Tim Campos ’10, Alumni Greeting

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Pitzer College’s 54th Annual Commencement took place on May 12, 2018 at the Stephen L. Glass Commencement Plaza

Video Transcript

Melvin Oliver: Timothy Campos graduated from Pitzer College in 2010 with a degree in sociology. Tim currently serves as a director of recruitment at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He is the president of the Alumni Association and has done outstanding work representing our alumni through volunteer leadership and alumni activities.

Timothy Campos: Good morning. Class of 2018.

I want you all to take a moment and think about the day you first stepped on campus as an incoming first year, as a transfer or new resource student.

Do you remember feeling excited maybe even curious or even feeling fearful? I know I did.

Thinking back to my time at the college, I was, too, the first of my family to attend college. If you had told me twelve years ago that I would be addressing you today as I arrived on campus, as a first-gen low income Latino student I would tell you that you were lying. Today I stand before you as both the Alumni Board president and also as a member of the both Board of Trustees.

I had no idea about my journey I was about to embark on the day I moved into Sanborn Hall, which actually used to be right here where you’re graduating today… and while my parents did not receive a college education, they continually supported my decisions and fostered a home environment that encouraged pursuit of higher education. At this time, I want to personally acknowledge all of the families and supporters in attendance today and give a special acknowledgment to the parents who may not have navigated the college process themselves but nonetheless supported your students and their decision to attend Pitzer College. So thank you!

But today is not about me. Today is about you, today is about remembering each of your individual stories of success, today is about celebrating your triumphs of navigating this fraction of your life called college. From this day forth, now you can look back at your time at Pitzer College and remember a community of faculty and staff who passionately supported your growth and encouraged you to step outside of your comfort zone and ask the tough and important questions.

Pitzer College changed my life and I’m 100% certain it has changed yours as well.

And this I ask of you like your parents asked of you before leaving home or, more likely, the day they helped you move onto campus four years ago.

Don’t forget about us, but really don’t forget about Pitzer College. Share with us your post college stories, let us know more about your continued successes. Connect with us and learn about ways you can stay connected and engage with your alma mater.

On behalf of the Pitzer College Alumni Board, I would like to welcome you to the Alumni Association. You are now part of a passionate community of alumni spanning the globe comprised of activists, creatives, educators, health professionals, policy makers and environmental advocates to name a few. As you embark on your next journey, I encourage you all to not only inspire others but also think critically about how you can effectively transform your communities both locally and globally.

Rock on, Class of 2018, and remember to always be mindful of the future. Provida Futuri!

About Pitzer College

Pitzer College is a nationally top-ranked undergraduate liberal arts and sciences institution. A member of The Claremont Colleges, Pitzer offers a distinctive approach to a liberal arts education by linking intellectual inquiry with interdisciplinary studies, cultural immersion, social responsibility, and community involvement. For more information, please visit www.pitzer.edu.