Nine Claremont McKenna students (and one recent alumna) are practicing their smiles and waves over winter break, getting ready to take their places on Claremont McKenna’s Rose Parade float as it glides down Colorado Boulevard on Jan. 2, 2023.
These exemplary CMCers will ride the float and represent Claremont McKenna, which celebrates its 75th anniversary and “bright future” in line with the parade’s theme, “Turning the Corner.”
Meet float rider, Josh Nagra ’23, CMC’s student body president.
It goes without saying that Josh Nagra ’23 will be riding on the Claremont McKenna float in the Rose Parade. After all, as student body president Nagra embodies the student experience. His day-to-day decisions shape campus life, and his interactions with top administration make a tangible difference.
Like the college he represents, Nagra is a young man comprised of interdisciplinary parts. With dual majors in biology and in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), ASCMC’s chief executive can speak authoritatively about the variable effects of the new antidepressant, dextromethorphan, on activity levels and circadian rhythms. He can also talk at length—in several languages—about campus inclusivity, as well as classical music, and fostering dogs.
This week, Nagra added floral decoration to his growing list of life-experiences. He said he can hardly wait to be “physically on the incredible and unbelievably elaborate float that CMC has created.
“I am excited to have the chance to showcase the achievements and values of CMC on a national stage,” said the senior from Pleasanton, Calif. “Participating in the Rose Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am honored to be a part of it.”
Favorite Flower: California Poppy. “They’re everywhere around where I live, and they add a nice orange color to the green rolling hills of the bay.”
Favorite Campus Hangout: Dean of Students Office.
Favorite Course: “Epistemology,” with Briana Toole. “The class wrecked my philosophical view of the world, in the best way possible.”