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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).

Thomas A. Slobko, chief information officer and professor of mathematics emeritus at Occidental
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.
2025 inductees into the Occidental Athletics Hall of Fame.
The Occidental Athletics Hall of Fame will welcome five new inductees into its ranks on Sunday, October 19, during Homecoming & Family Weekend.
Two-time Emmy winner Emma Choate ’20 with her 2-year-old dog, George.
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
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
°µÍø½ûÇø'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...
Professor Ron Buckmire in the classroom in 2015.
After a 30-year career at Occidental, the mathematician, researcher, administrator, and chess master applies his problem-solving skills to a new role as dean
Warren Montag, the Louis M. Brown Family Professor of English
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.
With seemingly boundless energy, a passion for teaching, and his signature catchphrase, Rugg helped build kinesiology into a signature program at °µÍø½ûÇø
Professor Peter Dreier at Anderson Field
After 32 years as a professor at °µÍø½ûÇø, 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
A first-year member of the Class of 2018 talks with Puerto during Orientation activities on Aug. 25, 2014, in the Academic Quad.
As an associate professor of history and Latina/o and Latin American studies, Puerto built a life and a curriculum deeply rooted in the Highland Park community
Occidental Professor Emeritus Elmer Griffin, photographed in 2001.
From Fall 2001: With a curriculum that incorporates psychology, religion, Rastafari, and racism, Associate Professor Elmer Griffin challenges his students to reimagine the world
Cool Change illustration for Occidental magazine
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
Detail from Turtle Walker poster
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
Assistant Professor of Chemistry Raul Navarro and President Stritikus discuss cognitive science major Stephen Sekyere '28's research at Occidental's Summer Research Program Conference on July 30.
Occidental's singular summer programs strengthen the College's institutional identity, contributing to a vibrant research culture as well as our shared communities
Board of Trustees announcement
As Art Peck ’77 succeeds Lisa Link P’18 as chair, seven new trustees join the Board of Trustees—and two long-serving members return for new terms

Features

Two-time Emmy winner Emma Choate ’20 with her 2-year-old dog, George.
When Emmy Met °µÍø½ûÇø
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
°µÍø½ûÇø'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 °µÍø½ûÇø
Professor Peter Dreier at Anderson Field
Peter Dreier Comes Full Circle
After 32 years as a professor at °µÍø½ûÇø, 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, °µÍø½ûÇø students are doing their part to ensure a just and sustainable Games
Mariah Rutiaga Amaya ’22 outside the Hameetman Career Center.
Vital Signs
Recent °µÍø½ûÇø 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
°µÍø½ûÇø 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 °µÍø½ûÇø alumni explore explore themes of democracy, resilience, and human connection—as well as our fascination with horses, dragons, and ocean life

°µÍø½ûÇø 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...

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