to her writing the book “Courteous Rebel: Jesus Model of Leadership.” She has served as a consultant in developing online leadership programs in Kenya and in China and is involved in community leadership on the board of directors for two hospices. She earned a Master of Education and doctorate from the University of San Diego.

Rob Ring '90 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2014) serves as chief science officer of Autism Speaks, an organization that funds autism research. “I wake up every day thinking about how we put science and technology to work for families to improve the quality of life and health of people living with autism,” he earned a doctorate in molecular neurobiology from the City of Hope in Duarte, Calif. He developed psychiatric medicines at Wyeth Research in Princeton, N.J., before becoming senior director and head of the autism research unit at Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development in Groton, Conn. He led the first dedicated research group in industry focused on medicines for neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically autism. He joined Autism Speaks in 2011 as vice president of translation research and moved into his current position in 2013.

Mike Kelly '91 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) Is the head coach of the Cairns Taipans, an Australian professional basketball team based in Queensland. A former star at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana and part of the 29-0 team that won the 1985 CIF Championship, Mike played two years at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa before transferring to Westmont. As a Warrior, Mike made the All-GSAC Team in 1988 and 1989, leading the Warriors to a GSAC Championship and the NAIA National Tournament in 1988. In 50 games with the Warriors, he averaged 14.2 points a game, 17th on the Warriors all-time list. Mike had a lengthy and proficient career, playing professionally in Australia for 15 years. In his inaugural NBL season with the South East Melbourne Magic, he won the 1996 NBL Championship and was named MVP of the Championship Series. The following two seasons he won the Best Defensive Player Award. During his career, he led four different teams to the Grand Final. Mike and his wife, Annette, have a daughter, Ashton ’20, who graduated from Westmont.

Jon Walker ’91, (2017 Alumni Award) co-founder and CTO at AppFolio, loves technology and entrepreneurship. AppFolio, which develops software for property managers and lawyers, went public in 2015 thanks to the work of more than 600 employees including many Westmont graduates. He has taught computer science courses as an adjunct professor at Westmont and UC Santa Barbara. Walker, who played basketball at Westmont, coaches the JV boys basketball team at San Marcos High School. He and his wife, Lori, live in Santa Barbara and enjoy watching their three children, Soren, Kerick and Kaelie, compete in volleyball, basketball and swimming.

Tyler Gibbs ’91 (2017 Alumni Award) is senior vice president and general manager of Toyota Racing Development, where he has worked for the past 21 years. After graduating from Westmont, Tyler, an avid auto racing fan, went to work for  Cosworth Engineering, where he worked for four years. He earned a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 2006, and served on the Westmont Board of Advisors between 2014 and 2016. Tyler and his wife, Kris ’91, have been married 25 years. Their son, Connor ’19, is a junior at Westmont and their daughter, Ireland, is freshman at Gordon College.

Craig Prins ’91, (2017 Alumni Award) inspector general for the Oregon Department of Corrections, is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct filed by employees, inmates and others within the state’s second largest agency. Prins, who grew up in Grants Pass, Oregon, served as research director for the Pew Charitable Trust’s Public Safety Performance Project in Washington, D.C., for two years before becoming inspector general in 2016. Before that, Prins had spent a decade in various criminal justice roles in Oregon, including executive director of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. He works with middle school boys at his church and volunteers with Salem’s Children’s Educational Theatre.

Siri [Finsthwait] Denton '91 Passed away July 10, 2022

Kristen Augustine Baldridge ’91 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2021) recently earned a Teacher of the Year award from the Los Angeles Unified School District. As a special education resource specialist at Clover Avenue Elementary School, she seeks to empower special education students, build an inclusive community and maintain relationships with her students. “At Westmont, I learned how to make deeper connections in a community, and I built lifelong friendships. These values underscore my work in special education. Our students inspire me! I thank God for my wonderful family, who cheers me on: husband (and fellow Westmont grad), Bryan ’91, sons, Nathan and Jordan, and daughter-in-law, Hailey.”

Kelley Johnson Nikondeha ’91 (2022 Alumni Award) and her husband, Claude, promote reconciliation in his home country of Burundi after a devastating civil war. More than a decade ago, they started Amahoro Africa to address African problems with African thinkers and practitioners. They also founded Communities of Hope, serving more than 3,300 marginalized tribal people with drilled wells, schools and medical facilities. Kelley and Claude adopted two children in Burundi. Adopted herself, Kelley wrote the award-winning Adopted: The Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World. Kelley describes rhetoric with Greg Spencer as a master class in choosing words wisely and living well. She earned an M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary in 1999.

Margot Starbuck ’91, (2012 Alumni Award) an art graduate of Westmont and graduate of Princeton Seminary, Margo Starbuck is passionate about communicating through print and speech the promise that God is with them and for them in Christ Jesus. Her first book, “The Girl in the Orange Dress: Searching For a Father Who Does Not Fail,” was awarded the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association’s best non-fiction book of the year in 2011. She also authored “Unsqueezed: Springing Free From Skinny Jeans, Nose Jobs, Highlights & Stilettos,” “Small Things With Great Love: Adventures in Loving Your Neighbor,” and “Permission Granted: And Other Thoughts on Living Graciously Among Sinners and Saints.” Margot is a member of Redbud Writer’s Guild and writes for numerous blogs and publications including Her.meneutics, Red Letter Christians, Gifted for Leadership, Relevant, Kyria, MomSense and Adoption Today. She is also the confessions editor for Geez Magazine’s Sinner’s Corner. Margot enjoys connecting with audiences on college campuses and at conferences, retreats and festivals. Some clients include Messiah College, MOPs International, Young Life Women’s Weekend, and Lifest. Margot lives with her husband and three children in Durham, N.C., where she volunteers among friends with disabilities through Reality Ministries. Celebrating 2nd New York Times Bestseller as a collaborative writer with Julie McFadden, aka "Hospice Nurse Julie," for her book Nothing to Fear

Julie Rosemond Merrick '91 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2019) In a 2017 TEDx Talk, “The Gift That Can Last Forever,” Julie says that sending and receiving handwritten notes can change lives. “This act of solitude connects you to someone else,” she says. “You’re decompressing, slowing down and tapping into your inner life. You are taking time out of your day to pay attention to another person. You are creating a surprise and offering something unexpected, especially when there’s no birthday or other occasion involved.”

Karin Spiecker Stetina '92 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2022) asks big questions. Who is God? Who are we? Who are we in relation to God? A professor at Biola with expertise in theology, church history and the Reformation, she has written books about John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards. Her most recent work, “How to Read Theology for All Its Worth: A Guide for Students” (Zondervan, 2020), seeks to help people intimidated by theology better approach and understand it.

Joel ’92 and Michelle Klukow Pelsue ’92 (2012 Alumni Award) live in Los Angeles with their three children. The couple met at Westmont where Michelle, a professional actress since the age of 15, studied theatre in a Christian context. A woodwind musician, Joel majored in philosophy and played saxophone in the jazz ensemble. He received his Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Fla., in 1998. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister and has pastored churches in New York and Los Angeles for more than 10 years. Joel and Michelle desire to change the way Christians understand the arts and engage mainstream culture. The couple led Bible studies for fellow Westmont art students, started the Artist Fellowship with Disney artists in Florida and taught artists and media professionals in New York City. Their ministry culminated in Los Angeles, where they helped plant a church and co-founded Arts and Entertainment Ministries in 2004. They mentor and equip academics, artists and creative professionals to “think, live, and create” from a Biblical worldview, while engaging the mainstream art and media industries. Joel is also on the faculty of the Blackstone Program with Alliance Defending Freedom and is an adjunct faculty member at Knox Seminary in Florida

Melinda (Pullen) Pierson ’92 (2017 Alumni Award) chairs the department of special education and directs the center for international partnerships in education at California State University, Fullerton. She has led more than 500 students on inclusive study abroad programs and has led an online international teacher training research project. In 2014, she was named Outstanding Professor in the College of Education at CSUF and the Leading Contributor to Polish Education by Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan in 2016. Pierson, who earned a Master of Science at CSUF and a doctorate at UC Riverside, has written more than 75 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and state and federal grants focusing on international teacher training.

Valerie (Cronk) Kushnerov ’92, (2017 Alumni Award) City of Goleta community relations manager/public information officer since 2010, is passionate about making a difference in the world. She has worked in all levels of government, provided communications consulting for several non-profits, and served on the school board. Kushnerov, who lives in Santa Barbara and has two adult children, has always been driven to lead and contribute. While walking through life’s challenges, she leans strongly on her faith and has learned the freedom in living an authentic, transparent life. Her motto: I will look forward. I will trust God. Today is a new day.

Katrina Rolen '92 Kat Rolen, MD graduated with an MA in Biblical Studies from Colorado Christian University on May 12, 2023. She graduated with "high distinction" and was honored as the 2023 Graduate Student of Excellence for the School of Theology and Biblical Studies.

Valerie Cantella '92 returned to consulting as a Valerie Cantella consultant after 12 years of government service. She provides communication strategy, public affairs, and project management resources for the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Valerie graduated from Westmont with a degree in Political Science, and received her Professional Certificate in Advanced Public Engagement from Pepperdine University School of Public Policy. In 2015, she was named Communicator of the Year by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO). Valerie and her husband, Tom, have three children and a yellow lab named Charlie. They live in Santa Barbara, Calif.

 Kari Cope ‘92 published a book, There’s Always Water in the Wilderness. The book walks readers through a close textual analysis of the biblical motifs of wells and wilderness. Each of the chapters includes suggested biblical readings that prompt a greater delight and understanding of the written Word and the close reading process. Throughout the book, Cope argues that knowing why the Bible is recorded and conveyed to us the way it is important for discipleship. There’s Always Water in the Wilderness offers hope that “our own wilderness wanderings are not purposeless,” because in, and even through them, we are offered Living Water that meets our deepest need. Cope’s mother, Mary Jean Cope ‘65, also attended Westmont.

Ron McCarley ’92, (2017 Alumni Award) director of jazz studies at Cuesta College, performs on saxophone and flute and owns a small music store. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music and earned a Master of Fine Arts at the California Institute of the Arts. At Westmont, Ron says he studied under professors with a pastor’s heart for their students and a deep dedication for their area of study. He has tried to emulate this concern for his students and dedication to excellence in his field. He married Laura Anderson McCarley in 2001 and they have four children in San Luis Obispo.

Jeff Dykstra 92’ (2016 Global Service Award) co-founder and CEO of Partners in Food Solutions. Dykstra, who began Partners in Food Solutions in 2011, works with leading food companies to improve food security, nutrition and economic development in Africa through a partnership with USAID. He spent half his career in business and the other half in international development and lived and worked with his family in Zambia and Kenya. “Jeff has made full use of his passions and talents in both the non-profit and for-profit worlds,” 

Jeff Dykstra ’92 and his wife, Molly Lounsberry ’93, (2012 Alumni Award) served high school students as K-Life staff members in Kansas City, Mo. for three years. Following K-Life, Jeff worked in public relations with Cargill, the largest privately held company in the world. He then joined a start-up business as a marketing director, before developing programs for Fortune 500 companies to train employees online. In 2002, Jeff began work as World Vision’s regional executive director for Minnesota. His work took him to Africa, and he began to grasp the complexity of the continent’s problems. He asked for an assignment in Zambia, developing partners for a World Vision AIDS project, which trained Zambians to treat AIDS patients. In 2008, Jeff formed African Business Development Partners to connect U.S. companies to Africa and encourage them to invest directly or help African businesses build capacity. General Mills hired Jeff to help them leverage the expertise of the company’s 1,300 food scientists and engineers to promote food security in Africa. He leads their nonprofit, Partners in Food Solutions, seeking to form partnerships with 200 food processors in 10-12 African countries in five years.

Josh Yager ’92 (2012 Alumni Award) began work as a financial planner at Mercer Advisors in Santa Barbara after graduating with degrees in English and economics and business. While at Mercer, Josh attended the Santa Barbara College of Law and passed the bar exam in 2005. Josh works at Anodos Advisors, a multi-family office, which he and Westmont alumnus Rick Fogg ’92 started in 2005. Josh is a charter member of the “The Guys Group,” a fraternity of 1992 Westmont graduates who have met every Tuesday night since graduation to drink beer, pray for each other and tell lies about how great their lives are. Josh volunteers time at El Montecito School at San Roque where his wife, Rhonda Verhoeven ’93, teaches art and their three children attend elementary school. Josh is a board member of Gold Crest LLC, an importing and distribution company located in Goleta. In his free time, Josh likes to read books about dead presidents, eat tacos and have pillow fights with his kids. 

Megan Harter Adams 92' recently wrote a book, Hope in the Darkest Hour: A Memoir of Survival and Resilience based on her life after the fatal car accident that took the lives of three Westmont students in the spring of 1989 while on Potters Clay.

Gary Lundgren 93' directed and edited a new film "Cancer Culture," a poetic, life-affirming short documentary.

Rick Fogg ’93 (2012 Alumni Award) is founding partner and chairman of Chronicle Family Offices, a national family office firm that delivers advisory services for ultra high net worth families. After graduating from Westmont, Rick earned a juris doctorate from the University of Washington School of Law. He practiced at a prominent Santa Barbara law firm for several years before becoming a business and legal advisor for the Fess Parker family. Over the years, Rick acquired many financially successful clients, both locally and nationally. Rick serves as a trustee for numerous families, mentoring the children and grandchildren of successful entrepreneurs as they seek to be good stewards of family resources. He also serves on several family foundation and family business boards. Rick sits on the board of directors of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission and is an elder at Santa Barbara Community Church. He chairs the board of the Collaboration for Family Flourishing, a global, interdisciplinary community of professionals and family office executives committed to helping wealthy families thrive. Rick taught Westmont’s constitutional law course several times and is a member of the college’s board of advisors. Rick and his wife, Shelley Johnson Fogg ’94, have five children.

Andy Alsup ’93, (2017 Alumni Award) who graduated as Westmont’s first computer science major, is director of technology for the Templeton Unified School District. After working with a defense contractor in San Diego, he moved to the Silicon Valley where he quickly rose to prominence within numerous tech giants, including Sun Microsystems and VeriSign. He recently left the high trajectory of a career in Silicon Valley to live in San Luis Obispo with his wife, Brendy, and seven children. Andy and his wife are passionate about helping foster children and have adopted five thus far.

Holly Gil ’93 (2012 Alumni Award) and her husband, Ruben, live on the east side of Santa Barbara and open their home to at-risk children, offering a mentoring program including tutoring and academic support. They’ve created high quality after-school and summer programs for the neighborhood and have acted as community organizers, bringing resources into the community and connecting neighbors to resources outside the community. This ministry of love stems from their own pain and difficult childhoods. They strive to provide a safe, loving refuge for their four young children and for all those in the neighborhood who need stable and caring parents. They have also established Querencia, a Santa Barbara neighborhood partnership that connects committed volunteers from every walk of life and from many local institutions. Querencia empowers kids and families to thrive by holistically sharing God’s love on Santa Barbara’s lower east side.

Amy Low ’93 (2022 Alumni Award) (2012 Alumni Award) is a managing director at Emerson Collective, a social change organization working to ensure that all people have access to opportunity, health and well-being. Before joining Emerson, she served as chief advocacy and engagement officer at Landesa, a nongovernmental organization committed to reducing rural poverty. Earlier, she spent nearly a decade working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on building support for education reform and early learning and addressing family homelessness. She is now writing a book about wisdom gained from tragedy and triumph; Both Things Are True will be published by Hachette in spring 2024.

Toya Cooper '93 is an attorney who has spent almost 20 years addressing diversity in higher education, In November 2021 she become Southern Oregon University’s first vice president for equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Dave LeMieux ’93 (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2016) has led and sent “musicianaries” to Russia, Nepal, India, Thailand, Ethiopia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates and Israel as executive director of More Than Music Inc., based out of Denver. The trips have produced more tangible outcomes, including the construction of a water well for a remote special-needs school in Uganda, creating a new school for orphans near the Durgapur brothel in India, organizing a first-of-its-kind open-air Christmas concert with the Naval Staff Officer Orchestra at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, and giving away more than 600 instruments to talented, under-resourced musicians around the world. Dave and his wife, Tina ’93, have two children, Grace and Charlie.

Dane Howard ’94 (2012 Alumni Award) has developed a successful career helping companies build technology-related products and services with ease. He leads a team from inception to completion, guiding the design, encouraging teamwork and breaking down barriers. Dane has started several companies and consulted with clients such as Major League Baseball, NBCOlympics, BMW, Disney and Element Skateboards. For five years he worked at Microsoft designing mobile devices and services. In 2006, he left to establish VUVOX Networks, a media creation and syndication platform, which E-Bay bought in 2008, and he now oversees design and user interfaces for the online auction company. Dane has a love for learning and has acquired skills in 3D animation, painting, and digital photography. He has written books and developed online tutorials about digital photography for lynda.com. In addition, he has eight patents pending in computer software and user interface. After two years at Westmont, he transferred to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., and majored in graphic and interactive design. His emphasis, sequential media, is the art of putting things next to each other to tell a story. Dane shares his expertise with technology and social networking as a member of the Westmont Alumni Advisory Council. Dane’s wife, Lori Tucker ’93, is freelance writer for magazines such as Focus on the Family and has written two books for young adults. 

Chris Aubuchon ’94 (2012 Alumni Award) earned a bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry with honors. After Westmont, he earned his doctorate in physical chemistry from Stanford University. His nights spent assembling ultra-high vacuum systems with Drs. Nishimura and Tro prepared him for the later nights designing and building laser systems for studying the vibrational dynamics of condensed phase systems at Stanford. Chris co-founded Exajoule, a microelectromechanical systems technology company. As sole inventor of the company’s foundational patents, Chris helped build the company’s openly licensable intellectual property business model. He leveraged his start-up experience in his current position at Tessera, a publicly traded technology company. He plays the key technical role in the corporate development group, providing detailed evaluation of the science, intellectual property and markets of target companies being considered for mergers and acquisitions. When not immersed in technology, Chris enjoys time with his wife, Sarah, and young son. He and Sarah are expecting another child in May. They attend Bridges Community Church in Los Altos, Calif., and live in Palo Alto.

Brian Granger ’94 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2020) is cocreator of Project Jupyter and the Jupyter Notebook and senior principal technologist at Amazon Web Services. A physics professor at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (currently on leave), Brian has devoted his career to developing Project Jupyter—open-source software widely used to analyze data in research, education, journalism and industry. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google and IBM have created commercial data science platforms based on this software. Brian, his coleader, Fernando Pérez of UC Berkeley, and their international Jupyter Software Steering Council received the 2018 Software System Award from the Association of Computing Machinery, the world’s largest society of educational and academic computer scientists. He earned his Ph.D. in physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Devin Marsh '94 Special News: I recently moved to Sacramento to join the VA Northern California Healthcare team! After serving the mental health needs of active duty military personnel and their families for 17 years around the US and the globe, I'm back in California for the first time in almost 30 years! I have enjoyed working for the VA for the past 4 years and am blessed to be the leader of the northern CA mental health team for the VA. I love service Veterans and continue to serve as a reservist in the Army as well. Blessed to have a lovely wife and two beautiful kids, and happy to be back in sunny CA!

Brian Pauls ’94 (2022 Alumni Award) is the CEO of Dream Industrial REIT and also serves as the president of PAULS Corp LLC. He is an accomplished real estate professional with industry experience in industrial and multifamily properties in Canada and the U.S. Brian earned a bachelor’s in economics and business and a master’s from the University of Denver. He and his wife, Diane Dixon Pauls ’94, reside in Denver and have three adult children: Kristen Pauls Gwinn ’16, Tyler, and Julia.

Eric Trautwein ’94 (2017 Alumni Award) practices internal medicine in Santa Barbara and palliative care at Serenity House and Cottage Hospital. He and his wife, alumna Rachel Wilson Trautwein ’96, enrolled in medical school after graduating from Westmont. Eric earned his medical degree from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine and completed his residency program at Cottage Hospital. He serves as a medical director for the largest hospice organization in Santa Barbara County, and cofounded Doctors Assisting Seniors at Home (DASH), which provides in-home medical care to medically frail patients in Santa Barbara. He and Rachel have two daughters, Grace (born 2005) and Lilly (born 2010).

David Britton '94 (Westmont Magazine Fall 2016) is an expert in online security, he works to prevent digital pirates from stealing money and data. David fell into cyber security while pursuing a career in opera and earning a master’s degree at the San Francisco Conservatory. When he married Jennifer Davies ’93, he needed a day job and found one doing fraud protection for an online retailer. When the company he worked for went under, he sang opera full time for five years, performing in Japan, Italy and throughout the United States. Then the founder of an internet fraud detection start-up offered him a job, so he moved with his wife and two children to Arizona to join 41st Parameter. Experian acquired the firm in 2013, and David serves as vice president of industry solutions in the Global Fraud and Identity group. He speaks at fraud and security events worldwide, discussing techniques to safeguard online space. His missionary parents worked for Trans World Radio, and David grew up in the Caribbean and Europe. He had never lived in the United States when he arrived at Westmont.

Frank Atkins '95  passed away November 30, 2022. 
Frank Davis Atkins, age 49, of Boise, passed away at his home November 30, 2022. A graveside inurnment was held at the Bruneau Cemetery on Friday, December 9, 2022.

Ryan Jorden ’95 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2019) is in his fourth season as the head men’s soccer coach at UCLA, having spent 26 years in collegiate coaching at Oregon State University, Westmont, California Baptist University and University of the Pacific. Since becoming a head coach in 2008 (at CBU), his hallmark has been establishing positive team culture and winning results. Ryan’s passion for coaching and developing players at the collegiate level is inspired by many of his own experiences as a student and coach at Westmont. His eldest son, Graeme ’25, is a sophomore on the Westmont soccer team. Ryan, his wife, Liz Lawrence Jorden ’93, and their younger son, Evan, reside in Los Angeles.

Jamie DeVries ’95, (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Summer 2015) an AP economics teacher at San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, created the student-run nonprofit organization Kids Helping Kids (KHK), which has raised more than $2.5 million since being founded in 2002. The organization invests in the lives of kids needing socio-economic and physical support, both locally and globally. The KHK model has spread to two other high schools in Sacramento and Dana Hills. In recognition of his innovative teaching, DeVries was named 2010-11Santa Barbara County Distinguished Educator. Jamie is married to Tiffany (Schoemaker) DeVries ’99, dean of the Music Academy of the West, where she has served for more than 15 years. 

Paige Baird ’00 and Sean Whiting '95 (2015 Global Service Award) never attended Westmont at the same time but met while living abroad and married in 2009. Soon after, they began working with children at Covenant Children’s Homes (CCH), pursuing a calling they felt in India. Sean and Paige both have backgrounds in education and religious studies, and they work with at-risk children in rural, developing areas of India’s southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh. They direct a CCH ministry that brings orphaned children under the care of a local village pastor. Raised by pastors’ families and church community members, the orphans attend the best available schools in their area. The Whitings have lived in India for five years but return to the United States each year to share this unique model of global orphan care.

Reggie Williams ’95, (2021 Alumnus of the Year) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020)

Professor of Christian Ethics, McCormick Theological Seminary. Reggie conducts research in theological ethics, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, blackness studies, theological anthropology, aesthetics, the Harlem Renaissance, politics and Black church life. His book Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance was the Choice Outstanding Title in 2015 in the field of religion. He publishes extensively and is working on two books: Interrogating Theological Anthropology in the Harlem Renaissance: The Figure of the Human as a Problem for Christian Ethics and a commentary on Joshua and Judges. In 2018, he launched McCormick’s Initiative for Incarnational Ethics.

Reggie has served on the board of directors for the Society for Christian Ethics and sits on the boards of the International Dietrich Bonhoeffer Society and the Society for the Study of Black Religion. A member of the American Academy of Religion, he serves on the Academic Relations Committee.

He earned a master’s degree in theology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary. At Westmont, he majored in religious studies, served as co-captain of the basketball team, and met his wife, Stacy Williams ’95. Reggie returned to Westmont in 2001 as resident director in Ocean View and established the college’s Black Student Union.

Maury Hayashida ’95 (2017 Alumni Award) holds dual board certification in both orthopedics and sports physical therapy and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. His career has consisted of a blend of clinical, entrepreneurial and academic/research endeavors. In addition to his ongoing clinical practice, he is the founder/co-founder of seven companies, holds numerous patents and is co-creator of several health and technology innovations. He is commonly featured in physical therapy and sports journals regarding emerging practice and technological advancements in the physical rehabilitation industry. He is an adjunct professor of Kinesiology at Westmont and is the executive director for the Research Institute of Human Movement.

Chris Chirgwin '95 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2023) Works as the CIO for Santa Barbara County. 

Nalani [Pompa] Ball '96  passed away October 25, 2022. She resided in Azusa, CA at the time of her passing.

Cheryl Ann Waldrop '96, age 47, a resident of Aurora, IL, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. She was born September 8, 1974 in Lancaster, California to Jeffrey and Linda Waldrop. Cheryl has worked for United Airlines since 1998. She is survived by her parents as well as many family and friends.

Julie Cain ’96 (2017 Alumni Award) founded Seattle SCORES, a soccer and poetry program that serves at-risk children. For more than 20 years, she has served as managing director of Cornerstone Advisors, an investment management firm. . She earned graduate degrees in tax law and commercial real estate development. She oversees a soccer camp in Mazatlan, Mexico, sharing Jesus with more than 1,500 children annually. She contributes to the development of Green Lake Village, an urban village that has become the heart of Seattle’s Green Lake community. She and her husband, Andrew, have three boys.

Josh Jensen ’96 (2017 Alumni Award) travels internationally as a trouble-shooter for robotics projects. He and his wife planted a church in Goleta, which meets on the beach and serves food to surfers and the homeless. After 19 years in industry, he and his family spent a year in Mahajanga, Madagascar, working with two non-governmental organizations: Eden Reforestation Projects, an organization that employs over 500 Malagasy workers in remote areas to replant decimated forests; and Sarobidy Maternity Center, a women’s health and maternity clinic that provides vital prenatal and postnatal care to women and infants. Josh and his wife, Amanda, have three children, Selah, Caleb and Joanna.

Abigail Pellegrini McBride ’96, (2017 Alumni Award) a nationally recognized plein air and portrait painter, teaches at the prestigious Chesapeake Fine Art Studio, Anne Arundel Community College and selected workshops. She co-founded the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association (MAPAPA) and the Paint Annapolis plein air competition to launch Paint the Town, the first plein air event in Chesapeake City, Maryland. Her work is featured in the book “100 Plein Air Painters of the Mid-Atlantic” by Gary Pendleton as well as other national publications, galleries and museums. She has received honors from MAPAPA, Plein Air Easton, Oil Painters of America, RayMar Art, Baltimore Watercolor Society and the Portrait Society of America. 

Andrea Warren ’96 (2017 Alumni Award) launched her career while at Westmont in San Francisco (formerly the San Francisco Urban Program), taking an internship in the Walt Disney Pictures art department for the film “James and the Giant Peach.” The South Dakota native joined Pixar Animation Studios in 1998 and has worked on “A Bug’s Life” before serving as an art department coordinator and a digital painter for the Academy Award-winning features “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Finding Nemo.” She was art department manager for the Golden Globe-winning “Cars” and production manager for Academy Award-winning features “WALL•E” and “Brave.” She co-produced “Cars 3,” which has grossed $368 million worldwide.

Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen ’96 (2014 Alumna of the Year) (2012 Alumni Award) was first elected to the California State Assembly in November 2010 and re-elected in November 2012. She represents the 12th Assembly District. She is a committed and respected leader with a reputation for reform, problem-solving and hard work. Born, raised and now raising her three children in Modesto with her husband, Rod, she has a passion for the communities, businesses, and people of the Central Valley. She served on the Modesto City Council from 2005 to 2009, where she stood up for fiscal responsibility, public safety and economic development. After graduating from Westmont, Kristin participated in the prestigious Senate Fellowship Program, where she developed a passion for public service. She has spent her career in marketing in communications roles, serving as assistant vice president for communications and public affairs at CSU Stanislaus, where she directed the university’s marketing and communications programs. Westmont, where she met and married her first husband, Robert Flynn. Her ties to Westmont and a special group of friends remained important to her. She was a talented teacher and taught English and social studies at Oak Grove, Hillview and Encinal schools. She spent 15 years hiring and training groups for transportation surveys and conducting focus groups at Crain & Associates. She then taught ESL at Palo Alto Adult School until she retired. A dedicated and loving mother, she raised two children after her marriage ended in divorce. She enjoyed deep and lasting friendships and threw parties easily and often. In 1978 she met Sam Halsted, and they married in 1993. She attended First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto. She was politically outspoken and participated in protests, including a march against the Iraq War. She returned to Borneo in 1991, 2004 and 2006, relying on her distant memory of t he Malay and Dyack tongues. She published a book, “Up the Notched Log Ladder,” about her parents’ work in Borneo. She is survived by her husband, Sam, her two children, three grandchildren, her husband’s children, and her first husband, Robert Flynn.

Heather Marshall ’96 (2012 Alumni Award) majored in chemistry at Westmont before attending Oregon Health Sciences University. She later completed a three-year residency in emergency medicine at University of California, Davis Medical Center and afterward became an attending physician in an inner-city trauma hospital.

Mike ’97 and Brittney ’97 (Cox) Peterson (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2022) serve in El Salvador with Missionsake, a ministry they founded in 2016. Mike is an entrepreneur/philanthropist with a penchant for making global headlines. His role in El Salvador’s becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender became a global news story and was featured on 60 Minutes. Mike’s Christian faith and finance background have spurred him to devote his time to advocating for a more open and just global financial system. Mike is a fund advisor for El Zonte Capital, serves on several boards, and is a frequent guest speaker at Bitcoin conferences.

Priya David Clemens ’97, (2017 Alumni Award) a former KTVU Channel 2 and CBS News national reporter, has been selected as the new spokeswoman for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. Clemens was born in Chennai, India. Growing up, she spent time in Virginia, California, Brussels and London. She graduated with honors from Westmont College in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Southern California in 2002.

Frank Koroshec '97, an English teacher at San Marcos High School, is the 2020 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year. Frank earned a master’s degree in English from Cal State Northridge in 2004 and began teaching full time that same year. He has taught in the Santa Barbara Unified School District since 2012, and he currently serves as the chair of the English Department at San Marcos. In 2015, Frank established a writing center at the high school. Frank has won other teaching awards in the past, including the 2019 Santa Barbara Unified School District Teacher of the Year in 2019.

Dean Wilson '97 (2022 Alumni Award )is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Turner Foundation and founder of Good Life TV. The Turner Foundation is a leading provider of housing and programs for youth, families, seniors, those with special needs, and low-income earners. Dean seeks to bring hope, laughter, love, and life in the spirit of Jesus to those around him. Dean began his career on Wall Street before serving as founding CEO of several start-up ventures. Dean was instrumental in bringing the Foundation to Santa Barbara and launching the low-income housing community and programs now known as The Village.  Previously, Dean launched Behind Every Door, which has helped bring about neighborhood transformation in some of the most difficult areas of Dallas. He launched programs such as Real Men and Sons of a Loving Father to inspire and equip men, old and young. Dean was also a founding partner of a security firm while in Dallas. Dean has served in a development role at Mission India and, recently, as the Executive Director of Christian Legal Aid of Los Angeles. Wilson lives in Santa Barbara with his wife Susan Rhea Wilson ’97. They have been married for 25 years and have five children: Hannah, Ella Claire, Grace, DJ and Luke.and their five children, including Hannah Wilson ’23.

Jenise Steverding ’97 (2023 ALUMNA OF THE YEAR). Jenise serves as the chief impact officer at Gifts for Good, which offers premium gifts made by nonprofit or social enterprise partners to support their mission. A sociology major and business and economics minor, she participated in Westmont’s Mayterm in Europe and spent a life-changing semester at the San Francisco Urban Program. She has forged a career blending a knack for logistics with addressing social needs worldwide. She worked in the private sector before attending business school in Milan, Italy, where she studied township renewal outside Johannesburg, South Africa. She then worked in relief and development for an NGO, Giving Children Hope. At TOMS Giving, she recruited, hired, trained and led the global account team and partnerships, scaling global shoe-giving from 1 million to 50 million pairs. The first woman on the management team at Pledgeling (social-enterprise in tech), she was an early member of Corporate Partnerships for the Special Olympics World Games 2015, bridging philanthropy and marketing. She also serves on the board of Water for Good.

Dr. Alison Noble ‘97, (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2021) is the Provost and VP of Academic Affairs at Fresno Pacific she was formerly the associate provost and professor of chemistry at Messiah University, has been elected to a four-year term on the National Board of the Lilly Fellows Program. The program, founded in 1991, strengthens the quality and character of church-related institutions of learning. Noble came to Messiah University in the fall of 2010 where she has served as a faculty member, chair of the Ranked Faculty Meeting, director of faculty development, assistant provost—and currently as associate provost. Recognized by Messiah with the Robert and Marilyn Smith Outstanding Teacher award in 2017, Noble has been instrumental in working to support faculty development in teaching, scholarship, and service, and played a key role in institutional initiatives related to term-tenure and promotion policies, governance, faculty salary process and development, and university-wide planning. Her current responsibilities include oversight of the curriculum, faculty development, academic advising, general education and educational technology, and she works with the provost in the areas of educator governance, ranked faculty affairs and academic programming. Noble earned a B.S. in chemistry at Westmont College and a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Illinois. Prior to coming to Messiah, she worked as a senior process engineer for Intel Corporation in Portland, Ore.

Alison Noble ’97 (2017 Alumni Award) is associate professor of chemistry and the special assistant to the provost at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She earned a doctorate in chemistry at the University of Illinois in 2002 and worked as a senior development engineer for Intel Corporation in Portland. Her research interests focus on materials chemistry and chemical education. She recently served as chair of the faculty and won Messiah College’s Outstanding Teaching Award in May of 2017. She attends Grantham Brethren in Christ Church and enjoys reading, the outdoors and traveling with her family.

Erik Ellefsen ’97 (2022 Alumni Award) is the director of networks and improvement at Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership. He has served in education for more than two decades as a teacher, coach, dean, principal, counselor and union leader. He also serves as senior fellow for both the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education and Cardus, hosts the Digical Education podcast, and is a leading collaborator and author of the Mindshift and Future Ready projects. Erik came to Westmont from Chicago to play baseball—but received a life-altering education. He, Chris Kurz ’97 and Joe Ellet ’97 established an endowed scholarship for baseball players with financial need. Erik, who has battled multiple myeloma since 2008, lives in San Jose, California, with his wife, Kimberly

Teresa Goines ’97 (2012 Alumni Award) (2011 Global Service Award) majored in psychology and received the Global Service Award for her work with Old Skool Café, which offers sustainable employment to at-risk youth in the Bay Area. A former probation officer, she seeks to help young people in desperate economic situations by teaching them essential life skills. She lives with her husband, Ed, in San Francisco

Jedd Medefind ’97 (2012 Alumni Award) serves as president of the Christian Alliance for Orphans. The Alliance unites more than 100 respected Christian organizations and a national network of churches working together to inspire and equip Christians to “defend the cause of the fatherless” through adoption, foster care and global orphan ministry. Prior to this role, Jedd led the White House’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Before the working for the White House, Jedd held a range of posts in the California state legislature. He has worked, studied and served in more than thirty countries, with organizations ranging from Price-Waterhouse in Moscow to Christian Life Bangladesh. Jedd has also authored three books and many articles. He wrote his most recent book, “UPENDED: How Following Jesus Remakes Our Words and Our World,” with fellow Westmont alum Erik Lokkesmoe ’95. Jedd lives in central California with his wife, Rachel, and their five children.

Brittany Stringfellow Otey ’97 (2012 Alumni Award) received her juris doctorate at Pepperdine University School of Law in 2001. Brittany served as a note and comment editor on both the Pepperdine Law Review and the Dispute Resolution Law Journal. She participated as a member of the nationally-acclaimed trial advocacy team and served as vice president of the Christian Legal Society. Upon graduation, Brittany clerked at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, before going into private practice in Long Beach, Calif. Practicing primarily family law, and wills and trusts, Brittany continued to take pro bono cases from the Pepperdine Legal Aid Clinic. Brittany now directs the Pepperdine Legal Aid and Family Law Clinics located in the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles. Utilizing law clerks and volunteer attorneys, the clinic serves over 100 homeless and formerly homeless clients each month in the areas of family law, resolving tickets and warrants, expungements, housing, and government benefits. Brittany also teaches the accompanying legal aid and family law clinical courses.

Ashley Fickel 97' was recognized in December 2022 as a leader of influence thriving in his 40s by the Los Angeles Business journal. is the leader of Dykema’s Financial Services Litigation Practice Group. He represents financial institutions, manufacturers, and a diverse group of businesses in complex legal disputes. Fickel brings extensive trial experience and sound business judgment to defending financial institutions, automotive and other manufacturers, and a diverse group of businesses facing a broad spectrum of consumer claims and class actions.

Geoff Akins '97 (Westmont Magazine Article Summer 2015) is the principal and co-founder of AkinsParker Creative, an integrated advertising agency. Their clients include West Coast Choppers, Vanguard University, Toyota Racing Development, Preferred Hotel Group and the Tiger Woods Foundation. Providing “soul- inspiring creative advertising,” the 10-person firm seeks to serve clients and “celebrate strange ideas.” Born with profound deafness in a family of art enthusiasts, Geoff grew to love art and majored in it at Westmont. Geoff’s mother taught him to read lips, but he struggled to understand professors when they looked away from him. “They were aware of this and helped me find a solution, like giving me notes and finding volunteers to take notes,” he says. “I had great roommates, and they kept telling me to not give up. He married Jenny Reimaier '96.

Shauna Niequist 98’ (2018 Alumna of the Year) (2012 Alumni Award) New York Times best-selling author. Niequist, author of “Cold Tangerines,” “Bittersweet,” “Bread & Wine, Savor,” and “Present Over Perfect,” was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in a special program about “Faith and Perfectionism.” . Shauna grew up in Barrington, Ill., moving to California to study English and French literature at Westmont. Her husband, Aaron, is a pianist and songwriter. He leads worship at Willow Creek Community Church and is recording a project called “A New Liturgy.” Shauna writes about the beautiful and broken moments of everyday life—friendship, family, faith, food, marriage, love, babies, books, celebration, heartache and all the other things that shape us, delight us and reveal to us the heart of God. Aaron and Shauna live outside Chicago with their two sons.

Amy Alzina ’98 (2012 Alumni Award) is the principal of Adams Elementary School, Santa Barbara Unified School District—a position she has held for the past four years. She changed the school’s underperforming reputation by concentrating on educating the whole child through art, music, technology, physical education and foreign language, as well as local community partnerships. Her desire to provide the best education for all learners motivated her to create an authentic Montessori option for students within the school’s traditional structure. Amy started her career at the Santa Barbara Community Academy in 1999, teaching physical education, kindergarten, first grade and fifth grade before becoming the principal. The Academy, a Title I school with a large population of English language learners, was struggling with a low Academic Performance Index. In three years, Amy raised students’ scores 100 API points to 814. She left the Academy for Adams Elementary after the state honored the Academy as a California Distinguished School and Title I Achieving School. Amy is passionate about driving others to live to their full potential. She lives with her husband, Jim ’97, a realtor with Sotheby’s, and their two children.

Joanne Fowler (Raushi) ‘98 died on July 20, 2021 in Phoenix, Ariz. She graduated from Westmont in 1998. Her husband, Joshua, wrote this tribute soon after her death, “Joanne has gone to see her first and best love. Jesus knew her before she was born. He was with her ever since. He has never failed her.” She is survived by her husband and four children.

Mike Apostle ’98 (2012 Alumni Award) is a doctor for Emergency Physicians of the Rockies in Fort Collins, Colo. He graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2003, and was a resident at a trauma center in Jacksonville, Fla., the fifth busiest in the nation. He served with the Marine reserves for eight years before being commissioned as a captain in the Army Medical Corps. He lives in Northern Colorado with his wife, Jessica, and enjoys running marathons.

Dave Tell ’98 (2022 Alumni Award)  (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) is professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas (KU). He is the author of Remembering Emmett Till, named a 2019 book of the year by the Economist and winner of the 2020 McLemore Prize and the 2021 Byron Caldwell Smith Book Award. Dave is a former fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a founding director of the Emmett Till Memory Project—a GPS-enabled smart-phone app dedicated to commemorating Till’s murder. His writing on the subject has been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and Atlantic Monthly. At KU Dave is codirector of the Institute for Digital Research in the Humanities and the Allan J. Cigler Faculty Fellow in the University Honors Program.

Jen Gonzalez ‘98 now works as a reading and math intervention specialist for K-5 students at the Carpinteria Unified School District. Her position focuses on helping struggling students through individualized lessons and a multi-modality approach.“My philosophy (is) I’m committed to providing a quality education in a caring environment. I believe that all students can learn and are capable of being successful, and it’s my role to ensure this,” Gonzalez said. “If there are kinesthetic learners… or visual or auditory learners, (we’ll focus on) what learning styles students will tackle the most.” She will be working at Canalino Elementary School for the majority of her time. Gonzalez earned her undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara and her teaching credentials from Westmont. She completed a Masters in education and technology at Azusa Pacific University.

Troy Jacobsen ’98, Mike McKay ’98, Justin Sparks ’98 and Joe Zender ’99 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2019) have built lifelong friendships and careers together. Starting out in Santa Barbara, Justin, Mike and Joe have sold IT products and services and managed teams for nearly 20 years. Troy joined them in this industry after six years with Merrill Lynch. In 2017 the friends saw an opportunity to stay together and start their own streamlined firm in a business they know well: they founded PivIT Global, an independent distributor of IT infrastructure, maintenance and professional services based in Santa Barbara.

Bill Klug '98 died tragically on June 1, 2016, at 39. (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2016) (2016 Alumnus of the Year) met Mary Elise (Richter) Klug ’97’while both were students at Westmont. He earned a master’s degree from UCLA and a doctorate from Caltech and joined the faculty at UCLA in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department in 2003. He specialized in computational biomechanics and the mechanics of biological systems, such as cancer cells. Bill held appointments in mechanical and aerospace engineering and in bioengineering, and was promoted to full professor in 2015. He died tragically on June 1, 2016.“Bill consistently gave his treasure and talents back to Westmont, visiting classrooms, giving guest lectures, teaching and modeling for students what it means to be a person of deep faith,” says Teri Bradford Rouse, senior director of alumni and parent relations.

Bill Klug ’98 (2012 Alumni Award) achieved a tenure-track position in the mechanical and aerospace engineering department at the University of California, Los Angeles just five years after graduating from Westmont with a degree in engineering physics. An associate professor, he teaches a class each quarter and pursues research in structural and solid mechanics with biological applications. He earned a master’s degree in civil engineering at UCLA and a doctorate in mechanical engineering at Caltech. His wife, Mary Elise Richter ’97, majored in engineering physics at Westmont and does independent consulting as an aeronautical software engineer. She also earned her master’s degree in civil engineering at UCLA.

Steve Melchiorre '98 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2021) In 2003, he co-founded and serves as CEO of Converged Communication Systems (CCS), a national company that delivers multimedia communications over the internet. The enterprise earned revenue of $9.5 million in 2020. Steve then co-founded Stratosphere Networks, a sister company to CCS, in 2010. He’s also the CEO of this multifaceted tech company that provides managed IT and managed cybersecurity services. Both firms have continue to grow while earning recognition as leaders in their industries.

Mark DiGiacomo '99 Special News: I was awarded an academic sabbatical after 20 years of teaching at The Pennington School.  My academic research included the application of Project-Based Teaching and Learning for Advanced Placement courses, in particular, U.S. History.  My wife and I were able to travel to see our children and grandson, as well as enjoying an extended stay in London, where I was first introduced to the wonders of the British Museum by Dr. Nelson on our trip to Israel and Jordan in 1999. His youngest son, Lukas, was recently stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, serving as an Airman in the 103rd Squadron of the US Navy on board the USS George Washington. Kilani has been busy with international and domestic travel with her newest account, F1 Arcades, a restaurant and entertainment centers for Formula One racing fans.  Mark was honored by The Pennington School with a write up in their Faculty Spotlight for his 20 year service and work with the College Board’s AP program

Dalina Klan ‘99 is the owner and CEO of Once in a Lifetime- Wedding and Events Planning. She loves helping people plan their weddings and other milestone events. She has worked with several nonprofits to help with their event planning in Santa Barbara including The Butterfly Ball with Never Give Up/ The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, which is working to create the first inclusive and accessible playground in Santa Barbara. Carol has also helped St. Vincent’s with their annual fashion show and golf tournaments which raise money to support homeless women and children in Santa Barbara. Her husband, Mike Klan, works as a sports anchor for KEYT news channel three. The couple have two daughters.

Marty Ozinga IV ’99 (2022 Alumni Award) is the CEO of Ozinga, a fourth-generation family business best known for its red-and-white-striped concrete mixer trucks in Chicagoland and South Florida. He is partnered with his five brothers and one cousin in the family business; three of his brothers are Westmont alums. Marty earned a bachelor’s in economics and business from Westmont and a master’s in communications from Northwestern University. Marty and his wife, Amy ’98, have six children and live in Chicago. Their daughter Elyse became a freshman at Westmont in fall 2022.

Marty Ozinga ’99 (2017 Alumni Award) is president of Ozinga Brothers Inc., a fourth-generation family business with operations in five states, employing almost 2,000 people in the construction materials industry. With locations across Northern Illinois, Indiana, Southwest Michigan and Southeast Wisconsin, Ozinga’s goal is to consistently provide the highest quality products and unparalleled service at a competitive price. Marty and his wife, Amy (Bucka) Ozinga ’98, met at Westmont and, along with their six children, live in Chicago. Marty earned a master’s degree in communications from Northwestern University. He serves on several non-profit boards, and his family attends the Moody Church.

Kasey Cronquist '00 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2022) serves as president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the North American Blueberry Council. This year, the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) named Kasey Leader of the Year, for outstanding achievement and excellence in contributions to agriculture. He is married to Tarah Goodwin Cronquist '98. 

Heather McDowell ’00, (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2018) owner and CEO of Tickle Water, earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Westmont while minoring in fine arts. After living in Madrid for two years, she moved back to the United States and worked as head of the bid department for Antiquorum Auctioneers. After having her child, Jayger, she came up with the idea of Tickle Water, a sugar-free, bubbly water alternative to sodas and juices. 

Sisters Leah Otterlei Pillsbury '00 and Alexis Otterlei Bennett '05 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2023) are both licensed independent clinical social workers and opened Orka Health and Wellness in September 2021 as a telehealth company. Today Orka includes eight therapists, two nutritionists, a parent coach, and a psychologist. 

Jennifer Powell McNutt ’00, (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2020) a tenured associate professor of theology and history of Christianity at Wheaton College, is a fellow in the Royal Historical Society and a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church. She earned a doctorate from the Reformation Studies Institute, University of St. Andrews, and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. She won the Overseas Research Student Award, the Sidney E. Mead Prize, the Leland Ryken Award for Teaching Excellence in the Humanities, and the Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize for her first book, “Calvin Meets Voltaire: The Clergy of Geneva in the Age of Enlightenment, 1685-1798.”

Sharon Koh ’00, (2021 Alumna of the Year) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2016) Executive Director and CEO of the American Baptist International Ministries. In 2016, Sharon became the first woman and sixth person to serve as executive director and CEO of International Ministries (IM), which began as the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society in 1814. She travels extensively, visiting some of IM’s 120 missionaries in 70 different countries. She preaches throughout the United States and directs international missionary initiatives such as training indigenous pastors and church leaders, abolishing human slavery and promoting economic development. Previously, she served on the staff of Evergreen Baptist Church in Los Angeles, beginning as a senior associate pastor, then leading mission and community life.

At Westmont, Sharon double-majored in biology and religious studies with a minor in chemistry. She also earned a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary and later a Master of Arts in theology focused on global mission and hermeneutics. She has returned to Fuller and has nearly completed a Doctor of Ministry in leading change. The daughter of missionaries from Singapore, Sharon is part of a generation of Westmont alums in her family with her three siblings: Daniel ’01, Josephine ’08 and Joshua ’12.

“I’m grateful to spend all my time facilitating God’s mission,” she says. “This has long been God’s call on my life.”

Sharon Koh ’00, (2017 Alumni Award) executive director/CEO of American Baptist International Ministries, attended Fuller Theological Seminary after graduating from Westmont. She pastored in Los Angeles for 16 years before joining A.B.I.M. Her passion to facilitate God’s mission around the world is well suited to this role, and she enjoys caring deeply for the missionaries her organization sends out. Her hobbies include global travel, photography and enjoying the people and foods of other cultures.

Steve Baik '00 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2016) Steve Baik ’00 coached a dream team. His 35-0 Chino Hills boys basketball players captured the 2015 California State Championship and a No. 1 national ranking. As a result, Steve received the Naismith Coach of the Year award from the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “Three brothers on the team, Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo Ball, developed innate chemistry from playing together for years,” Steve says.

Eric Loper ’00 (2022 Alumni Award) says, “The class of 2000 was forced to endure a starry-eyed entrepreneur captivated with the idea of finding the intersection of faith and business.” Eric started his career at an early-stage venture capital firm. He studied under the industry’s top talent at Microsoft and rose to become a people-centered executive with a passion for business development. Eric started two purpose-driven companies focused on making an impact in the lives of others: 3Seven Consulting and 3Seven Ventures are leveraging the power of business to fight human trafficking. Eric lives in Dallas with his beautiful wife, Marisa ’03, and three crazy kids.

Matthew Smith '00- (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2023) Worked at the French International school in Kyiv when the Ukraine war broke out. Escaped and is now living in Santa Barbara. 

Sean ’95 and Paige Baird ’00 Whiting (2015 Global Service Award) never attended Westmont at the same time but met while living abroad and married in 2009. Soon after, they began working with children at Covenant Children’s Homes (CCH), pursuing a calling they felt in India. Sean and Paige both have backgrounds in education and religious studies, and they work with at-risk children in rural, developing areas of India’s southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh. They direct a CCH ministry that brings orphaned children under the care of a local village pastor. Raised by pastors’ families and church community members, the orphans attend the best available schools in their area. The Whitings have lived in India for five years but return to the United States each year to share this unique model of global orphan care.

Eric Mortenson '00 - Eric passed from this life into eternal life on January 31, 2023 at the age of 44. He was a resident of Minneapolis, MN. Born May 03, 1978 in Starkville, Mississippi, Eric spent the majority of his childhood in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He graduated from Mounds View High School. Eric earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. After college he moved to Seattle where he was a co-founder of Bellevue Healthcare. Eric then accomplished his PhD in immunology from the University of Chicago. He worked most recently as an Executive Medical Science Liaison with Bristol Myers Squibb. Eric loved to adventure. He traveled the world and enjoyed documenting his trips through his amazing photography. On these adventures he thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors with activities such as hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and scuba diving just to name a few. Eric loved music and was a voracious reader. Many of these activities he did for entertainment while others were influenced by his strong Christian faith. Whether he was with friends or family, Eric was intentional and generous with his time that he spent with those he loved. Eric is predeceased by his grandparents Lois and Jerome Chadek, Don and Helen Mortenson. Survived by his father Don (Sherry) Mortenson,  mother Dawn Chadek Mortenson (Matt MacDonald), brother Brett (Leah) Mortenson, sisters Lauren and Lindsey Mortenson, nephew Jonah Mortenson and niece Phoebe Mortenson.  Memorial services will be held Sunday, February 12 at 1:30 pm at Mill City Church located at Las Estrellas School 1201 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 with a reception to follow at Tattersall Distilling 1620 NE Central Ave #150, Minneapolis, MN 55413. The family has asked that Memorial Contributions be made to standuptocancer.org, aeon.org or a charity of your choice.

Janelle Boyd Marshall '01 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2024) works as a communication studies professor at Brightpoint Community College in Midlothian, Virginia, she also directs the Mellon Pathways Program, which supports community college students transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Sarah Spengeman '01 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2023) was a first-generation student who graduated with a degree in political science, Sarah earned both a master's and doctorate in political science from the University of Notre Dame. She recently took on the role of leading communications for the Crux Alliance, where she shares successes in climate policy with global audiences and develops strategic communications.

Matt Ainley ’01 (2022 Alumni Award) majored in engineering physics. Today he is a professional civil engineer and licensed contractor working for his companies 4Creeks and 4CG Construction. “My liberal arts background and business classes helped us set up [4Creeks],” he says. Matt designed and built the Darling Hotel and Elderwood Restaurant in 2020. He is a serial entrepreneur, rancher and Jesus-loving family man who enjoys staying active. He and his wife of 21 years, Janelle, are parents to Reese (18), Linden (15) and Luke (12). He is a second-generation Westmont alum and baseball player.

Greg Lundell ’01 (2022 Alumni Award) is a partner with Haley Guiliano, a boutique, international intellectual property law firm. His practice focuses on resolving patent disagreements and developing corporate intellectual property strategy. He serves on the firm’s management committee. Greg and his wife, Anjanette (Werner) ’00, are working to solve problems around ministry sustainability in expensive real estate areas. Greg also serves on PathLight International’s board of directors. He is grateful for his Westmont education and lasting friendships, particularly with the Westmont rugby team and the Cold Springs Lodge community. Greg and Anjanette live in Redwood City, California, with their two teenage boys.

Dan ’01 and Lindsey ’01 (Schuerman) Noland’s (2022 Alumni Award) story has been a source of encouragement to thousands. Dan is the global director of real estate and facilities for Park Place Technologies, a role he also held at Curvature and Apple. Lindsey runs Chateau Noland, a family-owned and operated estate and wedding venue in Avila, California. In 2018, at the age of six, their daughter Claire was diagnosed with anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK +), systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). ALK+ ALCL is an aggressive lymphoma, and Lindsey has chronicled Claire’s ups and downs via social media with both joyous and heartbreaking posts, allowing others to walk alongside the family and witness their hope in God. Lindsey has become an advocate for pediatric cancer patients and an eloquent public speaker.

Dr. Jens Omil '01 recently published the book "How Heroes Hero: A Description and A Prescription." Jens Omli is an author, speaker, and consultant who has helped mobilize and equip hundreds of heroes in North America, Africa, and Asia. His experience on-stage started at an early age, as the youngest member of an opening act for notable figures such as President Reagan, Johnny Cash, and Mickey Mouse. Dr. Omli’s contributions have been mentioned in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, the LA Times, and NPR. He studied Psychology and Philosophy at Westmont College, earned a PhD in Sport & Exercise Psychology at the University of Minnesota, and completed an NIH-funded postdoctoral position at the Institute of Child Development. Dr. Omli has taught undergraduate and graduate classes in Leadership, Psychology, Sociology, Human Development, and Coaching.

Robin Eley ’01, (2012 Alumni Award) born in London and raised in Australia, graduated from Westmont in 2001, with a bachelor’s degree in art. At Westmont, he enjoyed a successful career on the men’s basketball team. Eley returned to Australia in 2002, and began working as a freelance illustrator, amassing a client list including Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and Disney. In 2010, Eley made the decision to abandon his illustration career to pursue a career in fine art. He is recognized as one of Australia’s top emerging artists with his work placing second in 2011, and third in 2012, in the Moran Portrait Prize, the world’s richest prize for portraiture. In 2012, his debut solo exhibition sold out prior to opening and he was named as a finalist in Australia’s most prestigious art prize, the Archibald Prize. His work has gained international recognition, with paintings showing in New York’s Bernarducci Meisel Gallery. Robin and his wife, Rachel, live in Adelaide, Australia.

David Wellik ’01 (2017 Alumni Award) began a career in banking following a Westmont internship in Santa Barbara. Eventually, he made his way back to his hometown in Ventura, where he is center manager for Citizens Business Bank. He focuses on serving needs of small to midsized businesses in Ventura County. He serves on the Oxnard Boys & Girls Club Board of Director and directs youth services for the Ventura Rotary, where he supports numerous local projects, as well as a housing project in Mexico similar to Potters Clay. Dave and his wife Becka have 3 wonderful children: Blake, Brooklyn, and Brynn.

Dr. Benjamin Rattray '01 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2022) As a board-certified neonatologist, Dr. Benjamin Rattray ’01 spends all his time in the hospital caring for premature infants. He gets to know the babies and their families as they cling to life in the days and weeks following birth. In a new book, “When All Becomes New: A Doctor’s Stories of Life, Love, and Loss” (Wipf & Stock, 2021), he describes some of his tiny patients and their struggle for life.

Joel Pierson '01 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) A composer, arranger, songwriter and jazz pianist, Joel Pierson ’01 has performed on all seven continents, played for Paul McCartney and written music for numerous symphony orchestras. He and his wife, the vocalist Tara Khaler, live in Jackson Heights, the most diverse neighborhood in New York City. 

Sonia Geary Luginbuhl '01 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2023) Worked as a pastor of neighborhood engagement for eight years at Mountainside Communion Church in Monrovia. She recently took a trip to the south to learn about racial justice. 

Ben '01 and Alicia Eastvold '04  (2024 Global Service Award) Ben Eastvold (‘01) is the founder and executive director of GLAD Technology, a non-profit dedicated to workforce development for displaced and disadvantaged populations. Based in Sacramento, CA, he works with refugees rebuilding their lives after fleeing war and violence in their home countries. GLAD also operates in Kenya, where Ben teaches technology courses in-person each summer and remotely throughout the year. GLAD’s Kenyan students come from the slums of Nairobi or remote rural areas with little opportunity for education and work. Through technology training, personal and professional development, and community building, GLAD’s programs give young adults the tools they need to build a better life. Prior to GLAD, Ben worked as a software engineer, a teacher, an I.T. director, and a high school principal. His passion for technology and education led him to where he is today: bringing hope and learning to ones that need it most.

Alicia (Burns) Eastvold (‘04) is a nonprofit finance leader at Your Part-Time Controller, where she leads a technology service team that helps nonprofits leverage technology and data to make meaningful decisions. Although she thought her path after Westmont was leading to being a professional musician (thanks to inspiring Westmont staff like Steve Butler and Grey Brothers), life took some beautiful turns, including teaching, and eventually accounting and getting her CPA. She's now at the fun stage in her career, where the breadcrumbs from the past have brought her into clearer vocational purpose: helping nonprofits tell their financial stories and see the importance of financial stewardship. Outside of her daily job, Alicia brings her skills to support GLAD Technology's operations, and is deeply invested in the growth of its mission. Ben and Alicia have two daughters, Lillian (13) and Carly (11), who thoroughly enjoy life in Kenya each summer.

Amy (Niedwick) Eddy '02  VP, BigSpeak Speakers Bureau, Santa Barbara

Jeff Pierce ’02 (2012 Alumni Award) has worked as an aerospace and systems engineer in the national defense industry since 2002, holding positions in the private and public sectors. Jeff worked on numerous space systems with the Boeing Company, including the Global Positioning System, commercial communication and electro-optical satellites. He works in the Office of the Chief Architect at the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, Va., where he leads teams to analyze, develop and acquire intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for the U.S. Intelligence Community. Jeff earned a doctorate in aerospace and systems engineering at Vanderbilt University and has received research fellowships from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense. He earned a master’s degree in business administration at Chapman University, a master’s degree in astronautics from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from Westmont College. Jeff and his wife, Dr. Laura Dray ’02, have two daughters and live in northern Virginia.

Megan (Shrader) Alexander ‘02 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2019) received a Christopher Award for One More Hug (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing). The book, for children preschool and up, is illustrated by Hiroe Nakata. It is one of 11 books for adults and young people to be honored as the Awards mark their 71st year. The Christophers is a nonprofit founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller. The Christophers' motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness,” is particularly apt in 2020, said Tony Rossi, The Christophers’ Director of Communications. The celebrated authors, illustrators, writers, producers, and directors whose works exemplify this Chinese proverb also “affirm the highest values of the human spirit,” he said. In addition to being seen every night on Inside Edition, the #1 syndicated newsmagazine television show, Alexander's extensive career has also included covering Thursday Night Football on CBS, having a recurring role on the ABC drama Nashville, appearing in the films God’s Not Dead: A Light in the Darkness and Space Warriors and executive producing the feature film Heartbeats. The author of Faith in the Spotlight, she also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation.

Nicholas Rizzo ’02 accepted a new position with the Aerospace Corporation, a federally funded research and development center headquartered in El Segundo, Calif. Nicholas supports the Strategic & Global Awareness Directorate. In August 2021, he married Bethany Blanton, who serves as a captain in the United States Space Force. The couple recently moved to the South Bay area in Calif.

Heather (Racine) Vaikona ’02 (2022 Alumni Award) is president and CEO of Lift To Rise, an organization working to address underlying causes of inequities in the Coachella Valley since 2014. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization pivoted to distribute emergency cash assistance to vulnerable families. Lift To Rise launched the Coachella Valley’s Housing Catalyst Fund with the goal of building 10,000 units of affordable housing. This project was just named as the beneficiary of $15 million from the California budget, and Lift To Rise received a Nonprofit of the Year award in Sacramento. While raising high-school-age children, Heather’s faith and unwavering belief in the power of love to transform and transcend challenges is inspiring. 

Erik Van Slooten ’02 (2022 Alumni Award) is a chiropractor in Salt Lake City, Utah. He received his doctorate from LifeWest and specializes in pediatric, perinatal and family practice. He owns Holladay Chiropractic (est. 1978), where he shares his faith and joy with patients, whom he prays for regularly. Erik serves passionately on his church worship team as a vocalist, is an avid supporter of the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake and has served on five chiropractic mission trips. He shares four children with Paige (Johnson) ’02, his college sweetheart, with whom he played Westmont College tennis. “Erik exemplifies a life that fully embraces the calling God has on his life to give, to love and to serve others.”

Judilee Marrow ’02, (2017 Alumni Award) who earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, is a staff veterinarian at the Houston Zoo. She completed separate, year-long internships in small animal medicine and surgery in Chicago and exotic animal medicine at Kansas State University. She completed a three-year residency in zoological medicine at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and became board-certified in zoological medicine in 2015. Marrow, a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine, lives with her husband, Rob Henry, in Houston.

Lisa Norlander ’02 (2017 Alumni Award) is a clinical diabetes researcher at Stanford University and an emergency room physician. She attended medical school through a joint program at Dartmouth and Brown Universities, completed a residency in family medicine in Ventura, and a fellowship in emergency medicine in Jackson, Tennessee. She volunteers as a director for medical staff at camps for diabetic kids and serves as a medical volunteer in the U.S. and abroad. She serves on the board of directors for two non-profit organizations: Diabetes, Youth, Families, supporting those affected by Type 1 diabetes; and Counsel to Secure Justice, pursuing restorative justice for children harmed by sexual abuse in New Delhi, India.

Patrick Otellini 02' (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2019) Patrick worked as San Francisco's first chief resilience officer, expanding his scope to emergency planning for climate change, sea-level rise, and energy assurance as well as earthquakes. During four years, he proposed more than 14 pieces of resilience-based legislation that county supervisors passed unanimously. He now works with Swinerton Builders as a project manager. “I wanted to work on Oceanwide Center, the largest private construction development in San Francisco,” he says. The mixed-use project will include housing, office space, a public square, and a Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Expected to open in 2023, the center will be the second-tallest building in the city and the tallest residential structure on the West Coast. “This project combines everything I’ve done,” he says. He appreciates the collaborative approach that focuses on controlling costs while making wise investments in technology, maintenance, and resiliency. “We’re asking how to deal with potential flooding and respond to seismic events to make the project more robust,” he says. A frequent public speaker during his time with the city, he continues to address building resiliency and preparing for disasters in the face of environmental uncertainty.

Don Waisen '02 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2022) earned his doctorate in communication studies from USC. Don founded and serves as president of Communication Upward, a strategic communication company that facilitates workshops, retreats and one-on-one coaching in speech and writing. A professor at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs of Baruch College at CUNY, Don has written six books and close to 50 scholarly publications, including “Leadership Standpoints: A Practical Framework for the Next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders” and “Improv for Democracy: How to Bridge Differences and Develop the Communication and Leadership Skills Our World Needs.”

Roseanne Collison ‘03 published a book, My Children in Heaven: A Story of Grief, Hope in Love. She writes about accepting God’s love and faithfulness in the midst of multiple miscarriages and the death of her son. Roseanne received a Master of Arts in Gerontology from the University of Northern Colorado. She is the owner at Kinsman Care Management which helps their clients navigate and manage senior care. Roseanne lives in Aurora, Colorado with her two children.

Ed Blews III ’03, MD, AAHIVS, (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2022) currently serves as the regional physician director for infection prevention and control/hospital epidemiology and the regional physician director for antibiotic stewardship for Kaiser Permanente Southern California while practicing as an infectious diseases physician. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he developed protocols to ensure the safety both of patients and healthcare workers and continues to work with media outlets to provide COVID-19 education. Outside work, he loves spending time with Amber Hall Blews ’03, Ph.D., and their three children, Elliot, Caed and Teagan.

Janelle Adderley Schroy ’03 (2022 Alumni Award) pursues the adventure of a lifetime: traveling to 50 countries in five years with her husband, Jedd, and their four daughters. While living in Cape Town, South Africa, for 10 years, they created Paradigm Shift, a nonprofit program that churches in 12 African countries use to empower the poor through business training, microfinance, mentoring and biblical discipleship. Janelle developed the Adventure Clubs app for families. With venture funding, she expanded into different markets, designing fun, unique, educational adventures. The family has a YouTube channel and are documenting their trip to all 50 countries. The Adventure Family Journal includes more than 60 five- to 10-minute videos aimed at children ages five through 12.

Eric Knopf '04 (2024 Alumnus of the Year) Eric Knopf ’04 is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Webconnex, a leading software company that powers events and fundraising for global brands like Nike, RedBull, Crossfit, Young Life, FCA, and Major League Baseball. The Webconnex platform processes over $1.5 billion annually, serving millions of users each month. With over 100 employees and an 98% retention rate, Webconnex seeks to embody a redemptive model of entrepreneurship, fostering a generous, empowering, and fun company culture. Eric's passion also extends beyond business to ministry. He founded Epic Life, where he frequently preaches and teaches the Bible at churches, ministry schools, and events. He has written two books and is recognized as an entrepreneurial thought leader by Forbes, INC, and Business Journal. Eric is married to Camille ’03, and they are the proud parents of Scarlett and Maverick.

Lauren Bianchi Klemann '04 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2023) Works as the government affairs and public information manager for the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments which oversees regional transportation and housing planning. 

Jennifer Brady ’04 (2017 Alumni Award) is a program director at Geneva Global, a philanthropic advisory service. She leads initiatives in China, working with clients to identify opportunities and implement effective strategies across a range of health and development issues. She has been based in Shanghai since July 2016 and is enjoying her new home city immensely. Before joining Geneva Global in 2010, she produced creative content for a social enterprise in Laos, taught English and helped launch a start-up in Shenzhen, China, and held marketing and production positions in several fine arts organizations in the U.S. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Eastern University.

Joy Eggerichs ’04 (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2014) founded Punchline Speakers, an agency for that represents speakers. She served as conference director for her parents Love and Respect marriage conferences from 2005-15. She created the Love and Respect Now website and the Illumination Project, a small group study resource on the topic of singleness, dating and marriage. In 2014, Christianity Today named her one of 33 leaders under the age of 33 shaping the next generation. Over the course of the last decade of creating content and speaking, Joy has discovered a love for learning through interviewing. She and her husband, Matt, live in Paris.

Zach Sheely '04 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2023). 4th generation farmer just south of Fresno, CA has adopted technology into his farming practices. His company, Agworld focuses on software that guides every aspect of crops. His wife, Dana Faw Sheely '04 is a doctor and holds a faculty position at UC Davis in the fellowship program for endocrinology studies. 

Brent Boekestein '04 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2023) In 2016 he cofounded Vintra Inc., which applies modern AI to video streams to identify security threats. Vintra retrofits existing security cameras with AI, so they can rapidly sort through months of video streams to detect, classify, and track patterns on a massive scale and screen for potential problems. 

Justin Zoradi ’04 (2012 Alumni Award) (2010 Young Alumni Award) grew up in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and holds a degree in communication studies from Westmont and a master’s degree in peace and conflict resolution from Portland State University. He is the founder and director of These Numbers Have Faces, an organization dedicated to empowering youth to reduce poverty in South Africa. After doing peace and conflict resolution work in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Justin spent the summer of 2006 in South Africa where he developed relationships with youth in the townships of Cape Town. Many of the young people he met were ambitious and intelligent, but lacked the education, basic resources, and skills to better themselves and their communities. Justin realized that a college education, like the one he received from Westmont, would help train the future leaders of South Africa. Justin founded These Numbers Have Faces to provide college scholarships for township students in local Cape Town colleges, involve them in mentoring and tutoring programs, give spiritual support, and provide financial literacy training. An avid soccer fan, Justin loves The Portland Timbers, Northern Ireland, and Time Magazine. He lives with his lovely wife, Trisha ’05, in Portland, Ore.

Dr. Rob Hughes '04 and Dr. Kristen Kleen Hughes '04 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2021) Dr. Rob Hughes ’04 worked in the Westmont Health Center as a student and aspired to return one day and direct it. A fourth- generation doctor, he knew at a young age he’d pursue medicine. Rob met his wife, Dr. Kristen Kleen Hughes ’04, on their first day at Westmont. She chose the college because she could play soccer while preparing for medical school. He and Kristen got married the weekend they graduated with both their families in town for Commencement. Rob and Kristen earned their medical degrees at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He then served as an intern/resident at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Family Medicine Residency, where he had a fellowship in sports medicine. Kristen stayed at Loma Linda for a residency in pediatrics. She now works for Santa Barbara County part time at Franklin Health Center and also in Carpinteria.

Aaron ’04 and Courtney ’05 Whitmore Baldridge (2022 Alumni Award) work for Hope Ignited in Guinea, West Africa, where they live with their three children. Courtney serves as a pediatrician and Aaron as a researcher. Through their work with Hope Ignited, they desire for every Guinean to know that he or she is seen by God and indispensable to the work of God’s kingdom. Aaron and Courtney are part of the founding team for Sacré Coeur Pediatric Center, set to open in early 2023 with a focus on training locals.

Sisters Leah Otterlei Pillsbury '00 and Alexis Otterlei Bennett '05 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2023) are both licensed independent clinical social workers and opened Orka Health and Wellness in September 2021 as a telehealth company. Today Orka includes eight therapists, two nutritionists, a parent coach, and a psychologist. 

Kerry McGuigan Gillette '05 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) Physician assistant Kerry McGuigan Gillette ’05 serves on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic, running Mosaic Medical’s Mobile Community Clinic and treating the homeless and at-risk youth in Central Oregon our of a specially outfitted RV. Kerry grew up in Egypt with her parents, Dan McGuigan ’77 and Kathy Perkins McGuigan ’77, who taught at the American International School in Cairo for 18 years. After graduating, she realized she wanted to move back overseas and taught third grade in Cairo for three years. She then decided to pursue a career in health care to help the most vulnerable patients, and she enrolled at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Later, while her husband, Marcus ’05, earned an MBA and a master’s degree in international development at American University in Washington, D.C., she worked in the clinic at a city jail. 

Ryan Wolfshorndl ’05, (2015 Young Alumnus of the Year) (2012 Alummni Award) who grew up on an almond farm in Chowchilla, Calif., earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business while leading Westmont Student Ministries and traveling to Asia. During those years, he formed lifelong friendships, a love of learning and a foundation for his faith through encouragement from professors and the campus pastor’s office. Since graduating, he has lived in Santa Barbara and worked with fellow alumni at Anodos Advisors, where he is a CFA, CFP and partner. Anodos is a fiduciary consultancy firm that analyzes investment managers for trustees and individuals. He and his wife, Courtney, are active members of Santa Barbara Community Church. He attributes much of his love for God, his values and the trajectory of his life to Westmont and the community it fostered.

Rachel Goble ’05 (2017 Alumni Award) (2013 Young Alumni Award) is president of the Freedom Story, a grassroots organization preventing child trafficking in Northern Thailand. The Freedom Story was founded in 2008 through a documentary film, “The SOLD Project.” She also produced two other films, “Travel With Us” and “Five Years.” Today, thanks to the power of these stories, the Freedom Story sponsors 140 at-risk students in Northern Thailand, provides human rights trainings to thousands of vulnerable youth and has seen the drop-out rate plummet. She earned a master’s degree in cross-cultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and was a finalist for the Edna Social Justice Award in 2012.

Laura (Schambers) Watters ’06 (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Spring 2019) graduated from Westmont with a degree in neuroscience and a minor in chemistry. During her obstetrics and gynecology residency, she traveled to rural Guatemala to serve the impoverished population of Santiago Atitlan. In 2014, Laura accepted a private position in Sacramento to serve the area’s MediCal patients. She serves as vice chair of Methodist Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, striving to ensure that patients’ rights and quality of care remain the top priority in the increasing complex health care environment. She lives in Sacramento with her husband, Kyle ’06, whom she met freshman year in Clark Hall.

Daniel Zia ’06 (2014 Young Alumnus of the Year) (2012 Alumni Award) started his first business in high school and paid his way through Westmont, where he met his wife, Sarah Smith ’06. To stay in Santa Barbara, he moved into residential real estate before graduating, just as the market declined. Thanks to the grace of God and the support of family and friends, he weathered the early years. He owns the Zia Group, a boutique real estate firm, and serves as CEO. His team sells more homes in the Santa Barbara area than any other. Readers’ polls in local papers have voted him No. 1 realtor. He focuses on being a real estate adviser always available to provide neutral advice. His desire to encourage people in their faith merges with his analytical mind and entrepreneurial drive, creating a vocation he calls a real estate pastor. He and Sarah have two children.

Amanda Mathisen Stylianou ’06 (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Summer 2015) left Westmont for a semester to work full time at a domestic violence shelter and discovered her calling. After graduating with a double major in sociology and religious studies, she completed a Master of Social Work and a doctorate at Rutgers University in New Jersey. As senior director for research and program development at Safe Horizon, a New York City organization that serves victims of domestic violence, she digests data gleaned from staff and clients to identify gaps in service and fix them, rooting her work in empathy and compassion. “I focus on solutions and seek to sustain that place of compassion,” she says. Her parents, Ken ’76 and Shelley Spencer ’78 Mathisen, met at Westmont during Europe Semester. Ken is a psychologist in private practice in New Jersey, and Shelley works as the administrator at their local church. Amanda and her husband, Chris, a police officer, live in Hamilton, N.J., with their young daughter.

Katie King Rumford ’06 (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2019) has traveled the globe with her husband, Pete (’06), living in San Francisco, Italy, India and New York City before returning to Southern California this summer. King earned an MFA in graphic design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and has experience as a graphic designer, illustrator, hand letterer, art director and design director. She has collaborated with a wide array of clients providing services ranging from branding a food truck, creating editorial illustrations for the New York Times, rebranding an international film festival and designing a cookbook. She has received multiple awards, including a coveted Art Directors Club Cube. 

Sharon Schock ’06 (2012 Alumni Award) knew she wanted to find a job where she could put her fine art degree to use, but she had no idea what it would look like. She writes, “After much searching, I discovered a niche that really got me excited; daily painting, the practice of finishing one small painting a day. I loved the idea even though it was quite different from my usual painting process. Working this way would allow me to refine my skills and develop a more personal style. I started pursuing the practice in the evenings when my husband and I were living in Denver. After a while I became comfortable with the idea of trying to sell my work, so I opened an online Etsy shop, listed a few of my paintings, and within a few hours my first painting sold. It was a very exciting moment and gave me the courage I needed to keep going. When my husband was transferred back to California, we decided that instead of looking for another job I should pursue this newfound daily painting passion full time, just to see what would happen. It was a good decision, and 675 daily paintings later, God is faithful and I’m still loving my job.”

Kiah Jordan '06 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2021) Kiah equips wealthy families to help their communities in meaningful ways. In 2014, he founded Impact Family Office, where he serves as a professional fiduciary and trustee. He is passionate about helping clients align their investment, spending and philanthropy with their values to build a legacy in their community. He engages deeply with his community through social entrepreneurship. Kiah is married to Anna Chase Jordan ’07. She is an English professor at Westmont. Kiah earned a master’s degree in social entrepreneurship from USC. The program focused on helping for-profit companies develop purpose and nonprofit organizations become financially sustainable. Kiah wants to equip Westmont students to influence their communities as social entrepreneurs. He has been involved with the Westmont Downtown program since it started in 2015, co-directing it in fall 2019 and designing and teaching a course, Launching an Impact Venture, for two semesters. He consults with students on their social entrepreneurship projects that implement their one big idea and turn it into a viable business.

Robin Long 06' started Lindywell Pilates and was recently featured on LIVE with Kelly and Mark. Click HERE to watch.

Betsie Frei '06 (Westmont Magazine Article Summer 2015) manages and designs international development projects at Management Sciences for Health (MSH). Her research seeks a deeper understanding of the benefits and efficacy of international aid. “I want to go beyond good intentions to determine if a program is helping and, if so, why? I’m learning to be critical and rigorous in addressing poverty and inequality,” she says. Two months after graduating, Betsie joined the Peace Corps and taught English in rural Benin. Betsie later earned a master’s in international development at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She worked on a $200 million USAID HIV and AIDS assistance project at John Snow Inc., compiling best and, if so, what was the last book she practices related to HIV prevention, treatment and care. Based in Boston, she researches, designs and implements projects such as malaria programs in West Africa that put nets directly in the hands of individuals. Betsie's brother, a systems control engineer in Oakdale, Calif., Hans ’04 completed the 3-2 engineering program at Westmont and UC Santa Barbara. Their sister, Emily ’10, also attended and works as a junior copywriter for Mering Carson advertising agency in Sacramento.

Felicia Wright Roark '07 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2019) Felicia works as a motivational speaker and strategy execution consultant advising Fortune 100 companies. As a business consultant and keynote speaker, Felicia encourages people to face challenges, take risks and persevere. Whether she’s speaking at a conference or working with corporate clients, she pulls from lessons she learned early in life. While working in broadcasting, she helped pass the Freedom of Information Act in Texas. Seeing the impact elected officials had on the state’s broad population shifted her interest to politics. After five years in the Capitol, she became a lobbyist and represented a trade association. Felicia left a growing career in broadcasting to become a policy analyst for a state senator and later a legislative director for a state representative. Felicia enrolled in an executive MBA program at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas 10 years after graduating from Westmont. Once again she stepped forward and challenged herself. She took her lessons from the Capitol and began representing businesses from the inside as a consultant for a global professional services firm.

Abandoned by her mother at age 4 and raised by a young, single father who later suffered from drug addiction, she overcame daunting challenges as a teenager. Having been responsible for her father and younger sister during high school, she sought a safe community that would provide structure, protection and grounding in Christ for college. Westmont offered her all that, but she was not accepted. She moved forward by attending Saddleback Community College, earning a high GPA, and applying to Westmont again. After being accepted as a transfer student, Felicia took out a personal loan to cover tuition and became the first person in her immediate family to attend college. “Westmont has a special place in my heart,” she says. “I grew so much, learned to speak confidently, be curious, and listen with an open mind. Most importantly, I learned to never give up.

Jeff Rehfeld ‘07 died on October 29, 2020 at age 35 after a lifelong battle with brain cancer. Jeff loved film, television and video games and worked for NBC Universal at Universal Studios Hollywood, Calif. for over 10 years. He graduated from Westmont College with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies. Jeff most enjoyed time with family and friends, watching films, discussing story lines, studying the Bible and playing video games with his two brothers. His favorite films were action-adventure and science fiction. Jeff became a Christian at age six and loved learning about Jesus. His faith, endurance and contentment in life and the Lord, no matter what the circumstances, was an inspiration to his family and friends. Jeff is survived by his parents, Joe and Judy Rehfeld and brothers and sisters-in-law.

  Cora Rose ‘07 was ordained as a Minister of Word and Service deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in July 2021, with a call from the Oregon Synod in poverty alleviation and faith formation. She and her husband, Cory Schooland ‘08, live in Brookings Oregon. Cora attended law school at UC Berkeley and received her Certificate of Advanced Theological Studies from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. She works as a staff attorney for Legal Services of Northern California, serving indigent people and seniors in a three-county area in the northwest of the state. Cora is also a candidate for the Deaconess Community of the ELCA, an intentional community of professional rostered minister women in the Lutheran tradition.

Shea ’07 and Michelle Evans ’07 Mosby (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2020) are research scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. In 2019 Shea received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the U.S. government’s highest honor for outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers. Shea obtained a postdoctoral fellowship at Los Alamos in 2012 to study neutron capture reactions for nuclear technology applications. He became a technical staff member in 2014 and now leads projects studying the process of nuclear fission. He investigates interesting problems with real-world applications, contributing to both basic and applied scientific fields. Michelle works in global security. They both earned doctorates at Michigan State University, she in nuclear chemistry and he in experimental nuclear physics.

Shane Kelly ’07 (2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2018) is an attorney at the law firm Wiley Rein, focusing his practice on white collar criminal defense and government investigations. Kelly, who graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., is passionate about fighting human trafficking. He volunteers as the legal and policy director of the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative. He coordinates with area law firms to provide legal services to survivors of human trafficking. Shane also serves on the board of directors of People Reaching People, an organization supporting the education, economic development and evangelism work of the Anglican Diocese of Toliara in Madagascar.

Pablo Otaola ’07, (2017 Alumni Award) who emigrated from Argentina when he was 10, is metro developer for Denver Young Life. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years before attending Westmont, where he met his wife, Anna (Kershaw ’07). In 2009, he was hired by Young Life Urban Chicago, where he completed the Christian Community Development Association’s Leadership Program and earned an Urban Ministry Certificate at North Park Seminary. He expects to finish his Master in Theology at Western Seminary in May 2018, and he continues doctoral work in creating equitable systems and business leadership at the University of Colorado.

Avery Drost '07 plays professional Beach Volleyball on the AVP. He was recently interviewed for the AVP in December 2023 HERE sharing his story of first trying beach volleyball after he arrived at Westmont down at East Beach. 

Christina Robertson Matanick '08 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) works as a filmmaker and created a 13-minute film, “ReMoved,” featuring a 9-year-old girl taken from her abusive home and separated from her brother only to bounce around the foster system. She was inspired to create the film after fostering a child. “ReMoved” won the 168 Film Festival and earned numerous awards at other festivals worldwide, including the Enfoque International Film Festival, St. Tropez International Film Festival and Sikeston Film Festival. When it went viral in 2014, it captured an important audience: social workers, foster parents, child welfare agencies, court-appointed special advocates and foster children and alums. Since then, “ReMoved”—which has more than 20 million views on YouTube—has played an integral role in training foster parents. Christina and Nathanael have created two additional videos, “ReMoved Part Two: ReMember My Story” and “ReMoved Part Three: Love Is Never Wasted.” They founded ReMoved, a nonprofit organization educating people about the needs of foster children.

Josh Daneshforooz ’08 (2012 Alumni Award) (2011 Young Alumni) served as editor of the Westmont Horizon from 2008 to 2009 and played baseball. He also created All Nations Education, a non-profit organization designed to promote liberal arts education in Africa through scholarships awarded to promising young African college students. He continued his studies at Harvard Divinity School and taught a social entrepreneurship course at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. While serving as an assistant pastor at a Texas megachurch, Daneshforooz, born to an Iranian Muslim father and an American Christian mother, has authored the book “Loving our Religious Neighbors.” Josh is deeply involved in developing a for-profit enterprise that will channel funds through social networking media from people who dine out to international organizations that feed the hungry. Josh’s approach to his work is clear-eyed, far-reaching, creative, connected and purposeful in its applied Christian principle.

Jay (Ofori) Diallo ’08- (2023 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2022) Jay is CEO and founder of First Community Capital (FCC), a Community Development Financial Institution serving economically disadvantaged micro and rural businesses in Riverside County, Temecula and Gardena. FCC provides capital and technical assistance especially to people of color, including women, veterans, refugees, immigrants and those impacted by the justice system. A political refugee, Jay received support from his guardian, Tom Ghormley, and a scholarship from David ’63 and Anna Grotenhuis to earn a degree in political science at Westmont. Student body president and a resident assistant, he received the David K. Winter Servant Leadership Award. Jay also created and incorporated Global Children’s Fund, establishing orphanages and water wells in Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo and providing school supplies and backpacks in Nigeria. The president of the Rotary Club of Temecula Valley New Generations, Jay earned SBA Microlender Lender of the Year in 2019 and received a 2018-2019 Service to Humanity award from the Rotary Club of Tucson Sunrise. Jay and Raina (Link) ’08 live in Temecula with their two children. 

Alec Avedissian ’08 and Aric Avedissian ‘12 (2017 Alumni Award) co-founded Rareform, a business that reuses highway billboard signs to create backpacks, wallets and surfbags. The Agoura Hills-based startup launched in 2013 and quickly gained popularity, especially after being featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Now, they’re in 350 retailers across the country, in addition to 10 Whole Foods in California, a few Patagonia shops in Japan and on BestBuy.com. Environmental friendliness is one of Rareform’s key selling points, repurposing 10,000- 20,000 pounds of vinyl a month. Alec came up with the initial concept for Rareform after moving to El Salvador and seeing old billboards serving as roofs.

Roberto Valladares ’08 (2022 Alumni Award) serves as the chief medical officer and chief medical informatics officer at Mee Memorial Healthcare System in California, leveraging health information technology and making operational improvements to better clinical and financial outcomes. At Stanford University School of Medicine he earned an MD in bioengineering and biomedical engineering. At Westmont he double majored in chemistry and biology and graduated summa cum laude. The clients he has worked with to implement or optimize a Cerner/Epic electronic health care record include the Mayo Clinic, among others. At Westmont, Roberto spent spring breaks in Ensenada, Mexico, with doctors and dentists providing free care to those in need.

Kyle Godfrey ’08 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2021) is a surgeon and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Early in the pandemic, he set aside his specialty to care for acutely ill COVID-19 patients. A board-certified ophthalmologist, Kyle carefully repairs delicate tissues around the eyes to restore function, heal injuries and trauma or remove tumors. He serves as associate director of the residency program at Weill Cornell and teaches medical students, residents and fellows. Author of more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters, Kyle regularly lectures and presents research throughout the world. He serves as an ad hoc scientific reviewer for the top specialty journals in his field.

Allison Trowbridge ’08, (2017 Alumni Award) author of “Twenty-Two: Letters to a Young Woman Searching for Meaning,” has fought human trafficking and modern- day slavery, first at Not For Sale and then with The Freedom Fund. She was an early partner at Just Business, an impact investment firm addressing the root causes of slavery, and today she advises social enterprises and nonprofits on strategy, branding and partnerships. Trowbridge earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and an MBA at the University of Oxford.

Matt Blickendorf 08’ (2016 Young Alumni Award) (2012 Alumni Award) ER Physician- Indianapolis, Blickendorf completed a four-month immersion adventure in Nicaragua before coming to Westmont with the goal of becoming a medical missionary. Matt, WCSA president in 2008, graduated from Westmont with degrees in biology and anthropology. He led a homeless ministry his first year at Westmont, and served as a resident assistant in Van Kampen for two years. After traveling to Nicaragua on a missions trip while in high school, Matt had his mind set to one day practice medicine in the developing world.He graduated magna cum laude with degrees in anthropology and biology. He graduated from medical school at Ohio State University, where he met his wife, fellow emergency physician Rebekah Zaiser. He was elected chief resident in his final year at OSU. “Matt has a heart for service and a dedication to helping those who are often forgotten,” Bradford Rouse says.  

Sonja Egeland Kelly 08' majored in English and political science, minored in psychology. She married Shane Kelly '07. They live in Washington DC and she completed a doctoral program at American University. She did consulting for the World Bank and then for the Center for Financial Inclusion, a small think tank, on microfinance. As the director of research at the center, she traveled to 45 countries in seven years while she finished a degree in international relations. She wrote her dissertation on financial inclusion policy. She also completed a two-year fellowship in digital finance funded by the Gates Foundation to advise the State Department on microfinance and financial inclusion.

Rachel Mertensmeyer 09' (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) After a severe injury in 2016 Rachel looked for a mobile app to help her organize and pay her bills. When she couldn’t find one, she decided to develop her own. She quit her job in New York City and moved to San Francisco, where she joined Launchpad Digital Health, an accelerator program for digital health care. Then she returned to Phoenix, her hometown, and co-founded RexPay in February 2018. Rachel serves as CEO. She raised $2 million and recruited software engineers to develop a mobile app that manages and pays all health care costs in one place. RexPay launched in November 2019 on both IOS and Android and reached 2,000 installs despite little paid advertising.

The app allows patients to scan, tag and organize their medical bills virtually. Users can pay any medical bill to any provider in the country, and the app can even set up payment plans and send notifications about upcoming deadlines. It also includes a chatbot to answer questions related to medical billing.

Holly Huffnagle ’09,(2017 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2020) co-leader of Westmont’s Europe Semester this fall, served as the policy adviser to Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism at the U.S. Department of State from 2015-2017. Previously, she was a researcher for the Mandel Center of Advanced Holocaust Studies at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. She earned her master’s degree from Georgetown University in global, international and comparative history, focusing on 20th-century Polish history and Christian-Jewish- Muslim relations before, during and after the Holocaust. She has lived and worked in Poland to conduct research on ethnic minority relations before World War II.

Jason Huffnagle ’09, (2017 Alumni Award) who worked for his local U.S. senator for six years, is working to complete a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies as a graduate student at the U.S. Naval War College. He is co-leading Westmont’s Europe Semester program this fall. He worked for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) from 2011-17, most recently as digital content manager on her U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources committee staff. He also served in a variety of capacities, including as a research assistant and executive assistant at the committee and as a legislative correspondent and staff assistant in the senator’s personal office.

Mike Lynch ’09 (2022 Alumni Award) earned a degree in biology at Westmont, where he also met his fantastic wife, Juliann ’09. Together they have three amazing children. Michael returned to Westmont in 2011 to earn a secondary teaching credential. Now in his eleventh year at Dos Pueblos High School, he teaches medical biology and chemistry. He has worked in the Academy for Success, a program seeking to reach and engage the most at-risk students on campus, during his entire career. Mike recently helped launch the Innovate program, which offers students more choice in how they learn and demonstrate their learning.

Christopher Martinez ‘09 died on July 11, 2021. He was born in Santa Cruz, Calif. On Sept. 23, 1986, to Joe and Pam Martinez. Christopher was homeschooled in the Santa Cruz area, and attended high school in Templeton, Calif. when his family moved to Atascadero, Calif. After high school, Christopher traveled to Africa with Athletes in Action. He attended Westmont College for three years and studied political science and theater. Christopher received his ESL teaching certification in Spain, and served with Youth With a Mission in Pichilemu, Chile, and other parts of South America. His love for travel also took him to Nicauragua to explore his family roots. After settling in Santa Cruz for a time, Christopher moved to Phoenix, Ariz., and worked as a salesman and recruiter. He was known for his big personality and quick sense of humor, and enjoyed sports, especially soccer. Christopher’s strong passion for justice motivated him to be active in politics, and serve as a mentor in Summer camps for children of incarcerated inmates with Angel Tree’s Camp 180. He is survived by his parents, four siblings, and brothers and sisters in law. and many nieces,nephews, and cousins.

Melody (Miles) Daly ’09 (2017 Alumni Award) is a program officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle. In her role, she supports the foundation’s efforts to eradicate malaria, including managing $80 million to invest toward the elimination for the disease in Africa. Her work involves close engagement with African Ministries of Health, U.S. and U.K. government agencies and non-profit partners. Melody earned a master’s degree in public health from Emory University and a certificate in theology and work at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Diana Lynn Small ’09, (2017 Alumni Award) who earned an Master of Fine Arts from the Michener Center for Writers at UT Austin, is co-artistic director of Salvage Vanguard Theater in Austin. Her new play, “House Play,” was developed at Berkeley Rep’s The Ground Floor in 2017 and will premiere in the fall of 2018 in Austin. “Mad & a Goat” has toured seven cities since it was developed in 2013. Her play “Good Day” was selected for the 2015 Great Plains Conference PlayLabs, Kitchen Dog Theatre’s New Works Festival and was a finalist for the 2015 Play Penn Conference. She is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Lauren Brown-Berchtold '09 (2024 Alumna of the Year) Dr. Lauren Brown-Berchtold ’09.  After growing up in a small town in the Central Valley of California, Lauren was wildly lucky to come to Westmont College and have her world expanded.  She decided to become a family physician after meeting and living among Indonesian villagers on a summer trip with Emmaus Road in 2011.  Now, Lauren is the program director for the Family Medicine residency training program only 30 minutes away from her hometown.  She is a borderline-rabid advocate for physician burnout prevention and mental health protections and spends a lot of extracurricular time and dollars working on this topic nationally.  Lauren’s biggest adventures take place with her husband Nick and daughter Joanie, who is their star.  She is happiest while under the trees of the Sierra Nevadas.

Lauren Brown-Berchtold '09 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2019) After Westmont Lauren attended the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Lauren completed her residency in family medicine at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, the largest such program in the country, and a fellowship in obstetrics. As part of her training, she worked at an international health clinic serving relocated refugees. During her time at Westmont she visited Indonesia helping people with physical therapy. She returned to Indonesia once more for a rotation at an Indonesian hospital in the Maluku Islands, helping physicians and public health officials prevent the spread of HIV. She later spent a month performing cesarean deliveries in Uganda at the hospital with the highest number of deliveries in the world. As a physician at San Joaquin General Hospital in French Camp, California, she does surgery, teaches residents about labor and delivery and performing obstetric procedures, and treats patients at a hospital-owned clinic.

Sonya Coles ’09 (2012 Alumni Award) majored in liberal studies at Westmont where she developed a passion for social justice. As a participant in the Westmont in San Francisco program, Sonya interned at an agency serving the homeless community. After graduating, she accepted a teaching position with a high school in Oakland, Calif. Sonya is deeply committed to issues of social justice, racial reconciliation and faith-based engagement in the world.

Kirby Ifland ’09 (2012 Alumni Award) is a third-year student at Harvard Law School. He and his wife, Christa Juell ‘10, will move from Cambridge, Mass., to Lexington, Ky., in the spring, where he will join the regional law firm Frost Brown Todd to begin a legal practice focused on corporate law and appellate litigation.

Alana Woodin 10’ (2018 Young Alumni Award) Educator at Orange Cove High School. Woodin taught in Torreon, Mexico, where she earned the Teacher of the Year award, specializing in world and U.S. history, advising the Model United Nations group, and coordinating the student council. She now teaches in a rural Central California community and has won the Orange Cove Educator of the Year award. “Alana’s life exudes integrity and joy, allowing others to experience Christian principles,” Bradford Rouse says.

Sharyna Scott ’10 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2021) is an attorney with a passion for using the law to help others. Born and raised in San Diego, she has been blessed to have a career she chose at a young age. Licensed with the State Bar of California, Sharyna received her JD from Northeastern University School of Law and her bachelor’s in philosophy. She founded the Law Office of Sharyna Scott in 2016 to make a positive impact. Sharyna’s chosen areas of estate planning and business allow her to come alongside others, guiding them through complex processes to ensure they leave a lasting legacy.

Andrea Owen ’10 (2012 Alumni Award) grew up in Dallas, Texas, the eldest daughter of Glenn and Gabriella Owen. She attended a private Christian elementary school followed by an all-girls Catholic high school before she joined the Westmont family. Andrea earned the Monroe scholarship on applying to Westmont. She was a Spanish and pre-med double major. She served as the co-director of the medical/dental team for Potter’s Clay and thoroughly enjoyed all the relationships she formed and the incredible experiences she had. In the fall of 2008, she studied abroad in Seville, Spain, where she enjoyed her relationship with her host family and many fun weekend trips throughout Spain and Europe with her classmates. She graduated summa cum laude in May of 2010. Since graduation, she deferred her medical school acceptance for a year off. During that year, she spent three and a half months in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, working with medical missionaries in an HIV clinic. In the spring she was off to France where she spent three months in language school. Now a second year medical student at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Andrea is working harder than ever and enjoying being back in Texas.

Hannah Buschbom '10 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2020) Hannah has worked as a wealth adviser at AmeriFlex for 10 years and now is one of the owners of the larger firm. She is also a registered representative at SagePoint Financial Inc. Hannah helps people make major transitions in life, such as retirement, a change in marital status, the loss of a loved one, or the sale of business or real estate.As a wealth adviser with multiple certifications, Hannah assists those navigating significant transitions in life. As co-founder of the W Source, an organization dedicated to growing and expanding professional networks for women, she seeks to empower fellow businesswomen throughout the nation.

Joshua Pritchett '11 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2018) After earning his degree, he returned home and graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Through a prestigious residency and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic also in Minnesota he pursues his interest in combining research and working with patients.  A personal experience in medical school deeply touched him. His mother-in-law, Darla, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer during his first year and died before he graduated. “Walking alongside Darla, I saw firsthand the role her physicians played throughout her journey. It was such a difficult time, but I discovered the physician I wanted to be.” He chose cancer-related research and a career caring for people with the disease. Josh met his wife, Kimberly Hatcher Pritchett ’10, at Westmont; she has two sisters who also attended the college (Leslie Hatcher ’09 and Rachel Hatcher ’14). Kimberly earned a kinesiology major in three years and a master’s in occupational therapy and works as an occupational and hand therapist.

Montgomery, David '11 passed away on January 5, 2024

Darrelle Good Fricke '11 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2019) Darrelle earned her Master of Clinical Mental Health at Denver Seminary and then took a counseling position at National Institute for Change interning for court-mandated group therapy. She has now established a private counseling practice and spends more time with individual patients, many of whom come willingly from one of her groups. The name of her practice, Being Alive is Good Counseling Center, (beingaliveisgood-counseling.com) reflects her deep belief in the intrinsic joy of life.

Laura Selby '11 (Westmont Magazine Fall 2020) Laura graduated from Westmont in just three years and finished her medical school training at the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in Oregon in 2017. She then completed her residency in internal medicine with Samaritan Health Services in Oregon. In July 2020, Laura began an Infectious Disease Fellowship with the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the midst of a pandemic. A subset of internal medicine, infectious diseases focuses on patients with complex infections. Laura enjoys medical research and pursues her interest in issues related to biosecurity and biocontainment issues.

Joel Daniel Phillips '11 (Westmont Magazine Article Summer 2015) is embarking on his first scale public art project, funded by the Oklahoma-Arts Council, which will include a series of portraits of visionary North Tulsa residents from past and present on the walls of the underpass of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 

Lawrence Chen ’12 (2022 Alumni Award) is a senior manager, of strategy and operations, at DoorDash. He is also board treasurer and secretary at Ramsey Research Foundation, a nonprofit developing a sustainable means of controlling the varroa mite, one of the world’s most economically damaging invasive species. He was formerly a consultant at Boston Consulting Group. Lawrence holds an MBA with high distinction from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. At Westmont, he majored in religious studies and communication studies. Lawrence lives with his wife, Yeha, in Washington, D.C.

Lawrence Chen ’12 (2017 Alumni Award) is co-founder and CEO of Sooma, a meal kit social enterprise, addressing food insecurity in Washington, D.C. After graduating from Westmont with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and communication studies, he earned a certificate in business administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. He encountered poverty, human trafficking, and the power of social enterprise to change the outcomes of disadvantaged and underserved communities while on a social justice study abroad trip to India while a student at Westmont. Chen has dedicated himself to becoming a leader in the social sector.

Tyler Castle ’12 (2017 Alumni Award) is the director of academic programs at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a public policy research organization in Washington, D.C. He manages AEI’s educational programs for undergraduate college students at more than 100 campuses across the country. He is a former John Jay Institute fellow and a former intern for Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI). He started at AEI as an intern in 2013. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, and– most importantly--a Spring Sing title with his fellow Clark men (2009).

Alec Avedissian ’08 and Aric Avedissian ‘12 (2017 Alumni Award) co-founded Rareform, a business that reuses highway billboard signs to create backpacks, wallets, and surf bags. The Agoura Hills-based startup launched in 2013 and quickly gained popularity, especially after being featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Now, they’re in 350 retailers across the country, in addition to 10 Whole Foods in California, a few Patagonia shops in Japan and on BestBuy.com. Environmental friendliness is one of Rareform’s key selling points, repurposing 10,000- 20,000 pounds of vinyl a month. Alec came up with the initial concept for Rareform after moving to El Salvador and seeing old billboards serving as roofs.

Jonathan Mitchell ’12 (2022 Alumni Award) graduated cum laude with double degrees in economics and business and in political science. Continuing his education, he earned his MBA plus CFP® and ChFC® licenses. He works as a wealth advisor at Mercer Advisors, where he focuses on serving his clients with integrity. He and his wife, Elysia ’15, moved back to Santa Barbara in 2017, and most mornings you can find them walking the neighborhood with their dog and two young children. In the evenings they enjoy spending time with new friends or watching house-flipping shows on HGTV after the kids are asleep.

Lisa Peterson '12 (Spring 2023 Westmont Magazine Article) Is a former member of the Westmont Women's basketball team and works as a clinical nurse at UC Davis Hospital- level 1 trauma center.

Daniel Guzman ’12, (2021 Young Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2018) Head Performance Coach at Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Daniel has served as the head performance coach for the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) since 2018. Previously, he worked as the head strength and conditioning coach for the U.S. Soccer Federation. He spent three years with EXOS moving from performance specialist to performance manager and worked for nearly three years as head strength and conditioning coach for the LA Galaxy. He comes from a family of Warriors. His father, Gus Guzman ’82, and his uncles Alfanso Guzman ’77 and Peter Guzman ’81, played soccer for Westmont. His three siblings also attended the college: Erica ’14, Michael ’16 and Jordan ’18. Daniel’s wife, Lauren ’12, comes from a Westmont family as well. Daniel earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and a Bachelor of Arts in economics and business while playing on Westmont’s men’s soccer team. He earned a Master of Science in organizational leadership at John Brown University. “Westmont made such a big impact on my life,” Daniel says. “I was able to make my faith my own there.” Daniel brings his Christian perspective to his work. “Professional athletes are people before they’re athletes, so I approach them first as people. I love every moment of my job.”

Morgan Vigil Hayes '12 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2019) works as the director of the Community Aware Networks and Information Systems (CANIS) Lab at NAU, she seeks to overcome digital inequality in indigenous communities. She and her students work on two funded projects with grants from the Natural Science Foundation the National Institutes of Health.

Lauren Purvis (Danson) '13  Mizuba Tea Company. In March 2013, while visiting a friend in Kyoto during her senior year of college at Westmont, Danson decided to hop off the train in Uji. The prime tea-growing region is home to the matcha ceremony, which uses a bamboo whisk and small bowl to infuse the stone-milled tea powder into hot water. She was wowed by the town’s tea-soaked scene, enjoying matcha soft-serve ice cream, buying as much as she could cram in her bag, and sipping an eye-opening cup of tea with a matcha farmer. A few months later, after finishing a summer graduate program in publishing at the University of Denver — Danson thought she’d be a journalist or go work for Chronicle Books — she reconnected with the farmer, who wondered if she could sell his tea in the United States. She received her first order in September 2013, and Mizuba Tea was born, becoming one of the earliest matcha-focused companies in North America. 

(2017 Alumni Award) Lauren works directly with three family matcha farms and manufactories in Uji, Japan, and by sharing their tea with the world, Mizuba helps support a house church in Tokyo of the same name. Mizuba Tea has received accolades from the Pacific Coast Business Times and the U.S. Small Business Administration, and been featured in Vogue Magazine, Vanity Fair and Food52.com.

Margo Georghiou Kwiatkowski ’13 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2019) interned with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a Campanella/ Dodger Scholarship recipient, she was the only student in 2019 and the first woman ever from Cal State Northridge's Doctor of Physical Therapy program to intern with the Dodgers during spring training. The team invited her to stay on throughout the season, even after she completed her degree in August. Every home game, Margo treated players at Dodger Stadium under the supervision of the team’s physical therapists. Working one-on-one with athletes before and during games, she got to know them personally, especially those on the injured list. She and the other physical therapists coordinated closely with the strength and conditioning staff to help healthy Dodgers stay fit. Margo tore her ACL skiing at Big Bear when she was 16 and endured two surgeries and a long rehabilitation. Her physical therapist played a key role in her recovery, even offering to treat her free of charge when her mother developed breast cancer. “I fell in love with physical therapy,” Margo says. “God was clearly saying it was what I should do with my life as my experience would make me a better physical therapist.

John Bertram ’14 (2024 YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD) John Bertram, CTO & Co-Founder, OnePointOne. John grew up with his younger brother Sam in Wheelers Hill, Victoria, Australia. After finishing High School in the 97th percentile state-wide, John moved to the U.S. to play collegiate tennis in 2010. John graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara with a B.S. in Chemistry (Chemical Physics) in 2014. John decided to divert his attention to engineering with a M.S. in Power Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Munich, Germany.

John’s professional career began with winning the Hyperloop competition at SpaceX with TUM as team lead for Levitation and Stability. John then earned a Propulsion role at one of the world’s leading Vertical Take-off & Landing electric plane companies, Lilium. John returned to the U.S. in 2018 to pursue OnePointOne, an automated indoor vertical farming technology company that he started with his brother Sam to address food security. The idea for OnePointOne was born from the fact that 1.1 billion people began this millennium malnourished. John has directed engineering development of OnePointOne since day one, and is the main architect behind the technology. John currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife Anna-Kate (née Bultema) and their pup, Molly. 

John Bertram '14 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2020) The former Westmont tennis standout and his brother, Samuel started a company with the lofty goal of bringing food security to the world’s impoverished populations. During Christmas 2016, after discovering there were 1.1 billion malnourished people at the start of this century, the two came up with an idea for automated vertical farming. Hence the company’s name, OnePointOne, also serves as a reminder of what they’re aiming to solve. “The human race also needs to produce more food between now and 2050 than the total amount of food produced by humanity up to now,” John says.

A native of Melbourne, Australia, John succeeded at Westmont on and off the court. The chemical physics major entered his senior year at Westmont with a 3.89 GPA while posting a 13-8 singles record and a doubles mark of 16-3 his senior year. He was the 2014 Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was a Westmont College Golden Eagle Scholar-Athlete twice. He earned NAIA All-American honorable mention and placed in the 100th percentile for the American Chemical Society Physical Chemical exam.

The brothers argue that traditional agriculture can’t meet the challenges of population growth, climate change, and the degradation of land. Using artificial intelligence, LED lighting, high-pressure aeroponic nutrient spray mist and a controlled atmospheric environment, OnePointOne can yield 250 times more plants per square foot twice as quickly as traditional farming. “Our automated facilities have the ability to deliver perfect produce in any location with far fewer resources than traditional or other indoor farms,” John says. “The largest expenses for indoor farm operations are labor and then electricity.

Novak Djokovic and Mike Bryan, the best doubles tennis player of all-time, have both invested in OnePointOne, as have Fred Luddy, founder and CEO of ServiceNow and owner of World Team Tennis. As of January 2023- they opened a new warehouse in Arizona. Vertical farming uses far less water and according to an environmental science professor at the University of Arizona- Vertical farming could help Arizona’s water outlook. 

Gabriella Pinheiro Chavez Avila ’14 (2023 YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD) Gabriella is a counselor in California’s largest school district: Los Angeles Unified. She meets regularly with her middle school students, helping them overcome chronic absenteeism, homelessness, food insecurity and transportation needs. With parents from Brazil and El Salvador, Gabriella seeks to use her multicultural and bilingual skills to serve diverse communities. At Westmont, she earned degrees in communication studies and Spanish, co-directed Potter’s Clay VBS, volunteered at a Guatemalan orphanage with Emmaus Road and received the David K. Winter Servant Leadership Award. After graduating, Gabriella worked for Olive Crest, which helps at-risk youth in Southern California. She advised families transitioning from fostering to adopting and offered post-adoption support, skills she now uses with her students. She earned a master’s degree in social work from Long Beach State and is working toward certification as a licensed clinical social worker, advocating for clients through the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice. She also serves on Westmont’s Hispanic Advisory Board.

Lindsey Lee Smith '14 is the head coach for the Central Washington women's soccer team. Lee joined the Wildcats' staff in January 2022 after spending seven seasons as the assistant coach at Division I Cal Poly. As a player, Lee was a goalkeeper for Westmont and finished her senior season as a first-team All-American, anchoring the Warriors during their run to the 2013 NAIA National Championship match in Alabama. In Westmont’s two postseason games that came down to penalties, she blocked a combined four out of 11 attempts as the Warriors advanced each time. Lee, a three-time All-GSAC honoree, finished her career with 61 starts between the posts, a school record. After earning her degree in History with a focus in Secondary Education. Lee added her Master’s in History at Cal Poly in 2017.

Casey Underwood '14 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2021) Casey now focuses on digital illustrations and makes fine art prints from them. He launched his career from a tiny apartment in Seattle using a digital painting tablet. He and his wife, Dana Bonsack Underwood '14 settled in the city after she completed her credential. Dana loved Bozeman, Montana, and landed a teaching job there, so they moved there in 2018. Casey seeks to get artwork onto people’s walls, and he prices his work accordingly. “The vast majority of people — especially young people — have way too much space on their walls,” he says. He sells four-by-six-inch prints for $15 and larger, 16-by-24-inch prints for $100. The extended Underwood clan includes grandparents Jim ’64 and Linda Mittendorf ’65 Underwood, parents Dan ’88 and Deedee Mahn ’88 Underwood, sister Amanda Underwood ’16, uncle and aunt Don ’89 and Macy Shapiro ’91 Underwood and cousins Cody ’17 and Tomi Ryba ’17 Underwood.

Sang Wang "Steven", "Solomon" Yoo ‘14 (April 22, 1989 - September 2020) Monterey, CA. Musician and composer Solomon Yoo died in his Monterey home peacefully in his sleep earlier this fall. He was thirty-one years old. He leaves behind family and friends in South Korea and countless friends on the Monterey Peninsula. Mr. Yoo was the musical director, organist, and pianist of the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula choral group. He was well known on the Peninsula for his musical performances and compositions. A memorial service officiated by Pastor Paul Wrightman was held out of doors, with all attendees masked and social distancing. Pianist Michael Martinez performed a song he composed for Solomon, "Song for Sol." Musical offerings were performed by Simon Stewart, Janneke Hoogland, Monica Lee, Karissa Lee, Deanna Lynn, Lillie Lemon, Eric Rowe, and Richard Carr. Solomon and his friends often met for jam sessions. Attendees from South Korea included Mr. Yoo's parents, Young Dae Yoo and Jung Im Choi; uncles Dae Yoo and Yoon Suk Go; aunts D.J. Elder Go and Silvia Chagas, and Keum Soon Kim, a Korean pastor. Solomon was born on April 22, 1989, in Seoul, South Korea. He was given the name Sang Woo Yoo. He arrived on the Monterey Peninsula at the age of fifteen. He added the name Steven in recognition of the film director Steven Spielberg, then Solomon in honor of King Solomon.
He attended Monterey Bay Academy, Pacific Grove High, Monterey Peninsula College, Westmont College and Cabrillo College. Interests included photography, poetry, hiking, and martial arts. Simon Stewart remembers meeting Solomon "seven years ago in a poetry class at MPC." "At home, we knew that after meals he would sing and play his guitar for all the family, so this was our treat," Solomon's father said at the service. "He believed his mission was to create great music that would transform humanity by enlightenment." The family found this quote in Solomon's diary: "Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel." "I know that if he had had the chance, he would have become a major force in the music of our future," said retired MPC music professor John Anderson.
"His loss is deeply tragic because of the joy and music that would have been. All of us who knew him can take comfort in knowing that an extraordinary individual has touched our lives and made them better." Solomon began directing the choral singers at Community Church more than a year ago, becoming an important, valued part of the congregation. "His original compositions and improvisations were superb," Rev. Wrightman said "Solomon brought grace, sensitivity and insight into every relationship he had. His leadership was one of gentle strength. He was relentless in his search for truth, beauty and goodness. I'm sure he has found their fulfillment with God. He is deeply missed."

Siblings Benn Trapp '15 and Ellen Trapp '21 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2022) both double majored in biochemistry and biology at Westmont and work at Boston-based Intellia Therapeutics working in the vital field of genome editing. Ben works as a senior automation engineer and Ellen performs amplicon sequencing. 

Will Breman '15 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) Will Breman’s singing/songwriting career reached new heights when he became a contestant in season 17 of NBC’s “The Voice.” His opening act on the show’s blind audition turned into an impromptu duet with John Legend, singing “Ordinary People” before nearly 9 million television viewers. Before he was voted out in the semifinals, Will opened up about having Asperger’s syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. “My friends and some professors at Westmont knew I had autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but I never considered it much of a hardship because I knew other people with more noticeable forms of ASD who have it far rougher than I ever will,” he says. After much prayer and discussion with his family, Will decided to use his platform for the cause. “Talking about ASD on the show was an opportunity to give kids with my disorder hope and help break down stigmas,” he says. Will released his first EP, “Santa Barbara Soul Music,” and continues to write music and record songs while attending graduate school at California State University Northridge.

Alyssa Garcia '16  Juris Doctor, 2023, LMU Loyola Law School.  I graduated from law school, passed the CA bar, and earned membership in the Order of the Coif.

Tyler Paras '16 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2022) Resident in orthopedic surgery at the UC San Diego Medical Center. Tyler earned his Westmont degree in cellular and molecular biology. He scored in the 99th percentile when he took the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Heather Chmura ’16 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) launched her career at the age of 14—the youngest franchise owner of Wetzel’s Pretzels (Las Vegas), managing 50+ employees. After graduating from Westmont, she moved to San Francisco without a job and got a position working with data at Originate, where she later became chief of staff for CEO Rob Meadows. When he left to help launch a new company, the AI Foundation, she joined the founding team. She began as director of product engagement and chief of staff/product manager, became senior director of business and strategy, and now serves as vice president for business operations.

Hannah Early Bagdanov '16 is married to Joe Bagdanov (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2024) and in her fifth year as a doctoral student at the University of Notre Dame, she studies political violence, state, and non-state governance and identity in the Middle East. 

Scott Hempy '16 (2019 Young Alumni of the Year) (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2016) Cofounded Filld with Chris Aubuchon '94. Filld delivers gasoline ordered through a mobile app. Crawford Ifland ’15 and Jake Allbaugh ’15 also worked on the original team. Filld began fuel deliveries in the Bay Area in April 2016 and hopes to expand to Los Angeles and San Diego. Filled charges an average of local gasoline prices plus a flat, $3-$5 fee. Owning and operating trucks requires less investment and overhead than a gasoline station, making the enterprise feasible. Customers can get their cars refueled while they sleep, work or run errands. He was named to Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list in 2016, he participated in Westmont in Haiti, using microfinance to launch small businesses during spring break. 

Mckenna Kleinmaier ‘17 was chosen by the Knowles Teacher Initiative as a member of its 2020 Cohort of Teaching Fellows. This year, 34 promising high school mathematics and science teachers who are just beginning their careers were awarded Knowles Teaching Fellowships. The Knowles Teacher Initiative supports a national network of mathematics and science teachers who are collaborative, innovative leaders in improving education for all students in the United States. The Knowles Teaching Fellowship is an intensive and cohesive, five-year program that supports early-career, high school mathematics, and science teachers in their efforts to develop teaching expertise and lead from the classroom. Mckenna began teaching at Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, California, during the 2020–2021 school year. She is committed to teaching biological sciences to high school students in the U.S. Mckenna earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Westmont College in 2017. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree in 2017, Mckenna worked as a naturalist at Mission Springs Outdoor Education. In this role, she utilized science and hands-on learning activities to foster positive student relationships and good stewardship of the environment. She also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California in 2020.

Devon White Miatke '17 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2021) Runs her own marketing company. She founded the Confidant Collective (theconfidantcollective.com) in 2018. At first, she focused on serving clients in the fashion industry, but her team has since attracted more than 50 clients in 15 states and five countries. Her team includes web designers, graphic designers, and social media managers. “My story is a testament to the liberal arts. My kinesiology major prepared me for my career path. I could translate my skills and learning to a completely different area.” Devon found a partner in Maine as well as a calling. In 2020, she married Baxter Miatke, an environmental engineer for Arcadis who designs systems that clean contaminated water for industrial clients.

Noelle Crosby '17 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2021) Noelle works with the LA Clippers basketball team. She began as an inside sales executive and now works as an account executive and works with premium season ticket holders. Noelle’s father, Jeff Crosby ’85, played basketball for Westmont and later served as an assistant Warrior coach—and an interim head coach—when he took a break from his business career. His passion for basketball has infected Noelle.

Hector Lujan '17 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) The Minnesota Twins drafted the hard-throwing right hander in the 35th round of the 2015 MLB draft, and he has worked his way up the organizational ladder, finishing the 2019 season with the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Hector earned the Twins’ 2019 Harmon Killebrew Award for Community Service, given to a recipient who exemplifies Killebrew’s life of working in the community. In 2017, he won the award while pitching for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. “Hector was our choice for the award because he truly lived out our mission, to improve the quality of life for those in our community,” says Anna Striano, the Blue Wahoos community relations manager. “A regular visitor to our autograph alley, Hector made time both before and after games to make sure that each child not only got the autograph that they were after but also left with a smile on their face. As one of our players with the most community hours volunteered this season, Hector was consistently engaging with members of our community from all different walks of life. Whether it be visiting sick children in the hospital or catching a ceremonial first pitch, he was always the first to jump in when we needed volunteers, and always did so with a smile on his face.”

Alison (Torres) Naganuma '18  since graduating from Westmont, has gotten married and returned to her hometown in Hawaii where she works as an Advancement Coordinator for a private college prep school. She welcomed her first child, Emiko Louise Mahealani Naganuma, born on October 26, 2023.

Rob Hill ’18 (2022 Alumni Award) (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2020) is the director of minor-league pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Having just graduated from Westmont, in June 2018 Rob began working full time at Driveline, a baseball training facility and made a name for himself in the world of biomechanics and pitch development. He became well-known among Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers and executives for incorporating data, high-end technology, and science. The Dodgers hired Rob in 2020 as their pitching coordinator, making him—at age 24—one of the youngest coaches in MLB. In his first season in professional baseball, the Dodgers won the World Series for the first time since 1988.

Tim Beccue '18 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2023) majored in physics and math and learned how to take pictures with the Keck telescope on campus. He has worked at Las Cumbres Observatory using robotically operated telescopes that researchers use. He's now attending a conservatory- Peabody Institute at John Hopkins in Baltimore. He will earn an MA in cello performance. 

Adriannea Smith '18 (Westmont Magazine Article Spring 2022) During the pandemic she pivoted her plans for the future and became a travel and lifestyle blogger with Standby with Adrie (@standbywithadrie). A subscription service, the Doggish Life offers themed dog boxes full of fun toys, homemade treats, and handmade bandanas while specializing in animal health and wellness. 

Michael Stefanic '18 Santa Barbara Publication Noozhawk recently (October 2023) summarized Michael's best season yet playing professional baseball with the Angels. Read the article HERE

Grace Hanna '20 has joined Westerlay Orchids as an e-commerce specialist. Hanna’s duties will include managing short- and long-term e-comm strategies to drive brand awareness, grow market share and deliver on sales goals. Hanna will also serve as the brand’s program liaison for their Box of Orchids program, which began as an effort to encourage and uplift those in quarantine isolation or on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the company partnered with both local and national industry organizations to gift thousands of orchids to frontline workers statewide. Hanna previously served as marketing and product development specialist for Heirloom Roses, where she designed and implemented sustainable social media strategies, collaboratively developed email campaign content and sales copy, and grew the company’s Facebook following from 10k to 107k. Hanna’s experience also includes serving as marketing intern for Girls on the Run.

Billie Bioku 20' who earned a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School, was featured on NBC4 Washington to discuss her books of poetry. Watch News Clip HERE

Siblings Benn Trapp '15 and Ellen Trapp '21 (Westmont Magazine Article Fall 2022) both double majored in biochemistry and biology at Westmont and work at Boston based Intellia Thereapeutics working in the vital field of genome editing. Ben works as a senior automation engineer and Ellen performs amplicon sequencing. 

Simon Reid 23' is a catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers and shared his baseball journey with the Dogers Daily publication (October 2023) you can read it HERE. Growing up in Palos Verdes, on the outskirts of Los Angeles, Simon Reid grew up a diehard Dodger fan. He remembers spending birthdays at Dodger Stadium, and, as he puts it, Dodger Blue runs through the Reid family veins. Now, after years of resilience, hard work, and putting his best foot forward when it mattered most, he’s a Dodger himself. Reid's brother Bailey also went to Westmont and is also playing professional baseball. 

Brendan FJ Furnish, professor emeritus of sociology, died July 2, 2020, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was 85. Brendan was born June 24, 1935, in Dedham, Mass., the third son of George and Janina (Michalski) Furnish. Dyslexia caused learning delays in grammar school. Brendan countered this by becoming a voracious reader. At 16, he and his family moved to San Carlos, Calif., where he graduated from Sequoia High School. After high school, Brendan joined the National Guard. He met and married his wife of over sixty years, Evelyn Jane Boone, in a class on marriage at San Mateo Jr. College. He and Jane had five children. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in Sociology from San Francisco State University. Brendan came to teach at Westmont in the fall of 1967. Soon after, he earned a PhD in sociology from USC. Brendan taught sociology courses at Westmont for 35 years. He founded Westmont's San Francisco Urban Program, helped modernize the college's computer and online program, and served many years as the Sociology Department head. He co-authored two books. He and Jane built Zephaniah's Camp, a Christian retreat lodge, in the Sierra Nevada mountains. After retiring from Westmont in 2002, Brendan and Jane moved to Fort Worth, where Brendan taught sociology courses part-time at Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan University. Brendan was active in the church and had a deep love for his dogs. Brendan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother George. Brendan is survived by his wife; his five children, including Valerie "Val" Furnish Mallett ’82; his brother Alfred; his dog, Oscar; seven grandchildren, including Nydia Furnish Mendez ’96; and three great-grandchildren.