Fall 2025
A visual journey through the spaces, details, and dedication of the Robert Day Sciences Center; breaking boundaries with Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences faculty inside their expansive new home; and Mari Adam ’80 and Lorraine Bains ’88 get ready to lead CMC’s upcoming co-education anniversary.
The Robert Day Sciences Center lit up at night.
Photo by Tom Zasadzinski
table of
contents
features
Night and Day
Across a variety of spaces, angles, and details, the new Robert Day Sciences Center has redefined and reoriented campus during a historic fall semester.
Infinite Possibility
The chance to approach science education without silos and barriers is driving Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences faculty to think even bigger.
‘A Gem for the Ages’
During a memorable dedication ceremony, one common thread could be found in almost every reflection on the Robert Day Sciences Center: gratitude.
Co-Ed Collaborators
As CMC gears up to mark 50 years of co-education next year, Mari Adam ’80 and Lorraine Bains ’88 are ready to celebrate with friends, old and new.
Students enjoy the start of an incredible fall semester.
Photo by Anibal Ortiz
Imagination. Collaboration. Transformation.
In this special section of CMC Magazine, join us in commemorating a historic semester through CMC’s revolutionary integrated sciences vision; the opening of its marquee facility—the Robert Day Sciences Center (RDSC); the teaching of its inspired faculty; and the support of so many community members and partners who brought this powerful moment to life, ushering in a new era of learning and leadership across every discipline on campus for generations to come.
The BIG Picture
What does Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and creative visionary behind the Robert Day Sciences Center, admire about CMC’s newest architectural wonder?
Feeling the Pull
Weighing 3,000 pounds and featuring 1,476 colorful glass spheres, the power of Damián Ortega’s Magnetic Field resonates throughout the Robert Day Sciences Center.
The highly anticipated opening of CMC’s Robert Day Sciences Center (RDSC) for the 2025-26 academic year officially ushers in a new era of innovative science education on campus. Or as Heather Antecol P’29, who has helped facilitate the College’s integrated sciences vision from day one, put it: “The RDSC is more than a building—it’s a launchpad for infinite possibility.”
September 26, 2025, will forever mark a distinct trajectory-altering moment—a “Quantum Moment,” to quote President Hiram Chodosh—in Claremont McKenna College’s historic timeline: Life and learning before the Robert Day Sciences Center. Life and learning after the Robert Day Sciences Center.
On a day bursting with anticipation and emotion, accomplishment and pride, community and connection, one common thread could be found in almost every reflection on the enormity of the official dedication of CMC’s iconic new integrated sciences building. Gratitude.
Inside Look: If you missed the Robert Day Sciences Center’s dedication during the fall semester, watch our video tour as CMC memorably opened a new door to integrated sciences.
from the president
In his magazine letter to the CMC community, President Hiram Chodosh describes the feeling of standing in front of the assembled crowd at the Robert Day Sciences Center dedication and ribbon cutting, an incredible moment for the College–and one he will “never forget.”
End of an Era at the Athenaeum
As Priya Junnar prepares to say goodbye to the Ath, her 11 years at the helm have been filled with moments of inspiration and appreciation, particularly from CMC students.
World-Class Collection
The dynamic visionary behind CMC's collection of contemporary art—Christopher Walker ’69—is enjoying his own deserving moment in the spotlight.
From Declaration to Conversation
With the Declaration of Independence as a catalyst, new Open Academy director Ioannis Evrigenis is empowering dialogue with the past, present, and future.
meet the fellows
What does it take to become an Athenaeum fellow? Meet the four student leaders that have helped launch a diverse slate of engaging speakers this academic year.
syllabus snapshot
Professors Lily Geismer and Branwen Williams discuss their new combined course, “Social and Environmental Inequalities in the Inland Empire,” and how it achieves true integration between disciplines.
CMS athletics
For NCAA champion Lindsay Eisenman ’26, time is no obstacle on the tennis court, while her former teammate Ella Brissett ’25 continues to pile up major awards.
Looking to the Future
Up next on the CMC construction checklist: The Roberts Campus Sports Bowl (watch our video preview), a new championship-caliber complex for CMS Athletics. Distinct fields are taking shape in the southern half of the site—part of Phase One’s progress in the 75-acre parcel east of Claremont Boulevard. Construction is also underway on a parking structure and the “Arcade,” a pedestrian byway that will run under Claremont Boulevard and connect the Sports Bowl and Robert Day Sciences Center. CMC anticipates a full opening of Phase One in Fall 2026.
Looking to the Future
Up next on the CMC construction checklist: The Roberts Campus Sports Bowl (watch our video preview), a new championship-caliber complex for CMS Athletics. Distinct fields are taking shape in the southern half of the site—part of Phase One’s progress in the 75-acre parcel east of Claremont Boulevard. Construction is also underway on a parking structure and the “Arcade,” a pedestrian byway that will run under Claremont Boulevard and connect the Sports Bowl and Robert Day Sciences Center. CMC anticipates a full opening of Phase One in Fall 2026.
As the College gears up to mark 50 years of co-education, Mari Adam ’80 and Lorraine Bains ’88 are ready to celebrate with friends, old and new.
“Why didn’t we know each other before?” Bains recalled asking herself subsequent to meeting Adam for the first time last year. “Whenever I connect with a CMCer, I meet interesting alumni with amazing backgrounds and careers,” she added.
Now Adam and Bains are busy collaborating on something even more amazing—the official CMC co-ed anniversary.
alumni news
looking back
The original location of Arce Field, named for legendary CMS Baseball coach and athletic director William B. Arce P’80 GP’22, is forever marked at the new Robert Day Sciences Center (just outside the main entrance on the north side of Neff Family Plaza). The home plate was donated by Bob Nakasone ’69 P’98.
Main photo by Anibal Ortiz, additional photo by Tom Zasadzinski
CMCAA president’s message
What do CMC alumni have to look forward to in 2026? Antoine Grant ’07, President of the CMC Alumni Association, looks back on his favorite shared moments with alumni this past year–and also looks ahead to major community milestones that will bring everyone together, most notably, the College’s co-education anniversary.
class notes
Enjoy our fall edition of Class Notes from across several CMC generations. Alumni in Action features include: Robin Bartlett ’67, Paul Nathan ’80, Mark Leavens ’83, Cori Takkinen ’11 and Christopher Townsend ’82, and Kathrine Whitman ’19.
in memoriam
Honoring those we have recently lost from our CMC community, with special tributes to Stuart T. K. Ho ’57, Emeritus Associate Professor Gerald (Jerry) Eyrich P’83, Emeritus Associate Professor James Pinter-Lucke, and Emeritus Professor Colin Wright.
parting shot
An airplane flies past the Robert Day Sciences Center during the Harvest Moon in early October.
Photo by Anibal Ortiz
magazine staff
Managing Editor
Thomas Rozwadowski
Visual Editor
Anibal Ortiz
Design
Jay Toffoli
Production Editor
Malia Whitenack
Senior Writers
Anne Bergman
Brenda Bolinger
Photographer
Isaiah Tulanda ’20
Digital Magazine
Michelle Fu
Helena Paulin
Isa Terrell
John Ziouras
Class Notes
John Faranda ’79
Rebecca Pelén
Contributors
Karina Ramirez del Real ’22
Valerie Ramos
Laurian Ghinitoiu
Chad McElroy ’26
Julie Riggott
Shay Studios
Mark Whicker
Tom Zasadzinski
Strategic Communications and Marketing: Leadership
Alex Boekelheide
Helena Paulin
Thomas Rozwadowski
Office of Advancement: Leadership
Andrew Carrillo
Abby Flores
Beth Milev ’05
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Sharon K. Basso