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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).

ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ President Harry J. Elam, Jr.
In a joyous ceremony showcasing the arts and ‘New Harmonies,’ Harry J. Elam, Jr. is inaugurated as Occidental’s 16th president
"New Harmonies" are at the heart of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡'s Integrated Strategic Plan.
What will the College look like in 2030? ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡'s Integrated Strategic Plan identifies 11 key issues
The ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Campaign For Good
With one year remaining, The ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Campaign For Good propels past the $225 million mark
Oswald and Elizabeth Benson '02
Alumni Reunion Weekend returns to campus—and Oswald put on a party to remember
ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ President Harry J. Elam, Jr.
Following a milestone campaign year, ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ builds on its values and strengths
Author and Occidental Professor of Politics Peter Dreier
In a pair of new books, ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ politics professor Peter Dreier tips his cap to the mavericks, iconoclasts, and rebels who have shaped baseball history
Venture capitalist Josh Schlisserman
Josh Schlisserman ’19 helped raise $2.5 million as a summer intern in Silicon Valley—and after Scooter Braun kicked him out of his office, he’d found his calling as a venture capitalist
Professor Woody Studenmund in April 2022.
Economics legend Woody Studenmund closes the textbook on a 52-year career
Professor Linda Lyke
“Occidental will forever be an indelible part of me," says the professor of art and art history, who is retiring after 46 years at the College
Lynn Mehl, professor of kinesiology and psychology
After 45 years at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡, choosing a favorite class is "like choosing your favorite child," says the professor of kinesiology and psychology
Thomas Burkdall, associate professor of writing and rhetoric
“I plan to write a mystery, travel, and read whatever strikes my fancy."
Susan Gratch, Occidental professor of theater and performance studies
Professor of Theater and Performance Studies Susan Gratch brings the curtain down after 37 years at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡
Dennis Eggleston, professor of physics
"We’ll see what opportunities present themselves and what life allows."
Oswald celebrates Occidental's 135th birthday
Break out the cake!
Occidental President Harry J. Elam, Jr.
As Inauguration Day draws near, President Harry J. Elam, Jr. reflects on the lessons of the pandemic, the evolution of academic excellence, and the necessity of a culture of care

Features

Two-time Emmy winner Emma Choate ’20 with her 2-year-old dog, George.
When Emmy Met ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡
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
ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡'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...
Warren Montag, the Louis M. Brown Family Professor of English
Warren Montag: Activist and Ally
Whether it was 18th-century British literature or 20th-century European critical theory, Montag approached the syllabus with rigor, grace, warmth, and plenty of deadpan humor—and he...
President Tom Stritikus and Professor of Kinesiology Stuart Rugg at Commencement in May 2025.
Stuart Rugg Stays Fired Up
With seemingly boundless energy, a passion for teaching, and his signature catchphrase, Rugg helped build kinesiology into a signature program at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡
Professor Peter Dreier at Anderson Field
Peter Dreier Comes Full Circle
After 32 years as a professor at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡, 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

First Word

From the Quad

Claire Wilson-Black ’26, Talia Goddard ’27, and Brandon Kim ’27
Carrying the Torch
As planning heats up for the 2028 Summer Olympics, ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ students are doing their part to ensure a just and sustainable Games
Mariah Rutiaga Amaya ’22 outside the Hameetman Career Center.
Vital Signs
Recent ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ 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
ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ professors and students engaged in summer research and internships
How I Spent My Summer Vocation
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

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 ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ alumni explore explore themes of democracy, resilience, and human connection—as well as our fascination with horses, dragons, and ocean life

ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ 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...

Last Page

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