To the Oxy community:
As my time as president of Occidental College comes to a close, I want to thank you for your support over the past 11 years. It has been a privilege to serve as Oxy’s 15th president. Together we have accomplished much, from the tremendous endowment support we have added to student scholarships and the creation of the prestigious Obama Scholars Program to the construction of the De Mandel Aquatics Center, the Anderson Center for Environmental Sciences and the Choi Family Music Production Center. All this has reestablished our institutional momentum, renewed a sense of confidence in the College and made The Oxy Campaign For Good possible.
I know that Oxy will be in excellent hands when Dr. Harry J. Elam, Jr. takes office on July 1. Far from being daunted by the challenges that lie ahead, Dr. Elam has doubled down—he is all in. The character and judgment he has shown in these last few months and the way he has worked with our talented leadership team have made it clear that the Board of Trustees made the right choice. I know you’ll be as warm and welcoming to Dr. Elam as you were with me. I look forward to working with him as a member of the Oxy faculty.
I am confident that Occidental will weather this storm and come back stronger than ever just as it did after The Great Recession. Its success, however, depends on your continued advocacy, guidance and financial support. I hope you will band together at this most difficult moment and keep Oxy strong.
Io Triumphe!
With immense gratitude,
Jonathan