Occidental Magazine - Fall 2017

Page 1

Office of Communications F-36 1600 Campus Road Los Angeles CA 90041-3314

FALL 2017

Nonprofit U.S. Postage Paid Occidental College

Sally Beauty Holdings CEO Chris Brickman ’86

The New Millennials: Oxy’s Class of 2021

Address Service Requested

FALL 2017

Photo by Nick Jacob

After Joscelyn Guzman ’18 received admission decisions from the four schools she applied to, “I talked to students at each institution, and the Occidental student I talked to made an effort to honestly answer all the questions I asked him,” recalls the firstgeneration college student, a religious studies major from Modesto. “After talking to him, I knew that I wanted to attend a school like Oxy where the students were kind, patient, and committed to supporting their peers. I wasn’t even an Oxy student yet, and I was already welcomed into the Oxy community.” How did you choose your major? After two years of academic exploration, I discovered that I was drawn to classes in the religious studies department. Being able to study and think critically about religion excited me, and all of the professors in the department are exceptional. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and they have reminded me of how fun learning can be. What’s been among your favorite classes? Last spring, I took a class titled Death, Dying, and Afterlife in the Ancient Mediterranean World, taught by Professor [Kristi] UpsonSaia. Her constant positivity—and her immense knowledge on the topic—motivated me to continue learning and finish the school year on a strong note. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the semester, my grandfather passed away. Afterward, I struggled with grief and staying on top of my work, but Professor Upson-Saia was very understanding—and being in a class that focused on death and dying was a surprisingly therapeutic process. I was able to bring my grandfather into discussions, readings, and assignments, and I am incredibly grateful to have had that opportunity. What did you learn from your Campaign Semester experience? I spent the fall 2016 semester in North Carolina doing research for Roy Cooper’s gubernatorial campaign. The race was extremely close, and my candidate ultimately won by only about 10,000 votes out of 4.6 million votes cast! Being a part of the victory in such a close election was emotional but rewarding, and the whole process taught me that people can truly make a difference.

INTRODUCING THE BARACK OBAMA SCHOLARS PROGRAM /// CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE CURRICULUM

Your Oxy Fund Gift Motivates Joscelyn Guzman

What opportunities do you hope to pursue as a senior? Being a student of color has shaped my experience at Oxy, and I want to get more involved with Multi, a club for multiracial/ multicultural individuals. I look forward to continuing the research I began over the summer with the Undergraduate Research Center. Lastly, I want to engage more with Los Angeles, specifically with the Eagle Rock community. Thousands of alumni and friends of the College support the Oxy Fund each year. What would you like to say to them? Your generosity directly impacts students’ lives. I never imagined I would experience the opportunities I have had at Oxy, and I am thankful for your commitment to the institution. So, thank you. You motivate me to follow your example.

oxy.edu/giving

Armed with a smartphone and an open heart, Kevin F. Adler ’07 combats homelessness by rebuilding social support systems— one message at a time

oxy.edu/magazine

Invest in the kind of education that can only happen at Occidental. Please make your gift to the Oxy Fund.

Miracle Worker


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Occidental Magazine - Fall 2017 by Occidental College - Issuu