HUNTINGTON BEACH : College Appoints Acting Vice President

Golden West College’s athletic director, Tom Hermstad, has been named acting vice president of instruction.

Hermstad is filling the position formerly held by Philip Westin, who became president of Golden West College on July 1.

Hermstad’s new duties will include overseeing the variety and selection of classes offered at the two-year college.

Hermstad has headed Golden West’s athletic programs since 1986. He served as a referee for international water polo competition in the Olympic Games of 1972, 1976, 1984 and 1988. He said his experiences as an international sports referee strengthened his commitment to increasing student diversity at Golden West.

“I’ve been exposed to many cultures in my water polo officiating assignments throughout the world,” he said. “Hearing different languages, experiencing different customs, enjoying exotic cuisine and working one-on-one with different peoples have given me a firsthand appreciation of the value of diversity in the world.”

As acting vice president of instruction, Hermstad said he plans to continue “efforts begun by President Westin to improve the school’s curriculum.”