Ed Westbrook, Professor Emeritus, was known as a friendly face across campus during his career at Southern California
College and Vanguard University. While teaching in the business department, Professor Westbrook helped hundreds of students achieve success in the classroom and helped them to land jobs to start their careers. He was also involved in the Athletic Department throughout his tenure. He was instrumental in helping to show potential student-athletes the type of care that they would get if they chose to attend VU and why the liberal arts, Christian-focused education would become a foundational career asset. He helped to convince many potential student-athletes to commit, including fellow HOF inductee Matt Hess. Professor Westbrook would help mentor and advise student-athletes in his classes and within the department. The business department being one the biggest on campus, he knew several student-athletes on various teams and enjoyed watching them play. Talking to them about their performance after the game or the next day in class further entrenched him as one of the most liked professors across campus. He also took many students, including student-athletes, on study abroad trips to give them first-hand experience.
He also served the Athletic Department by being involved on committees to help hire staff and coaches.
Westbrook attended Golden West Community College in Huntington Beach, where he completed his prerequisite courses before transferring to Westmont College in Santa Barbara in 1970. Ed studied Biology during his undergraduate years with an ambition to get into medical school.
In 1977, Ed attended Southern California College, now known as Vanguard University, to receive a multiple subject teaching credential. During this time, Ed met his wife, Cindy, through their mutual friend Jay and his wife. Cindy, who is one day younger than Ed, originally declined Ed's request for a first date but later accepted after he helped her move out of her apartment. They had their first date horseback riding in Corona and dated for a year before getting engaged. Today, they have been married for over 40 years. In 1982, Ed completed his Juris Doctorate degree from Western State College of Law.
Before working at Vanguard as a Professor, Ed did some consultation work as a business advisor for the University. He became an Adjunct Professor after agreeing to teach a business law class in 1985 and eventually taught more classes until he was teaching full-time. Ed has served at Vanguard for over 33 years. Today, Ed is still in touch with most of his students and believes teaching at a Christian institution was a calling that he loved. Ed is now currently retired from teaching and in his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife around the water watching canoe racing in Dana Point. He also owns a law firm in San Juan Capistrano and still works there.
In honor of Ed’s legacy, a portion of VU’s new student center was named the Westbrook Cove, a space where students and faculty can gather in community. He is also the eighth member of the Meritorious Service contingent in the Vanguard Hall of Fame.
