An international relations major, Chumnan Jim Sangsvang ’26 is also a multi-instrumentalist considering a dual major in ethnomusicology. Law school for entertainment and intellectual property is also a possibility, but his ultimate goal is to enter the Foreign Service and become a diplomat.
“I love international relations and music, and I find that in this way I can combine them best,” he said. “I would like to enter the cultural and educational specialization in the Foreign Service, specifically with cultural and academic exchange. Coming from a background of the arts in tandem with international relations would allow me to engage in public outreach and better educate others about the United States, and promote cultural events and educational opportunities with an emphasis on the arts.”
Without his GOLD Class of 2020 Scholarship, however, the Burleson, Texas, native might not be in Claremont. “It granted me the opportunity to come here,” said Sangsvang, who is also a McKenna Achievement Merit Scholarship recipient, an honor bestowed on the top 5 percent of students. “I very nearly did not attend because of the cost at first, but when I was granted this scholarship, attending CMC became feasible, something I am incredibly grateful for.”
In competitive auditions, Sangsvang placed as head of the clarinet section and second chair violist with the Claremont Concert Orchestra, where he has enjoyed playing the Swan Lake Suite by Tchaikovsky (viola) and Schumann’s Symphony No. 1 “Spring” (clarinet). He’s excited about the next concert, which will feature works by Debussy and Bizet with solos for his instruments.
He is also involved with Chicano Latino Student Affairs (CLSA), which offers academic support, graduate/professional school advice, cultural enrichment, and leadership opportunities. And he’s part of a mentee group in the Asian Pacific American Mentoring Program (APAM). “I enjoy going to the cultural events that each organization puts on because of the way they foster community and create cultural spaces that I can engage with and have always been a part of,” he said.
With the CMC Outdoor Initiative, he makes weekly expeditions to the nearby San Gabriel Mountains for hiking, backpacking, or rock climbing. “I have loved the outdoors for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Boy Scouts, I was out camping, backpacking, or doing something else in nature at least once a month, and out here, I am reminded of that and can venture into the outdoors just as I always have.”
Sangsvang is inspired to work hard and take advantage of everything CMC has to offer for his family — “my grandmothers because of the poverty they endured and the children they raised with absent husbands, and my parents for both pulling themselves up and being the first in their families to attend college, and giving me the opportunity to be here today.”
Part of the historic Campaign for CMC: Responsible Leadership, now in its final months, the GOLD Challenge helps the College to expand student opportunities by encouraging collective participation.
The GOLD Challenge is targeted at graduates of the last decade to raise funds for student support and scholarships and takes place Tuesday through Thursday, March 28-30.
Make your gift during the GOLD Challenge to ensure you’re included in the Campaign for CMC: Responsible Leadership honor roll.
If you’ve already made your gift this year, it is included in your Class participation. Thank you! Now, share the GOLD Challenge with your peers. #Give2CMC