Westmont Magazine Returning Home

In a touching and tearful ceremony at the Homecoming brunch in September, the Alumni Association declared President David Winter and his wife, Helene, honorary Westmont alums. To honor his 25 years of dedicated service to the college and her gracious work at his side, the association then named them the 2000 Alumni of the Year. The audience, packed with alums who returned to campus for the annual, two-day event, responded with a standing ovation for the couple. President Winter will retire from his position in June, and some alums came just to say good-bye to him.

While the brunch was clearly the highlight of the weekend, alums also enjoyed the special mini-classes taught by Westmont professors, the festive carnival and lunch, the victories by the highly ranked men’s and women’s soccer teams, and the Friday evening coffeehouse and music. An hors d’oeuvre reception in the formal gardens closed out the successful weekend. More than 1,000 alums attended at least one of the events.

Classes celebrated their reunions with a variety of special activities, including the Silver Anniversary Dinner for the class of 1975 on Saturday evening. This tradition began last year and will continue to honor alums participating in their 25th reunion.

Students got involved with Homecoming by volunteering to run the carnival games and offer child care during many of the activities. They also mingled with alums at the lunch and the soccer games.

On Friday, the Wallace Emerson Society held its annual luncheon for people who have made a provision for Westmont in their will or estate plan. President Winter spoke to this group, which included many alums. Earlier in the day, Provost Stan Gaede ’69 addressed students and alums during the Homecoming chapel service.