Skip to main content
Bryan Scott ’17 at Jack Kemp Stadium in February 2026.
Out of the Foxhole
After smashing multiple records at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµand gutting out an eight-year career in professional football, what’s next for Bryan Scott ’17?

Occidental magazine brings you campus news, in-depth features, and profiles of exceptional alumni. For the 2025-26 academic year, the magazine will publish one digital-only issue (Summer 2025) and two print and digital issues (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026).

Vince Cuseo, Occidental Admission
Vince Cuseo has been instrumental to the success of Oxy’s admission efforts for the last 22 years—and his commitment to Oxy’s mission can’t be measured by test scores
Ming Cho Lee '53
The Tony-winning set designer and legendary Yale professor, who died last fall, dedicated himself to theater and to teaching, Ann Sheffield ’83 recalls
Jean Wyatt
Professor of English Jean Wyatt is retiring after an unprecedented 51 years in the classroom. This tribute is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Professor of Spanish and French Studies Felisa Guillén is retiring after 31 years at Oxy. This tribute to her legacy is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Scott Bogue
After 35 years at Oxy, Professor of Geology Scott Bogue will retire in September. This tribute to his time at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµis part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Jacalyn Rodriguez
Professor of Psychology and Latino/a Studies Jaclyn Rodríguez ’77 is retiring after 37 years at Oxy. This tribute to her career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Professor of Biology Gary Martin is hanging up his flip flops after 41 years at Oxy. This tribute to his career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Robert Ellis, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ
Norman Bridge Distinguished Professor of Spanish & Spanish and French Studies Robert Ellis has retired after 37 years at Oxy. This tribute is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Nalsey Tinberg
Professor of Mathematics Nalsey Tinberg is retiring after 41 years at Oxy. This tribute to her career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Eric Frank
Professor of Art & Art History Eric Frank is retiring after 35 years at Oxy. This tribute to his career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Professor of Cognitive Science and Philosophy Saul Traiger is retiring after 36 years at Oxy. This tribute to his career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Irene Girton, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ
Professor of Music Irene Girton is retiring after 21 years at Oxy. This tribute to her career is part of the Spring 2021 magazine.
Participants in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµWomen in Philanthropy: Values, Vision, and Voice
An Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµvolunteer leadership panel examines the impact and influence of women in philanthropy
Arts in a Pandemic
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµfaculty and students embrace, explore, and experiment with technology to keep arts classes, exhibits, and performances humming
Namandjé Bumpus ’03
With heart, energy, and a passion for research, Namandjé Bumpus ’03 becomes a role model for others as a trailblazing director at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Features

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
Bryan Scott ’17 at Jack Kemp Stadium in February 2026.
Out of the Foxhole
After smashing multiple records at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµand gutting out an eight-year career in professional football, what’s next for Bryan Scott ’17?
Members of the 1971 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµrugby team.
Pitch Perfect
Larry Layne ’71 came to love rugby as a student-athlete—and an estate gift will provide a swift kick to its future 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 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ(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
Members of Delta Omicron Tau spannng five decades raise a glass at the Delta House one last time on October 19.
Change Comes to Delta House
After 124 years, Delta Omicron Tau raises a glass to its history with a farewell toast—but its legacy will continue as a cornerstone of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµcommunity

First Word

From the Quad

From left, Lizzie Friedrich ’25, Lily Calvert ’25, and Hayden Jennings ’25 share a red-carpet moment during the 2026 Slamdance Film Festival.
A Ticket to Slamdance
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµstudents and alumni find pathways into the Slamdance Film Festival, gaining industry exposure and experience following its move to Los Angeles
Obama Scholar Derek Jimenez '27
Overcoming Every Hurdle
First-generation college student and Obama Scholar Derek Jimenez ’27 is reshaping the intersection of community, culture, and affordable housing

Mixed Media

Filmmaker Thom Harp '92
Fertile Imagination
Thom Harp ’92 waited for years to direct his first movie—and after a long birthing process, he’s the proud father of two features
Detail from The Metamorphosis of Bunny Baxter
Mixed Media
This roundup has everything: a pair of memoirs, a literary farce, a coming-of-age story, a writer’s guide to romantasy, and the legendary Miss Britney Spears

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµTalk

2025-26 Kemp Lecturer Tim Miller with Occidental Professor Caroline Heldman.
Miller’s Crossing
Former GOP operative Tim Miller recounts his own political reckoning—and offers pearls of hope in the face of despair—as the 2025-26 Jack Kemp '57 Distinguished Lecturer

Last Page

Dale and Shirley Morter photographed on January 1, 2000.
A Couple’s Legacy
A scholarship gift honoring Shirley and Dale Morter ’56 will bring students from southwestern Pennsylvania to Occidental
Contact Occidental Magazine
Arthur G. Coons Administrative Center


Office of Communications F-36
1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles CA 90041-3314