75 Years of CMC Stories
Claremont McKenna College is thrilled to celebrate 75 years of moments, milestones, and memories that have made it a beloved institution. Enjoy stories about CMCers and programs that highlight the many facets of CMC’s past, present, and future, including our leadership mission, transformative student opportunities, and the integrated sciences.
Take a walk through 75 years with us! With so much to tell, be sure to check back throughout our 75th anniversary year as we share more stories. And we invite you to share your stories as well!
Explore
Honor Mission
All-Star Lineup
Ath’s Distinguished Speakers Series opens with Dr. Atul Gawande
Welcome Back to the Ath!
CMC’s treasured venue returns with prestigious fall lineup
Their CMC Bond Spans Decades
A grandfather and his grandson share an affinity for their shared alma mater
On the Frontlines of National Security
In his work as a policymaker, Richard Johnson ’01 draws upon skills he learned at CMC
A Bond Stronger than Time
As CMC has grown over the past six-plus decades, so has the friendship of Bob McCrary ’58 P’92 and John Poer ’58 P’90.
CMC as Launchpad
Hugh Hallman ’84 served two terms as mayor of Tempe, Arizona
Breaking Stereotypes
Christine Wight Huddleson ’91 served as first female president of CMC student government
Optimism for Empathy
Neuroscience major Allie Gould ’20 fell in love with philosophy and won a best paper award
Inside the Pandemic Moment
Via their summer research projects, students explored what they were living through
Bridging the Political Divide
Alumni on both sides of the aisle offer solutions
Advancing Inquiry and Debate
CMC wins Institutional Excellence Award from Heterodox Academy
Unimagined Possibilities
For John Snider ’77, a CMC education brought a lifetime of contentment and professional success
True Blue
Scott Akasaki ’98 landed a dream job with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Slam Dunk
Kate Parrish ’21 developed a work ethic and made lasting friendships at CMC
His Films Transport Us
Netflix VP Tendo Nagenda ’97 sees limitless possibilities in storytelling
The Next 60 Years
Tony Sidhom ’17 started giving back as a student, and never stopped
A Community That CAREs
CARE Center Director Vince Greer on how diversity and inclusion work starts with each of us
Once in a Lifetime
CMC student movie about study abroad wins grand prize
The Open Academy
CMC’s strategy to promote expression, viewpoint diversity, and dialogue
Building Relationships
After 40 years on campus, Prof. Nicholas Warner extols the CMC culture
Definitely an Asset
For Prof. Marc Massoud P’89, four decades at CMC add up to a significant impact
Picture Imperfect
Tori Johnson ’21 made a social media fashion statement
A Passion for Innovation
CMC’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship bears Randall Lewis’ name to honor the real estate leader
Improving Team Dynamics
Prof. Jennifer Feitosa discusses her research into improving team dynamics with diversity
Building Bridges
Chelina Odbert ’99 helps underserved communities with her design and community development nonprofit
Expand Student Opportunities
She Saw Herself at CMC
Now Courtney Hooks ’23 thrives in small, liberal arts college environment
Where Trust Is Natural
At CMC, Adhitya Venkatraman ’22 has found a place to grow academically and experientially
Two Brothers, Two Paths
Amjad Khan ’01 and Ata Khan ’08 talk about their time at CMC and what they’ve accomplished since then
Big Dreams
Jimena Landa ’22 created her own internship with the Mexican delegation to the U.N. and joined the Model U.N. team
More Than He Imagined
CMC has given Carson Stubstad ’22 opportunities to explore his interests and take risks
A World of Opportunities
Global internships got Jefferson Chang ’22 out of his bubble for life-changing experiences
Here and Abroad
JaDa Johnson ’21 found the right community at CMC, and study abroad solidified her career aspirations
An Uplifting Community
Jeffrey Kim ’23 is developing academically, personally, and professionally at CMC
Leadership Development
Kravis Leadership Institute celebrates 25 years of courage, creativity, and collaboration
Global Awareness
Shaw Wagener ’81 reflects on the value of personal connections for Wagener Family Global Scholars
The Personal Touch
Connecting with a professor at the Athenaeum brought Brittany Ruiz ’08 to CMC
Scholars Win Spirit Award
QuestBridge scholars express thanks for scholarships in a video that makes the CMC Planner a media star
Integrate Sciences
A Voice of Trust and Reason
Public health expert Katya Calvo Corado ’01 researches COVID-19
CMC Names Founding Chair for Integrated Sciences
Dr. Ran (“Ron”) Libeskind-Hadas will lead a next-generation interdisciplinary curriculum for the College.
An Ardor for Arbor
Maddie Hall ’14, recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 for science, uses her interdisciplinary skills to create super trees
Fueled-Up for Success
Lydia Li ’13, a Forbes 30 Under 30 changemaker for energy, specializes in environmental impact investing
CMC’s Scientific Method
Professor of Biology Emily Wiley shares CMC’s plan for teaching the integrated sciences
Empowered by Science
Kelly Watanabe’s ’20 science education has prepared her to help others and achieve breakthroughs
A Systems Thinker
Harriet Nembhard ’91, Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa, couples efficiency with imagination
International Impact
Environmental chemistry students collaborate on research overseas to revive Bangkok canals
Major Psychology Grants
Four faculty celebrate grants for research in emotions, memory, body language, and preparing undergrads for STEM research
The 3-2 Program
In the 1950s, CMC started a dual-degree program in management and engineering with Stanford
Dr. Tanya
Tanya Remer Altmann ’94 has a breakneck schedule as a pediatrician, writer, and TV personality
Data Science Pilot Project
Collaborative learning helps CMC students find the pulse of interdisciplinary science
Entrepreneurial Chemist
Timothy Gallagher ’19 has great plans for his scientific journey, including a PhD from Scripps Research
History
CMC Expands Science Curriculum
Joint management engineering program brought first science professors to campus
Alumnus Established Computer Labs on Campus
Tech titan Ryal Poppa ’57 GP ’08 made significant contributions to benefit CMC students
Prof. Martin Diamond Earns National Recognition
Time magazine praised Diamond’s commitment to his students
Going Co-Ed
Co-education became a reality in 1975
First Professors in Fulbright Scholar Program
Faculty rewarded for their research, teaching prowess
First Faculty: Women at the Men’s College
Women scholars and administrators contributed to CMC’s early success
Early Faculty: A Tour de Force of Recruitment
President Benson hired top academics to join CMC during its first four years
First Faculty: Orme Wheelock Phelps
Influential scholar emerged as a star while at CMC
Founding Faculty
The first faculty members accelerated the new College’s momentum
How I Met My Husband of Almost 63 Years
Jil Stark ’58 GP’11 shares some personal history with Jack Stark ’57 GP’11
A History of the Athenaeum: Chapter 1
Donald McKenna’s Idea for the Athenaeum: 1968
A History of the Athenaeum: Chapter 2
Marian Miner Cook and the Gala Opening: 1983
A History of the Athenaeum: Chapter 3
Social and Intellectual Life at the Athenaeum: 1980-89
Founding Father
Donald McKenna’s legacy lives on
Tables with a View
Collins Dining Hall offers more than food for thought
Origin Story
CMC began in 1946 with one building, 15 acres, and great expectations
Pioneering Women and a Name Change for the College
1976 and 1981 brought big changes for CMC
Early Faculty: Jacob Anton de Haas
Professor of international economics became a major promoter of CMC
The First President and First Lady
Dr. George C. S. Benson and Dr. Mabel Benson developed the intellectual framework for CMC
The First Convocation
The newly incorporated Claremont Men’s College held an impressive ceremony in 1947
A Special Bond
The Tortugateers of Prado Dam build a bridge to the early days with their endowed scholarship
The 3-2 Program
In the 1950s, CMC started a dual-degree program in management and engineering with Stanford
Athletics
1947: Pomona-Claremont Sagehens Are Born
A partnership with Pomona College allowed CMC students to compete on existing varsity sports teams
1954: Football and Track Find a Home
The new complex became home to football and men’s track and field
1958: Arce Leads New Athletic Department
Claremont-Mudd Stags era begins with Bill Arce leading new athletic department
1967: Swim and Dive Team Wins Championship
Claremont-Mudd men’s swimming and diving became first Stag team to score national title
1978: Athenas Win First SCIAC Title
Cross country team trailblazes to take first women’s SCIAC title for CMS
1988: SCIAC All-Sports Trophy Sweep
The 1987-88 year was a first, as CMS won all three SCIAC All-Sports trophies
1993: Axelrood Pool Makes a Splash
In 1993, the Matt M. Axelrood Aquatics Center opened to campus and CMS Aquatics
1993: CMS Volleyball Reaches NCAA Quarterfinals
Win over Trinity propels Athenas volleyball to first NCAA quarterfinals in program history
2010: Perizzolo Captures Two National Titles
With pair of national championships, Annie Perizzolo ’11 made CMS Women’s Swimming and Diving history
Maroon and Gold to the Core
Chris Brandt ’85 P’14 P’18 says CMC Athletics changed his life