WESTMONT NEWS

Welcoming an Impressive Fall Class

About 400 new incoming students, including the Grotenhuis Nursing cohort of 24, arrived at Westmont for a week of Orientation in August before starting their first semester at the college.

Nineteen percent (70) of students represent the first people in their family to attend college. They joined their parents for First Connections, a pre-Orientation program that prepares them for a new cultural experience and the interpersonal connections vital to thriving in college. In addition, 21 international students from nine countries, including Liberia, Belgium, Rwanda and Germany, participated in the program with the first-generation students.

“This incoming class earns the perseverance award for their tenacity in navigating through the FAFSA challenge that delayed financial aid offers for more than seven months,” says Irene Neller, vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications. “In typical years, most would start receiving aid packages by mid-December, and these students were waiting into June. I applaud them for following through with their college dreams and beginning their life-changing journey in August. Their great determination and energy will serve them well throughout their academic career.”

Westmont continues to increase its enrollment of male students (43%) and students of color (49%), with 26% of new students identifying as Hispanic. Westmont now qualifies as an Hispanic Enrolling Institution and seeks to attract more of these students.

Westmont awarded academic scholarships ranging from $15,000 to more than $44,000 each year to more than 95% of entering new students.

While less than a quarter of students submitted test scores as most colleges and universities make them optional, the average GPA of 4.0 once again ranks among the highest in Westmont history. SAT scores for the 65 new students who sent them ranged from 1220 to 1420. Westmont continues to serve the local community with 81 students from the Tri-County area, including 55 from Santa Barbara County.

The top three majors for new students include economics and business (57), biology (45) and psychology (38).

Athletes on the men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball teams began practice before the semester began. The Warriors are now eligible for postseason play in both the PacWest and NCAA Division II championships for the first time.

Families moved their students into residence halls throughout the day before the Welcome Session, a celebratory opening event of Warrior Welcome 2024 in Murchison Gym. President Gayle D. Beebe, in his 18th year as president, greeted the new families, and the college introduced them to this year’s Orientation Team, which represents Student Life, professors and staff.

At the Service of Commitment, a formal ceremony, professors in academic regalia welcomed students to the Westmont community. After the service, a bagpipe fanfare, a longstanding Westmont tradition, led new students on their First Walk through the formal gardens to Kerrwood Lawn, anticipating their Last Walk that occurs at Commencement from Kerrwood to Thorrington Field.