As a new academic year begins, President Tom Stritikus reflects on the energy returning to campus and the many ways Oxy continues to bring its values to life through learning, discovery, advocacy, and engagement.
Dear Occidental Community,
I love the sounds of campus coming back to life with the fall semester. Roommates shrieking when they reunite. The O-Team cheering nonstop for an unbelievable 12 hours of Move-In Day. The gym at Sunday’s Tigertown volleyball scrimmage. The heart-pounding beat of the Taiko Drummers at Convocation.
Though summer brings a quieter rhythm to campus, the energy of learning and exploration remains strong. One of my favorite days this summer was July 29, when I attended the 27th Annual Summer Research Program Conference and heard from nearly 150 student researchers who spent ten weeks pursuing independent research and creative inquiry with their remarkable faculty mentors. Listening to them reflect on their work with community partners, describe their moments of discovery in the lab, and offer their careful analysis of geopolitical conflicts were shining examples of how the liberal arts push us to excel.
We also spent time this summer working to live our values through the actions we take. That includes standing up for the rights and free expression of international students through our participation in amicus briefs in American Association of University Professors vs. Rubio; advocating for a strong and reliable research ecosystem through our response to proposed changes to federal funding rules; and advancing equity and access through our work with the American Talent Initiative to expand opportunities for Pell-eligible students. These efforts are all grounded in the same conviction: that academic freedom, access to education, and the conditions that allow teaching, learning, and discovery to flourish are worth defending.
Living our values also means creating a community in which we can disagree, openly communicate, and remain engaged with each other. At Oxy, that can take many forms, from student organizations and campus governance to lectures, writing, service, organizing, and demonstrations. I encourage everyone to participate with both conviction and respect, sustaining a community where robust expression and meaningful dialogue can coexist. I think ASOC President Trisha Bhima put it best in her Convocation speech yesterday: “Let someone change your mind about something. Let yourself be surprised by how much you have in common with someone you assumed you wouldn't. Every single person you meet here has lived a life you haven't, and has something to teach you if you are willing to listen for it.”
I am inspired by all that lies ahead for Oxy and grateful to be part of shaping its next chapter together. I can’t wait to hear what you bring to Oxy this year.
Welcome back,
Tom