FUNDRAISING
Thanks to Faithful Friends, Westmont Exceeds Fundraising Goals
The college exceeded its historic $250 million goal by more than $37 million thanks to the incredible generosity of the Westmont community!
Forward in Faithfulness: The Campaign for Westmont, a 10-year drive, enters its ninth year with gifts exceeding $287 million. Alums, parents, families, friends and foun- dations propel the college forward, allowing Westmont to develop students with leadership skills in every sector of society for generations to come.
Key initiatives include building the endowment, securing resources for scholarships to help aspiring students afford a Westmont education, establishing new academic offerings grounded in the liberal arts (such as engineering and nurs- ing), and making a smooth transition to NCAA Division II by providing scholarships and excellent athletic facilities.
Since the campaign launched, donors have respond- ed to Westmont’s long-term vision by creating 64 new endowment agreements. These resources, part of the college’s permanent endowment, provide ongoing support for scholarships, faculty salaries and research, and academ- ic programs. Forward in Faithfulness has increased the number of endowed funds by 40 percent.
Alums Pay It Forward
As part of the 2024 Homecoming festivities, Reed Sheard, vice president for advancement, presented a check to the student body from alums who gave nearly $6.5 million in the past year toward student scholarships, new programs and other areas that support students.
Women’s Leadership Council Raises Three $10,000 Scholarships
A sold-out audience of local community leaders, professionals and alums enjoyed an inspiring event benefitting students: the Westmont Women’s Leadership Council Luncheon in January 2025. The proceeds funded three $10,000 student scholarships for women who depend on financial support to pursue a college education and prepare for a career.
The event at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort recognized Anne Towbes with the Westmont Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Spirit of Santa Barbara Award to celebrate her generous contributions to the greater Santa Barbara community. Henrietta Holsman Fore, former executive director of UNICEF and USAID administrator and a recognized leader in business, non-profits, the U.S. government and the United Nations, spoke at the event.
Women’s Leadership Council members planned and hosted the luncheon, includ- ing Kim Crawford ’00, Courtney DeSoto ’94, Amy Eddy ’02, Denice Fellows, founding member Anna Grotenhuis, Cheryl Miller, Sherry Nasseri ’00, Drew Parisi ’05, Karen Yonally and Reed Sheard. The council appreciates the support of Gold sponsors Anna Grotenhuis and Renée Curtis as well as the Silver, Bronze and Table sponsors who helped to make the event such a success.
Yearly Fundraising Totals
Students Get the Win at the Westmont Golf Classic
One hundred golfers played in the 13th annual Westmont Classic Golf Tournament, enjoying time on the course and contributing to a great cause: providing scholarships for students.
The tournament, held Oct 4. at Glen Annie Golf Club, raised more than $20,000 to assist students in pursuing a life-changing Christian liberal arts education. Known for many years as Will’s Tourney, the event celebrates the memory of Will Wiersma ’06. Special thanks to the Hopper family, the title sponsor, and to Tom and Stefany Welch of the WIP Foundation for sponsoring the golf team and the dinner and awards ceremony. Professional golfer Scottie Scheffler graciously provided an autographed putter for a raffle at the dinner, which generated additional support for students.
Wallace Emerson Society Shapes Westmont’s Future
During Homecoming Weekend, the college hosted more than 100 Wallace Emerson Society members at the President’s Appreciation Luncheon. The event celebrated the role members play in strengthening Westmont’s long-term financial vitality. The society recognizes friends who’ve made provisions in their estate that will benefit Westmont. During the Forward in Faithfulness campaign, the society welcomed more than 100 new members representing $114 million in commitments, boosting overall membership to 851.
Create Your Legacy Using
Take advantage of the opportunity this spring to write your will at no cost in as few as 20 minutes. Westmont has extended its relationship with FreeWill through May 2025. Use this free program to create a legacy and ensure peace of mind and security for your loved ones.
For more information, see freewill.com/westmont.
Thanks to generous donors, the total number of endowed funds for scholarships, faculty salaries and academic programs has grown from 163 in 2016 to 227 in 2024.
For more information and to make a gift of any amount to communicate your support for Westmont’s mission and vision, visit westmont.edu/donate. To learn more, contact Reed Sheard, vice president for college advancement.