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Cool Change illustration for Occidental magazine
Cool Change
After years of sleepless nights and hot-weather hacks, every residence hall finally has air conditioning—much to the relief of current and future Tigers

Occidental magazine brings you campus news, in-depth features, and profiles of exceptional alumni. For the 2025-26 academic year, the magazine will publish one digital-only issue (Summer 2025) and two print and digital issues (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026).

President Tom Stritikus and Professor of Kinesiology Stuart Rugg at Commencement in May 2025.
With seemingly boundless energy, a passion for teaching, and his signature catchphrase, Rugg helped build kinesiology into a signature program at ºù«Ӱҵ
Professor Peter Dreier at Anderson Field
After 32 years as a professor at ºù«Ӱҵ, Dreier will return in 2026 as an adjunct—to teach his first-ever class on poverty and inequality and take one more swing at Campaign Semester
A first-year member of the Class of 2018 talks with Puerto during Orientation activities on Aug. 25, 2014, in the Academic Quad.
As an associate professor of history and Latina/o and Latin American studies, Puerto built a life and a curriculum deeply rooted in the Highland Park community
Occidental Professor Emeritus Elmer Griffin, photographed in 2001.
From Fall 2001: With a curriculum that incorporates psychology, religion, Rastafari, and racism, Associate Professor Elmer Griffin challenges his students to reimagine the world
Cool Change illustration for Occidental magazine
After years of sleepless nights and hot-weather hacks, every residence hall finally has air conditioning—much to the relief of current and future Tigers
Detail from Turtle Walker poster
From John Wick to Wittgenstein, and a sea turtle mystery to an underwater thriller, there's something for everyone in our summer reading (and viewing) roundup
Assistant Professor of Chemistry Raul Navarro and President Stritikus discuss cognitive science major Stephen Sekyere '28's research at Occidental's Summer Research Program Conference on July 30.
Occidental's singular summer programs strengthen the College's institutional identity, contributing to a vibrant research culture as well as our shared communities
Board of Trustees announcement
As Art Peck ’77 succeeds Lisa Link P’18 as chair, seven new trustees join the Board of Trustees—and two long-serving members return for new terms
Mariah Rutiaga Amaya ’22 outside the Hameetman Career Center.
Recent ºù«Ӱҵ grads from a variety of disciplines are enrolling in top-tier medical schools in unprecedented numbers, applying their own life experiences to the future of healthcare
Mast Reforestation CEO Grant Canary '05
Utilizing biomass burial and carbon credits, Mast Reforestation CEO Grant Canary ’05 is on a mission to revive scorched landscapes in the American West
Occidental Board of Trustees Chair Art Peck '77
Business veteran Art Peck ’77 brings his leadership acumen to the Board of Trustees at a critical juncture in higher education when the College’s mission—and messaging—are more important...
ºù«Ӱҵ professors and students engaged in summer research and internships
From artificial intelligence in the classroom to immigrant rights in the city, the Occidental landscape has been abuzz with activity for faculty and students alike
Claire Wilson-Black ’26, Talia Goddard ’27, and Brandon Kim ’27
As planning heats up for the 2028 Summer Olympics, ºù«Ӱҵ students are doing their part to ensure a just and sustainable Games
Emerita Professor Betsy Perry
Emerita Adjunct Professor Betsy Perry, who taught at ºù«Ӱҵ for 19 years, published extensively on Early Modern Spain and advocated for the equal treatment of all academics
Ann La Rue Matlow '68 and husband Dave.
Caring, inquisitive, and adventurous, Ann was a friend to all her 1968 classmates—and an estate gift will support future generations of Tigers globally

Features

Occidental alumni Eric Chen, Tammy Bird, Mike Schmidt, and Jenny Dean Schmidt
Catalysts for the Public Good
From uplifting inner-city scholars in South Central L.A. to prison moms in Colorado to a Monterey Park community in need, ºù«Ӱҵ alumni embrace the College's mission
Two-time Emmy winner Emma Choate ’20 with her 2-year-old Irish wolfhound, George.
When Emmy Met ºù«Ӱҵ
From casting to costumes to music direction and composition, three Occidental alumni live out their Hollywood dreams while being honored by their peers
Gibby Professor of Science Margi Rusmore
Margi Rusmore Reaches the Apex
ºù«Ӱҵ's inaugural Gibby Professor of Science may be exiting the classroom, but there are still mountains to climb—as well as prepping her data (and her extensive rock collection) for future...

First Word

From the Quad

Current year scholarship recipients Alyssa Zatarain '29 and Sunny Tuazon '29
Unlocking the Future
For first-generation college students Alyssa Zatarain ’29 and Sunny Tuazon ’29, current-year scholarship support opened the doors to an ºù«Ӱҵ education
Bob Johnson '77, Kenturah Davis '02, and President Harry Elam Jr.
A Portrait Worth a Thousand Words
Harry J. Elam Jr. takes his place among the gallery of ºù«Ӱҵ presidents in the Academic Commons—and artist Kenturah Davis ’02 reveals how she captured his dreams on canvas
Claire Wilson-Black ’26, Talia Goddard ’27, and Brandon Kim ’27
Carrying the Torch
As planning heats up for the 2028 Summer Olympics, ºù«Ӱҵ students are doing their part to ensure a just and sustainable Games
Mariah Rutiaga Amaya ’22 outside the Hameetman Career Center.
Vital Signs
Recent ºù«Ӱҵ grads from a variety of disciplines are enrolling in top-tier medical schools in unprecedented numbers, applying their own life experiences to the future of healthcare

Mixed Media

Detail from Turtle Walker poster
Much Ado About Turtles (and Keanu)
From John Wick to Wittgenstein, and a sea turtle mystery to an underwater thriller, there's something for everyone in our summer reading (and viewing) roundup
Terry Kitchen '81 performs "We All Dream."
Mixed Media
A host of new works by ºù«Ӱҵ alumni explore explore themes of democracy, resilience, and human connection—as well as our fascination with horses, dragons, and ocean life

ºù«Ӱҵ Talk

Occidental Board of Trustees Chair Art Peck '77
The Occidental Imperative
Business veteran Art Peck ’77 brings his leadership acumen to the Board of Trustees at a critical juncture in higher education when the College’s mission—and messaging—are more important...
Administrative Law Judge Brian Gee ’87
Judgment Calls
Separated by 2,700 miles, National Labor Relations Board administrative law judges Brian Gee ’87 and Ira Sandron ’71 find common ground in ºù«Ӱҵ

Last Page

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