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Bryan Scott ’17 at Jack Kemp Stadium in February 2026.
Out of the Foxhole
After smashing multiple records at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë and gutting out an eight-year career in professional football, what’s next for Bryan Scott ’17?

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).

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
Occidental Core Writing Program
Regardless of one’s major or career path, ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë’s writing proficiency requirement has proved essential to professional success. But don’t just take our word for it
Thalia González 
Through her Rebellious Lawyering program, Thalia González’s students get hands-on experience in public-interest law, garnering new insights into the legal system and a head start on law...
COVID testing in the Quad, January 2021
After nearly a full year of remote learning, hope springs eternal of a return to campus this fall
Mary Jane Hewitt at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë (1974) and with Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles founder Samella Lewis (1984)
Professor Mary Jane Hewitt created a foundation for multicultural education at Occidental—and an anonymous gift recognizes her lasting influence
Anderson Center for Environmental Sciences
From campus landmarks to classroom spaces, the College has completed a burst of new construction during the pandemic
The ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë Campaign For Good
With matching gift challenges and creative engagement opportunities, The ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë Campaign For Good responds to the obstacles of COVID-19
Valerie Jarrett
Valerie Jarrett's calling toward a life of public service led her to a key role in the Obama White House—and she urged ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë students to follow their "quiet voice"
ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë Athletics
A new multi-constituent commission examines ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë's athletic programs with a focus on issues of competitiveness and diversity
President Harry J. Elam, Jr.
"An ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë education has never been more valuable, applicable, and urgently important than now"
Ming Cho Lee '53 in 2003
From Summer 2003: Designer, professor, and Medal of Arts recipient Ming Cho Lee '53 reflects on half a century's work in American theater
Dr. Kimberly Shriner '80
From remote worship to online meditation, and testing to teaching, these six alumni have mobilized in the fight against COVID-19
Compton Cowboys founder Randy Hook
Whether he's ranching. riding, or rapping, Compton Cowboys leader Randy Hook '12 brings swagger to the saddle
Fall Semester, Remote Learning, Occidental
Introducing new courses, embracing technology, and challenging traditional approaches to classroom pedagogy, ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë faculty reimagine the remote learning experience

Features

Derek Shearer photographed in March 2026
The Ambassadude Abides
As a diplomat, dealmaker, and master connector, Derek Shearer brought global leaders, policymakers, and a U.S. president to the classroom over his 45 years at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë
Bryan Scott ’17 at Jack Kemp Stadium in February 2026.
Out of the Foxhole
After smashing multiple records at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë and gutting out an eight-year career in professional football, what’s next for Bryan Scott ’17?
Members of the 1971 ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë rugby team.
Pitch Perfect
Larry Layne ’71 came to love rugby as a student-athlete—and an estate gift will provide a swift kick to its future at ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë
L-R: Associate professors Alaa Abdelfattah (economics), Tiffany Wheatland-Disu (Black studies), Madeline Wander ’08 (urban and environmental policy), Joel Walsh (computer science), Margaret Gaida (history), and Kai Yui Samuel Chan (politics).
16 Faculty, 16 Stories
Fifteen new tenure-track faculty and a veteran kinesiology professor discuss their favorite classes, their passion for teaching, and what brought them to ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë (hint: Location!)
Dean Simons ’59 and John Ingle ’50 in Moliere’s The Would-Be Gentleman (1962)
Theatre Brats
Two children of ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë professors grew up immersed in the magic of Shakespeare, Shaw, and Gilbert & Sullivan—in an era when a plucky little drama festival became their whole world
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

First Word

From the Quad

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
ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë students and alumni find pathways into the Slamdance Film Festival, gaining industry exposure and experience following its move to Los Angeles
Obama Scholar Derek Jimenez '27
Overcoming Every Hurdle
First-generation college student and Obama Scholar Derek Jimenez ’27 is reshaping the intersection of community, culture, and affordable housing

Mixed Media

Filmmaker Thom Harp '92
Fertile Imagination
Thom Harp ’92 waited for years to direct his first movie—and after a long birthing process, he’s the proud father of two features

ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë 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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