Commencement Reflections and Gratitude

Dear Occidental Community,

I am still carrying the energy from our commencement ceremony and reflecting with pride and gratitude on all we’ve accomplished together this year. 

I have also been considering some of the powerful words of Anna Malaika Tubbs, our incredible commencement speaker. She asked: “What history do you intend to repeat? Will you hold power in your own hands or will you create new possibilities for us all? Will the story you write be motivated by fear or deep love for yourself, for those who came before us, those who walk beside us, and those who are coming after?”

I am confident that our graduates will create new possibilities and become the ethical leaders and influential changemakers the world needs. I can’t wait to see them disperse into the world, carrying the thoughtfulness, compassion, and creativity that we’ve benefited from during their time at Oxy.

While looking back at this academic year, I'm energized by all of the moves we made that will impact our current and future Oxy students.

• We secured our summer Internship Program with the LA Phil, which will give Oxy students incredible opportunities to explore career pathways in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. This is just one of many new initiatives centered on creating a bridge between academics and career outcomes.

• We made critical investments in capital projects to advance the Occidental Promise, securing the necessary funds to start the Booth Hall, MAC (Media, Arts & Culture) Screening Room, and Norris Hall, strengthening our already impressive academic programs in the STEM and art fields.

• We’ve welcomed new leaders, including Angie Bos, our new Dean of the College, who will start this summer. 

This has been a transformative year and it is because of our incredible faculty, staff, and students and what you do for the Oxy community. I am excited about our future and welcoming a new class of Tigers in the fall!

Io Triumphe!
Tom