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National Public Radio correspondent Kat Lonsdorf ’09 at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Kat Meets World
From Tel Aviv and Beirut to Minneapolis and Washington, NPR reporter Kat Lonsdorf ’09 follows the news wherever it leads, covering some of the defining stories of our time

Occidental Magazine

Occidental magazine brings you campus news, in-depth features, and profiles of exceptional alumni. For the 2026-27 academic year, the magazine will publish one digital-only issue (Summer 2026) and two print and digital issues (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027).

From the Readers
Responses to our trivia quiz, tales of Professor De Rycke, and how education at ºù«Ӱҵ—and the United States—has changed over the last 70 years
'She Shed Light Everywhere'
Kind, focused, concerned, and effective, Carolyn Adams (1950-2018) embodied the spirit of the ºù«Ӱҵ community
Seven Wonders
ºù«Ӱҵ’s next generation of academics reflects on the College, their research, and the value of mentoring
Worth Noting
Literary honors for history professors Lisa Sousa and Sharla Fett, and a National Science Foundation grant for biology professor Dan Pondella '87 M'92
Clancy Morrison, Gregory Peck
Trivial Pursuits
So you think you know ºù«Ӱҵ? Take our little quiz—we're not keeping score—and you might be surprised about some things you never learned
ºù«Ӱҵ economics faculty
Economies of Scale
These are boom times for economics—ºù«Ӱҵ’s biggest major for the last 19 years. As two popular professors prepare to retire, how will the department evolve?
tor
Apple Watch
Apple vice president of marketing communications Tor Myhren ’94 has “the best job in the world.” (He just can’t talk much about it.)
Pat Gillette
Outside the Box
Employment lawyer turned mediator, author, and keynote speaker Pat Gillette ’73 helps women and businesses find common ground through uncommon solutions
ºù«Ӱҵ students and their faculty mentors
My ºù«Ӱҵ Mentor
Whether the topic is research or career options or life itself, meaningful interaction between students and professors is a vital component of the ºù«Ӱҵ journey. Four graduating seniors and...
'Our Place of Becoming'
Capping a celebration of women in leadership at Commencement, Sara El-Amine ’07 gets to the heart, hands, and brains of the ºù«Ӱҵ experience
Team Effort
Generations of ºù«Ӱҵ alumni rallied to save Tigers football from extinction. Now the hard work continues
'Identity Conflict'
To build a future "founded on fairness," Israeli and Palestinian self-determination need to move hand in hand, according to Kemp Lecturer Tal Becker
Win, Place, and Showtime
ºù«Ӱҵ’s men’s and women’s track teams cap another spring campaign with four All-American honorees and their 31st consecutive trip to the nationals
Highlight Reel
Spring sports standouts in lacrosse and baseball
Worth Noting
A new major and minor in Black studies, a new photograph for the Huntington Library, and a top honor for teacher Jennifer Tróchez MacLean ’91

Features

Professor of Art and Art History Amy Lyford in October 2021.
Postcards From Amy Lyford
After the Eaton Fire upended her life, the longtime Occidental professor reflects on finding a new home, returning to her research, and reconnecting with her community through art
Professor of Politics Emeritus Tsung Chi, photographed in June 2026.
A Round of Applause for Tsung Chi
After 35 years at ºù«Ӱҵ, the politics professor looks back on a career shaped by remarkable mentors, devoted students, and a deep belief in a liberal arts education
National Public Radio correspondent Kat Lonsdorf ’09 at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Kat Meets World
From Tel Aviv and Beirut to Minneapolis and Washington, NPR reporter Kat Lonsdorf ’09 follows the news wherever it leads, covering some of the defining stories of our time
Professor of Sociology Emeritus Jan Lin, photographed in June 2026.
Jan Lin’s Street Stories
For 28 years, Occidental’s renowned urban and community sociologist has connected the College with its surrounding neighborhoods through research, teaching, and thoughtful partnerships
Joy Shigaki ’94, president and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park in Seattle.
Bringing Joy to Her Community
Joy Shigaki ’94 turned her lifelong commitment to social justice and community building into a career dedicated to creating inclusive public spaces—and Seattle’s Waterfront Park is her most...

First Word

From the Quad

Shane Kawakami-Williams ’27
Brewing Up a Comeback
A $1 million gift from Doug Odell ’75 is giving Occidental track and field a boost as it improves its facilities, strengthens its roster, and aims to compete at a higher level
Curb Visiting Fellow Michael Lloyd, far right, and Resident Assistant Professor Max Foreman with ºù«Ӱҵ students in the Choi Family Music Production Center.
Accelerating the Tempo
New industry partnerships, expanded course offerings, and a reimagined Booth Hall are positioning the Music Department for its second century
From left, Lizzie Friedrich ’25, Lily Calvert ’25, and Hayden Jennings ’25 share a red-carpet moment during the 2026 Slamdance Film Festival.
A Ticket to Slamdance
ºù«Ӱҵ students and alumni find pathways into the Slamdance Film Festival, gaining industry exposure and experience following its move to Los Angeles

Mixed Media

Blue Film director Elliot Tuttle '22, second from left, with the film's stars.
Rhapsody in Blue
Elliot Tuttle ’22’s microbudget debut feature is one of the year’s breakout indie films—but getting there was its own odyssey

ºù«Ӱҵ Talk

2025-26 Kemp Lecturer Tim Miller with Occidental Professor Caroline Heldman.
Miller’s Crossing
Former GOP operative Tim Miller recounts his own political reckoning—and offers pearls of hope in the face of despair—as the 2025-26 Jack Kemp '57 Distinguished Lecturer

Last Page

Dale and Shirley Morter photographed on January 1, 2000.
A Couple’s Legacy
A scholarship gift honoring Shirley and Dale Morter ’56 will bring students from southwestern Pennsylvania to Occidental
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