CMC Parent Newsletter
Fall 2024

In this issue:

By Melanie J. Malinowski, PhD, P ‘27

His shoes are magnificent: tawny suede loafers that look as comfortable and inviting as Jimmy Doan himself. On a warm and sunny day in October, I meet with Jimmy, and we order drinks at the Hub, he, an iced green tea, me, a hot coffee. Before we even exit the Hub, Jimmy has greeted most students. Their enthusiasm to say “hi” to him awes me, for he is new here at CMC, right? A Worcester, MA, native, Jimmy spent most of his adult life in Boston near his family, the youngest child (and only boy!) in this family of four sisters:

“Family is incredibly important to me. My parents immigrated from Vietnam in the late 70’s. I also have eight nieces and nephews and am proudly called “Mimi” by all of them. As annoying as my sisters were when I was growing up, I have come to deeply appreciate and value my relationship with all of them. As my family grew with my sisters’ kids, I started to take my role as the fun-uncle very seriously and became responsible for planning family activities and gatherings. Continuing some of these traditions will look different with our move out to CA, but the always-anticipated Doan Family Olympics during Christmas will always be something I look forward to!”

He told me his favorite food is “anything my mom makes” and ice cream, his favorite dessert. He is a runner, loves Tracy Chapman’s song “Fast Car,” and has watched Crazy Rich Asians “about 100+ times,” calling it his “go-to ‘what do you want to watch’ movie.”

And Jimmy comes to CMC from MIT. I asked him how he felt about the move from Massachusetts to California.

“It was incredibly scary. Neither of us (he and his husband, Luke) ever lived outside of New England for any significant time in our lives. Luke coordinated all the logistics – including planning out our 8-day road trip so that we didn’t have to put Grady (their beloved dog) on a plane – while I planned our ‘farewell tour’ with families and friends and maximized every minute we had. The goodbyes were sad and difficult, but the drive provided us a great opportunity to reflect and remind ourselves why we were embarking on this adventure. And, it was really cool seeing parts of America that we hadn’t seen before!”

As we walked the campuses on that uncharacteristically hot October day, I was aware of my sweaty self beside this put-together and kind man, but Jimmy’s demeanor and completely accepting personality motivated me to talk and question, laugh and learn. This, I know, is why students gravitate toward him and his easy manner.

I asked, “If you were not the Dean of Students at yet another prestigious college, what would you be? And why?”

“I’ve always said I want to be a bartender. It has nothing to do with mixing and serving drinks. I just imagine that bartenders have the chance to meet a wide range of people from all over and get to hear so many stories and that seems really cool.”

This is Jimmy Doan’s super power, the ability to lead, to listen, to hear, and most importantly, to engage enthusiastically!

I wondered what makes Jimmy happy about being the Dean and what frustrates him. He told me,

“Every day is different. I start each day knowing that anything can happen and try my best to make sure that I, and the rest of the team, are prepared for whatever might come. The organic moments of students coming in unannounced to say hello, share what’s on their minds, talk about their stress, or share an accomplishment are always the best. There are also moments when students or parents are in touch because they need help or are unhappy about something. That’s part of the work, too. I always strive to make sure that we leave those conversations with a better understanding of the situation and making sure we are doing what we can to best support our students. Where we arrive can sometimes not seem great to students or parents in the moment and that often is difficult.”

Since CMC is known for its leadership prowess, I questioned Jimmy on what piece of advice he would extend to its young leaders.

“First, you don’t need a formal title or acceptance into a group or role to be a leader. Everyone can be a leader. Know yourself. Be open to learning about others on your team and those around you. Operate on values and principles. Don’t shy away from failure. Lean into uncomfortable moments and reflect on how the discomfort is making you grow.”

This led me to think about vulnerability and compassion and why great leaders harvest those gifts and easily share and incorporate them into their daily lives.

Jimmy told me,

“I started college as a Chem/Pre-Med major and had an “oh no” moment when I realized I didn’t like organic chemistry, which of course was necessary for a chem major! Through lots of conversations with advisors and student affairs staff, including staff in career services at the College of the Holy Cross, I ended up majoring in Economics. I ultimately decided to go to grad school at the University of Vermont for higher ed/student affairs administration because I loved my experiences, including all the leadership roles that I had so much and realized I could do this work for a living!”

“In grad school, my thesis and research were focused on how physical college environments impact the experience of marginalized students. Having experiences at both a small, private liberal arts school and a large, public, land grant university, I was (and continue to be) really interested in how we can shape existing physical spaces and the campus environment to make sure they’re inclusive and contribute to student success.”

Which naturally brings me to the question: What is your favorite thing about CMC, a campus known for its precision and beauty?

“I’ll give two answers because the first is cliché, but it’s the truth. The people here are incredible. Even before I arrived in CA after accepting the role, I felt welcomed by the community. I received LinkedIn messages from current students, alumni, staff, faculty, and leaders with kind words, tips for living in SoCal, and offers to connect. This feeling of warmth continued through starting here and getting to meet people in-person. The students, especially, have been incredible. It’s been great getting to know many – with many more to go – and how they all, together, make up our amazing student body."

“The second thing is how much I feel that we live our mission and motto here. CMC students come here for the incredible academic experience through our growing options for study. In classes, research, and through amazing opportunities like talks at the Ath, Open Academy Programs, and opportunities through centers and labs they’re learning how to be leaders who think critically and responsibly. Our work in the Dean of Students Office augments all this incredible work as we work with all students to help them be successful in these arenas and reinforce important lessons and skills for responsible leaders. Whether we’re working with leadership cohorts of RAs, FYGs, CARE Fellows, Peer Health Ambassadors or a first-year student looking to dip their toes in leadership, we have an opportunity to teach all students how they have and can develop leadership qualities that can contribute to making CMC – and eventually the world – a better place. It makes doing this work so much more purposeful."

My favorite part about spending time with Jimmy and being privileged to conduct this interview was The Grady Talk, all things dog, all day long! An avid animal lover and incredible keeper of dog energy, I embrace the humanity a dog brings to us, to a college campus, serving as an iconic ambassador.

“I also love dogs! I grew up with small Pomeranians. We got Grady, a border collie-Australian Shepard mix, in 2021 during the pandemic. All I wanted was a dog who would want to snuggle and cuddle and show some affection. Instead, we got a dog who really enjoys her own personal space and just tolerates us as humans! Since arriving in CA though, she’s been much happier being outside and strolling around campus. Students have loved taking her on walks and she loves hopping around in the tall grass trying to catch lizards.”

Somehow, the disparity of what we expect (in a dog or a student or a situation) and what shows up felt like an apt reflection of what it means to be the Dean of Students, an ever changing and evolving role as keeper of hearts and minds and frustrations and intellect. A few days after we met, Jimmy texted me a photo of Grady, looking very smart in her harness embroidered with her name, eyes focused, tail high, with my daughter, Echo, smiling and relaxed and effortlessly comfortable on this campus that is her new home, petting Grady.

We welcome you, Jimmy, to California! And thank you for arriving, dog and husband in tow, to share your bounty with the fortunate students of Claremont McKenna College.

Student Safety at CMC

By Arti Kumar P’27

Having students away at college is not easy for parents, especially those who are not close to campus. We conducted a Q&A on behalf of the parent community with Campus Safety. Here are some common safety concerns and how they are managed at CMC:

Q: How does CMC prepare students and keep students safe during their time on campus? Many, for instance, are not from Southern California and may not be familiar with earthquakes and the appropriate safety protocol.

A: CMC is deeply committed to prioritizing student safety and well-being and takes this work incredibly seriously. New and returning CMC students are introduced to resources that help ensure this safety, including meeting with the Dean of Students and Public Safety and Emergency Management teams as early on as new student orientation. CMC has its own Public Safety department with one director and nine full time officers who provide 24/7 community coverage exclusively to CMC’s campus. Our officers continuously and proactively patrol campus and provide security at many events. As a result, our CMC students get to know each of them. Our director, Brian Weir, actually teaches a physical education class on self-defense tactics, which many students opt in to each year. In addition, CMC Public Safety is on the same dispatch system as the Claremont Colleges Campus Safety department, who is available to provide back up as needed.

We prioritize communication in emergency situations and balance this with recognizing that over communication can contribute to student (and parent!) anxiety. The Claremont Colleges have an emergency communication system and information is pushed out to them via text and email alerts with safety information and real time instructions as needed. Students receive regular communication regarding emergency preparedness and participate in drills, including fire and earthquake drills. This includes communicating to students (and the whole CMC community) in advance of the Great California ShakeOut, an annual earthquake drill that takes place every October at workplaces and schools throughout California.

Q: Can you share the best contact information Campus Safety, including after-hours and weekend numbers?

A: There are many ways for students to be in contact with support resources, including on nights and weekends.

Public Safety, CMC’s dedicated Campus Safety team, can be contacted 24/7 by calling (909) 607-2000.

In addition to Public Safety, student Resident Assistants and staff from the Dean of Students team and are available after hours and on weekends. There is a Dean of Students staff member on call after working hours each day. Students can contact these resources by calling the phone numbers on the back of their CMC ID.

Q: How can parents best stay up to date on emergencies, campus situations, and protocols?

For concerns and emergencies, like the region’s wildfires earlier this semester, we share updates on the CMC Emergency Update Information website, which is eventually removed when the imminent threat is managed.

The Emergency Preparedness website also includes high-level tips for common emergencies, including crimes, natural disasters, and medical emergencies.

Please also review our Demonstration policies.

A big thank you to the Dean of Students Office and the Campus Safety department for taking the time to answer our questions!

La seguridad de los estudiantes en CMC

Por Arti Kumar P'27

Tener estudiantes fuera de la universidad no es fácil para los padres, especialmente para aquellos que no viven cerca Claremont. Hable con la Oficina de Decanos para comprender como CMC mantiene nuestros estudiantes seguros.

P: ¿Cómo prepara CMC a los estudiantes y los mantiene seguros durante su estadía en el campus? Muchos, por ejemplo, no son del sur de California y pueden no estar familiarizados con los terremotos y el protocolo de seguridad adecuado.

R: CMC está profundamente comprometido a priorizar la seguridad y el bienestar de los estudiantes. Se les presentan recursos que ayudan a garantizar esta seguridad, incluida una reunión con el Decano de Estudiantes y los equipos de Seguridad Pública y Gestión de Emergencias durante la orientación para nuevos estudiantes en Agosto. CMC tiene su propio departamento de Seguridad Pública con un director y nueve oficiales que brindan cobertura comunitaria las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana exclusivamente para el campus de CMC. Nuestros oficiales patrullan el campus de manera continua y proactiva y brindan seguridad en muchos eventos. Como resultado, nuestros estudiantes de CMC llegan a conocer a los oficiales de seguridad. Nuestro director, Brian Weir, imparte una clase de educación física sobre tácticas de defensa personal, a la que muchos estudiantes optan cada año. Además, el Departamento de Seguridad Pública de CMC está en el mismo sistema de despacho que el Departamento de Seguridad del Campus de Claremont Colleges, que está disponible para brindar apoyo según sea necesario.

Priorizamos la comunicación en situaciones de emergencia y reconocemos que la comunicación excesiva puede contribuir a la ansiedad de los estudiantes (¡y de los padres!). Claremont Colleges tiene un sistema de comunicación de emergencia y se les envía información a través de mensajes de texto y alertas por correo electrónico con información de seguridad e instrucciones en tiempo real según sea necesario. Los estudiantes reciben comunicaciones periódicas sobre la preparación para emergencias y participan en simulacros, incluidos simulacros de incendio y terremoto. Esto incluye comunicarse con los estudiantes (y con toda la comunidad de CMC) antes del Great California ShakeOut, un simulacro anual de terremoto que se lleva a cabo cada octubre en los lugares de trabajo y escuelas de toda California.

P: ¿Puede compartir la mejor información de contacto del Departamento de Seguridad del Campus, incluidos los números fuera del horario de atención y los fines de semana?

R: Hay muchas maneras en las que los estudiantes pueden estar en contacto con los recursos de apoyo, incluso por las noches y los fines de semana.

Se puede contactar a Seguridad Pública, el equipo dedicado de Seguridad del Campus de CMC, las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, llamando al (909) 607-2000.

Además de Seguridad Pública, los asistentes residentes estudiantiles y el personal del equipo del Decano de Estudiantes están disponibles fuera del horario laboral y los fines de semana. Hay un miembro del personal del Decano de Estudiantes de guardia después del horario laboral todos los días. Los estudiantes pueden comunicarse con estos recursos llamando a los números de teléfono que se encuentran en el reverso de su identificación de CMC.

P: ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de que los padres se mantengan informados sobre emergencias, situaciones del campus y protocolos?

En el caso de inquietudes y emergencias, como los incendios forestales de la región a principios de este semestre, compartimos actualizaciones en el sitio web de información de emergencia de CMC, que eventualmente se elimina cuando se controla la amenaza inminente.

Este sitio web también incluye consejos de alto nivel para emergencias comunes, incluidos delitos, desastres naturales y emergencias médicas.

A continuación, se incluye un enlace útil a las reglas de demostración políticas.

¡Muchas gracias a la Oficina del Decano de Estudiantes y al Departamento de Seguridad del Campus por tomarse el tiempo para responder nuestras preguntas!

Dispelling the Top Four Myths About Internships and Careers

By Denise Stolte P’28

Each year, the majority of CMC students turn to the Soll Center for Student Opportunity to access personalized coaching, support, and a vast professional network, guiding them on their career journeys. With resources tailored to every student, regardless of major or year, the Soll Center for Student Opportunity is here to help. This article aims to debunk four common myths among students across each academic year.

First-Year Student Myth: “All first-years must secure an internship for their first summer.” This isn’t true. Approximately half of all first-years spend their first summer at home, with the other half taking advantage of SIE funding to pursue an internship or experience. Many engage in summer jobs, volunteer work, academic studies, or simply reconnect with friends and family. However, Priscilla Cobian, Assistant Director of First Year Programming, encourages all freshmen to explore career paths by visiting the Soll Center during their first year. Last year, she met with 96% of first-year students—and she’s aiming to reach 100% this fall.
Sophomore Myth: “Your major determines your internship search.” By the end of sophomore year, students have usually declared their major, which often leads to the misconception that their field of study limits their internship options. To counter this, the Soll Center organizes Career Services around eight industry clusters instead of majors:·
- Accounting & Financial Services
- Consulting
- Creative & Entertainment
- Government, Law & Public Policy
- Medicine, Healthcare & Biotech
- Non-Profit & Social Enterprise
- Science & Environnent
- Technology & Entrepreneurship

Students can join any number of these clusters on the Handshake platform, receiving regular updates on relevant events, internships, and job opportunities.

Junior Myth: “Networking with alumni and parents is only possible online.” CMC is proud to have one of the most dedicated alumni and parent communities in the country, and the Soll Center provides various networking opportunities to connect students with this group. There are several events during the year that bring alumni to campus for networking opportunities. Another great example of this is the Student-Parent Networking session organized by the Parent Network Career Development Committee during Family Weekend in February. Organized by industry cluster – this is a casual and effective way to connect!
Senior Myth: “Everyone else already has a job lined up after their summer internship.” Not true! Seniors have ample time to apply for jobs and finalize post-graduation plans throughout their final year. While some industries recruit in the fall (including consulting, finance, big tech and federal government), all other industries recruit during the spring semester. By the end of their CMC experience, 97% of graduates have secured a clear plan within six months of graduating, thanks to the comprehensive career preparation at CMC.

Save the Date: Family Weekend 2025

February 15-17, 2025

It’s time to start planning your trip to Claremont for Family Weekend!

On behalf of the Parent Network, we invite you to Join in the Journey and see CMC through the eyes of your student. Activities begin the morning on Saturday, February 15 and end on Monday, February 17.

What to Expect:
Enjoy a line-up of 30+ unique opportunities to "Join in the Journey," including:

Interactive learning sessions
Panel discussions and faculty lectures
Get-togethers and athletic events
Student presentations and entertainment

While the majority of events are included with registration, only a few special activities require separate registration and payment.

Bring the Whole Family
Siblings, grandparents, and guests are all welcome! Bring the whole family and explore our campus and the charming surrounding areas, including historic downtown Claremont, lovingly called “The Village.” Please note: Family Weekend programming is not specifically tailored for children under 16.

Your Student’s Role
Students are encouraged to attend all portions of the weekend! Please be sure to coordinate with them in advance, keeping in mind that some may be preparing for midterms. Don’t worry—there are plenty of sessions to enjoy with other families if your student is unavailable.

Registration is will open in early December. We hope to see you in Claremont!

CMC Parents, Help Launch Our Students' Careers!

Your support can make a huge impact on our students’ futures! Many CMC students and alumni have found success through internships and job opportunities shared by parents like you. With your help, we can continue to expand these pathways.

How You Can Help:

Share Opportunities: Identify internships, jobs, or work experiences within your professional and personal networks.
No Formal Program Needed: For internships, the main commitment is that a sponsor invests time in mentoring and guiding the student.
Financial Support Available: CMC has a Sponsored Internships & Experiences Program which can provide funding for those who need financial assistance for unpaid opportunities.

How to Submit:

Submit opportunities via the brief Alumni & Family Job and Internship Posting Form or contact Mia Trugerro, Assistant Director of Employer Relations.

Thank you for helping us provide valuable career opportunities for CMC’s talented student leaders! For more info, reach out to Ursula Diamond, Director of Student Opportunities.

Annette Brissett P’25
Jeff Hausman ’90 P’27
Linda Herr P’26
Anne Jablonski P’27
Lisa Thomas P’25
Co- Vice Presidents, Career Development Committee
CMC Parent Network Board

Parent Network Board Meetings

The Parent Network Board meets quarterly to discuss ways to enhance the College experience and to hear from College leadership. Read the September 2024 Board meeting minutes here.

Read the Meeting Minutes