Oxy is inviting its students to share photos that address the statement, “What Oxy means to me.”

Dear Students,

In recognition of a year that has been like no other--and as we anticipate a return to in-person activities next fall--the College is announcing a special community photo project. We invite you to send in pictures that address the statement: “What Oxy means to me.” This call for photos is purposely broad, and is meant to document this extraordinary episode in Oxy’s history. Many of you have not been on campus at all this year, including most first-years. If you have been on or around campus, you might share images of scenes and/or people from this year or from before the pandemic. But Oxy can be defined as more than a physical location. Be as creative as you want in interpreting the prompt of what Oxy means to you.

This project is co-sponsored by my office and the newly formed Committee on Public Art. The committee will select some of the photos to be used in banners and collages that will be displayed prominently around campus this fall. In total, at least 25 photos will be selected, with student photographers of those images receiving a $25 gift certificate to the Oxy Bookstore. All photos will be curated and preserved in the College archive as part of this project.

Rules & Eligibility:

  • All students, including graduating seniors, are eligible.
  • Submit photos to photos@oxy.edu by Monday, May 17.
  • Off-campus and on-campus photos are welcome and encouraged. 
  • Limit of two photo submissions per student. Please send high-resolution images, preferably 10 MB or larger. Photos that do not meet the minimum resolution may still be included in the collection or digital collage, but may not be usable for the purposes of campus banners.
  • Usage permission: By submitting photos, you give permission for Oxy to potentially display them publicly on campus and save them in the College archives. 
  • Questions can be submitted to Allie Gordon (agordon2@oxy.edu) in the Office of Marketing and Communications

We know this has been a challenging year and hope this project helps chronicle the year that has been and provides a glimpse as to what lies ahead. Thank you.

Very best,

President Elam

Amy Lyford, Professor of Art & Art History
Chair, Committee on Public Art

Contact the President’s Office
Arthur G. Coons Administrative Center, 3rd Floor

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. M-F 
Call or email to schedule an appointment