Fall 2024
Celebrating Jack Stark ’57 GP’11 and his years of service to CMC; Paige Costello ’12 on how AI is reshaping work; Gary Birkenbeuel ’80 sharing lessons from his accounting career; student-leader Ava Kopp ’25; and the Roberts Environmental Center marking 40 years.
table of
contents
features
Nine Decades and Counting
In celebration of his 90th birthday, Jack Stark ’57 GP’11 reflects on a life of service to CMC, his “second home.”
On the Next Frontier: AI
Her tech career was inspired at CMC, now Paige Costello ’12 deploys AI to shape how we work.
Adding to His Stats
Former CMS southpaw Gary Birkenbeuel ’80 returns to the CMC classroom to share experiences from an illustrious accounting career.
Rooted in Gratitude
Drawn to CMC for its elevated leadership opportunities, Ava Kopp ’25 now leads the ASCMC as the 2024-25 President.
Cover: The CMC community came together to celebrate the arrival of the Class of 2028 at Parent and Family Orientation.
Alumni from the Class of 2019 reunite for a dinner on the remodeled North Mall in North Quad during Alumni Weekend on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Photos by Anibal Ortiz
In celebration of his 90th birthday, Jack Stark ’57 GP’11 reflects on a life of service to CMC, his “second home.”
Jack Stark ’57 GP’11 describes his mark on Claremont McKenna College in one word: community.
A community that cherishes faculty-student relationships, encourages an entrepreneurial spirit, and values every employee—from the grounds crew to the deans.
Her tech career was inspired at CMC, now Paige Costello ’12 deploys AI to shape how we work.
Every year without fail, Paige Costello ’12 welcomes CMC students into her Bay Area workplace as part of the College’s annual Silicon Valley networking trip, hoping to inspire an “A-ha!” moment in CMCers considering tech or science-focused careers.
Former CMS southpaw Gary Birkenbeuel ’80 returns to the CMC classroom to share experiences from an illustrious accounting career.
Gary Birkenbeuel ’80 counts his decision to attend Claremont McKenna College as one of the best he has ever made.
“It has worked out to have been pretty phenomenal,” said the former CMS baseball pitcher, who now draws upon his illustrious accounting career to teach financial statement analysis, international accounting, as well as a personal finance course as a Senior Lecturer in the Robert Day School of Economics and Finance.
Drawn to CMC for its elevated leadership opportunities, Ava Kopp ’25 now leads the ASCMC as the 2024-25 President.
After visiting the Claremont McKenna College campus for the first time, Ava Kopp ’25 knew she had found the school where she could fulfill her leadership aspirations.
“I felt like CMC’s ethos captured what it means to be a leader, as well as how to achieve strong community connections through open dialogue and conversation,” she recalled.
Now, as the 2024-25 president of CMC’s student body, Kopp is building upon those community connections, and increasing student engagement and advocacy.
new possibilities
As the Fall semester began, so did the CMC journeys of the 337 members of Claremont McKenna College’s Class of 2028, a prolific group of student leaders hailing from 36 states and 21 countries.
introducing the 2024-2025 ath fellows
Claremont McKenna College’s spirit of constructive dialogue and responsible leadership is in full swing this fall at the Athenaeum, with an impressive lineup of world-renowned speakers on the calendar.
back to basics
CMC students have another important tool for learning about the fundamentals of democracy, government, and constructive dialogue this academic year: The Kravis Lab for Civic Leadership.
CMC’s wellness co-pilots
Helping students identify their “orange flags”—the signs before red flags pop up—is just one proactive strategy that Jess Neilson loves to use in her role as Senior Assistant Dean of Students for Mental Health and Health Promotion.
REC at 40
The Roberts Environmental Center marks four decades of engaging with real-world issues and cultivating student leadership opportunities.
faculty news
CMC has been recognized with the Carnegie Foundation Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, a testament to its campus-wide efforts in fostering responsible leadership. Professor Cameron Shelton shares insights on his research into campaign ads and their influence on voter behavior, while also emphasizing the importance of open-minded dialogue during election seasons.
CMS seasonal summary
Top Ten (again)! It was another banner year for CMS Athletics, which finished ninth in the final Learfield Directors’ Cup Division III standings. The ranking marks the sixth Top Ten finish for CMS in the past seven years, with the spring season providing a major boost in points—overall, the third highest total in the country. Here are some highlights from a spectacular season.
Guided by an unwavering commitment to our founding mission, Claremont McKenna’s evolution, growth, and success will endure for future generations of responsible leaders in business, government, and the professions. The College seeks to build upon the incredible foundation of its record-breaking Campaign for CMC: Responsible Leadership and further elevate the CMC experience, expand opportunities, and impact the lives of our students.
The continued support of our community is incredibly powerful—and there is still so much to be done. Here are a few recent highlights from major strategic and philanthropic efforts across the College.
from the president
At the Kravis Leadership Institute board meeting last April in New York City, five students reflected on their personal and professional development at CMC. The students explained that, while in high school, they thought of leadership only as a position of authority. Here at CMC, they were learning how to lead without relying on a title, align their values with those of others, and develop deeper social connections to bring people together. They learned to coach, manage conflict, adapt to special circumstances, and get stuff done. In sum, this was a master class.
alumni news
Looking back
A look at Mid-Quad in an undated photograph shows a developing CMC campus.
CMCAA president’s message
Dear Fellow Alumni,
Twenty years ago, I ended my first year at Claremont McKenna College and returned home just a few dozen miles west for the summer in Los Angeles. What a difference a year makes! Experiences, friendships, perspectives, opportunities—they come and go, but they leave an indelible mark on us.
Two decades later, I feel as engaged, invigorated, and connected as ever. CMC, for me and many others, continues to provide and facilitate new experiences, friendships, and perspectives. As I accept the presidency of the Alumni Association, I’ve been embraced by CMCers around the country, and part of my charge this year is to fuel those organic and authentic gatherings, strengthening the bonds you have with each other and with our alma mater.
class notes
in memoriam
parting shot
Class of 2024 graduates toss their caps in celebration of their accomplishments and anticipation of things to come.
Photo by Anibal Ortiz
magazine staff
Managing Editors
Thomas Rozwadowski
Gilien Silsby
Editorial
Anne Bergman
Malia Whitenack
Visual
Anibal Ortiz
Isaiah Tulanda ’20
Sidney Smith IV ’25
Design
Jay Toffoli
Contributors
Karina Ramirez del Real ’22
Michelle Fu
John Ziouras
Class Notes
John Faranda ’79
Rebecca Pelén
Vice President for Advancement
Michelle Chamberlain
Associate Vice President for Advancement
Andrew Carrillo
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Sharon K. Basso