Editor's Note: On March 7, President Chodosh shared a special message with the CMC community about his next chapter, re-published here in his President’s letter space for those who may have missed it. This letter and the accompanying story touch on themes and success stories in this issue of the magazine, including CMC’s national leadership on constructive dialogue and civic engagement, the powerful evolution of our integrated sciences program, and the steadfast commitment of students (Riley Capuano ’26), staff (Jimmy Doan), alumni (Steve Grove ’00), and numerous faculty members.
Dear Friends:
I write today to share a personal decision. I will conclude my time as president of Claremont McKenna College at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Responsible leadership means knowing when to finish the story. As hard as it is to move on from the most rewarding phase in my professional life, the timing feels right. Together we have seen many trajectory-altering accomplishments over the past several years, cascading now and well into the future. The position of the College in the current higher education landscape could not be stronger. We have built a powerful foundation for new leadership to take CMC to the next level.
After the 2026 spring semester, my thirteenth year as president, and more than a decade of Priya’s leadership of the Athenaeum, we will write our next chapter. For me, this will include writing, teaching, and contributions to resolving national and global challenges in education, law, and civic leadership in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors. Together we commit our unshakable, lifelong support and love to CMC and each of you.
I want you all to know that I cherish every second. From the most difficult to the most inspiring. I learn and grow from every single one. Moments for Priya and me (and Theo) that make Claremont home. Moments that bring us together as a community. Sharing the joyful tears of parents from orientation to commencement. The chance to learn like a student again at our brilliant faculty talks, roundtables, and Ath events. The close partnership and friendship of working with our committed Board of Trustees. The sleeves-up, tireless sacrifice and support from the hardest working leadership team and staff in higher education. The opportunity to support and champion the dreams, projects, and successes of our outstanding students, whether in my office, backyard receptions at our house, or the athletic arena. The sheer fun of Alumni Weekend, Family Weekend, or a pop-up reception. Not least of all, watching Theo shake his entire body (not just his tail) with excitement when greeting every member of our community at Ath Tea or the Hub (and cleaning up some crumbs along the way)!
I also cherish the many moments that have led us to the bold leaps forward. Each of the big races we have run together, so many starting with the smallest move out of the blocks—directions fueled by our social warmth, driven by our shared purpose.
The Opportunity Strategy. The Open Academy. The Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences. The Robert Day Sciences Center. Doubling our footprint through the Roberts Campus, the Sports Bowl, and new malls and academic buildings under the expanded campus master plan. The record-breaking Campaign for CMC: Responsible Leadership. Doubling of our endowment. The century bond. The Public Art Program. The CARE Center. The Soll Center for Student Opportunity. Prolific, discipline-altering scholarship by our outstanding faculty. Rhodes, Fulbrights, Trumans, and many other special fellowships. Individual and team accomplishments, from eight CMS national championships since 2016 to a dominant stretch of Model UN world championships.
We still have 15 months to share stories, reflect back on what we’ve achieved, and work hard to accelerate the momentum of an exciting future that is already here.
Many thanks to you all.
Very best,
