Westmont Magazine Home Again
Only 10 days after the terrorist attacks on America, Westmont alumni gathered for Homecoming 2001, Sept. 21-23. While some people decided not to travel or had to change plans due to circumstances related to Sept. 11, a good-sized crowd came to reconnect with classmates and the campus.
After months of planning, alumni celebrating reunions enjoyed festive gatherings throughout the weekend. Most dined together on Saturday evening at restaurants and alumni homes, and the class of 1976 marked their 25th reunion with a Silver Anniversary Dinner at the president’s home.
One highlight was the brunch on Saturday morning, organized around a nautical theme. The alumni office honored Rick Josiassen ’69 as Alumnus of the Year for his research work on schizophrenia and Sondra Kuper Jacoby ’65 as Volunteer of the Year for her service as president of the alumni association. Don Low ’81 emceed the event, and President Stan Gaede ’69 shared his vision for the future of Westmont.
On Friday, Campus Pastor Ben Patterson spoke in chapel and also at the Celebration Worship service that evening. Randy Jones, director of campus planning, led a walking tour of campus and pointed out the sites of future buildings.
Four professors taught mini-classes on a variety of topics, from art to business to religious studies. These sessions repeated on Saturday, with two additions from the natural and behavioral sciences.
Avid golfers enjoyed Friday morning and afternoon tee times at Birnam Wood and Montecito Country Club. Joggers got their turn Saturday morning at an invitational run.
The nationally ranked women’s soccer team defeated The Master’s College with a 6-1 victory Friday. The next day, the men were less fortunate as Master’s staged an impressive comeback to defeat the Warriors 4-3 in a battle of top-rated squads.
For the first time, Homecoming featured a family barbecue Friday on Kerrwood Lawn with jazz music from Ron McCarley ’91 and friends. The music continued into the evening at the Deane Chapel coffeehouse where student musicians entertained alumni.
The dedication of two benches by the library rock honored the memory of Eric McKellips ’91, who died last summer. His parents and many friends attended the ceremony on Saturday.
Children’s favorite activity, the family carnival on Saturday, included a bounce house, games, crafts and lots of prizes.
Students took advantage of the opportunity to do some networking and met Saturday afternoon with alumni and professors at academic reunions for each major.
At a reception in the formal gardens alumni visited with President Gaede and his wife, Judy Brinkman Gaede ’70.