An archive of speeches and special events hosted by President Harry J. Elam Jr. for the Occidental community and beyond.
What's Your Why: Advice From Higher Ed Leadership Podcast / May 23, 2023
Harry Elam, president of Occidental College, is committed to creating environments where everyone can thrive. Having grown up in the turbulent era of court-ordered school desegregation in Boston, Elam is also a leader on issues of diversity and inclusion. We talked with President Elam about the power of connection and the importance of active listening.
President Elam’s State of the College Address / April 8, 2021
The president reflects on the institutional challenges and achievements of the current year while providing an outlook toward the future. Read full text
ArtCenter’s Change Lab Podcast / March 3, 2021
President Elam talks about his personal background, how his theater background informs his presidency, his efforts to develop an equity and justice agenda, his approach to shared governance, and being a new president during a pandemic.
Regional Alumni Conversations with President Elam / December 2020
On Dec. 8 and 9, the Oxy Alumni Association held four virtual events for alumni and parents across the country to hear from the President about the current state of the College and what the future holds.
- East Coast Region Event: Dec. 8
- Mountain, Pacific Northwest and Northern California Regions: Dec. 8
- Central Region: Dec. 9
- Southern California Region: Dec. 9
A Special Message from President Elam / Nov. 17, 2020
President Elam reflects on the first few months of his presidency—and his thoughts and hopes for Oxy’s future.
Obama Scholars Speaker Series: How Art Inspires Social Change / Oct. 24, 2020
As part of Homecoming 2020, President Elam hosted a
robust panel discussion
among distinguished artists and advocates about how art can change the world.
Community Book Read Program: Alumna Interview with Patt Morrison / Sept. 21, 2020
President Elam is joined by Patt Morrison ’74 H’12 for a conversation about why he chose Jacqueline Woodson’s Red at the Bone: A Novel as the first pick for
the new program
.
President Elam’s Welcome Address / July 1, 2020
On July 1, Occidental welcomed Harry J. Elam Jr. as its 16th president.