Fond memories of his alma mater—and family ties that span three generations—keep Claremont McKenna College perpetually close to the heart of Dave Moffett ’64 P’93 P’94 GP’24.
In May, Moffett will have returned to CMC twice: First, to proudly celebrate the graduation of his grandson, Basil Lloyd-Moffett ’24, and second, to celebrate his own 60th reunion during Alumni Weekend 2024 (May 30 to June 2).
To join his family at Commencement, Moffett made the flight from Washington state to watch Basil walk the stage on Parents Field. Among the family at his side for the May 11 ceremony: the second generation of Moffett-CMCers, Stephen Lloyd-Moffett ’94 P’24, and daughter, Kathy Moffett McDonald ’93.
As the 81-year-old alumnus gets ready for Alumni Weekend, he reflected, “My son, my grandson, and I are all 30 years apart,” Moffett said, “so we’ll be at the same reunion every five years—as long as I’m still kicking. One of the greatest things about Claremont, in our family, is the lifelong relationships we made.”
Basil, who is starting a job teaching in Louisiana as part of Teach For America, added that he is also proud to be part of three generations of Moffetts who made their mark in Claremont. “And at least I'll recognize two people at reunions,” he joked. “Thanks, CMC!”
It’s clear how impressed Moffett is with his grandson’s recent accomplishments. He’s quick to mention that Basil was the lead debater in Mock Trial and a Literature major who earned an award for best thesis.
Moffett said CMC was also his children’s first choice when applying to colleges. “One of the big benefits is not only the other classmates but the job opportunities,” he said. “They do a superb job in that area.” His son Stephen, Basil’s father, is now a professor of religious studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. His daughter, Kathy, has spent 30 years in marketing.
For Moffett, family always comes first. He was married for 55 years before his wife passed away four years ago. He and his family used to be in the ski resort business, and he is the co-founder of the Washington State Ski and Snowboard Museum.
His latest venture is Leavenworth Adventure Park, located in a town modeled on a German Bavarian village, two hours east of Seattle. His daughter, Kathy, is heading up the marketing and social media for the park, which offers an alpine coaster, a climbing wall, and a mining sluice.
With his 82nd birthday approaching, Moffett is staying busy running the business with a partner. And the family is building new ties with the Claremont Colleges—his granddaughter starts at Scripps College in the fall.
As for Basil’s Commencement and now Alumni Weekend, these special moments offer the eldest Moffett a chance to look back on—and reconnect with—how the College has shaped him and his family’s history.
More than 60 years ago, Moffett was a Math and Accounting major at the College and managed the bookstore. He also played on the tennis team. A longtime supporter of CMS Tennis, Moffett donated to the current Biszantz Family Tennis Center upgrades. The first three courts are also named for the Moffett family.
Moffett has shown his affection for the College in other ways as well, for instance, by giving to the Alumni Fund and keeping in touch with the latest developments on campus, including the Robert Day Sciences Center. A member of the Crown Society, which recognizes alumni who have five or more consecutive years of giving, Moffett also is in rare company among his Alumni Weekend peers. He has made a gift to CMC every year for at least four decades.
“I like to give back to the College I believe in so much,” Moffett said. “It’s a very special place.”