Occidental College

We saw 15 new tenure-track faculty (and a veteran kinesiology professor) join campus this last year. In the latest Occidental magazine, they discuss their favorite classes, their passion for teaching, and what brought them to Oxy (hint: Location!).

16 Faculty, 16 Stories Above photo, from left: Assistant professors Alaa Abdelfattah (economics), Tiffany Wheatland-Disu (Black studies), Madeline Wander ’08 (urban and environmental policy), Joel Walsh (computer science), Margaret Gaida (history), and Kai Yui Samuel Chan (politics).

A number of exceptional Occidental graduates were elected to join Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honors organization. Meet just a few seniors from this year’s impressive cohort, featuring accolades from their professors.

Meet Our 2026 PBK Inductees Exceptional Oxy graduates have been elected to membership in the Delta of California Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honors organization.

Students and faculty across the campus are engaging in collaborative work with our neighbors and local leaders, largely coordinated by Occidental's Center for Community-Based Learning (CCBL). The latest Occidental magazine highlights the incredible work the CCBL has led on campus for 25 years.

Weaving Community Into Curriculum Growing up in Highland Park, “Occidental has always been part of my life,” Celestina Castillo says. Her mother participated in the College’s Upward Bound program in the 1970s, and in her five years (2003-08) of working at the nonprofit Los Angeles County Children’s Planning Council, Castillo...

Each year, the Dean of Students recognizes graduating seniors who, through their involvement on- and off-campus, embody Oxy’s four pillars of Equity, Excellence, Community and Service. Meet this year's award winners!

Dean’s Award Winners 2026 The Dean’s Award winners are selected by Dean of Students Vivian Garay Santiago in consultation with others at the College, and the award recognizes a select number of exceptional seniors who, through their activities, have been the embodiment of the College’s four cornerstones of Equity, Excell...

A move to L.A. has set the scene for Slamdance to become a major hub of alumni activity. The latest Occidental magazine charts the path of the many Oxy students and alumni gaining industry exposure and experience at the film festival.

A Ticket to Slamdance Despite living in Salt Lake City, Utah—an hour’s drive from the birthplace of the Slamdance Film Festival, the upstart alternative to the older and better-heeled Sundance—“I had never heard of Slamdance,” says Max Brown ’25, who majored in media arts and culture (MAC) at Oxy. “Sunda...

After smashing multiple records at Oxy and gutting out an eight-year career in professional football, what’s next for Bryan Scott ’17?

Out of the Foxhole Bryan Scott ’17 may have never played football at Oxy were it not for Brett Kassel, who would become his future roommate. Newly hired football coach Doug Semones had ventured to the West Torrance Lions Club All-Star Football Game at Mira Costa High School in South Bay to recruit Kassel as a long s...

From academic honors and research awards to fellowships, leadership recognition, and creative achievements, the Class of 2026 is leaving their mark on Occidental and beyond.

Class of 2026 Highlights We are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2026 at the 144th Occidental College Commencement ceremony on May 17. Enjoy the content we've gathered below to honor the achievements of the latest graduating class. Check back as we add new content just before and after graduation!

Officially alumni! 🙌 🎓 The celebration continued after yesterday's Commencement ceremony, all the way into Gilman Fountain. ⛲

Congrats, Class of 2026! 🎓🎊🧡 It's a great day to be an Occidental ALUM!

This morning, our 2026 graduates gathered at Remsen Bird Hillside Theater along with friends and family to celebrate this amazing achievement. Commencement speaker Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs gave an inspiring message to our graduates and the Occidental College Glee Club performed a beautiful version of "The Time They Are A-Changin'." Congrats to all of the graduates and their families.