Westmont Magazine Remembering John Hubbard

The Westmont College community lost a friend and supporter when John Hubbard, former chair of the fine arts department, died in September. He joined the faculty in the early 1940s, moved with the college to Santa Barbara, and helped build the school’s identity through choir tours on the West Coast. He often said that despite his experiences as a musician and teacher in many contexts (public school teacher, church choir director, college professor, and Christian broadcaster in the Philippines), nothing brought him greater joy and satisfaction than the years he spent with the Westmont Choir. The 1954 Citadel (the Westmont yearbook) was dedicated to John and included a story on “Our Singing Campus” that highlighted his ministry. He loved to read about former students who have made significant musical contributions in churches and schools.

In addition to directing the choir during his 20-year career, John taught classes and led other groups such as the chamber orchestra and pep band. At his memorial service during Homecoming Weekend in September, former students recalled the spiritual truths he taught and exemplified as a teacher and mentor. He is connected to two buildings on campus. The Porters gave Porter Hall in appreciation for Westmont’s fine arts program, and Hubbard Hall is a memorial to Ruth Gapen Hubbard, his first wife.

John is survived by Donna ’57, his wife of 43 years, five children, and 13 grandchildren. Four of John’s children attended Westmont. Arthur, valedictorian of the class of 1963, lives in Montecito, Fran lives in Folsom, Calif., Jim ’79 resides in Reno, Nev., twin John ’79 makes his home in Visalia, Calif., and Ginny Nieuwsma ’81 lives in San Jose, Calif. Friends may send gifts to the college in memory of John, earmarked for the Hubbard Memorial Fund.