Spring 2024
A spin around campus with CMC’s newest public art installation, Qwalala; our latest Rhodes Scholar, Bertha Tobias ’23; and major updates on the Robert Day Sciences Center and Roberts Campus Master Plan.
table of
contents
features
Fighting for the Future
Fueled by a love of nature—and sweet home Montana—Claire Vlases ’25 didn’t want to wait to make a difference
Game Changer
Success on the court spurred Henry Albrecht ’91 P’23 P’26 to bring his competitive drive to the business of well-being
Far-Reaching Tentacles
Nearly two years after publishing Remarkably Bright Creatures, author Shelby Van Pelt ’02 and her eight-armed hero continue to delight readers
Growing Globally
Thanks to CMC’s Appel Fellowship, Julian Rivera-Williams ’25 has learned more about himself-and his future
Incalculable Impact
Robert A. Day ’65 P’12: A dedicated leader of CMC for nearly 60 years
On a foggy winter morning, construction crews hoist a large beam off a truck and onto the Robert Day Sciences Center, as seen from Claremont Boulevard.
Photo by Anibal Ortiz
Fueled by a love of nature—and sweet home Montana—Claire Vlases ’25 didn't want to wait to make a difference
Claire Vlases ’25 made a powerful impact on her hometown of Bozeman, Montana when she was in high school, galvanizing her community to install solar panels on the roofs of local schools and helping to shape the city’s Climate Plan.
Her motivation: She loves her state.
Success on the court spurred Henry Albrecht ’91 P’23 P’26 to bring his competitive drive to the business of well-being
Prior to being inducted as a 2024 member of the Ted Ducey CMS Hall of Fame, Henry Albrecht ’91 P’23 P’26 had time to reflect on a few of his proudest achievements as a scholar-athlete at CMC.
Nearly two years after publishing Remarkably Bright Creatures, author Shelby Van Pelt ’02 and her eight-armed hero continue to delight readers—and remain atop the best-seller list
If you read Remarkably Bright Creatures and then recommended the book to a friend, Shelby Van Pelt ’02 wants to thank you.
Her debut novel, narrated in part by a curmudgeonly giant octopus named Marcellus, was published in the spring of 2022—and generated enthusiastic word-of-mouth sales that propelled it to the top of the nation’s best-seller lists.
Thanks to CMC’s Appel Fellowship, Julian Rivera-Williams ’25 has learned more about himself—and his future goals
Julian Rivera-Williams ’25 has always wondered about his multicultural heritage. His mother, Evi Rivera, traces her roots to a village in central Puerto Rico. His father, Peter Williams, is a third-generation New Yorker of African descent with family ties in Panama. Last year, Rivera-Williams started digging into his roots with an Ancestry DNA kit. The results were intriguing.
campus life
Of all the Public Art Program additions that have been made to CMC’s campus since 2015, Qwalala can certainly claim to be the most colorful. It simultaneously feels like the most magical.
student honors
Embodying Claremont McKenna College’s mission “to prepare students for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions,” two CMC students, Bertha Tobias ’23 and Pieter van Wingerden ’24, were recently recognized on a global scale with notable scholarships.
faculty news
Throughout the year, CMC faculty were prolific—publishing books that showcase their research and artistry while deepening our collective conversation. Here is a selection of recent publications from CMC authors, including an illuminating poetry collection; an analysis of the politics of nuclear proliferation; an examination of modern Chinese dictatorship; and a philosophical exploration of the nature of art and aesthetic value.
CMS athletics
New records, new championships, new heights. This academic year has continued a tradition of excellence for CMS Athletics, with the promise of even more outstanding achievements to come. Here are highlights from our fall and winter seasons.
Guided by an unwavering commitment to our founding mission, 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. Here are a few recent highlights from major strategic and philanthropic efforts across the College.
from the president
In the first event back from my fall sabbatical, I had the honor of introducing John McWhorter at a special alumni gathering in Orange County, prior to his appearance at the Athenaeum later that evening as part of the Valach Speaker Series. One of the country’s singular and authentic voices, McWhorter is best known as a linguistics professor and New York Times opinion writer. His thoughtful yet outspoken presence reinforced our mission-centric, nationally recognized Open Academy, which I described as “an emerging, cloud-clearing North Star for higher education in a society that appears increasingly censorious, dogmatic, and polarized.”
Robert A. Day ’65 P’12: A dedicated leader of CMC for nearly 60 years
A visionary leader whose legacy is woven into the fabric of Claremont McKenna College, the late Robert A. Day ’65 P’12 will forever be celebrated as a philanthropic giant responsible for creating countless opportunities for generations of CMC students.
Day, who passed away in September at 79 years old, has been remembered by global dignitaries, former classmates, business colleagues, and most profoundly, the Robert Day Scholar students he directly impacted with his words of advice, visits to the classroom, and invitations to dine with him.
alumni news
Looking back
Students lounge and study together at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum in this photo from October 1983, a month after it first opened in its current space. The Ath is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this academic year.
CMCAA president’s message
Dear Alumni:
What an amazing year in Claremont McKenna College’s history! As alumni, this was truly a time to be proud of! It is also an opportunity to reflect on the College’s achievements in our 78-year history. We broke ground on the Robert Day Sciences Center, saw the vision of the Roberts Campus come to life, and completed the historic Campaign for CMC: Responsible Leadership that raised nearly $1.1 billion. The Alumni Association should be particularly proud of this accomplishment, as more than 12,200 alumni made a gift to the campaign. Your overwhelming dedication was tremendous.
class notes
in memoriam
parting shot
In celebration of beloved CMC professor Ward Elliott on the anniversary of his death, students, faculty, and friends gathered at the Athenaeum for a Singing Party—one of Elliott’s favorite hosting traditions with his wife of 53 years, Myrna (middle). “He would be so touched by this group here,” Myrna said before reminding everyone, in the words of her late husband, to “keep their pianos tuned.”
Photo by Valerie Ramos
magazine staff
Editorial
Anne Bergman
Thomas Rozwadowski
Gilien Silsby
Malia Whitenack
Contributors
Chad McElroy ’26
Karina Ramirez del Real ’22
Sidney Smith IV ’25
Vice President for Advancement
Michelle Chamberlain
Visual
Anibal Ortiz
Valerie Ramos
Isaiah Tulanda ’20
Class Notes
John Faranda ’79
Rebecca Pelén
Evan Rutter ’06
Chief Strategic Communications Officer
Megan Jordan P’27
Design
Jay Toffoli