Westmont Magazine Commencement 2004

On May 8, a sunny Santa Barbara Saturday, 347 seniors graduated from Westmont. Christian philosopher and Yale Professor Dr. Nicholas Wolterstorff explored the difference between looking for an occupation and looking for a calling in his address, “Called or Occupied?”

The Noah Porter professor of philosophical theology at Yale University Divinity School, Wolterstorff teaches courses in philosophy of religion and aesthetics. He earned a master’s and a doctorate degree in philosophy from Harvard University.

The author of nine books, he is best known for “Lament for a Son,” a reflection on the accidental death of his 25-year-old son.

David Spainhour, who retired in May as chairman of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, received the Westmont Medal.

This award recognizes people whose lives embody the principles associated with Westmont: integrity, service, compassion, responsibility, faithfulness, discipline and generosity.

Spainhour worked at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust for 37 years. He joined the bank as controller in 1966 and held numerous leadership positions, becoming president in 1989 and chairman of the board in 1996. In honor of his retirement, the bank set up a David Spainhour Scholarship to assist a Westmont student in financial need.

Spainhour is also well-known for his commitment to the community and non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army, Rescue Mission, Coalition for the Homeless, United Way, Santa Barbara Partners in Education, Community Arts Music Association, Girl Scouts, Mental Health Association, YMCA and Cottage Hospital, among others.

Spainhour received the Santa Barbara News-Press Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000 and the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Anti-Defamation League in 1999. He served as a Westmont trustee from 1991 to 2002.