Westmont Magazine A Gala Celebration of 85 Years
by Sharon Savely Odegaard ’72
The “Welcome Alumni” banner hangs from the portico of stately Kerrwood Hall. Pots of yellow and orange flowers and pumpkins of all sizes line the steps. A kind soul invited me into the warmth of the old mansion and offered coffee. Homecoming 2022 and the 85th anniversary celebration had begun!
Going back to school proved to be a favorite activity. Various professors opened their classes to alums, and I especially enjoyed Studies in Literature with Paul Delaney, who began teaching at Westmont in 1972, making him a Golden Warrior professor.
All 15 students participated in the discussion. They popped up with questions, answers and reactions to others’ views. Professor Delaney asked questions but gladly let the discussion flow. They discussed a chapter in the book “My Name Is Asher Lev” by Chaim Potok. Students sighed with relief when they escaped without the usual quiz. “The way you write the quiz makes us study for the quiz,” one insightful student said.
I walked into chapel with a 20-year alum who brought his young children from Virginia to experience Westmont. I asked if he thought they’d attend Westmont. He smiled and said, “That’s the plan!”
People filled the chairs on the gym floor, and many perched high in the bleachers. A tall, wooden cross draped with an aqua cloth distinguished the place as a chapel. A lively time of singing engaged those attending. The Alumni Office presented a check to the college with the total of all alumni gifts in the past fiscal year: $11 million. So many give thanks for the college and want to see Westmont thrive.
Campus pastor Scott Lisea ’88 spoke about the prodigal son, part of his series on The Great Story: To Us and Through Us. Describing God’s approach to us as one of “grace, welcome, joy and celebration,” he noted that God, who is rich in mercy, smiles on us all.
Then the cry of a baby pierced the air, reminding us that all ages had gathered. One day that child may learn how to be salt and light at Westmont. The college’s story won’t end with us. Long after we’re gone, Jesus will still be the source, the truth, the North Star. And students will need a place where they can learn to know him better.
After chapel, a surprising number of students stayed around for one more song about God’s FAITHFULNESS. Some hugged, and one sitting right in front of me sobbed while her friend comforted her. A prayer group formed as the music faded. These are students living out their faith in community.
As I left, I saw a tall alumnus, Dwight Anderson ’53, standing by his framed baseball jersey in the foyer, and I took his picture. We met each other again several times during the weekend. This dignified 91-year-old encourages us all to visit no matter our age.
My first day of Homecoming ended with a rich musical experience. Like other choir alums, I received an invitation to sing with the Westmont College Choir at the Gala. We rehearsed Friday evening in lovely Deane Chapel, one of the original buildings on campus. Daniel Gee ’13 directed us, and his song, “Join Hands,” premiered Saturday evening, one of four songs the choir performed. The students warmly welcomed me and knew their music by memory. They had spent weeks practicing. As we gathered around the gleaming grand piano to sing, the late afternoon sun streamed through the windows, creating a little slice of heaven.
The high point of Homecoming 2022 was the 85th Anniversary Gala at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The Westmont Orchestra started the evening with an impeccable performance. The Westmont College Choir then walked in singing, making their way among the tables. Songs included lovely, contemplative jazz as well as a rousing version of “Rock-a My Soul.” The lyrics “Lay down your glory, lift up his name” summed up the message.
President Gayle D. Beebe spoke about appropriately honoring the past, effectively managing the present, and strategically mapping the future. The college recognized 85 members of the Westmont community for their excellence and FAITHFULNESS in carrying out Westmont’s mission locally and throughout the world. You can find a list of these people on the Westmont website: westmont.edu/85th-anniversary. While you’re there, read more about the college’s history.
The theme of the Campaign for Westmont that launched at the gala, FORWARD IN FAITHFULNESS, seeks to inspire us to head to new horizons. President Beebe spoke of new academic programs, including mechanical engineering, data analytics and nursing at the Westmont Downtown facility. He emphasized his desire to encourage students and all members of the Westmont community to invest in the greater good that will outlive us.
To close the Homecoming weekend and gala celebration, we stood together for the college song, “Great Is Thy FAITHFULNESS.” We sang from our hearts the words, “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow … Great is thy FAITHFULNESS, Lord unto me.” In those moments, the stylish banquet hall transformed into a chapel, with worship rising in thanks to God.
As we later said our goodbyes to each other, Dwight shook my hand. “I hope to see you at the next anniversary in five years,” I told him. He would be 96 then. He grinned, pointed his finger toward the sky, and said, “God willing, I’ll be there.”
God is moving at Westmont, as he has been for 85 years. He is alive in today’s students. He is alive in the professors and staff. He is alive in the alums of all ages. He is alive in the tiny baby. And as long God’s people hold Christ preeminent, we have bright hope for a future filled with grace and joy and celebration. May God in his kindness continue to bless Westmont, and may God continue to smile on us all.