Giving Stories
Carleton presents William Carleton Medal to Stephen '53 and Phyllis West
February 27th, 2008
In recognition of their outstanding support and commitment to Carleton, President Robert Oden Jr. presented Stephen '53 and Phyllis West with the College's William Carleton Medal on February 27, 2008.
At a the presentation event in Indiana, President Oden remarked, "Steve and Phyllis West have strengthened and enriched Carleton College with their inspiring generosity, vision, and dedication to serving the needs of the global community. Their tremendous philanthropy to the College and commitment to Carleton's focus on international understanding make them shining examples of leadership and stewardship.
An Indiana native, Steve studied economics, government, and international relations during his four years at Carleton. He built a successful and distinguished business career at West Baking, a family-owned company started by Steve's father, Harold West. Long interested in viable community development and civic responsibility, Steve served as an elected official of the Indianapolis city council for 23 years and has been a member of numerous civic associations and commissions, including the board of trustees of the Indiana Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County. Steve is also a former trustee of Defiance College in Ohio and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.
Steve, Phyllis, and their daughter, Emily, direct The West Foundation, a 48-year-old family foundation based in Indianapolis that supports international community development, youth development agencies, and literacy initiatives. The Foundation has generously funded programs addressing poverty, health, and educational issues in Latin America, Africa, and India. Through its financial and advocacy support of ProLiteracy Worldwide, The West Foundation has been especially dynamic in championing the life-changing benefits of literacy for adults and their families.
In 2003, Steve and Phyllis established The Initiative for Service Internships in International Development at Carleton College in honor of Steve's 50th reunion. The Initiative supports internships for Carleton students working as volunteers in developing countries.
Building on the success of the Initiative, the Wests in 2007 created the Phyllis and Stephen R. West '53 Endowed Fund for Off Campus Study in Developing Nations. This fund supports off campus study programs, winter break programs, and faculty development opportunities that engage students and faculty with the complicated and interrelated problems faced by developing nations. Together, these funds serve as catalysts for the vision shared by the West family: Carleton College will be a place where young people develop a fuller understanding of the complexities of international development and are encouraged to consider service-oriented professions.
The Wests have shown remarkable devotion to Carleton with these transformative gifts and their consistent and generous giving to the Alumni Annual Fund. Additionally, Steve has demonstrated an uncommon and admirable loyalty to his alma mater through his tireless work on the Class of 1953 reunion committee and ongoing service as a co-class agent for the Annual Fund.
The William Carleton Medal represents a signal honor conferred by Carleton's Board of Trustees in recognition of extraordinary support of the school.
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