Westmont Magazine Wallace Emerson Society

During his college years, Kilani Ventura ’59 developed his new-found faith and his interest in education. He also made friends for life. Today, after 43 years of teaching and nearly annual reunions with close college friends, he deeply appreciates his Westmont experience. “I had the best preparation possible, and I knew the minute I stepped into a classroom that I had found a perfect fit,” he says. In the San Mateo School District, he taught fourth, fifth and sixth grade and gifted children from 1959 until he retired in 1991 and moved to Phoenix, Ariz. But his retirement didn’t last long; he has been teaching home-bound students suffering from serious illnesses. He also directs Stephen’s Ministry at his church, Peace Lutheran, recruiting volunteers to do visitation and other pastoral work. Kilani has been an active alumnus, serving on the alumni board and leading an alumni chapter in the Bay Area. He has also supported the college faithfully as a member of The President’s Associates and charter member of the Wallace Emerson Society. He first decided he needed to give something back to Westmont when he was a student, and he named the college a beneficiary of the trust he set up years later. “I want the experience I had at Westmont to continue for others,” Kilani explains.

For more information about the Wallace Emerson Society, call Iva Schatz, Director of Planned Giving, (805) 565-6034 or (800) 998-5652.