Marian Miner Cook
Athenaeum

A distinctive
feature of social and
cultural life at CMC

 

Past Semester Schedules

 
Wed, December 2, 2026
Lunch Program
LTC (Ret.) John Toll

Join the us in listening to how emerging technologies are reshaping the character of competition and conflict faster than policy and procurement pathways can keep up. Drawing on his experience in military service and international business development, LTC (Ret.) John Toll will examine how artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, sensing, and resilient edge computing are changing how advantage is created and sustained. He will also address the second-order effects of these shifts: new business models and supply chains, changing allied relationships, altered investment priorities, and strategic choices that will shape markets and national security for years to come. The discussion will explore how technology companies balance speed, responsibility, and global opportunity—and what today’s students should understand about leadership in an increasingly contested world.

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John Toll is the Director of International Sales at TurbineOne, where he leads global business development for edge-AI software supporting defense and security customers. A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, he served more than 20 years on active duty as an infantry and a Special Operations Forces (SOF) Governance officer. His military career included leading paratroopers in combat in Iraq, commanding SOF teams across Eastern Europe, and directing civil affairs operations with a global portfolio. He led two assessment and selection programs, supported the U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s senior leadership, and retired as Professor of Military Science at the University of Portland. John holds a BA in History from the University of Nevada, Reno; an MA in National Security Studies; and is a graduate of France’s École de Guerre.

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Mon, December 7, 2026
Dinner Program
Music Mania

Join Music Mania, a student-led community service organization at the Claremont Colleges, for their end-of-semester holiday recital!

After four months of rehearsals, Music Mania is excited to share their hard work through musical performance. As a partner organization of Uncommon Good, Music Mania strives to teach elementary and middle school students basic music theory with both innovative and diverse teaching methods. Co-led by Ulwiana Mehta - Malhotra '28 and Samyuktha (Sammy) Natesan SC '27, the club is thrilled to culminate its semester with this joyful recital. Student mentors from The Claremont Colleges volunteer on a weekly basis to cultivate Music Mania’s fun, exciting, and collaborative environment.
 

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This evening’s recital will also feature the 5Cs’ own a cappella group Midnight Echo, as well as a special performance by Mariachi Serrano of The Claremont Colleges.

Midnight Echo is an all-gender a cappella group at the Claremont Colleges that's been performing since the '90s. Co-led by Jordan Yates ‘27 and Carolina de Salvo SC ‘27, you'll find them performing around campus at Snack Concerts, SCAMFest, and hosting the yearly a cappella musicfest, Human Symphony! Their typical genres span a broad range, and their repertoire includes Sam Smith, Daniel Caesar, Jon Bellion, Shawn Mendes, Queen, Fleet Foxes, and much more. For videos from performances and more information, visit Midnight Echo on YouTube or @midnightechoacappella on Instagram and TikTok!

Mariachi Serrano of The Claremont Colleges is a vibrant student ensemble spearheaded by Robert Gama ‘28 and Lina Lasden PZ ‘29. Dedicated to sharing the rich tradition of Mexican folk music, the group performs classics across campus and throughout the wider Claremont community. Gama and Lasden are excited to join Music Mania for this evening’s performance.
 

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Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum

Claremont McKenna College
385 E. Eighth Street
Claremont, CA 91711