THE EVENT SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 1 HAS BEEN MOVED TO APRIL 29 AND MODIFIED IN FORMAT.
WHO: Westminster College and the Epsilon Iota chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta in partnership with Heart of Missouri CASA
WHAT: The lights that shine on Westminster’s iconic Greek-revival columns will be ceremonially switched to blue during the month of April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The change in color takes place in solidarity with Callaway Goes Blue for CASA efforts to put a halt to child abuse. Community and Kappa Alpha Theta representatives will speak at a ceremony that will summarize the month’s efforts.
The event is open to the public. Fraternity and sorority representation from Westminster College and William Woods University is anticipated.*
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 29
WHERE: The Historic Columns on the Hill at Westminster College, adjacent to Lampkin Drive
WHY: As of 2025, approximately 188 Callaway County children were in foster care, with 85 still waiting for a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA volunteer. Heart of Missouri CASA is a chapter of a national organization that recruits, trains and supports everyday community members to walk beside children in foster care, providing life-changing advocacy and ensuring every child’s voice is heard.
“Seeing students lead the effort to light the Westminster Columns blue for National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a powerful reminder that advocacy begins with awareness,” says Heart of Missouri CASA Executive Director Kelly Hill. “In Callaway County, CASA volunteers work every day to ensure children in foster care have a voice, and together, Callaway community members are changing the lives of children in the Heart of Missouri.”
*This event is subject to change based on the local forecast. Cancellation based on severe storms will be announced on Westminster’s social media platforms.
ABOUT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College is ranked prestigiously by The Princeton Review as one of 151 “Best Colleges in the Midwest” for 2026 and is among a select group of full-participation institutions nationwide in the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition, as recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. New graduates experience a more than 90% placement rate within six months of graduation, while Westminster alumni are in the top 16% nationwide for graduate earnings. The only National Liberal Arts college in Missouri, Westminster has long been recognized for its focus on educating and inspiring students to make an impact on the world around them. Find out more about Westminster College by visiting www.wcmo.edu.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
