GOLD Scholarship recipients shine thanks to generous young alumni support

GOLD Scholars shine thanks to generous alumni support.

Photos by Isaiah Tulanda ’20

CMC graduates of the last decade (GOLD) have collectively made an impressive impact on the lives of current students, and consistently celebrate the highest levels of engagement and philanthropy among peer schools. This month, we’re celebrating and spotlighting that distinction, where we’ll shine a light on incredible stories made possible by gifts from young alumni. Join us by making a gift to an area of the College that most resonates with you and your experience—Alumni Fund and financial aid, Sponsored internships, and Experiences, the Ath, or your CMS athletic team.

Meet this year’s GOLD Scholarship recipients

The Classes of 2014, 2018, and 2022 successfully exceeded 40% giving participation during last year’s GOLD Challenge—which unlocked GOLD Scholarships for three new students to help pave the way toward the pursuit of their dreams at CMC. You can help continue the tradition of GOLD philanthropy by supporting students just like them through the Alumni Fund for Scholarships.

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Valerie Wraith ’27.

Valerie Wraith ’27
Major: Government and Economics
Women’s Water Polo—SCIAC Offensive Player of the Week; Asian-Pacific American Mentoring Program (APAM); Claremont Consulting Group
Class of 2014 GOLD Scholarship Recipient

“I was struck by how unique CMC’s mission was, and how seriously folks —from trustees to faculty to staff — carry out and implement long-range plans in their day-to-day tasks. I think constructive dialogue is such an important element of CMC’s commitments as an institution and for ASCMC to promote as student leaders, but also people who are there to facilitate student connections … [such as creating] the spaces where students can debate and discuss contentious controversial issues, and be able to do so in a respectful way that preserves the kind of unique CMC community and dialogue that we have. And I think that also goes in tandem with our commitments to the Open Academy for expression and our unique kind of ethos as a liberal arts college.”


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Kritika Bhandari ’27.

Kritika Bhandari ’27
Major: Economics and Data Science
Student intern at Center for Global Education (CGE) and Faculty Support Office; Claremont Women in Computing; South Asian Student Association (SASA); CMC Outdoor Initiative; CMC Volunteer Club
Class of 2018 GOLD Scholarship Recipient

“What I enjoy most about being a CMC student is the rich tapestry of cultures that intersect on our campus. Thanks to my international friends, I’ve learned to say ‘hello’ in seven different languages. Growing up in a politically active household exposed me to the intricacies of politics from a very young age, fueling my desire to work in the field of Nepali politics. I am majoring in Data Science and Economics, which I consider to be the binoculars of my long-term vision. I firmly believe that this combination is a powerful tool for enacting positive change in the political arena. Being a student at CMC has been a transformative experience for me in many ways. Thank you for believing in the power of education and for supporting students like me on our journeys to success.”


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Dhamar Ramirez Gomez ’27.

Dhamar Ramirez Gomez ’27
Major: Biology
5C Club Volleyball; CMC Outdoor Initiative Leader; Community Service Club; Art Club
Class of 2022 GOLD Scholarship Recipient 

“Some of my goals while at CMC are conducting research with one of the amazing professors at the Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies and studying abroad—which has been a dream of mine for the longest time. Ideally, I will be attending either medical or PT school after graduating from CMC. I think my four years at CMC will help guide me in the right direction. Although I am a Biology major, I still get to enjoy the humanities, which is so special. My favorite class so far has been ‘The Case of George Orwell.’ CMC has been such a unique experience and I am so thankful that I get to experience four years here! Thank you!”