CMC Digital Archives
“This school is not a plant that has been seeded by the war and that will wither in the first drought. ... In the years to come, its graduates will be found among the leaders of American life.”—George C.S. Benson P’61
As part of Claremont McKenna College’s 75th Anniversary celebration, our digital archive project chronicles CMC’s earliest days as a sparse campus for returning veterans through its evolution as one of the leading liberal arts institutions in the country. Follow along with curated exhibits and historic materials focused on a variety of topics, including its founding 1946 mission, faculty, students, alumni, presidents, buildings, coeducation, research institutes, and athletics.
Founding of a Men's College
A look at the founding of Claremont Men’s College, from the seeds of an idea planted by the founders of Pomona College to its spartan opening in the shadows of World War II.
The Early Years of CMC
A look at CMC’s first 10 to 15 years as an academic institution with a focus on its early student body, inaugural faculty, and initial administration who helped pave the way for future successes, and the shaping of curriculum.
Transition to Coeducation
Examining CMC’s transition to a coeducational institution — with a focus on CMC’s Pioneers, the first female students — and an examination of CMC’s name-change process following the transition.
CMC Campus Stories
Highlights of campus life, life in dormitories, student activities, clubs, events, and unique CMC traditions over the years. How has life for CMC’s students changed over the decades? Which traditions have been phased out, and which have endured?
Presidents of CMC
An exhibition to showcase each of CMC’s five presidents through photos and biographical information. The exhibition will examine both personal and institutional accomplishments during their tenures illustrating how each left a lasting impact on the College.
Veterans and the ROTC
The role of veterans from WWII who were some of CMC’s first enrolled students and leaders. The exhibition will examine the early years of veterans housing, the formation of CMC’s ROTC program, and the Vietnam War era and campus protests of the 1960s.
Athletics at CMC
An examination tracing the history of Athletics from a joint program with Pomona to the inception of CMS Athletics, including key figures over the years, coaches and athletes, as well as highlights of individual programs.
Architecture and Public Art at CMC
A look at the growth of the CMC campus over the years, Architecture and Public Art at CMC highlights key building projects at CMC with brief histories of campus buildings and examinations of notable campus architects and public artwork.