Physics Scholarships

KIHLSTROM SCHOLARS CLASS OF 2028

The Ken Kihlstrom Scholarship for Promise in Physics is an award that can be applied to tuition for the first year at Westmont. As part of the selection process, the physics faculty interviewed admitted students who indicated an interest in physics.

Students participating in the program commit to join a cohort with several activities planned for the fall. Scholarship recipients are expected to take at least one physics course during the first year of classes at Westmont, as well as participate in informal mentoring opportunities with upper-division physics students.

Kihlstrom scholars in the class of 2028
Kihlstrom scholars in the class of 2028

The Westmont Physics Department invites you to apply for the Kihlstrom Scholars Program, a scholarship designed for students who plan to study physics at Westmont starting in the fall 2025.

This scholarship was created to support passionate and talented students pursuing physics and is named after beloved Westmont physics professor Ken Kihlstrom, who recently retired.

To apply, submit the application form by March 7th.

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After applying, you'll be contacted to set up a virtual interview, where you'll respond to a few short prompts (shared in advance) about your experience with physics and future interests.

George Blount Physics Scholarship

Summary: Established by the physics department in 2012, the George Blount Physics Scholarship honors the late physics professor Dr. George Blount. During his tenure, Dr. Blount anchored both the physics and engineering departments. Ever focused on teaching and pursuing ideas, Dr. Blount was known to begin his classes with a formula to draw students into a discussion on the implications of the formula on their lives.

Recipients:

  • 2023-2024: Reese Toepfer
  • 2019-2020: Luke Myers
  • 2018-2019: Luke Myers
  • 2016-2017: Matthew Walton

Theodore and Grace Cannon Physics Scholarship Endowment

Summary: Ted and Grace Cannon established this scholarship in anticipation that it assists physics students at Westmont in discovering a deep appreciation for God as the Creator. Founded in 2021, determinations are made by Student Financial Services in coordination with the physics department.

Recipients:

  • 2023-2024: Michael Hemmett
  • 2022-2023: Michael Hemmett

George Bate Science Scholarship Endowment

George Bate, professor emeritus of physics, taught at Westmont for more than 20 years. Former students of Dr. Bate established this scholarship to encourage Christians to study and conduct research in the sciences, primarily those studying physics. Determinations are made by the physics department.

2023-2024: Ellie Ludwig

2022-2023: Berit Lunstad

2021-2022: Kirsten Potts

2020-2021: Kirsten Potts

2019-2020: Daniel Rubin


William S. Klug Scholarship Endowment for Faculty and Student Research

Established in honor and memory of Dr. Bill Klug '97, the scholarship seeks to encourage a love of physics and engineering by recognizing high achieving and highly motivated students engaged in research within the physics and engineering department. Determinations are made by the physics department with consideration given to financial need.

  • 2023-2024: Natalie Fogg, Berit Lunstad
  • 2021-2022: Jared Lush, Chandler Baker
  • 2020-2021: Faith Palombi, Lexy Gillette
  • 2019-2020: Lexy Gillette
  • 2018-2019: Zion Shih