FROM THE QUAD
“My Voice Could
Make a Difference” Occidental launches the Barack Obama Scholars Program to honor the president’s legacy, empowering future generations of students dedicated to the public good Photos by Tom Grauman ’83
top: Obama often studied in “the Fishbowl,” located on the lower level of Mary Norton Clapp Library. above: Obama sits with roommate Hasan Chandoo ’81 at a dinner in honor of Black History Month. right: Students gather at an anti-apartheid rally outside the Coons Administrative Center on Feb. 18, 1981, where Obama gave his first public speech.
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OCCIDENTAL MAGAZINE
fall 2017
“My years at Occidental College sparked my interest in social and political causes, and filled me with the idea that my voice could make a difference,” said President Barack Obama ’83. “And throughout my time in public service, I’ve tried to use my voice to bring people together, in common effort, around the idea that we could give every young person in America the chance that America gave me.” With the support of alumni and friends of the College who share President Obama’s ideals, Occidental announced the creation of its Barack Obama Scholars Program on September 27 to empower exceptional students committed to the public good as it honors and perpetuates the principles Obama has advanced throughout his life. In a statement issued with the announcement, Obama wrote: “I’m so humbled by the Barack Obama Scholars Program at Oxy, and proud of its mission to identify promising young people from all backgrounds—with an emphasis on first-generation students, our veterans, and community college transfers— not only to give them access to higher education, but to train the next generation of leaders and active citizens, and fill them with the conviction that they too can change the world.” Beginning in fall 2018, Occidental will endow two scholarships and thereafter ramp up to 20 scholarships for a select group of students, providing a singular liberal arts education designed to equip them to bring about meaningful change in the world. Prior to the public launch, Oxy raised $7 million