Westmont Magazine Scholarships Promote Diversity
Underrepresented students at Westmont will benefit from two new endowed scholarship funds. An anonymous $50,000 donation has established The Edwin J. Potts Diversity Scholarship.
Given as a challenge grant, the gift has been matched by a $50,000 donation that established the Vincent and Frances LaBarbera Scholarship Fund, also targeted for underrepresented students. Alumnus Carl LaBarbera ’76 created this fund in honor of his parents with a gift through the foundation Kingdomworks, SDG.
Naming a scholarship in honor of Ed Potts ’51 is a fitting tribute to this early champion of increasing minority representation on campus.
Hired in 1968 as an associate professor of Christian education and assistant to the academic dean, Ed held various positions at the college until he retired in 1995, including assistant to the president and director of institutional research and planning.
He worked with quiet strength and passion to further the mission of Westmont and encourage the recruitment of a wider variety of students. Known as a servant-leader, he facilitated progress, brought resolution to issues, enabled reconciliation between staff members, and moved the college forward. His contributions, service, and character have made the college a better place.