Columbia College honored two pioneers in military education during a Veterans Week celebration Thursday, Nov. 13, on main campus in Columbia, Missouri.
In dedicating a named suite in St. Clair Hall, the College recognized the late Col. Frank S. Westling and Dean Frazier Moon ’74, whose vision transformed CC into the nationwide and military-friendly institution it is today.
The space will be called the Col. Frank S. Westling and Dean Frazier Moon ’74 Memorial Suite.
“We were lucky to have these two leaders at Columbia College,” said Trustee René Massey ’01, who worked with both in the Extended Studies Division, now known as Columbia College Global. “Understanding and honoring the legacy of Frazier and Frank is what today is all about.”
Following their distinguished military service, both men brought their leadership to CC, where they became architects of opportunity for countless adult learners. Their work established pathways that continue to serve civilian and military students across generations, as the College has stood as a steadfast partner to the nation’s military community for more than 50 years.
More than 100 people attended the celebration of their impact, including family members, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.
“Frank and Frazier were given their orders more than 50 years ago to put the structure, policies and procedures to support and grow the Extended Studies Division, now known as Columbia College Global, and they completely succeeded. What a team — they worked together and they did it with grace, kindness, focus, and always a bit of fun.”
Trustee René Massey ’01 on Col. Frank S. Westling and Dean Frazier Moon ’74
Westling retired from a highly decorated career in the U.S. Army when he was hired by his Vietnam platoon member Don Foster to join Columbia College in 1975. Westling was a smart, engaging leader who connected with faculty, staff and students alike as he insisted on professionalism and quality education. As dean, he is credited for the rapid growth and success of the Extended Studies Division.
His widow, Millie Westling, attended the ceremony with their living children, including daughter Victoria Westling Bassinson ’81 and her husband, Jeff; daughter Dr. Elizabeth Westling Wilson and her husband, Bruce; and daughter-in-law Brenda Westling, who represented Frank and Millie’s late son, Carlos, a founding member of the Delta Force.
Westling Wilson shared an excerpt from the eulogy given at her father’s funeral by Columbia College Professor Emeritus Sidney Larson in addition to relaying a personal story, while Westling Bassinson spoke of her father’s character demonstrated in his respect toward those around him.
Following her daughters at the podium, Millie Westling reflected on her husband’s devotion to his family and his work.
“The man never let a day go by where he didn’t say, ‘I love you, I’ll be back soon, take care of my children,’” Millie Westling said. “It’s an honor for me to be here today after all these years. I can only say thank you.”
Like Westling, Moon was an Army veteran, and he was one of the first male graduates of Columbia College in 1974. In 1987, Moon succeeded Westling as the dean of Extended Studies, bringing a calm and commanding presence for nine years as he allowed leaders to be leaders. In recognition of his example, the Frazier Moon Location of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding Columbia College location nationwide.
Mary Manning, Moon’s middle sister, traveled with her husband, Joe, from Stone Mountain, Georgia, to attend the ceremony. Manning spoke about the leadership qualities in her brother that she recognized even when she was in fourth grade and he was in high school.
“It’s often said that a person is remembered not by what they achieved, but by the impact they have had on the lives of the people around them,” Manning said. “I can safely say that even though I don’t know the impact Frazier had on every single individual, if Frazier was in the mix, he made an impact.”
Bridging the past to the present and future, the Col. Frank S. Westling & Dean Frazier Moon ’74 Memorial Scholarship stands as a tribute to their enduring legacy, supporting students across all Columbia College locations nationwide and online. You can learn more and contribute to this scholarship, ensuring their vision of quality education continues to transform lives.
Massey concluded her remarks with a story about a plant that was given to Moon as a birthday gift more than 30 years ago. Over time, Columbia College staff have preserved the plant, including a cutting that was showcased at the celebration.
The cutting was given to Moon’s family as a symbol of the College’s appreciation.
“Just as this plant shows a continuity, so does the scholarship in their name,” Massey said. “It allows students to continue to grow and hopefully one day pay it forward as well.”
