Honoring the Past. Leading the Future.
Claremont McKenna College’s celebration of 50 Years of Co-Education offers a year of opportunities to reflect on how far the College has come, celebrate the impact of generations of women leaders, and imagine what the next 50 years will hold.
Celebrate with us!
Starting with a special 50 Years of Co-Education Celebration Kickoff at ImpactCMC on September 25 and 26, our entire community will come together to commemorate this historic milestone, reflect on the impact of co-education, and honor our shared legacy.
Celebrating History: A Look Back
With pride and a spirit of celebration, we commemorate the impact of co-education, reflect on the progress made over the past five decades, and look ahead to the future—together.
View the 50 Years of Co-education timeline
Learn more about the historic milestone in our Digital Archives
Welcome to CMC:
Class of 1980
Six classmates who arrived in 1976 joined us for a campus conversation to reflect on CMC during the transition to co-education, how the College helped them learn to lead, and their hopes for today's students.
The Power of Community
Rhodes to Discovery:
Sarah Chen ’22
Bridging interests in policy and technology, Sarah Chen raised the bar as CMC's first female Rhodes Scholar—and the College's first winner in 28 years.
Writing Her Story:
Shelby Van Pelt ’02
A bestselling author and Emmy nominee, Shelby Van Pelt has been on a wild adventure thanks to beloved debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures.
Impact Beyond Athletics:
Ella Brissett ’25
Winner of an NCAA Impact Award for Division III, Ella Brissett combined academics, athletics, and service like few CMS competitors before her.
Digital Connections
Join the Book Club
Join our virtual community to connect with fellow alumni, faculty, staff, and students as we read and discuss the award-winning Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt ’02. Participation is free—you just need a copy of the book!
Be an Engagement Ambassador
Host a CMC Circle and connect peers across generations. We'll send you a full kit—conversation cards, a playbook, and digital resources—to guide meaningful conversation, so we can capture this milestone moment in CMC's history together.
50th Anniversary Exclusive
Honor the Legacy. Wear the History.
Celebrate 50 Years of Co-Education at CMC with our limited-edition commemorative collection. From premium pullovers to custom mugs, these exclusive pieces won't be remade. Gear up today and carry the legacy forward!
Meet the Co-Chairs
Inspired by this important milestone, Mari Adam ’80 and Lorraine Bains ’88 are leading the charge as Claremont McKenna College envisions the next 50 years of success.
Learn more about their CMC journeys
View the Celebration Committees
Giving in Honor of Co-Education
Help us create a powerful and lasting testament to co-education. Learn how your investment can carry CMC into the future.