Impact.

One word, so frequently spoken at Claremont McKenna College—a virtuous cycle in which CMC impacts and improves the lives of generations of students, and all those whose lives they touch.

One word, blossoming into limitless stories. The roots of these stories are deep—beginning perhaps with the trajectory of a student’s life altered after a favorite professor’s class or conversation; the engagement of a different viewpoint at the Athenaeum; the intersection of an unfamiliar discipline in the liberal arts; or the forging of lifelong relationships over tables at Collins.

These are the stories, and the storytelling, we treasure most—from a young alumna helping the environment absorb more carbon dioxide through genetically engineered pines and poplars; to a grandparent and grandchild sharing the CMC experience despite six decades between them; or lifelong pals banding together to start an endowed scholarship—stories like these enrich and define us.

 

Honor Mission

Robin Peterson '22

Robin Peterson '22

Claremont McKenna's once-a-year surf-ski day was a compelling bonus to Robin Peterson's list of pros for the College.

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Rachana Muvvala ’24

Rachana Muvvala '24

When Rachana Muvvala ’24 played the stock market game in a high school economics class, she was hooked.

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Brittany Ruiz ’08

Brooklyn Button '22

After attending high schools in the Netherlands, Iowa, and California because of family moves, Brooklyn Button ’22 knew what to look for in a college.

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Richard Johnson '01

On the Frontlines of National Security

In his work as a policymaker, Richard Johnson ’01 draws upon skills he learned at CMC

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Peter Adams ’61 GP’21 and Hank Snowdon ’21

Their CMC Bond Spans Decades

A grandfather and his grandson share an affinity for their shared alma mater

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Bob McCrary ’58 P’92 and John Poer ’58 P’90

A Bond Stronger than Time

As CMC has grown over the past six-plus decades, so has the friendship of Bob McCrary ’58 P’92 and John Poer ’58 P’90.

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Hugh Hallman ’84

CMC as Launchpad

Hugh Hallman ’84 served two terms as mayor of Tempe, Arizona

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Christine Wight Huddleson ’91

Breaking Stereotypes

Christine Wight Huddleson ’91 served as first female president of CMC student government

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Allie Gould ’20

Optimism for Empathy

Neuroscience major Allie Gould ’20 fell in love with philosophy and won a best paper award

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Via their summer research projects, students explored what they were living through

Inside the Pandemic Moment

Via their summer research projects, students explored what they were living through

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Tom Leppert '77 and Candace Valenzuela '06

Bridging the Political Divide

Alumni on both sides of the aisle offer solutions

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CMC wins Institutional Excellence Award from Heterodox Academy

Advancing Inquiry and Debate

CMC wins Institutional Excellence Award from Heterodox Academy

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John Snider ’77

Unimagined Possibilities

For John Snider ’77, a CMC education brought a lifetime of contentment and professional success

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Scott Akasaki ’98

True Blue

Scott Akasaki ’98 landed a dream job with the Los Angeles Dodgers

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Kate Parrish ’21

Slam Dunk

Kate Parrish ’21 developed a work ethic and made lasting friendships at CMC

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Tendo Nagenda ’97

His Films Transport Us

Netflix VP Tendo Nagenda ’97 sees limitless possibilities in storytelling

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Tony Sidhom ’17

The Next 60 Years

Tony Sidhom ’17 started giving back as a student, and never stopped

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CARE Center Director Vince Greer

A Community That CAREs

CARE Center Director Vince Greer on how diversity and inclusion work starts with each of us

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Kiubon Kokko ’21

Once in a Lifetime

CMC student movie about study abroad wins grand prize

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CMC’s strategy to promote expression, viewpoint diversity, and dialogue

The Open Academy

CMC’s strategy to promote expression, viewpoint diversity, and dialogue

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Prof. Nicholas Warner with class.

Building Relationships

After 40 years on campus, Prof. Nicholas Warner extols the CMC culture

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Prof. Marc Massoud P’89

Definitely an Asset

For Prof. Marc Massoud P’89, four decades at CMC add up to a significant impact

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Tori Johnson ’21

Picture Imperfect

Tori Johnson ’21 made a social media fashion statement

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Randall Lewis ’73 P’10 P’11 P’13

A Passion for Innovation

CMC’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship bears Randall Lewis’ name to honor the real estate leader

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Prof. Jennifer Feitosa

Once in a Lifetime

Prof. Jennifer Feitosa discusses her research into improving team dynamics with diversity

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Chelina Odbert ’99

Building Bridges

Chelina Odbert ’99 helps underserved communities with her design and community development nonprofit

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Integrated Sciences

Public health expert Katya Calvo Corado ’01

A Voice of Reason and Trust

Public health expert Katya Calvo Corado ’01 researches COVID-19

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Lydia Li ’13, a Forbes 30 Under 30 changemaker for energy, specializes in environmental impact investing.

Fueled Up for Success

Lydia Li ’13, a Forbes 30 Under 30 changemaker for energy, specializes in environmental impact investing

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Harriet Nembhard ’91, Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa

A Systems Thinker

Harriet Nembhard ’91, Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa, couples efficiency with imagination

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Kelly Watanabe’s ’20

Empowered by Science

Kelly Watanabe’s ’20 science education has prepared her to help others and achieve breakthroughs

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Four faculty celebrate grants for research in emotions, memory, body language, and preparing undergrads for STEM research

Major Psychology Grants

Four faculty celebrate grants for research in emotions, memory, body language, and preparing undergrads for STEM research

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Environmental chemistry students collaborate on research overseas to revive Bangkok canals

International Impact

Environmental chemistry students collaborate on research overseas to revive Bangkok canals

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In the 1950s, CMC started a dual-degree program in management and engineering with Stanford.

The 3-2 Program

In the 1950s, CMC started a dual-degree program in management and engineering with Stanford

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Dr. Ran (“Ron”) Libeskind-Hadas will lead a next-generation interdisciplinary curriculum for the College.

CMC Names Founding Chair for Integrated Sciences

Dr. Ran (“Ron”) Libeskind-Hadas will lead a next-generation interdisciplinary curriculum for the College.

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Maddie Hall ’14, recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 for science, uses her interdisciplinary skills to create super trees

An Ardor for Arbor

Maddie Hall ’14, recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 for science, uses her interdisciplinary skills to create super trees

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Timothy Gallagher ’19

Entrepreneurial Chemist

Timothy Gallagher ’19 has great plans for his scientific journey, including a PhD from Scripps Research

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Professor of Biology Emily Wiley with a student.

CMC's Scientific Method

Professor of Biology Emily Wiley shares CMC’s plan for teaching the integrated sciences

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Tanya Remer Altmann ’94

Dr. Tanya

Tanya Remer Altmann ’94 has a breakneck schedule as a pediatrician, writer, and TV personality

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Collaborative learning helps CMC students find the pulse of interdisciplinary science

Data Science Pilot Project

Collaborative learning helps CMC students find the pulse of interdisciplinary science

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Expand Opportunity

Carson Stubstad ’22

Carson Stubstad ’22

Sometimes when Carson Stubstad walks around campus at a quiet moment, he’s transported back to when he visited Claremont McKenna College for the first time...

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Desmond Mantle ’23

Desmond Mantle ’23

Desmond Mantle ’23 chose to attend Claremont McKenna College for many reasons.

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Nicolas De Mello ’23

Nicolas De Mello ’23

As captain of the Claremont Club Soccer team, Nicholas De Mello ’23 found a way to further his engagement with the sport through his Appel Fellowship writing project.

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Courtney Hooks '23

She Saw Herself at CMC

Now Courtney Hooks ’23 thrives in small, liberal arts college environment

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Adhitya Venkatraman ’22

Where Trust Is Natural

At CMC, Adhitya Venkatraman ’22 has found a place to grow academically and experientially.

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Brothers Amjad Khan ’01 and Ata Khan ’08

Two Brothers, Two Paths

Amjad Khan ’01 and Ata Khan ’08 talk about their time at CMC and what they’ve accomplished since then

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Jimena Landa ’22

Big Dreams

Jimena Landa ’22 created her own internship with the Mexican delegation to the U.N. and joined the Model U.N. team

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Jefferson Chang ’22

A World of Opportunities

Global internships got Jefferson Chang ’22 out of his bubble for life-changing experiences

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JaDa Johnson ’21

Here and Abroad

JaDa Johnson ’21 found the right community at CMC, and study abroad solidified her career aspirations

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Jeffrey Kim ’23

An Uplifting Community

Jeffrey Kim ’23 is developing academically, personally, and professionally at CMC

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Kravis Leadership Institute

Leadership Development

Kravis Leadership Institute celebrates 25 years of courage, creativity, and collaboration

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Shaw Wagener ’81

Global Awareness

Shaw Wagener ’81 reflects on the value of personal connections for Wagener Family Global Scholars

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Brittany Ruiz ’08

The Personal Touch

Connecting with a professor at the Athenaeum brought Brittany Ruiz ’08 to CMC

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QuestBridge scholars express thanks for scholarships in a video that makes the CMC Planner a media star

Scholars Win Spirit Award

QuestBridge scholars express thanks for scholarships in a video that makes the CMC Planner a media star

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History

Baxter Science building built in 1955.

CMC Expands Science Curriculum

Joint management engineering program brought first science professors to campus

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Ryal Poppa ’57 GP ’08

Alumnus Established Computer Labs on Campus

Tech titan Ryal Poppa ’57 GP ’08 made significant contributions to benefit CMC students

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Prof. Martin Diamond

Prof. Martin Diamond Earns National Recognition

Time magazine praised Diamond’s commitment to his students

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Co-education became a reality in 1975

Going Co-Ed

Co-education became a reality in 1975

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Aerial shot of Pomona Colleg e circa 1960-61

First Professors in Fulbright Scholar Program

Faculty rewarded for their research, teaching prowess

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Women scholars and administrators contributed to CMC’s early success

First Faculty: Women at the Men’s College

Women scholars and administrators contributed to CMC’s early success

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President George C. S. Benson

Early Faculty: A Tour de Force of Recruitment

President Benson hired top academics to join CMC during its first four years

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Orme Wheelock Phelps

First Faculty: Orme Wheelock Phelps

Influential scholar emerged as a star while at CMC

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The first faculty members accelerated the new College's momentum

Founding Faculty

The first faculty members accelerated the new College’s momentum

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Beginning construction of the Athenaeum.

A History of the Athenaeum: Chapter 1

Donald McKenna’s Idea for the Athenaeum: 1968

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Marian Miner Cook, Jack and Jill Stark, and Bernice and Donald McKenna at Gala Opening: 1983

A History of the Athenaeum: Chapter 2

Marian Miner Cook and the Gala Opening: 1983

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Guestbook for the Athenaeum.

A History of the Athenaeum: Chapter 3

Social and Intellectual Life at the Athenaeum: 1980-89

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Jil Stark ’58 GP’11 and Jack Stark ’57 GP’11 on wedding day.

How I Met My Husband of Almost 63 Years

Jil Stark ’58 GP’11 shares some personal history with Jack Stark ’57 GP’11

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President Donald McKenna with students.

Founding Father

Donald McKenna’s legacy lives on

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Collins Dining Hall offers more than food for thought

Tables with a View

Collins Dining Hall offers more than food for thought

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CMC began in 1946 with one building, 15 acres, and great expectations.

Origin Story

CMC began in 1946 with one building, 15 acres, and great expectations

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Pioneering women and a name change for the college.

Pioneering Women and a Name Change for the College

1976 and 1981 brought big changes for CMC

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Jacob Anton de Haas

Early Faculty: Jacob Anton de Haas

Professor of international economics became a major promoter of CMC

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First President Dr. George C. S. Benson and Dr. Mabel Benson.

The First President and First Lady

Dr. George C. S. Benson and Dr. Mabel Benson developed the intellectual framework for CMC

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The newly incorporated Claremont Men’s College held an impressive ceremony in 1947

The First Convocation

The newly incorporated Claremont Men’s College held an impressive ceremony in 1947

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The Tortugateers of Prado Dam build a bridge to the early days with their endowed scholarship

A Special Bond

The Tortugateers of Prado Dam build a bridge to the early days with their endowed scholarship

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Athletics

Pomona-Claremont Sagehens are born

1947: Pomona-Claremont Sagehens Are Born

A partnership with Pomona College allowed CMC students to compete on existing varsity sports teams

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Football and Trac find a home

1954: Football and Track Find a Home

The new complex became home to football and men’s track and field

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Acre leads new athletic department

1958: Arce Leads New Athletic Department

Claremont-Mudd Stags era begins with Bill Arce leading new athletic department

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Swim and Dive Team wins championship

1967: Swim and Dive Team Wins Championship

Claremont-Mudd men’s swimming and diving became first Stag team to score national title

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Athenas win first SCIAC title

1978: Athenas Win First SCIAC Title

Cross country team trailblazes to take first women’s SCIAC title for CMS

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SCIAC All-Sports trophy sweep

1988: SCIAC All-Sports Trophy Sweep

The 1987-88 year was a first, as CMS won all three SCIAC All-Sports trophies

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Axelrood pool makes a splash

1993: Axelrood Pool Makes a Splash

In 1993, the Matt M. Axelrood Aquatics Center opened to campus and CMS Aquatics

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CMC Vollyball reaches NCAA Quarterfinals

1993: CMS Volleyball Reaches NCAA Quarterfinals

Win over Trinity propels Athenas volleyball to first NCAA quarterfinals in program history

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Perizzolo captures two national titles

2010: Perizzolo Captures Two National Titles

With pair of national championships, Annie Perizzolo ’11 made CMS Women’s Swimming and Diving history

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Chris Brandt ’85 P’14 P’18

Maroon and Gold to the Core

Chris Brandt ’85 P’14 P’18 says CMC Athletics changed his life

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