2025 Year in Review
Expanding Opportunities in Utah and Beyond
This year was a time of celebration and continued momentum for Westminster University, as we finished highlighting our sesquicentennial year. This fall, we welcomed 260 new students to the Class of 2029. This cohort represented students from nearly every state and over 20 countries. Nearly one-third of the incoming class are the first in their families to attend college. The Westminster community also grew stronger in 2025, with the highest-ever first-year retention rate reaching 86%.
Across campus, there were new and refreshed spaces, like The W Shop's move to Nightingale Hall, the Writing Center relocating to Giovale Library, and refreshed dining spaces that made campus life more vibrant than ever. Westminster students excelled in the classroom, on the field, and on stage, supported by expanded wellness programs in the L.S. Skaggs Integrated Wellness Center. The W Shop expanded and moved to Nightingale Hall, and to celebrate, released the first-ever Griffin Squishmallow.
This year, Westminster launched Sophomore Study Away to support learning beyond the classroom. This immersive, fully funded travel-learning opportunity is included at no extra cost as part of every first-year student’s education.
Through the Cost Transparency Initiative and the Westminster Commitment, we’re helping more students see that a college education is within reach. As we look ahead, the Westminster spirit of curiosity, inclusion, and purpose continues to guide us into the next 150 years.
A Historic Milestone
For 150 years, Westminster has stood proudly on the values of our founders: inclusivity, equality, and integrity. To mark our milestone year, Westminster hosted several events, including the first-ever Presidential Speaker Series that brought great minds to campus.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall declared April 10 as “Westminster Day” and we hosted students and neighbors for a sesquicentennial celebration (and a very big cake). The Sesquicentennial Gala brought together alumni and donors to raise $1.3M for student scholarships. The university also renewed a pledge to support the education of future Olympians through a partnership with U.S. Ski and Snowboard.
In commemorating Westminster's long tradition of excellence, we honored our past, celebrated our present, and planned for our bright future.
President Dobkin’s Legacy of Progress
After serving 40 years in higher education and 8 years as president of Westminster University, President Beth Dobkin announced she will retire at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
During her tenure at Westminster, President Dobkin led the institution through a period of bold growth and change, guiding the transition from college to university, spearheading major fundraising efforts, expanding academic offerings, and championing equity and inclusion in higher education.
From navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to ushering in Westminster’s 150th year with a record-setting scholarship fundraising, President Dobkin leaves behind a legacy of vision, progress, and impact.
Class of 2025
The Class of 2025 marked a milestone in our history as the 150th graduating class, carrying forward a legacy of innovation and academic excellence that defines Westminster.
The Class of 2025 included:
- 9 First Scholars graduates
- 7 graduating veterans and ROTC students
- 51 graduating student-athletes
- 7 fellowship applicants
- 30 Honors College graduates
Welcoming the Class of 2029
Westminster welcomed the Class of 2029, with students hailing from 30 different states and 134 different high schools worldwide, and transfer students joining from 27 different colleges and universities. More than 20 adult learners returned to earn their degrees, and nearly one-third of the class is the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Griffin Athletics
- Golfer Ashley Lam won the RMAC championship, was the Freshman of the Year, and Golfer of the Year in the RMAC. Women’s golf coach Denise Larson won Coach of the Year.
- Men’s lacrosse and women’s soccer both won RMAC Brechler Awards. The Brechler Awards recognize the league’s best grade-point averages for each of its NCAA sponsored teams throughout the academic year.
- Mountain Sports student-athletes Benjamin Angerer and Alejandro Puente Tasias both competed in the Men's Alpine Skiing NCAA Championships. Hestad Vognild Guro and Tintorri Giulia both competed in the Women's Alpine NCAA Skiing Championships.
Academics and Student Success
In 2025, Westminster continued its history of academic excellence and achievements. The Honors College named Alicia Cunningham‑Bryant as dean and celebrated its largest class ever. Thanks to a major $2M federal grant, the new GROWS program will support students in STEM-related majors. Students in the arts and music earned real recognition with glowing theatre reviews and the opportunity to learn from songwriter Josh Ritter in hands-on workshops. Westminster led the state as the top college for 4-year graduation rates, supporting students in their academic journeys. Recent Westminster grads also continued to excel: 98% reported that their degree helped them meet professional goals, and a majority say it boosted their communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
Connecting with the Community
Westminster celebrated a year of connection with our campus community and Sugar House neighbors. We celebrated at the inaugural Sugar Fest and a Grill and Chill party at Brighton Resort, hosted by ASW and Mountain Sports student-athletes. Programs like the Gore School of Business Tax Clinic and the Community Clinic and Training Center supported our neighbors in need. Science Saturdays provided hands-on STEM learning to local middle and high school students, and HWAC Family Nights supported health and recreation for staff and faculty families. Speech and Debate helped students to think critically at on-campus tournaments, and Westminster announced a renewed partnership with U.S. Ski and Snowboard to support Olympic hopefuls.
