Occidental College

10/26/2026

“Every Halloween, costumes get their big moment. But every year, millions end up in a landfill after a single use, and many are made from synthetic plastics that don't easily break down, contributing to environmental pollution.” Read how Occidental joined the Ultimate Halloween Swap to help combat holiday waste.

Halloween costumes are often worn once and then thrown away

10/23/2026

As an Oxy professor turned “story merchant,” Ken Atchity—who taught at the College from 1970 to 1987–inspired students and clients alike to pursue their dreams. He died October 19 at age 82.

Kenneth J. Atchity, who taught English and comparative literature at Occidental for 17 years, died Oct. 19, 2026, in Los Angeles. He was 82. A native of Eunice, Louisiana, Ken earned his A.B. from Georgetown University in 1965, where he served as editor-in-chief of The Hoya and worked as a newscaste...

10/21/2026

Occidental College turns 140 next spring, and to commemorate, Occidental magazine will publish a special 40 Under 40 feature celebrating the achievements of 40 young alumni excelling in the following categories: Innovators & Builders, Creators & Entertainers, Policymakers & Civic Leaders, Entrepreneurs & Trailblazers, Scientists & Health Professionals, and Advocates & Changemakers.

Know a Tiger who fits the bill? Submit your nomination by December 1! https://occidentalcollege.my.site.com/OxyForms/40-under-40-nomination

Eligible candidates must have completed at least two years of study at Occidental and be 39 or younger on April 20, 2027 (Occidental's 140th anniversary).

10/16/2026

For the seventh year in a row, Billboard magazine has listed Occidental College among its top music business schools.

Billboard highlighted the John Branca Institute for Music, which is dedicated to the study of popular music and the music industry, Oxy’s new internship program with the LA Phil, additional music business courses—including Music Branding and Marketing taught by Branca Institute Visiting Professor of the Practice Olivia Wilk ’19, Sony Music Entertainment’s associate director of international marketing—and strong partnerships with the Los Angeles music community.

Billboard magazine has included Occidental in its 2026 list of top music business schools. The magazine selects schools for the esteemed list based on industry recommendations, alumni information provided by honorees from multiple power lists, years of reporting on educational options, and on inform...

10/13/2026

For more than 30 years, Fletcher Jones Foundation Professor of Chemistry Michael G. Hill P ’28 taught general chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organometallic chemistry at Occidental. This year, Hill became the second ever professor from Oxy to be honored with the prestigious American Chemical Society (ACS) Award for Research at an Undergraduate Institution.

“The fact that Oxy’s been represented twice puts us in very rare company,” says Hill. “There's only been a handful of liberal arts schools to have someone win this award, and a smaller set to have multiple people win it. This award signifies that it's possible to do relevant, interesting, and new research work with undergraduates. Research is research.”

Read more about Professor Hill’s research and the impact of his mentorship:

When Fletcher Jones Foundation Professor of Chemistry Michael G.

10/12/2026

More than 1,000 Oxy alumni, family members, and students celebrated Homecoming & Family Weekend with spirit and tradition. The Tigers showed up strong with wins in women’s soccer, men’s water polo, and women’s volleyball, while classroom presentations and cultural events showcased Oxy’s outstanding faculty and students and distinct programs. Capping off the weekend, coaches, teammates, friends, and family gathered in Cannon Plaza to welcome the newest class of inductees into the Occidental Athletics Hall of Fame.

Read more about the weekend’s festivities. https://www.oxy.edu/news/occidental-celebrates-community-homecoming-family-weekend

Thanks to the many photographers who captured the spirit of the weekend: Marc Campos, Don Milici, Sarahi Apaez, and MJ Alexander!

10/08/2026

President Tom Stritikus joined CBS LA to discuss the challenges and rewards of leading an institution committed to its mission in the face of federal challenges. He touted Oxy’s inclusive community and the recent expansion of its Affordability Promise, which ensures that if a student’s total family income is under $150,000 with typical assets, their full tuition will be covered.

Watch the full segment: https://tinyurl.com/yc4cpffy

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Oxy sociology major Aoife Mokalla '28 of Minneapolis, one of 100 college juniors nationwide selected for the 2026-28 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. The two-year scholarship provides up to $50,000 in financial aid and supports young leaders committed to bridging divides and tackling the world’s biggest challenges. (Link to story in the comments below.)

09/24/2026

Creating spaces where everyone belongs. Joy Shigaki '94 has built a career around socal justice, community building, and creating inclusive public spaces. As president and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park, she helped bring Seattle's new 20-acre waterfront park to life, transforming a once-isolated shoreline into a vibrant gathering pace for the entire community.

Now, after four years at the helm, Shigaki reflects on her journey from Oxy to one of Seattle's most ambitious public projects. https://www.oxy.edu/magazine/issues/summer-2026/bringing-joy-her-community?utm_medium=website&utm_source=facebookorganic&utm_campaign=sep26

09/22/2026

On September 21, Occidental College President Tom Stritikus and Pasadena City College President José A. Gómez signed a formal transfer agreement opening doors for PCC students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree at Oxy. The partnership will help PCC students navigate the transfer process, explore how their coursework applies at Oxy, learn about financial aid and scholarships, and connect with Oxy admission representatives. “We are two institutions driven by the same values of social mobility and excellence to benefit our communities,” Stritikus said.

In addition to Stritikus, far left, and Gómez, far right, the signing also notably brought together Oswald the Tiger, representing Oxy, and Lance O’Lot, PCC’s equine mascot.