Author spotlight: Scott Craig

Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College.

Talk Examines AI’s Future, Possible Dangers
By Scott Craig   |   March 25, 2025

Two Westmont computer science professors will offer a holistic understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), explore promising new developments, and expose lurking dangers in a Westmont Downtown Lecture, “A Human Approach to AI: Understanding Its Promises and Perils,” on Thursday, March 27, at 5:30 pm at the Community Arts Workshop in downtown Santa Barbara. The talk […]

Stargazers to Catch Martian Views
By Scott Craig   |   March 25, 2025

Westmont’s powerful Keck Telescope will zoom in on Jupiter and its Galilean moons on Friday, March 21, beginning at 7:30 pm and lasting several hours. The Westmont Observatory is open to the public every third Friday of the month and held in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit, whose members bring their own telescopes […]

Baseball Swings Another Sweep
By Scott Craig   |   March 25, 2025

Westmont baseball (22-3, 17-1 PacWest), ranked No. 5 in NCAA DII by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, swept Azusa Pacific in a doubleheader, 9-5 and 11-2, on March 15 at Carr Field. The Warriors are 19-1 over their last 20 games.  Two pitchers established new program records for the Warriors. Senior starter Bryan Peck […]

Answering Demand for More Nurses
By Scott Craig   |   March 18, 2025

In response to increasing demand and need for nurses, Westmont Downtown Grotenhuis Nursing is growing the program. This May 24, more students will begin their studies in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. On February 26, The California Board of Registered Nursing approved Westmont’s plan to increase enrollment in its accelerated 16-month program, allowing students […]

Observatory Opens for Total Eclipse of the Moon
By Scott Craig   |   March 18, 2025

If the weather cooperates, the Westmont Observatory will open for the viewing of a rare lunar event beginning Thursday, March 13, at 10 pm and lasting until Friday, March 14, at 1 am. The powerful Keck Telescope will zoom in on a total lunar eclipse, which will be visible throughout North American and in some […]

Baseball Takes Down PacWest Foe
By Scott Craig   |   March 18, 2025

Westmont baseball (20-3, 15-1) won three of four games against Point Loma over the weekend to take a four-game lead over Jessup and Point Loma in PacWest Conference standings. Prior to the showdown at Carr Field, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Poll had Westmont ranked at No. 5 and Point Loma at […]

Rice Shares Global Vision of Democracy
By Scott Craig   |   March 11, 2025

Condoleezza Rice, the 66th U.S. Secretary of State, shared insight into the Russia-Ukraine war as well as China and other international hot spots, while sprinkling wisdom about democracy, education, and her childhood in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, at the Westmont President’s Breakfast on February 28. More than 700 early-morning attendees enjoyed the sold-out event, now in […]

‘Glowing Embers’ Forges Community Bonds
By Scott Craig   |   March 11, 2025

The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art hosted a powerful, heartful, outdoor event February 20 that included stories, poems and live music about the significance of the 2008 Tea Fire. At the center of the gathering in Westmont’s formal garden was an installation, Glowing Embers, created by local artist Ethan Turpin and Jonathan PJ Smith, co-owner […]

‘Wind in the Willows’ is Final Curtain for Blondell
By Scott Craig   |   March 4, 2025

Westmont’s famed theater arts professor John Blondell, who will retire after 37 years at the college, directs The Wind in the Willows, which runs at various dates and times through March 2 in Porter Theatre. Purchase tickets, which cost $20 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors, at westmont.edu/box-office. Blondell says he chose […]

Museum Hosts Living Earth Family Day 
By Scott Craig   |   March 4, 2025

Bring the whole family to the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art for a day of fun, free activities with food, crafts, games, music and storytelling focused on our environment. “Living Earth: A Family Day of Exploration” – on Saturday, March 1, from 11 am to 4 pm – focuses on the immersive exhibition WILDLAND: Ethan […]

Hoops Teams Battle in PacWest Tournament
By Scott Craig   |   March 4, 2025

Both the Westmont men’s and women’s basketball teams will begin play in their first-ever PacWest Tournament March 6 and 7 at the Conlan Center on the campus of Dominican University in San Rafael. The Warriors’ teams will conclude their regular seasons March 1 at Point Loma.  The women (17-9,13-6 PacWest) will be seeded no lower […]

Teen Math Whizzes Solve their Way to Victory
By Scott Craig   |   February 25, 2025

The mathletes of Dos Pueblos High School claimed top honors, beating seven other regional high schools at Westmont’s 36th annual Mathematics Field Day on February 8. They won the 9-10th grade College Bowl and the 11-12th grade Chalk Talk to claim overall victories in both grade levels. Oaks Christian claimed the 9-10th grade Written Team […]

College Offers Worship Leadership Major
By Scott Craig   |   February 25, 2025

Westmont has launched a new major in worship leadership designed for students pursuing careers as pastoral musicians with an emphasis on the contemporary worship styles more prevalent today.  The National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation, an organization of more than 600 colleges and universities that establishes national standards for degrees and credentials, […]

McIntyre Earns National Honor
By Scott Craig   |   February 25, 2025

Adrian McIntyre became the first athlete in Westmont basketball history to be named the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division II Player of the Week following his historic performance February 8 – when he scored 51 points in a 99-89 overtime win against Point Loma. The 51-point outburst, which broke Westmont’s single-game record, was […]

Mr. Shiang Goes to Washington
By Scott Craig   |   February 18, 2025

A class in international politics during his first semester at Westmont inspired David Shiang to consider a career in public service. Now a senior, he serves as student body president following a prestigious summer internship at the White House.  The son of Taiwanese immigrants, David grew up in Los Angeles and chose Westmont largely because […]

Warrior Breaks 70-Year-Old Record
By Scott Craig   |   February 18, 2025

Senior guard Adrian McIntyre scored 51 points shattering a Warrior record that had stood for 70 years and propelling Westmont to a key overtime 89-99 win against Point Loma on February 8th. McIntyre’s outburst bested the 46 points of Westmont legend Tine Hardeman, who died December 2nd at age 92.  The victory keeps the Westmont […]

Baseball Sweeps Gator
By Scott Craig   |   February 18, 2025

In its home opening weekend, No. 25 Westmont baseball (5-2) took all four games from San Francisco State (1-4). Catcher Shane Hofstadler hit .714 in the series to raise his overall batting average to .429, while infielder Michael Soper hit .470 in the series sweep. Local talent Jesse Di Maggio (Dos Pueblos) and Isaac Veal […]

Talk Explores Embracing Challenge
By Scott Craig   |   February 11, 2025

Drawing on his experience, Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe will share the power of life’s crucibles – those pivotal moments of trial and triumph – that have defined his personal and professional life and leadership. This free Westmont Downtown Lecture, The Crucibles That Shape Us: Navigating the Defining Challenges of Leadership, begins at 5:30 pm […]

Teen Mathletes Battle at Fun Field Day
By Scott Craig   |   February 11, 2025

Westmont’s 36th annual Mathematics Field Day features about 100 students from eight regional high schools in a friendly competition Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1 pm in Winter Hall.  The event includes college bowls with buzzers, written exams and Chalk Talks with student presentations. This year the Chalk Talk, a 10-12-minute presentation, is about base systems, […]

Baseball Opening Day
By Scott Craig   |   February 11, 2025

(photos by Brad Elliott) Westmont baseball celebrates the start of a new season at home this weekend against San Francisco State on Feb 8-9. The Warriors, ranked No. 25 in the 2025 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Poll, dropped two of three at Cal Poly Pomona last weekend in an exciting opening series.  […]

Lifelong Champions for Women Gather, Celebrate
By Scott Craig   |   February 4, 2025

The eighth annual Westmont Women’s Leadership Council Luncheon reached new heights with a goal of encouraging and empowering female students with scholarships and networking connections to help them thrive in their future careers. The event, which featured Henrietta Holsman Fore, a Santa Barbara native who served as executive director of UNICEF and USAID administrator, has […]

Talk Explores Art, Science of ‘WILDLAND’
By Scott Craig   |   February 4, 2025

Artist Ethan Turpin and scientist Naomi Tague explore their combined work for WILDLAND in a free public lecture, Beyond Data Visualization: Art-Science Collaboration with Ethan Turpin and Naomi Tague, on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 5:30-6:30 pm in Westmont’s Porter Theatre. No RSVPs are needed and light refreshments will be served.  Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art […]

Researchers Win Prize to Examine Homelessness
By Scott Craig   |   January 28, 2025

A Westmont student and professor have won the Hatfield Prize, which will allow them to conduct research this semester through interviewing churches, nonprofits and government agencies who are preventing and addressing homelessness in Santa Barbara. Kate Robinson, a sophomore political science major, has received $5,000 and Katherine Bryant, assistant professor of political science, has received […]

Honoring a Legendary Team
By Scott Craig   |   January 28, 2025

Legendary Westmont men’s basketball coach Chet Kammerer and assistant Randy Pfund will be part of an alumni event to celebrate Westmont’s 1983-84 team on Saturday, Jan. 25. The team, which finished the season with a 31-4 record and reached the semifinals of the NAIA National Tournament, was unbeaten in 14 games inside Murchison Gym. The […]

Rice Returns to President’s Breakfast
By Scott Craig   |   January 21, 2025

Condoleezza Rice, the 66th U.S. Secretary of State, returns to speak at the 20th annual Westmont President’s Breakfast on Friday, February 28, from 7-9 am at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Tickets cost $175 per person and go on sale Friday, January 31, at 9 am at westmont.edu/breakfast. Seating is limited, and tickets are […]

Growing Oaks Offer Wildfire Resilience 
By Scott Craig   |   January 21, 2025

A Westmont biology class is celebrating the growing success of an oak woodland restoration project in the barranca along the westside of Westmont’s campus. Nearly all of the 60 coast live oaks that were planted along the dry Westmont Creek in November 2023 are surviving and many have grown more than three feet tall.  Students […]

Strangely Beautiful ‘WILDLAND’ 
By Scott Craig   |   January 21, 2025

A large crowd of about 175 people gathered to appreciate the multifaceted exhibition of WILDLAND: Ethan Turpin’s Collaborations on Fire and Water on January 9 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The exhibition, which explores the complex relationships between fire, water and ourselves, is open through March 22.  The exhibit includes hands-on stereographs that […]

Museum Hosts Multimedia ‘WILDLAND’
By Scott Craig   |   January 14, 2025

The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art features the multimedia creations of Ethan Turpin, whose works are grounded in the natural cycles of wildfire, devastation, and recovery and regrowth from January 9 – March 22. The public is invited to a free opening reception of WILDLAND: Ethan Turpin’s Collaborations on Fire and Water on Thursday, January […]

Nursing Grads Implored to Offer Work to God
By Scott Craig   |   January 14, 2025

The fourth cohort of Westmont Downtown Grotenhuis Nursing graduates were celebrated at a pinning ceremony in front of friends and family December 12 at Montecito Covenant Church.  In his opening remarks, President Gayle D. Beebe addressed the energy and love the graduates developed with each other and their rapport with their faculty. “We’re grateful for […]

Remembering Tine Hardeman
By Scott Craig   |   January 14, 2025

I erroneously published a misidentified photo from the Westmont College Archives of Paul Heinrichs instead of legendary basketball player Tine Hardeman, who died Dec. 2 at the age of 92. Hardeman still holds Westmont’s single-game scoring record of 46 points.

Alum Gives Cyber-Blocking Gifts
By Scott Craig   |   December 24, 2024

Christmas came early for area law enforcement agencies who received Mission Darkness Faraday bags, tents, and lockers that block radio waves, including cell phone signals. Westmont alumnus Ryan Judy (‘08), MOS Equipment founder, hosted the second annual giveaway luncheon December 11th for dozens of members of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Santa Barbara County […]

Star Party Features Saturn, Jupiter 
By Scott Craig   |   December 24, 2024

Westmont’s final monthly stargazing event of 2024 features our solar system’s two gas giants, as well as Orion, the Owl Cluster, and the Andromeda galaxy – on Friday, December 20, at 6:30 pm and lasting several hours at the Westmont Observatory. Along with the college’s powerful Keck Telescope, members of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit […]

Tine Hardeman to be Honored
By Scott Craig   |   December 24, 2024

Westmont honored alumnus Tine Hardeman (‘55) – who died Dec. 2 at age 92 – prior to the women’s basketball game against Azusa Pacific University on Dec. 14 in Murchison Gym.  Hardeman’s son, T.J. (’78), who coaches APU’s women’s team, and several family members were in attendance for the brief ceremony. Several of Tine’s children […]

Women Engineers Rule Racing Day
By Scott Craig   |   December 17, 2024

Westmont’s 12 junior engineering students battled in a three-part competition as part of their Machine Design course that included racing and jumping the 500-piece remote-control car they had created in front of Kerrwood Hall on Dec. 5.  In the end, it was the women who shined with the team of Grace Morgan and Ainsley Martin […]

Luncheon Features Former USAID Head 
By Scott Craig   |   December 17, 2024

The Westmont Women’s Leadership Council Luncheon features Henrietta Holsman Fore – a recognized leader in business, corporate boards, the U.S. government, the United Nations and nonprofit organizations – on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, 12-1:30 pm at Montecito Covenant Church, 671 Cold Spring Road, Santa Barbara. A limited number of tickets, which cost $150 per person, […]

Let There Be Light
By Scott Craig   |   December 17, 2024

The college kicked off the Christmas season with its annual lighting of Kerrwood Hall in a festive event, Let There Be Light, on Dec. 3 as the Westmont community gathered on Kerrwood Lawn. Santa posed for pictures inside the holiday-decorated Kerrwood Hall lobby.  Brad Elliott, campus photographer and Your Westmont contributor, was named the special […]

Student Engineers Are Off to the Races
By Scott Craig   |   December 10, 2024

Westmont’s junior engineering students will take part in the fourth annual remote-control car competition on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 1:30 pm in front of Kerrwood Hall. The public is welcome to cheer on the students, who’ve spent the last 10 weeks working in teams to assemble hundreds of parts to create their race cars. This […]

Christmas Festival Tickets
By Scott Craig   |   December 10, 2024

Tickets have been selling briskly for the 20th annual Westmont Christmas Festival which will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 pm and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 pm at the Granada Theatre. Tickets, which cost $22 each, may be purchased at westmont.edu/christmas-festival.  This wonderful evening of music features the Westmont Orchestra, College Choir, and […]

Festive Holiday Art Sale
By Scott Craig   |   December 10, 2024

The Westmont Art Department’s annual Holiday Art Sale features handmade work by students, faculty and alumni on Friday, Dec. 6 from 11 am – 4 pm along the second floor of Adams Center for the Visual Arts and in the design and craft studios. A portion of sales support art student scholarship fund.  This festival […]

Warrior Signs with Blue Jays
By Scott Craig   |   December 10, 2024

Westmont alumnus Michael Stefanic (‘18), who has played in the Los Angeles Angels’ organization since he signed in July 2018, has inked a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He made his Major League debut in 2022 and has played in 90 games with the Angels over the last three seasons.  The 28-year-old […]