Bestselling author Rosalind Wiseman will be the featured speaker at Occidental College’s 143rd Commencement ceremony on May 18.
An Occidental alumna from the class of 1991, Wiseman is the best-selling author of nine books, including the New York Times bestsellers Queen Bees and Wannabes (2002)—the inspiration for the Mean Girls movie and musical franchise—and Masterminds & Wingmen (2013).
Currently, Wiseman serves as a senior leadership consultant at the U.S. State Department’s Office for Overseas Schools, which serves more than 195 schools throughout the world, and as a consultant at the Texas Science Behavior and Mind Institute. She contributed to David Yeager’s recently published book 10 to 25: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation and Making Your Own Life Easier (2024).
Wiseman will be one of two honorary degree recipients at this year’s ceremony. Renowned civil rights attorney Peter Roos, an Occidental alumnus from the Class of 1964, will also receive an honorary degree in recognition of his leadership in public service. Roos is best known for his role as lead counsel in the landmark Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe, and his distinguished career has focused on ensuring meaningful access to education for all students.
Additional information about this year's Commencement ceremony is available on the College's website.
