College Honors Faculty and Staff

Westmont celebrated service anniversaries and recognized its Employees of the Year at the annual Staff and Faculty Appreciation Brunch on campus. This year’s Employees of the Year were Charles Ryu, Christen Foell (‘01) and Aaron Sizer (‘01).

Ryu, an overachieving mobile, web application, and content management system developer, recently appeared on John Stossel TV to talk about escaping from North Korea – twice. “I have been constantly impressed by how hard you have worked and how you have embraced every challenge with a positive, confident attitude,” said Reed Sheard, vice president for college advancement and CIO.

Husband and wife Aaron and Christen co-direct the Gaede Institute for Liberal Arts, which oversees five programs: Thriving Communities, New Frontiers, Young Adult Leadership Lab, the Incarnational Preaching Project and Trailhead. Their life-changing work has empowered local churches to revitalize their ministries.

“It’s our privilege to honor Christen for her amazing, outstanding leadership, her servant leader’s heart, and her wisdom and grace that she leads with every day,” said Provost Kim Denu. 

President Gayle D. Beebe commended Sizer for his exceptional leadership in grant writing and strategic partnerships, particularly with the Lilly Endowment Inc., which has benefited pastors and congregations globally. “You’re a beautiful writer, a team thinker, an innovative developer and a great partner,” Beebe said. “We are also grateful for the many ways in which you are benefiting the church.”

The Bruce and Adaline Bare Outstanding Teacher Faculty Awards, which were announced at Commencement, included Nathan Huff, associate professor of art, Lisa DeBoer, professor of art, and Tim Van Haitsma, associate professor of kinesiology. John Blondell, retired professor of theater arts and global ambassador for the performing arts, was awarded the Special Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship and Production. 

The crowd also honored longtime Montecito resident Nancy (Favor) Phinney (’74), who has worked at the college for 40 years as director of college communications and senior editor.