Our Commitment to Diversity | Westmont College
Source: https://www.westmont.edu/diversity-commitments
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:17
Our Commitment to Diversity | Westmont College
Our Diversity Commitments
Christ-Centered Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Community
You Belong. Your Story Matters.
Our Commitment and Foundation
Diversity Matters
Christ holds first place in the educational mission of our college both as an academic institution and as a residential community. The specific expectations of college members in response to Christ’s preeminence are enumerated in the
Community Life Statement
. “Diversity Matters at Westmont” describes how we live out these expectations as we strive to love one another as Christ has first loved us.
Learn More
WHY MICAH 6:8?
Diversity is Biblical.
We believe that the call to be a diverse community is rooted in scripture and evident in God's creation.
There was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the lamb.
Revelation 7:9
God saw all that he had made and it was very good.
Genesis 1:1-31
Diversity is Communal.
We believe that diversity can only be expressed in community where we are sharing our distinct gifts, experiences and perspectives.
There are different kinds of gifts...The body is a unit, though it is made of many parts...if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it...
1 Cor. 12:4-31
Diversity is Practical.
We believe that we most effectively contribute to and benefit from a globalized society by learning skills that allow us to work, worship and live well and wisely in our world.
A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.
Romans 12:4-5
We believe that the call to be a diverse community is rooted in scripture and evident in God's creation.
Commitments & Key Documents
Policies
By the Numbers
FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS
MULTICULTURAL STUDENTS
HISPANIC STUDENTS
2025 JRD Assessment Report
Enrollment Statistics
Student Life & Intercultural Experience
Experience a community where your story is seen, valued and celebrated. Through intercultural programs, student organizations and campus-wide events, Westmont creates meaningful opportunities to build friendships, explore identity and engage across cultures. Discover the people, spaces and experiences that help you belong and grow both inside and outside the classroom.
Learn More
Programs
Intercultural Programs at Westmont bring students together to celebrate culture, build understanding and foster a deeper sense of belonging across campus.
Learn More
Organizations
Student intercultural organizations at Westmont create vibrant spaces where you can find your people, lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact on campus.
Learn More
Events
Intercultural events at Westmont spark connection, celebrate global perspectives and invite the campus community into meaningful, shared experiences.
Learn More
First-Generation Students
First-Generation Students
make up 20% of our Westmont community. “First-Generation” refers to students who have not had a parent or guardian graduate from a four year college in the United States. Each year, Westmont hosts a pre-orientation event for first-generation and international students along with
Affording Your College Dream
.
First-Generation College Student Organization
is sponsored under the
Center for Student Success
, with the
Gaede Institute
.
Learn More
You’ll feel right at home in the welcoming Westmont community.
Campus Life and Community Engagement
Campus Life and Community Engagement at Westmont cultivate a vibrant, Christ-centered community where meaningful relationships, service and shared experiences bring students together.
Learn More
Chapel, Conversations, and Campus Dialogue
Chapel, conversations and campus dialogue at Westmont create space for thoughtful reflection, honest conversation and a deeper pursuit of truth together.
Learn More
Residential Life and Belonging Initiatives
Residential Life and belonging initiatives at Westmont foster inclusive living communities where students are known, supported and truly feel at home.
Learn More
Campus-Wide Events and Partnerships
Campus-wide events and partnerships at Westmont bring the community together through shared experiences that inspire connection, collaboration and lasting impact.
Learn More
Media
Academic and College-Wide Initiatives
Academic Initiatives
Curriculum (e.g., Justice, Reconciliation, Diversity GE)▼
Courses rooted in justice, reconciliation and diversity equip students to think critically and engage the world with wisdom and compassion.
Faculty-led research and teaching▼
Faculty scholarship and teaching integrate diverse perspectives, inviting students into deeper inquiry and meaningful discovery.
Global and intercultural learning▼
Global and intercultural learning experiences broaden horizons and prepare students to navigate an increasingly connected world.
Learn More
College Initiatives
Strategic priorities▼
Strategic priorities guide intentional efforts to cultivate a more inclusive and thriving campus community.
Institutional commitments▼
Institutional commitments reflect Westmont’s ongoing dedication to fostering dignity, belonging and mutual respect.
Long-range diversity goals▼
Long-range diversity goals set a vision for sustained growth, accountability and lasting impact.
Learn More
Co-Curricular Impact
Leadership development▼
Leadership development opportunities empower students to lead with character, confidence and cultural awareness.
Service and community engagement▼
Service and community engagement connect students to meaningful work that makes a difference locally and globally.
Learn More
Faculty and Staff Initiatives
Inclusive hiring practices
Diversity recruitment strategies
Faculty/staff training and development
Mentorship and leadership pathways
Internal resources (e.g., hiring toolkit, diversity conversations)
Reflections from the President
Faculty and Staff Leadership
Carmel Saad, Ph.D.
Director of the Carol Houston Center for Justice, Reconciliation and Diversity, Chief Diversity Officer, Professor of Psychology
Read more
Irene Neller, M.A.
Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Communications
Read more
Araceli Espinoza, M.S.
Director of Community and Campus Partnerships for Admissions
Read more
Stu Cleek, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Life
Read more
Angela D'Amour, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
Read more
Kailie Grinder, Ph.D.
Director of Intercultural Programs
Read more
Admissions and Scholarships
Diversity-focused recruitment
First-generation
outreach
Financial aid & scholarship opportunities
Events: “
Affording Your College Dream
”
Community partnerships (schools, churches, orgs) -
Guaranteed Admissions
Learn More
Featured Stories and Voices
News and Updates
Previous
Alumna Leads ICP with Heart
Alumna Kailie Grinder ’16, who earned a doctorate in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, has returned to campus as
Westmont’s intercultural programs
(ICP) interim director.
Read Story
Dreaming of a Medical Career in English and Spanish
“Class of 2025, remember to be kind, remember to love one another, and remember that you’re going to do great things . . . wherever you go. You’re already one step closer to your dreams and one step ahead because you came to a school where you learned in two languages.”
Read More
Helping Students Achieve Their College Dream
More than 170 high school students and their families attended Affording Your College Dream, a community event that explores the best ways low-income students can fund a college education.
Read More
Emerging Effort to Serve Hispanic Students
With more than 23 percent of students identifying as Latino or Hispanic, Westmont has become an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Read More
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.
Read More
next
Study at the #1 Christian Liberal Arts College in California and the Western United States.
Learn More
Get Involved
Visit Campus
Attend Events
Join Student Organizations
Apply / Request Info
Contact Diversity Office
Prospective Students
Current Students/Alumni
Our Diversity Commitments
Christ-Centered Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Community
You Belong. Your Story Matters.
Our Commitment and Foundation
Diversity Matters
Christ holds first place in the educational mission of our college both as an academic institution and as a residential community. The specific expectations of college members in response to Christ’s preeminence are enumerated in the
Community Life Statement
. “Diversity Matters at Westmont” describes how we live out these expectations as we strive to love one another as Christ has first loved us.
Learn More
WHY MICAH 6:8?
Diversity is Biblical.
We believe that the call to be a diverse community is rooted in scripture and evident in God's creation.
There was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the lamb.
Revelation 7:9
God saw all that he had made and it was very good.
Genesis 1:1-31
Diversity is Communal.
We believe that diversity can only be expressed in community where we are sharing our distinct gifts, experiences and perspectives.
There are different kinds of gifts...The body is a unit, though it is made of many parts...if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it...
1 Cor. 12:4-31
Diversity is Practical.
We believe that we most effectively contribute to and benefit from a globalized society by learning skills that allow us to work, worship and live well and wisely in our world.
A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.
Romans 12:4-5
We believe that the call to be a diverse community is rooted in scripture and evident in God's creation.
Commitments & Key Documents
Policies
By the Numbers
FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS
MULTICULTURAL STUDENTS
HISPANIC STUDENTS
2025 JRD Assessment Report
Enrollment Statistics
Student Life & Intercultural Experience
Experience a community where your story is seen, valued and celebrated. Through intercultural programs, student organizations and campus-wide events, Westmont creates meaningful opportunities to build friendships, explore identity and engage across cultures. Discover the people, spaces and experiences that help you belong and grow both inside and outside the classroom.
Learn More
Programs
Intercultural Programs at Westmont bring students together to celebrate culture, build understanding and foster a deeper sense of belonging across campus.
Learn More
Organizations
Student intercultural organizations at Westmont create vibrant spaces where you can find your people, lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact on campus.
Learn More
Events
Intercultural events at Westmont spark connection, celebrate global perspectives and invite the campus community into meaningful, shared experiences.
Learn More
First-Generation Students
First-Generation Students
make up 20% of our Westmont community. “First-Generation” refers to students who have not had a parent or guardian graduate from a four year college in the United States. Each year, Westmont hosts a pre-orientation event for first-generation and international students along with
Affording Your College Dream
.
First-Generation College Student Organization
is sponsored under the
Center for Student Success
, with the
Gaede Institute
.
Learn More
You’ll feel right at home in the welcoming Westmont community.
Campus Life and Community Engagement
Campus Life and Community Engagement at Westmont cultivate a vibrant, Christ-centered community where meaningful relationships, service and shared experiences bring students together.
Learn More
Chapel, Conversations, and Campus Dialogue
Chapel, conversations and campus dialogue at Westmont create space for thoughtful reflection, honest conversation and a deeper pursuit of truth together.
Learn More
Residential Life and Belonging Initiatives
Residential Life and belonging initiatives at Westmont foster inclusive living communities where students are known, supported and truly feel at home.
Learn More
Campus-Wide Events and Partnerships
Campus-wide events and partnerships at Westmont bring the community together through shared experiences that inspire connection, collaboration and lasting impact.
Learn More
Media
Academic and College-Wide Initiatives
Academic Initiatives
Curriculum (e.g., Justice, Reconciliation, Diversity GE)▼
Courses rooted in justice, reconciliation and diversity equip students to think critically and engage the world with wisdom and compassion.
Faculty-led research and teaching▼
Faculty scholarship and teaching integrate diverse perspectives, inviting students into deeper inquiry and meaningful discovery.
Global and intercultural learning▼
Global and intercultural learning experiences broaden horizons and prepare students to navigate an increasingly connected world.
Learn More
College Initiatives
Strategic priorities▼
Strategic priorities guide intentional efforts to cultivate a more inclusive and thriving campus community.
Institutional commitments▼
Institutional commitments reflect Westmont’s ongoing dedication to fostering dignity, belonging and mutual respect.
Long-range diversity goals▼
Long-range diversity goals set a vision for sustained growth, accountability and lasting impact.
Learn More
Co-Curricular Impact
Leadership development▼
Leadership development opportunities empower students to lead with character, confidence and cultural awareness.
Service and community engagement▼
Service and community engagement connect students to meaningful work that makes a difference locally and globally.
Learn More
Faculty and Staff Initiatives
Inclusive hiring practices
Diversity recruitment strategies
Faculty/staff training and development
Mentorship and leadership pathways
Internal resources (e.g., hiring toolkit, diversity conversations)
Reflections from the President
Faculty and Staff Leadership
Carmel Saad, Ph.D.
Director of the Carol Houston Center for Justice, Reconciliation and Diversity, Chief Diversity Officer, Professor of Psychology
Read more
Irene Neller, M.A.
Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Communications
Read more
Araceli Espinoza, M.S.
Director of Community and Campus Partnerships for Admissions
Read more
Stu Cleek, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Life
Read more
Angela D'Amour, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
Read more
Kailie Grinder, Ph.D.
Director of Intercultural Programs
Read more
Admissions and Scholarships
Diversity-focused recruitment
First-generation
outreach
Financial aid & scholarship opportunities
Events: “
Affording Your College Dream
”
Community partnerships (schools, churches, orgs) -
Guaranteed Admissions
Learn More
Featured Stories and Voices
News and Updates
Previous
Alumna Leads ICP with Heart
Alumna Kailie Grinder ’16, who earned a doctorate in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, has returned to campus as
Westmont’s intercultural programs
(ICP) interim director.
Read Story
Dreaming of a Medical Career in English and Spanish
“Class of 2025, remember to be kind, remember to love one another, and remember that you’re going to do great things . . . wherever you go. You’re already one step closer to your dreams and one step ahead because you came to a school where you learned in two languages.”
Read More
Helping Students Achieve Their College Dream
More than 170 high school students and their families attended Affording Your College Dream, a community event that explores the best ways low-income students can fund a college education.
Read More
Emerging Effort to Serve Hispanic Students
With more than 23 percent of students identifying as Latino or Hispanic, Westmont has become an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Read More
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.
Read More
next
Study at the #1 Christian Liberal Arts College in California and the Western United States.
Learn More
Get Involved
Visit Campus
Attend Events
Join Student Organizations
Apply / Request Info
Contact Diversity Office
Prospective Students
Current Students/Alumni