Since 1946, military veterans have been foundational in shaping the trajectory of Claremont McKenna College.
During our formative days, the vast majority of CMC’s first graduating class were veterans returning from service during World War II. As they readjusted to civilian life and took on leadership roles, they were guided by faculty who were also returning veterans. As noted in CMC’s archives:
The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, commonly known as the G.I. Bill of Rights, was passed in June 1944 and saw millions of dollars poured into higher education. The majority of the College’s initial registrants enrolled on the G.I. Bill … and founding president George C. S. Benson had served in Europe with the Army’s G-5, military affairs, and civil government division. The new Men’s College would continue to attract both veteran students and faculty through its first years of operation.
Today, the College’s ROTC program—one of the oldest in the nation dating back to its shared roots with Pomona College—prepares students across a range of skills, including critical thinking problem solving, interpersonal communication, and ethical leadership. During Commencement every year, ROTC also hosts a Commissioning Ceremony with current cadets.
Since the College’s founding, CMC has sustained a deep commitment to the courageous leadership qualities put into practice by our veteran students, alumni, faculty, and staff. In recognition of Memorial Day, a national day of observance honoring the memory of those who have served in the U.S. military, we salute all for their lasting and collective impact.
For additional information on CMC and its history with veterans, visit the following helpful links:
- CMC’s Digital Archive project on veterans from the College’s 75th Anniversary
- CMC Veterans Experiences, alumni stories written by veteran/1967 alumnus Robin Bartlett
- CMC’s Military Science and ROTC program