Occidental Magazine

December 14, 2025

From uplifting inner-city scholars in South Central L.A. to prison moms in Colorado to a Monterey Park community in need, �鶹��Ƶ alumni embrace the College's mission

Occidental Magazine

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).

Features

Occidental biology major Hannah Tawadrous '26

Academics

Lessons in Biology

�鶹��Ƶ’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

Profiles

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, �鶹��Ƶ alumni embrace the College's mission

Six members of the Occidental Class of 2029 and a transfer student from the Class of 2027

Student Life

Tales of the Tigers of ’29

Curious, creative, and community-minded, Occidental’s newest class arrives with passion, purpose, and the promise to shape the future

Two-time Emmy winner Emma Choate ’20 with her 2-year-old Irish wolfhound, George.

Arts

When Emmy Met �鶹��Ƶ

From casting to costumes to music direction and composition, three Occidental alumni live out their Hollywood dreams while being honored by their peers

Retiring professors Elmer Griffin, Margi Rusmore, Stuart Rugg, Peter Dreier, Alexandra Puerto, Stuart Rugg, and Ron Buckmire

Faculty

Exit Interviews With Retiring Faculty

Occidental says goodbye to seven retiring professors—and some of their brightest pupils express their appreciation for a combined 233 years of service to the College

Gibby Professor of Science Margi Rusmore

Faculty

Margi Rusmore Reaches the Apex

�鶹��Ƶ'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...

Obituaries

Remembering Steve Hinchliffe ’55, Devoted Steward of Occidental

Throughout his 47 years as an �鶹��Ƶ trustee, Hinchliffe held an unwavering belief in the power of a liberal arts education

Obituaries

Remembering Marsha Kinder: Pioneer, Collaborator, Mentor

Marsha Kinder founded film and media studies at Occidental, and her work influenced generations of alumni filmmakers and scholars

Obituaries

Remembering Tom Slobko, Who Brought Occidental Online

Thomas A. Slobko, chief information officer and professor of mathematics emeritus at Occidental, died September 17 at Mt. San Antonio Gardens in Pomona. He was 85.

First Word

President Tom Stritikus, Kevin Adler '07, and Adler's wife, Tajah Tubbs

President Stritikus

Community, Service, and the �鶹��Ƶ Promise

Occidental students and faculty are asking profound questions, conducting rigorous research, and applying critical thinking to our biggest global challenges

From the Quad

Members of Delta Omicron Tau spannng five decades raise a glass at the Delta House one last time on October 19.

Student Life

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 �鶹��Ƶ community

Current year scholarship recipients Alyssa Zatarain '29 and Sunny Tuazon '29

Impact

Unlocking the Future

For first-generation college students Alyssa Zatarain ’29 and Sunny Tuazon ’29, current-year scholarship support opened the doors to an �鶹��Ƶ education

OTS and �鶹��Ƶ students meet at La Selva. Picture taken at La Selva’s welcome sign.

Undergraduate Research

Social Roots in the Rainforest

Science, students, and synergy converge at La Selva Research Station

Bob Johnson '77, Kenturah Davis '02, and President Harry Elam Jr.

President Elam

A Portrait Worth a Thousand Words

Harry J. Elam Jr. takes his place among the gallery of �鶹��Ƶ presidents in the Academic Commons—and artist Kenturah Davis ’02 reveals how she captured his dreams on canvas

Athletics

Athletics Hall of Fame Names Five New Inductees

The Occidental Athletics Hall of Fame will welcome five new inductees into its ranks on Sunday, October 19, during Homecoming & Family Weekend.

Claire Wilson-Black ’26, Talia Goddard ’27, and Brandon Kim ’27

Student Life

Carrying the Torch

As planning heats up for the 2028 Summer Olympics, �鶹��Ƶ students are doing their part to ensure a just and sustainable Games

Mixed Media

More Mixed Media

Arts

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."

Arts

Mixed Media

A host of new works by �鶹��Ƶ alumni explore explore themes of democracy, resilience, and human connection—as well as our fascination with horses, dragons, and ocean life

�鶹��Ƶ Talk

More �鶹��Ƶ Talk

Occidental Board of Trustees Chair Art Peck '77

Profiles

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...