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Professor of Art and Art History Amy Lyford in October 2021.
Postcards From Amy Lyford
After the Eaton Fire upended her life, the longtime Occidental professor reflects on finding a new home, returning to her research, and reconnecting with her community through art
Professor of Sociology Emeritus Jan Lin, photographed in June 2026.
Jan Lin’s Street Stories
For 28 years, Occidental’s renowned urban and community sociologist has connected the College with its surrounding neighborhoods through research, teaching, and thoughtful partnerships
Curb Visiting Fellow Michael Lloyd, far right, and Resident Assistant Professor Max Foreman with Oxy students in the Choi Family Music Production Center.
Accelerating the Tempo
New industry partnerships, expanded course offerings, and a reimagined Booth Hall are positioning the Music Department for its second century
Derek Shearer photographed in March 2026
The Ambassadude Abides
As a diplomat, dealmaker, and master connector, Derek Shearer brought global leaders, policymakers, and a U.S. president to the classroom over his 45 years at Oxy
L-R: Associate professors Alaa Abdelfattah (economics), Tiffany Wheatland-Disu (Black studies), Madeline Wander ’08 (urban and environmental policy), Joel Walsh (computer science), Margaret Gaida (history), and Kai Yui Samuel Chan (politics).
16 Faculty, 16 Stories
Fifteen new tenure-track faculty and a veteran kinesiology professor discuss their favorite classes, their passion for teaching, and what brought them to Oxy (hint: Location!)
Occidental biology major Hannah Tawadrous '26
Lessons in Biology
Oxy’s biology program blends exploration and experimentation, empowering students to uncover and explain life’s diverse ecosystems
Gibby Professor of Science Margi Rusmore
Margi Rusmore Reaches the Apex
Oxy's inaugural Gibby Professor of Science may be exiting the classroom, but there are still mountains to climb—as well as prepping her data (and her extensive rock collection) for future...