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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).

Belonging at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë, 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 ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë community a chance...
ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë 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
ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë Athletics, aquatics center
ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë’s facilities reopen for practice, sparking hope and connection among the student-athlete community
Bird Show, Susan Stockdale
New books and music by ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë alumni, faculty, and staff
Vince Cuseo, Occidental Admission
Vince Cuseo has been instrumental to the success of ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë’s admission efforts for the last 22 years—and his commitment to ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë’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.
Professor of Spanish and French Studies Felisa Guillén is retiring after 31 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë. This tribute to her legacy is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Scott Bogue
After 35 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë, Professor of Geology Scott Bogue will retire in September. This tribute to his time at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Jacalyn Rodriguez
Professor of Psychology and Latino/a Studies Jaclyn Rodríguez ’77 is retiring after 37 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë. This tribute to her career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Professor of Biology Gary Martin is hanging up his flip flops after 41 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë. This tribute to his career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Robert Ellis, ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë
Norman Bridge Distinguished Professor of Spanish & Spanish and French Studies Robert Ellis has retired after 37 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë. This tribute is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Nalsey Tinberg
Professor of Mathematics Nalsey Tinberg is retiring after 41 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë. This tribute to her career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Eric Frank
Professor of Art & Art History Eric Frank is retiring after 35 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë. This tribute to his career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.

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, ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë alumni embrace the College's mission
Two-time Emmy winner Emma Choate ’20 with her 2-year-old Irish wolfhound, George.
When Emmy Met ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë
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
ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë'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

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 ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë 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, ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë students are doing their part to ensure a just and sustainable Games
Mariah Rutiaga Amaya ’22 outside the Hameetman Career Center.
Vital Signs
Recent ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë 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
ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë 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 ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë alumni explore explore themes of democracy, resilience, and human connection—as well as our fascination with horses, dragons, and ocean life

ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë 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 ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë

Last Page

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