Not even the intense heat of a particularly toasty Southern California day could wilt the energy and enthusiasm of incoming students, their families, or the droves of veteran CMCers springing into action with helping hands, broad smiles, and a super-warm welcome for the Class of 2030.
The headliner for Move-In Day and Orientation was joy—the joy of finally arriving, of making new friends, of imagining the experiences ahead, of kicking off four years of personal, intellectual, and professional exploration with faculty, staff, and peers invested in every step.
Take Valentine Korir ’30 from Kenya, who is thrilled to get her CMC education underway and “find her passions.” Korir shared she is “gelling with everyone,” especially her new roommate. Finally meeting her in person was “soooooo good!” she exclaimed, excitedly clapping her hands under her chin.
Arriving from near or far, each student will travel a unique path at CMC—“No one’s journey is the same,” Dianna “DT” Graves ’98, Vice President for Student Affairs, told parents in the “Campus Life 101” session—but everyone will be seen, heard, known, and embraced by a community deeply committed to the growth and well-being of its student body.
Below are a few snapshots from Sunday’s big day for the Class of 2030:
Living and learning with intention
Pearl Steele ’30, with her parents Matt and Ellen Steele P’30, sat close together on a low wall outside Roberts Pavilion, soon to say goodbye, but not quite yet.
With Sunday’s Orientation programming having come to an end, they were taking time to reflect on the lively day and the adventure ahead.
“I knew everyone at CMC was going to be friendly, but it really does feel like the friendliest campus there is!” Pearl said enthusiastically.
From Seattle, the Steele family expressed delight about their Orientation experience and the College overall, astonished by the collective effort of the CMC community to be deliberate and genuine at every step.
“There’s such a purposeful culture creation here,” said Ellen Steele P’30. “I expected that, but not to the extent we’ve experienced today.”
Matt Steele P’30 was struck by the “social contract between students, staff and faculty.”
“It feels real. The actions are real,” he said. “It’s unique.”
Passing down wisdom
With hearts full of care, minds full of memories, and arms full of boxes and bedding, First-Year Guides (FYGs), Resident Assistants, and student-athletes created an atmosphere of ease and belonging for newcomers.
Among the energetic helpers was Ambika Gupta ’27, a FYG lending a hand in the South Quad check-in area, where vehicle after vehicle pulled up to the curb. Then, with almost dazzling swiftness, they were emptied of their dorm-bound goods by peer leaders.
“I want to encourage new students to be themselves and apply to whatever clubs and activities they’re interested in,” said Gupta, who became a FYG to seize her final chance to mentor incoming students. “I want to help reduce mental barriers so they can be who they want to be.”
Fellow FYGs Zinnan Jimoh ’28 and Millian Bailey ’28 recalled the invaluable support they received on day one, especially. Grateful, they chose to pay it forward by reassuring new students that there are endless resources to help them make the most of their CMC experience.
“CMC helps you build confidence in ways you would never expect,” Zinnan said. “You are encouraged to explore and experiment and test, and you can always find help for whatever it is you need.”
“CMC is so great at guiding you to your goal, at helping you find your footing and understand that, ‘yes, I do belong here,’” Bailey added.
Paving the way
Before the noontime In-N-Out lunch (a California classic!), the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement hosted a First-Generation Family Meet and Greet.
Attending families learned about CMC’s 1Gen program and also heard from Vince Greer, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for Dialogue and Diversity, about how the College is launching “First Forward” to provide additional resources for students who are the first in their family to attend college. The Class of 2030 are inaugural participants in the program, sponsored by the June Scholars Fund.
“We’re putting a lot of emphasis on the cohort, because it’s all about finding folks who are sharing a similar experience that you can lean into for support,” Greer said.
Enjoying the reception was Ailani Rodriguez ’30, whose frontline pillar of college-prep support is her sister, CMC junior Kimberly Rodriguez ’28.
“I feel like there’s a huge weight off my shoulders because the whole college process was a lot, but I had a lot of help and mentorship from my sister,” said Ailani, who plans to major in Integrated Sciences and is “looking forward to networking and learning more about career possibilities.”
Treading new paths
After an afternoon of bonding and ice-breaking in their Welcome Orientation Adventure (WOA) groups, the Class of 2030 streamed into Roberts Pavilion for the Orientation capstone ceremony, shimmering pom-poms and exuberant cheers celebrating their arrival.
While delivering his first CMC Orientation address, President Will Dudley expressed his hope that the Class of 2030 would consider him “an honorary member.”
Reflecting on his own liberal arts background—a math enthusiast turned philosopher—President Dudley encouraged students to investigate new interest areas over the next four years.
“Continue to study whatever it is that you already love, but also make sure that you explore the curriculum here. Challenge yourself. Make yourself uncomfortable. Pursue your curiosity,” President Dudley said.
“One of the amazing things about college is there's so much to learn that you have not experienced yet, and you never know what you're going to fall in love with,” he added. “Immerse yourself in the liberal arts education here for its own sake. Do it as well as you possibly can, and good things will happen.”
Student Body President Amrit Dhaliwal ’27 further emphasized the promise of personal transformation that comes with a CMC education.
“You will grow and change, and in four years, you’re not going to be the same person you are sitting here today. I cannot wait to learn from all of you and grow alongside you and see what your mark will be on this school!”