Emmons Earns Spirit of SB Award

President Gayle D. Beebe gave Christine Emmons the 2024 Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Spirit of Santa Barbara Award at the Westmont Women’s Leadership Council Luncheon on Jan. 19.

Emmons, a trustee of the Mosher Foundation and a fixture of the Santa Barbara art, music, and education nonprofit scene for several decades, is also a former pilot. She said that while she and Bob, her husband of 43 years, have shared honors in the past, the last award she earned on her own was the result of winning an airplane race from Santa Monica to Bend, Oregon. 

“This award is incredibly meaningful to me,” she said. “I’m honored to be affiliated with Leslie’s name. She was a dear friend of mine and meant so much to our community.”

Since 2016, the council has sought to recognize and empower women, to create a tradition of female leadership and support at the college, and to connect women in the community and strengthen their ties to Westmont.

“To the students who are benefiting from the work of the Women’s Leadership Council, we wish you every success in finding your passion and making the world a better place,” she said.