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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, ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë 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).

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.
Professor of Cognitive Science and Philosophy Saul Traiger is retiring after 36 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë. This tribute to his career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Irene Girton, ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë
Professor of Music Irene Girton is retiring after 21 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë. This tribute to her career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Participants in ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë Women in Philanthropy: Values, Vision, and Voice
An ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë volunteer leadership panel examines the impact and influence of women in philanthropy
Arts in a Pandemic
ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë faculty and students embrace, explore, and experiment with technology to keep arts classes, exhibits, and performances humming
Namandjé Bumpus ’03
With heart, energy, and a passion for research, Namandjé Bumpus ’03 becomes a role model for others as a trailblazing director at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Features

Occidental biology major Hannah Tawadrous '26
Lessons in Biology
ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë’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, 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

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 ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë 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 ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë education

Mixed Media

Detail from The Metamorphosis of Bunny Baxter
Mixed Media
This roundup has everything: a pair of memoirs, a literary farce, a coming-of-age story, a writer’s guide to romantasy, and the legendary Miss Britney Spears
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

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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