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National Public Radio correspondent Kat Lonsdorf ’09 at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Kat Meets World
From Tel Aviv and Beirut to Minneapolis and Washington, NPR reporter Kat Lonsdorf ’09 follows the news wherever it leads, covering some of the defining stories of our time
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Occidental Magazine

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Occidental magazine brings you campus news, in-depth features, and profiles of exceptional alumni. For the 2026-27 academic year, the magazine will publish one digital-only issue (Summer 2026) and two print and digital issues (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027).

SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ President Harry J. Elam, Jr.
President Elam
Sweet Sixteen
In a joyous ceremony showcasing the arts and ‘New Harmonies,’ Harry J. Elam, Jr. is inaugurated as Occidental’s 16th president
"New Harmonies" are at the heart of SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½'s Integrated Strategic Plan.
Academics
An Actionable Roadmap for Occidental
What will the College look like in 2030? SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½'s Integrated Strategic Plan identifies 11 key issues
The SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Campaign For Good
Campaign
Passing a Major Milestone
With one year remaining, The SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Campaign For Good propels past the $225 million mark
Oswald and Elizabeth Benson '02
Alumni Engagement
Reunited—and It Feels So Good
Alumni Reunion Weekend returns to campus—and Oswald put on a party to remember
SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ President Harry J. Elam, Jr.
President Elam
Firming Up Our Foundation
Following a milestone campaign year, SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ builds on its values and strengths
Author and Occidental Professor of Politics Peter Dreier
Faculty
Let's Play Two
In a pair of new books, SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ politics professor Peter Dreier tips his cap to the mavericks, iconoclasts, and rebels who have shaped baseball history
Profiles
Here's the Pitch
Josh Schlisserman ’19 helped raise $2.5 million as a summer intern in Silicon Valley—and after Scooter Braun kicked him out of his office, he’d found his calling as a venture capitalist
Professor Woody Studenmund in April 2022.
Profiles
Lessons From Woody
Economics legend Woody Studenmund closes the textbook on a 52-year career
Professor Linda Lyke
Academics
Many Thanks, Linda Lyke
“Occidental will forever be an indelible part of me," says the professor of art and art history, who is retiring after 46 years at the College
Lynn Mehl, professor of kinesiology and psychology
Faculty
Many Thanks, Lynn Mehl
After 45 years at SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½, choosing a favorite class is "like choosing your favorite child," says the professor of kinesiology and psychology
Thomas Burkdall, associate professor of writing and rhetoric
Faculty
Many Thanks, Thomas Burkdall
“I plan to write a mystery, travel, and read whatever strikes my fancy."
Susan Gratch, Occidental professor of theater and performance studies
Faculty
Many Thanks, Susan Gratch
Professor of Theater and Performance Studies Susan Gratch brings the curtain down after 37 years at SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½
Dennis Eggleston, professor of physics
Faculty
Many Thanks, Dennis Eggleston
"We’ll see what opportunities present themselves and what life allows."
Oswald celebrates Occidental's 135th birthday
Campaign
2,022 Ways to Mark SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½â€™s Big Day
Break out the cake!
Occidental President Harry J. Elam, Jr.
President Elam
Year Two
As Inauguration Day draws near, President Harry J. Elam, Jr. reflects on the lessons of the pandemic, the evolution of academic excellence, and the necessity of a culture of care

Features

Professor of Art and Art History Amy Lyford in October 2021.
Faculty
Postcards From Amy Lyford
After the Eaton Fire upended her life, the longtime Occidental professor reflects on finding a new home, returning to her research, and reconnecting with her community through art
Professor of Politics Emeritus Tsung Chi, photographed in June 2026.
Faculty
A Round of Applause for Tsung Chi
After 35 years at SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½, the politics professor looks back on a career shaped by remarkable mentors, devoted students, and a deep belief in a liberal arts education
National Public Radio correspondent Kat Lonsdorf ’09 at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Profiles
Kat Meets World
From Tel Aviv and Beirut to Minneapolis and Washington, NPR reporter Kat Lonsdorf ’09 follows the news wherever it leads, covering some of the defining stories of our time
Professor of Sociology Emeritus Jan Lin, photographed in June 2026.
Faculty
Jan Lin’s Street Stories
For 28 years, Occidental’s renowned urban and community sociologist has connected the College with its surrounding neighborhoods through research, teaching, and thoughtful partnerships
Joy Shigaki ’94, president and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park in Seattle.
Profiles
Bringing Joy to Her Community
Joy Shigaki ’94 turned her lifelong commitment to social justice and community building into a career dedicated to creating inclusive public spaces—and Seattle’s Waterfront Park is her most...

First Word

From the Quad

Shane Kawakami-Williams ’27
Athletics
Brewing Up a Comeback
A $1 million gift from Doug Odell ’75 is giving Occidental track and field a boost as it improves its facilities, strengthens its roster, and aims to compete at a higher level
Curb Visiting Fellow Michael Lloyd, far right, and Resident Assistant Professor Max Foreman with SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ students in the Choi Family Music Production Center.
Academics
Accelerating the Tempo
New industry partnerships, expanded course offerings, and a reimagined Booth Hall are positioning the Music Department for its second century
From left, Lizzie Friedrich ’25, Lily Calvert ’25, and Hayden Jennings ’25 share a red-carpet moment during the 2026 Slamdance Film Festival.
Student Life
A Ticket to Slamdance
SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ students and alumni find pathways into the Slamdance Film Festival, gaining industry exposure and experience following its move to Los Angeles

Mixed Media

More Mixed Media
Blue Film director Elliot Tuttle '22, second from left, with the film's stars.
Arts
Rhapsody in Blue
Elliot Tuttle ’22’s microbudget debut feature is one of the year’s breakout indie films—but getting there was its own odyssey

SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Talk

More SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Talk
2025-26 Kemp Lecturer Tim Miller with Occidental Professor Caroline Heldman.
Alumni Engagement
Miller’s Crossing
Former GOP operative Tim Miller recounts his own political reckoning—and offers pearls of hope in the face of despair—as the 2025-26 Jack Kemp '57 Distinguished Lecturer

Last Page

Dale and Shirley Morter photographed on January 1, 2000.
Impact
A Couple’s Legacy
A scholarship gift honoring Shirley and Dale Morter ’56 will bring students from southwestern Pennsylvania to Occidental

Issue Archive

Issue cover for Occidental Magazine featuring a blonde alumna journalist, Kat
Summer 2026
a man with a black suit jacket and black baseball hat on a sports field
Spring 2026
Fall 2025 Occidental Magazine cover with different face portraits
Fall 2025
Occidental Magazine 2025 cover
Summer 2025
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