Students Honored for Servant Leadership

Two Westmont students received David K. Winter Servant Leadership Awards during chapel on April 7 in Murchison Gym.  Angela D’Amour, dean of student engagement and interim vice president for student life, honored Kate Robinson ’27 of Beverly, Massachusetts, and Andreas Olvera ’26 of Woodland, California, for demonstrating above-and-beyond commitment to serving the campus community with their exemplary servant leadership.

Kate, recognized for her roles as a resident chaplain and ministry intern, earned praised for her generosity, dedication to community service and impact on her peers.

“In talking with a friend last week on the way back from the Rescue Mission, we agreed that outside of the friends we’ve made at Westmont, getting involved in Bread of Life has been what’s changed us the most,” she said. “It really is all about friendship — the friends we’ve made at Westmont and the friends we’ve made with people experiencing homelessness. These people have shaped our views of the world, who God is, who we are and what the kingdom of God looks like.”

Andreas, lauded for his leadership in various roles, such as a choir leader and student newsletter manager, received commendation for his expertise, patience and commitment to supporting others.

“For me, servant leadership is about blessing others with the same love that I’ve been very blessed to receive,” he said. “I’m grateful that you think I’m doing this, but I want to let you know that I consider all of you to be the recipients of this award, as well as myself, because this campus is awesome, and I’m so glad that I get to serve it in my own small way.”

The David K. Winter Servant Leadership Award recognizes a male and female student each year who are grateful servants and faithful leaders and embody the spirit of Winter, who served as Westmont’s president from 1976-2001 and returned as interim president and chancellor in 2006-07. Both students earn $1,000 toward their academic scholarship.