Contact Alumni Relations

Office of Alumni Relations

Occidental College
1541 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314
Email: alumni@oxy.edu
Phone: (323) 259-2601
Fax: (323) 341-4962

Need a change of address form?

Alumni Relations Staff

Jim Jacobs
Director
323.259.2606

I've had the opportunity to serve as Director of Alumni Relations at Occidental since September of 2001, having worked previously at Princeton University, the University of Chicago and Claremont McKenna College.  The Alumni Association is a terrific organization, I believe, because of its dynamic Board of Governors and the many dedicated volunteers that so selflessly serve the College.  In addition, Oxy has a terrific staff and it's a pleasure to have the chance to work so closely with such a great group of people.  In the last few years, we've all worked closely together to continue to build on the strong alumni tradition at Oxy while also looking for new ways to reach out and engage both alumni and future alumni (i.e., our current students).  When not in the office or staffing an alumni event, you might find me out riding my bicycle in the San Gabriel Mountains, exploring the many sights (and sounds) of Southern California with my girlfriend Jackie or, in the fall, cheering on the greatest team ever, the Green Bay Packers.

Dana Valk '02
Associate Director 
323.259-2602

As the Associate Director of Alumni Relations, my main responsibilities center around planning, managing, and promoting all major alumni events on campus including Homecoming, Reunions, Fiftieth Reunion, and Fifty Year Club Day. I also serve as a liaison to the Board of Governors Committees and Special Interest Groups. Being an Oxy alumna, I am excited about reconnecting fellow alumni back to their experiences at Occidental. During my free time, I enjoy the outdoors through training for triathlons, swimming, reading, and spending time with my family. 

Alissa Graunke '06
Assistant Director
323.344.4175

As the Assistant Director, my main responsibilities center around Oxy GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade), Student-Alumni relations, and electronic services/communications.  I plan all programs related to young alumni through the Oxy GOLD social, travel, and career-related events; the one-year reunion; and the seniors-to-alumni transition programs. For current Oxy students I organize the the Alumni Ambassador program, and the New Students Parties (for freshmen and transfers). I also act as advisor to the Student Alumni Relations Committee (SARC). When not at my desk or an alumni event, I'll be dancing, reading, trying new recipes, or exploring Los Angeles.

Debra Plummer
Senior Administrative Assistant
323.259.2601

My position provides assistance and clerical support to the Director of Alumni Relations. The duties and responsibilities include preparing materials for events and meetings. When I am not working, I spend most of my time with family and pets.  On the weekends, you can find me walking in a park with Holly, my dog.  I like to be outdoors.  My family, which includes Holly, enjoys camping and hiking.  Kernville and Catalina have been favorite vacation spots.




Kristin Fernandez
Administrative Assistant
323.259.2601

As the Administrative Assistant to the Office of Alumni Relations, my position provides assistance and clerical support to the Associate Director of Alumni Relations.  My responsibilities include preparing materials for events and committee meetings including assisting the Occidental Business Associates and the Council of Alumni Organizations. The major events I assist with are Homecoming/Family Weekend, Fiftieth Reunion, 50 Year Club Day, and Alumni Weekend.  Outside of the office, I spend the majority of my time with my daughter Autumn.  We enjoy, biking along So. Cal beaches, body surfing Huntington waves, seashell & rock collecting, early a.m. local mtn. trail adventures followed up with adventures to the local Cold Stone ice creamery, lots of singing, dancing, spooky story tales, and occasionally I get to golf with adults! We also enjoy a good BBQ amongst family and friends.