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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

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).

Motoko Ezaki
NTT Professor of Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture Motoko Ezaki is retiring after 32 years at ºù«Ӱҵ. This tribute to her career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Professor Irene Girton, Occidental, Music
As the College says goodbye to an unprecedented 11 retiring faculty, we called on some of their brightest students to share their memories, tributes, and an extra box of tissues
ºù«Ӱҵ 1990s
As its second century dawned, Occidental welcomed a bold new president, adopted a mission Of Excellence and Equity, and brought a diversity of voices to the classroom. How did the changes...
Beverly Hills 90210, ºù«Ӱҵ
How did ºù«Ӱҵ outfox the Trojans and Bruins to bring 90210 to campus?
Gilman Fountain in 1979
The Lucille Y. Gilman Memorial Fountain—formally known as Water Forms II—occupies a prominent place on campus and in the hearts of generations of alumni. George Baker ’58’s former students...
Water Forms II, Occidental, Gilman Fountain
As with any abstract art, the meaning of Baker's scultpure depends on the eye of the beholder. It helps to have a guide
Emmons Health Center, COVID-19 vaccine
As California takes major strides in the fight against the pandemic, the College makes plans to bring students, faculty, and staff back to campus this fall
Belonging at ºù«Ӱҵ, Daniella Michelin '94
When artist Jocelyn Pedersen, who teaches a class in Book Arts, learned that students would not be returning to campus in the spring, she wanted to give members of the ºù«Ӱҵ community a chance...
ºù«Ӱҵ President Harry J. Elam, Jr.
On April 8, I delivered my first State of the College speech—what I hope will become an annual event.
Get Me Rewrite!
Alumni memories of honing writing skills, replacing a broken windshield, and hanging with Ming Cho Lee ’53
ºù«Ӱҵ Athletics, aquatics center
ºù«Ӱҵ’s facilities reopen for practice, sparking hope and connection among the student-athlete community
Bird Show, Susan Stockdale
New books and music by ºù«Ӱҵ alumni, faculty, and staff
Vince Cuseo, Occidental Admission
Vince Cuseo has been instrumental to the success of ºù«Ӱҵ’s admission efforts for the last 22 years—and his commitment to ºù«Ӱҵ’s mission can’t be measured by test scores
Ming Cho Lee '53
The Tony-winning set designer and legendary Yale professor, who died last fall, dedicated himself to theater and to teaching, Ann Sheffield ’83 recalls
Jean Wyatt
Professor of English Jean Wyatt is retiring after an unprecedented 51 years in the classroom. This tribute is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.

Features

Occidental biology major Hannah Tawadrous '26
Lessons in Biology
ºù«Ӱҵ’s biology program blends exploration and experimentation, empowering students to uncover and explain life’s diverse ecosystems
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

Members of Delta Omicron Tau spannng five decades raise a glass at the Delta House one last time on October 19.
Change Comes to Delta House
After 124 years, Delta Omicron Tau raises a glass to its history with a farewell toast—but its legacy will continue as a cornerstone of the ºù«Ӱҵ community
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

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

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