Westmont Magazine Degrees of Honor

Ramón Vidauri, the 1996 recipient of the Westmont Medal, is a physician from Ensenada, Mexico, who has worked closely with the students involved in Potter’s Clay, the annual outreach program. His encouragement, assistance, advice, and contacts with Mexican authorities have greatly aided Westmont students, who express deep affection for “Dr. Ramón.” Not only does he provide free health care to pastors, but he travels to remote villages to treat people there. The college honored him at Commencement for his service and compassion.

President Winter also presented an honorary doctorate to Dean Hirsch ’69, the first alumnus to receive this recognition. Dean recently became president of World Vision International, a global relief and development organization that cares for 1.2 million children each day in 100 countries. He has served World Vision for 20 years in numerous capacities, including vice president for relief, vice president for development, and chief operating officer. He also spent five years in Kenya directing the organization’s African operations. His degree reads: “Doctor of International Humanitarian-ism.” Chosen as the Westmont Alumnus of the Year in 1993, Dean recently accepted an invitation to serve on the college’s board of trustees.