Kim Kihlstrom, Westmont professor of computer science, died Dec. 12 at home following a long battle with cancer. She was 56. A memorial service will be held at Montecito Covenant Church Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 2:30 p.m.
An inspiring run for a national title came up one game short for the Westmont women’s soccer team. The No. 2 Warriors (17-2-5) stumbled against No. 4 Concordia (Ore.) 1-0 in the 2013 NAIA National Championship on Dec. 7 in Orange Beach, Ala.
Westmont’s powerful Keck Telescope opens for a monthly viewing of the stars, Friday, Dec. 20. The free event is held every third Friday of the month in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit and begins after 6:30 p.m. and lasts several hours. The best viewing generally occurs later in the evening.
The ninth annual Westmont Christmas Festival, “Prepare the Way,” features music spanning 600 years celebrating Advent and Christmas Dec. 6-8 at First Presbyterian Church. Tickets, which are $25 each and support the Westmont Choir’s tour to Russia in spring 2014, are still available for the special benefit performance on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m.
Westmont kicks off the Christmas season with the 12th annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Kerrwood Lawn, Wednesday, Dec. 4. The lights on the 150-foot redwood tree, affectionately known as the Pickle Tree, will glow at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.