Stamps Foundation Awards Westmont $100,000

The James L. Stamps Foundation has awarded Westmont $100,000 to advance the college’s administrative software system and increase support for spiritual formation projects.

These two vastly different systems both work as an integral, albeit unseen, structure for advancing the college’s mission of educating young people equipped to appreciate and contribute to an increasingly complex world.

“This funding is critical in enabling us to continue to serve our students not only with a more advanced computer system, but with improvements to our Chapel program. We are most grateful to the Stamps Foundation for its generosity with this grant and many previous awards,” President Stan D. Gaede said.

As Westmont has matured so have the college’s computer system requirements and program needs. The Stamps Foundation Grant will support the advancement of the vital systems that undergird Westmont and propel it forward as one of the nation’s top 100 liberal arts institutions.

Replacing the college’s 18-year-old information system will take two years. The new system will provide much greater flexibility, allowing for easier integration with the college’s Web site, and make information more readily available to professors, staff, students, parents and prospective students.

The Stamps grant will also provide resources for the chapel program at Westmont, a major component of the college’s spiritual life program.

Students will benefit directly with the addition of new equipment, leadership materials and Chapel speakers. Students are required to attend Chapel/Convocation three times weekly throughout the semester for worship and to explore issues of current importance and spiritual significance.

This year’s guest Chapel speakers include Dallas Willard, a University of Southern California philosophy professor and author of “The Divine Conspiracy,” and “Renovation of the Heart”; John Ortberg, author of a number of books on spiritual formation; and Ron Sider, author of more than 15 books and one of the most respected and passionate advocates of holistic biblical faith.

The Stamps Foundation supports Protestant churches, seminaries, Christian schools and Christian-based organizations in Southern California.

For more information on the grant and other foundation funding, contact Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations Lori Call at (805) 565-6851 or email calllori@westmont.edu."