Impact Report 2018

2018 OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE

Oxy Fund Impact Report 1

The Power of Oxy = The Power of Connection

A word from

Anne Wilson Cannon ’74

Dear Tiger, Each year, I have the opportunity to thank the thousands of alumni, parents and friends who contribute to the Oxy Fund. Your generosity provides students access to the full breadth of an Oxy education: excellent academics, dynamic clubs, competitive sports programs, international study and high-impact opportunities — all of these are made possible by you.

National Chair, Oxy Fund Member, Board of Trustees

Supporting the Oxy Fund is a meaningful investment you have chosen to make, for which we are deeply grateful. Perhaps you were inspired to give back because you were a scholarship recipient yourself. Or perhaps your life was forever changed thanks to your study-abroad experience. Maybe an Oxy professor inspired you to do and become more than you ever dreamed possible. My personal connection to Oxy is what inspires me to support the Oxy Fund and continue to stay involved with my alma mater.

Just as you were changed by Oxy, today’s students grow throughout their years here via new relationships, experiences and opportunities to engage in the campus community. By the time they emerge as graduates, they are accomplished, confident and prepared to contribute to society — and change the world.

Your personal connection to Oxy likely inspired you to give back, and we appreciate the opportunities you are providing our students to make their own unique connections on campus and within our community that will last far beyond their time here. Thank you for investing in a connected, personal Oxy experience for many generations yet to come!

With gratitude, Anne Wilson Cannon ’74 National Chair of the Oxy Fund

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Jordan Walker CLASS OF 2021 MAJOR:

Economics

The Multicultural Summer Institute (MSI) offers a residential program for incoming first-years from various backgrounds. MSI gives an introduction to the social, cultural and intellectual resources of Southern California, and familiarizes students with the Oxy community and surrounding area.

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2018 OXY FUND IMPACT REPORT

“I realized that Occidental was an amazing place during my visit via the Multicultural Summer Institute. I loved the community I felt, especially during the welcome reception where professors, students and administrators volunteered their time to understand our journey to Oxy.” In Jordan’s first year at Oxy, his personal connection to the campus community was strengthened through rigorous academic courses and an array of engaging extracurricular activities.

A possible economics major, he is exploring his interest in public policy. “Understanding that economics drives policy, majoring in economics at Occidental allows me to explore not only the exchange of goods and services, but to also study social issues and the economic tools that may be used to solve them.”

six-figure part of Occidental’s endowment.

He was also a student representative on the Board of Trustees’ Committee on Institutional Advancement and Marketing & Communications, where he was able to learn the issues of communication and institutional development. Next year, Jordan will serve as vice president of external affairs for ASOC, where he hopes to better engage the student body in student government.

Outside of the classroom, Jordan’s participation in the Leadership Council for Peer Health Exchange fosters engagement with the local community by teaching high school students health education.

When asked what surprised him the most in his first year at Oxy, Jordan cites the access that he has to resources and people of influence. “I have been able to develop relationships with multiple professors and staff, and these networking opportunities assure me that people here are truly working for the best interest of students.”

In addition, he is a director of the Blyth Fund, a hands-on opportunity for students to apply their finance education in a real-world setting. As one of 14 directors, Jordan makes investment decisions for this

“My first year at Oxy has clarified that I am here to find who I am. I am looking forward to discovering what I am truly interested in and how that may shape my career choices.”

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Thank you so much for your continued support of this unique institution, and for your support of my education. Your generosity is inspiring, and I hope to one day contribute to these efforts.�

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Jade Thurnham CLASS OF 2020 MAJOR:

Biology

Women’s rugby is one of 15 club (or intramural) sports at Oxy. Club sports are run with minimal staff supervision and provide a competitive outlet for students in a less formal setting. Club sports also provide leadership opportunities by giving students experience in structuring and running an organization.

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2018 OXY FUND IMPACT REPORT

As a participant in the United Kingdom’s Sutton Trust U.S. Programme (a Fulbright partner), Jade Thurnham ’20 moved across the pond to attend Occidental College.

“I owe the Sutton Trust for introducing me to Oxy. Sutton promotes small, liberal arts colleges, as they are quite unheard of in the UK. The idea of no pressure to specialize right away, to explore classes you would not otherwise take, and the chance to connect with your professors, was what drew me in.”

As a biology major, Jade has enjoyed classes such as Biodiversity in Marine Ecosystems and Flora of Southern California, but the variety afforded by a liberal arts education is not lost on her. She points to Asian American Literature, the Transformation of Urban and Rural China and Neuroscience as her favorite classes so far.

“These subjects are so completely different, yet that’s the beauty of Oxy. I thrive in all of these environments.”

Being far from home can be challenging, but being on the women’s rugby team helps her connect to her peers, while reminding her of her UK roots. “Rugby empowers women, encourages strength, and radiates support and diversity. The team continually makes me realize why

I came to Oxy—it is a home in itself. I’ve met some wonderful people who make me forget about my label as an ‘international student.’”

Jade isn’t wasting any time. Her responses to this interview came to Oxy from Guizhou, China; she is on a trip that is part of an Oxy Chinese history class taught by Professor Sasha Day, where Jade is using Chinese language skills that she began learning when she came to Oxy. Jade plans to show appreciation for her Oxy education by making the most of her opportunities here. “Seeing people I know go off and do incredible things truly inspires me—from internships with marine companies; to research experiences in Ecuador, Australia and Iceland; to summer employment turned full-time employment at law offices; and more. If my Oxy peers can achieve these things, then I’m just as capable. This drives me to make the most of my time here.”

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I am truly overwhelmed by everything alumni and supporters do for this school, and will continue to appreciate their work way beyond my four years at Oxy.�

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Dire Ezeh CLASS OF 2019 MAJOR:

Diplomacy and World Affairs

Diplomacy and world affairs (DWA), one of Oxy’s top five majors, provides students with a foundation in international relations theories and issues. Students are encouraged to draw from a related area of study (such as politics, economics or religious studies) and are required to engage in substantial foreign language study.

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2018 OXY FUND IMPACT REPORT

Dire Ezeh ’19 had a decision to make about his future. “I had to choose between two schools in the Northeast and Oxy. What sealed my decision was the DWA department and the programs it offers, such as the Kahane United Nations Program. Oxy was everything I wanted in a small school with the location and academic programs of a much larger school.”

Being raised in Kenya, coupled with exposure to international relations from an early age, Dire found DWA an appealing course of study. “Exposure to the diverse population living within Nairobi cultivated my interest in the topic; I continue to learn more and more about the world’s troubled past and present.”

Far from his home in Nairobi, Dire found himself active in the politics of Los Angeles through his coursework. “International Political Economy with Professor Khagram was another meaningful course for me,” says Dire. “During this course, I worked with L.A. city officials to help lay the groundwork for some of L.A.’s long-term development plans, an opportunity I would be pressed to find elsewhere.”

Dire connects with fellow students through the Occidental swim & dive team and membership in the African Student Association (AFSA) and the Multicultural Student Association (MULTI). He was also on the executive board of the Spoken Word Club.

Dire’s relationship with his former academic adviser, Sanjeev Khagram, “encouraged my potential as a student and pointed me toward many incredible opportunities. He cares for his students.”

Last semester, Dire applied his DWA studies during a semester abroad in Paris. “I wanted to improve my spoken French and explore the city and the countryside. Additionally, France has been one of the countries taking in the most refugees from the Syrian conflict, which was a topic of study in my DWA courses.”

Dire is grateful for support from the Oxy alumni community. “I received enough financial aid that my parents could afford my tuition; I only needed small loans. I do not take it for granted that I am able to attend this institution.”

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Many resources would not be possible if it were not for your contributions. Io Triumphe!�

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Alexis “Alex” Morse CLASS OF 2018 MAJOR:

Psychology

Transformative student-teacher bonds make the Oxy experience unforgettable.

Impactful relationships forged over the four-year student journey enrich faculty members’ perspectives and work, while also mapping students’ future success. Such is the case for Alexis “Alex” Morse ’18 and Andrea Hopmeyer, professor of psychology.

Alex became Hopmeyer’s advisee when she changed majors from political science to psychology—a decision attributed to “a need for a deeper understanding of the humanity of individuals.” In the time since, Alex has taken three courses with Hopmeyer: Adolescent Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Independent Study and Research.

Hopmeyer’s courses explore how individuals grow and change across the lifespan and the growing pains that accompany that evolution. Fittingly, Hopmeyer has seen much growth in Alex.

“Alex has come into her own. Throughout her coursework, she has been incredibly engaged.

“The scholarship we’ve produced together this semester is the kind of work I couldn’t have done without a student. In the LGBTQIA+ college community, this research requires a personal connection with students; Alex has taken the lead in that

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2018 OXY FUND IMPACT REPORT

work. I see great potential for her beyond Oxy.” But it’s more than just the research that bonds them.

“Dr. Hopmeyer is my local expert on what I am doing with my life next,” Alex says “In psychology, there are many different types of graduate degrees. It can be really overwhelming. Dr. Hopmeyer is preparing me for whichever path I choose to take.”

Alex’s passions extend well beyond academics. She founded the Oxy Planned Parenthood Club, which was recognized as “Student Organization of the Year.” In addition, she was awarded the Promotion of the Status of Women Mortar Board Award for her work with that club.

She has also been active in Glee Club, “which receives a lot of gifts from alumni.

We even do home stays on our tours with people who support the program. Glee Club has been a very clear place where support has made a difference every year on tour.”

Inspired by the generosity that has been shown her, Alex is already giving back by doing what she can to help Oxy while she is still a student. “I just donated myself. I gave $20.18 to the Senior Class Gift Committee to help support the Oxy Annual Fund.”

The Occidental Glee Club plays a central role in the life of the College by drawing musicians of the highest caliber and giving voice to our Oxy spirit. Both at home and internationally, the group’s reputation for sonic excellence has carried the Occidental banner far. The Occidental Glee Club is dedicated to superb music-making and to fostering ties that unite generations of singers.

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I will miss the the giant hug that is

The Senior Class Gift Committee members help instill a culture of giving back to Oxy when alumni are still students on campus. The Committee encourages participation based on recurring giving to ensure that students’ most meaningful Oxy experiences continue to be available for future Tigers.

this entire campus community. The feeling of support telling me ‘You are strong, you can do this.’”

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Mark Gad CLASS OF 2018 MAJOR:

Biochemistry

It’s the end of the academic year, and Associate Professor Joseph Schulz has nothing but praise for his advisee, biochemistry major Mark Gad ’18.

“As an instructor, sometimes you just get lucky and a student like Mark crosses your path. Mark defended his honors thesis last Friday to faculty and students. I haven’t told him this yet, but I’ve had many faculty come up to me raving about his senior comp.

That’s his work. It’s his presentation. They had nothing but over-the-top glowing things to say.”

Mark’s success story, while unique, is not entirely unlike those of other students who benefit from close student-faculty relationships and Oxy’s tight-knit community.

Born and raised in Egypt, Mark and his family moved to Huntington Beach, California while he was still in high school.

“Huntington Beach has a very active Egyptian community,” says Mark. “Leaving to come here was a bit of a cultural shock.

I soon learned that I wasn’t alone, and that my amazing new campus community was completely accepting. I didn’t expect that coming in.”

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2018 OXY FUND IMPACT REPORT

In addition to working in Schulz’s lab, Mark was a member of the Oxy men’s rugby team, served as president of J Street U (a club that educates fellow students about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict), and worked as a student assistant in the financial aid office. While this level of close collaboration with faculty and staff is widespread at Oxy, Mark’s time working in financial aid also gave him special insight and appreciation for the generous donors who helped make his and other Oxy educations attainable.

“My parents took a big risk, leaving our life behind in Egypt to give us better opportunities in the U.S. It was a huge financial burden. If it wasn’t for Oxy’s generous donors, my education here would not have been possible. It’s as simple as that. I am very grateful.”

Mark’s plans after graduation include working as a structural biology lab technician at Caltech, an opportunity he credits to his mentor, Schulz, and his time at Occidental.

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I’m going to miss this community that cares so much about one another but, at the same time, challenges each other— whether that is in an academic setting, or just in a bigger community setting in general. That’s what I’m really gonna miss.”

Senior comprehensive projects, aka “comps,” reflect Oxy’s educational philosophy of learning deeply and independently. Comps are year-long projects, fieldwork, theses, exams, presentations or creative works required by each major. Each discipline defines its comps expectations differently, and they all challenge and inspire students in unexpected ways. Many of our students draw senior comps inspiration from their multicultural surroundings in Los Angeles, or research and exploration abroad.

The financial aid program at Oxy is based on the mission of the College: to provide a gifted and diverse group of students an educational experience of the highest quality. With over two-thirds of our students receiving some form of financial aid, Oxy’s financial aid team is committed to helping students and their families navigate the financial aid process to receive grant, loan and work-study assistance to enroll and succeed at Oxy.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Brad Fauvre ’87

Brad Fauvre ’87 has always had a strong connection with Oxy as an alumnus. However, his involvement with the College actually began when Oxy found him.

Brad first became acquainted with Oxy through an admission brochure he received.

“At the time, I was not very focused on my college search. Looking back now, I am so grateful for the mentorship and opportunities I had as a result of attending Occidental.”

While attending the school as an economics major, Brad served as president of the Blyth Fund, Oxy’s student investment fund, and led the fund’s divestment from South Africa, which was part of a larger apartheid divestment campaign at the College.

Fauvre credits economics professor Woody Studenmund, Oxy’s longest-serving faculty member, and Art Peck ’77, CEO of Gap, Inc., with helping him to secure his first job, thus helping him to chart a course for future career success. ”Woody embodies the Oxy experience of a professor and a mentor. In addition to academics, Woody guided me to an internship at First Interstate Bank, and because of his outreach, fellow alum Art Peck came to recruit on campus for BCG, where I landed my first job. The close connection between Oxy and the alumni, formed by the uniquely close relationships we had with our professors as students, made a real difference in my life.

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2018 OXY FUND IMPACT REPORT

“I feel it’s important to keep this tradition alive, and I encourage Oxy alumni to reconnect with each other and professors, and to provide mentorship, internships and jobs for the fantastic students at Oxy.” After receiving an MBA from Harvard, Brad worked for Boston Consulting Group and HAL Investments. He is now president of Velocity Vehicle Group, a privately owned group of companies that are experts in the commercial vehicle industry in the Southwest United States. VVG employs over 1,600 people and has revenues of $1 billion.

Despite his professional success, or perhaps because of it, Brad never forgot his close connection to Oxy. A longtime supporter of the College and incoming Alumni Board of Governors president, Brad is making a difference in the lives of students. As an individual who understands the importance of both academic access and professional networking, Brad has made a generous commitment spanning five years for scholarships and internships. This gift provides support for approximately eight scholarships and 10 internships, further enriching the work of the Hameetman Career Center (HCC).

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Giving back to Oxy is something I’m proud to do. Providing scholarship support and encouraging young graduates who are embarking on their professional journeys takes me back to when my Oxy mentors and Oxy alumni did the same for me. It is my way of staying In addition, Brad encourages Velocity Vehicle Group to post employment positions on Handshake, Oxy’s student-alumni job-networking site. Through the HCC, Ca’La Connors ’17 secured a marketing internship with Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance, a subsidiary of Velocity Vehicle Group, and was then hired as a full-time marketing associate. Unbeknownst to Ca’La and Brad at the time, Ca’La also happened to be the recipient of the Bradley C. Fauvre ’87 Current-Year Scholarship.

connected, and helping others to succeed.”

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1600 Campus Road, M-46 Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314 Address Service Requested

“You’re constantly being empowered to think on your own and really push the boundaries of everything you’re doing.”

– MOLLY BROWN, CHEMISTRY MAJOR

“Oxy has provided me with the opportunity to take risks that I never thought I’d be able to take.”

LEO CONNELLY, COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR