As the Oxy community embarks on a new academic year, President Stritikus shares his impressions after two months on the job
As the school year gets underway, I can feel the hum of excitement on campus. To me, August is always a time of anticipation and opportunity. We’re establishing new routines, setting goals for the months ahead, and embarking on new chapters in our academic journey.
Being new to the Oxy community, I spent the summer learning more about our academic offerings. Through these conversations with students, faculty, and staff, it’s become clear that Occidental is a shining example of all a liberal arts college can offer. Our community recognizes the educational power of combining diverse interests, exploring immersive experiences, and approaching opportunities with an enthusiastic yes. And what better place to pursue that learning than the heart of Los Angeles?
At Oxy, students don’t focus on only one subject. They delve deeply into multiple disciplines and subfields, from environmental law to artificial intelligence to Afrofuturism, while making time to intern with city officials, carry out underwater marine biology research in the Pacific Ocean, and perform in theatrical and musical productions across Southern California. And they are able to do so thanks to our faculty, who set a national standard for teaching and mentorship.
The depth and breadth of an Occidental education is a testament to our collective commitment to excellence. Oxy faculty and staff prepare students to thrive in a complex world and our students excitedly accept this invitation into a lifelong learning journey and the pursuit of knowledge. Upholding this standard requires effort and trust from all parties—a collaborative spirit that I see every day on campus.
As we begin the fall semester together, I look forward to meeting more members of our incredible Oxy community, both here on campus and around the world. I’m excited to explore Occidental’s next chapter with you.
Io Triumphe!
Tom
