This story was originally published in the 2024 edition of Discovery magazine, the College of Science's publication. This edition of Discovery celebrated the 20th anniversary of the College of Science. The video above was shown at the College's 20th anniversary gala in Sept. 2024.
When David Westfall stepped down from his five-year role as the College of Science’s founding dean, he said, "Anyone who knows me knows that I love our students – that's probably going to be the hardest thing for me to step away from. To hear their stories, and to feel that in some small part that I helped contribute to the realization of a lifelong goal, is something I will always cherish about my time at Nevada."
Those who know David know that he has never truly stepped away. He, along with his wife, Shirley, continues to support and encourage students in the College of Science with an endowment for what is now called the Dean David P. Westfall Award for Academic Excellence. Formerly known as the "Dean's Senior Scholars Award," the award was renamed when the Westfalls contributed to the endowment. This biannual award recognizes the top students in each department in the College of Science who have earned at least a 3.75 GPA (though many Westfall Scholars have earned a 4.0 GPA). Students who earn the title of "Westfall Scholar" receive a $500 award for their hard work.
Each semester, a luncheon is held, during which students receive their Westfall medals and speak about their academic journey. To date, over 300 students have been named Westfall Scholars.
"The Westfall Scholars would be the top students at any university," David said.
David worked at the University for over a quarter of a century. He was previously a professor in the Department of Pharmacology (where he also served as department chair for 15 years) in the University’s School of Medicine and served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University from 1996 to 2001.
"David's legacy as dean can be seen in many of the programs and initiatives in the College of Science," Jeff Thompson, Executive Vice President and Provost of the University, and former dean of the College of Science, said. "His continued involvement on our campus is a testament to his enduring commitment to our students."
David was not only a successful administrator, but also an accomplished researcher and beloved teacher. He received numerous researcher awards at the School of Medicine and the University, including the Regent’s Outstanding Researcher award, and the University’s Outstanding Researcher award. He published over 350 research articles during his career. He was named a University Foundation Professor in 1987 and also received the University’s Outstanding Professor award. David also received the School of Medicine’s Outstanding Teacher Award and was a three-time "Golden Apple" award recipient, an award recognizing outstanding teaching given by the School of Medicine’s graduating class.
The Westfall family’s legacy continues at the School of Medicine, where David and Shirley’s daughter Alison Westfall '98 M.D. attended medical school and now works as an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
David still serves as a member of the College of Science Advisory Council, and he and Shirley (and occasionally Alison) attend every Westfall Scholar Luncheon to hear the stories of students who found success within the College that he founded 20 years ago.
"It was a great honor for me to serve as the Founding Dean of what has become a great College of Science," David said.
