Welcome home, Westmar

Echoing the phrase Westmar alumni heard from here many times over the years at homecomings and founders' day events, Valda Embree, vice-president of institutional advancement for the Le Mars college, greeted more than 150 alums to the dedication of the Westmar Memorial Park Aug. 14 on the former campus of the school. Recalling the legend of King Arthur's round table, she connected its lesson of equality to the college mission focused on the worth of the individual. "From Jacob Wernli who began this campus in 1887 with seven eager students to its closing in 1997, the commitment to quality higher education remained strong." Students were challenged to develop skills that would prepare them for successful careers, fulfilled lives and service to the world community, she said, concluding, "This small space will always be a perpetual celebration of the ideals and values of Westmar."

(Sentinel photos by Sue Morris)