Claremont McKenna College reinforces core values
of freedom of expression and diversity of thought
In the face of national trends and controversies, the College continues to reinforce our commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom. A recently created microsite clarifies College policies and provides information about the many campus programs that strengthen these core institutional values. Student leaders also convened a freedom of expression forum to discuss how to strengthen free speech inside and outside of the classroom and the engagement of invited speakers in discussions on controversial topics. In the spring, the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum speaker series will host experts on free speech, including Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous Mind.
Athena volleyball wins first NCAA title
The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps volleyball team made history, winning the athletic program's first women’s NCAA championship by sweeping top-seeded Wittenberg University in the final. In addition to the Athenas’ groundbreaking win in volleyball, both CMS cross country teams finished very successful seasons at the NCAA Championships. The Athenas placed 12th and the Stags 29th.
Trustee Harry McMahon argues education tax would harm higher education
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Harry McMahon ’75 P’08 P’09, CMC Board Chair Emeritus and Trustee, argues that a proposed 1.4 percent excise tax on the net investment income of private institutions would hurt higher education and U.S. competitiveness. If passed, he wrote, the tax could prompt higher tuition costs and reductions in financial aid. The op-ed is available to Wall Street Journal subscribers on the paper’s website.
Robert L. Emett ’50 gives $20 million for loans and internships for students
Robert L. Emett ’50, a CMC Life Trustee, will bequeath the College approximately $20 million from his estate to expand loans and paid internships for students facing financial challenges. About $10 million of the gift is earmarked for the Robert L. Emett College Loan Fund, which helps students whose family income has dropped.
CMC prepares students to be strong communicators, Trustee Douglas Peterson tells Kravis Leadership Institute
Douglas Peterson ’80 P’14 P’15 traces his journey from CMC to CEO of S&P Global in an interview with KLI’s Linnea Uyeno ’20. He said that having a broad liberal arts education made him a strong communicator, an essential trait to being a leader in business. “In order to deliver your vision, build integrity and an approach to accountability, you have to communicate,” Peterson said. “Communication is the glue that holds everything together.”
NIH grant boosts undergraduate research
Prof. Zhaohua Irene Tang, a biology professor in the W.M. Keck Science Department, has received a $412,415 National Institutes of Health grant to study cancer and other disease prevention and expand undergraduate research opportunities.
CMC loses two cherished members of the community
James “Jim” Nauls, former Assistant Dean of Students, died last month at his home near Palm Springs. He was 66. Nauls started at the College in 1994, where he worked until his retirement in 2015. Surin Pitsuwan ’72, former secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), died last month in Bangkok. He was 68. Surin, a veteran Thai diplomat, returned to speak at the Athenaeum in 1998 and as the Distinguished Commencement Speaker in 2009.
CMCers excel in the arts with award-winning documentary and new book
Filmmaker and former radio DJ Roberto Angotti ’84 explores Italian Americans in Major League Baseball with the documentary “Italian American Baseball Family.” His film won the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award. Origami artist Lawrence Beall ’16 explains his redefinition of the boundaries of the craft in a new book “Neo Origami: An Ancient Art Reborn.”
Happy Holidays from Claremont McKenna College
Watch as the newest member of the CMC community spreads holiday cheer throughout campus. Happy holidays from Claremont McKenna College and #CMCtheo. Watch the video.