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Press Releases | Spotlights
Grace Greene ’20 Blends Brain Science, Social Impact, and Tech
Is social media our society’s downfall—or a tool for change? Pitzer College alumna Grace Greene ’20 believes in the latter. As a research associate at the social innovation lab and impact investor Hopelab, Greene combines behavioral science and technology powered by and for youth. Discover how Greene wields her cognitive science major, study abroad experience in four countries, and commitment to social justice to make the digital narrative more inclusive.
Human Rights Activist and Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Nadia Murad to Speak at Pitzer College’s 2023 Commencement Ceremony
Nadia Murad, an internationally acclaimed human rights activist and co-recipient of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, will deliver the commencement address to Pitzer College’s Class of 2023 at this spring’s Commencement ceremony on May 13, 2023. “We are deeply honored to have Nadia Murad joining us for this exciting high point of Pitzer’s academic year,” said Jill Klein, interim president of Pitzer College. “She is an inspiring and critically important global advocate against war and violence, and we are thrilled to have her participate in our celebration and share her powerful story with our graduates as they prepare to leave college and enter the world.”
Kai Bidell ’20: Saving the Planet Through Impact Investing
Money makes the world go green—or does it? Pitzer College alumnus Kai Bidell ’20 has a longstanding passion for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment in companies engaging in socially responsible behavior and climate change solutions. As an environmental analysis major, Bidell also learned about the dishonest practice of greenwashing, which promises consumers and investors that companies are doing more to protect the environment than they are. “A lot of industries, not just finance, are grappling with what this climate disaster means to them. As an environmental analysis major, you have an in-demand skillset."
A Full Circle (and Global) Moment for Peter Hansen ’18
Pitzer College alumnus Peter Hansen ’18 has received the two-year Presidential Management Fellowship to work for the United States African Development Foundation. He will serve as a grants management specialist, helping invest directly in African grassroots organizations and social entrepreneurs. A seasoned globetrotter, Hansen has lived in four countries besides the U.S. “Included within my role is the opportunity to travel to Africa multiple times a year. I spent the first six years of my life in Lagos, Nigeria, and have not been back to the continent since 2002. This feels like a full circle moment!”
Celebrating Black History Month at Pitzer College
Join Pitzer College as we honor and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of Black History Month. We will spotlight members of our community and share resources to learn more about the contributions and ongoing legacies of Black people in Claremont—and beyond. Features will be added throughout February. Pitzer recognizes national history and heritage months
[Read More...]Pitzer Students Awarded for Exceptional Community Engagement
Pitzer College’s Community Engagement Center has recognized nine students with the Fall 2022 Kallick Community Service Award. Provided by Pitzer alum Deborah Kallick ’78, the $500 award goes to students who have completed 100 or more community engagement hours during the academic year. From mental health care, to composting, to voter engagement, to partnerships with Indigenous communities, these Pitzer students exude passion for social change no matter where they work.
Seed by Seed: Pitzer Students Preserve a Rare Ecosystem on Campus
What did Claremont look like 100 years ago? One parcel on Pitzer College’s campus gives us a glimpse: the Outback Preserve. Home to alluvial sage scrub—one of the rarest ecosystems in the world—the Outback is a 3.4-acre living-learning laboratory for students to engage in hands-on science with California’s indigenous plants. Pitzer students and environmental analysis majors Tommy Shenoi ’24 and Zoë Wong-VanHaren ’25 have made the Outback a passion in action with the California Botanic Garden and Pitzer’s Robert Redford Conservancy's help.
Shelby Ottengheime ’23 Embraces Art, Archaeology, and Japanese American Heritage
At the nexus of archaeology, art, and family history lies the distinctly Pitzer experience of senior Shelby Ottengheime ’23. Her multifaceted interests begin with her major in anthropology on the human evolution, prehistory, and material culture (HEP) track—which will soon culminate in an archaeological dig in Belize. Discover how Ottengheime taps into ancient and family history as a muralist, art galleries fellow, and anthropologist.
Pitzer & Adelanto Community Members Organize to Bring Water Justice to the City
Imagine turning on a faucet and brown water coming out. This is what happened to residents of Adelanto. They wanted to know more about the origins and safety of their water, so a coalition of Pitzer College and community organizations has joined forces with residents to answer these questions. Discover how Pitzer’s Community Engagement Center, Robert Redford Conservancy, Keck Science, and CASA Pitzer collaborate in science and activism with students, faculty, and local partners. "I have engaged not only as a student but as an organizer who is passionate about these issues," said Pitzer senior Olivia Rosenberg-Chavez '23.
Explore Pitzer’s Robust Study Abroad Programs With Sayjal Waddy ’07
Meet Sayjal Waddy ’07, Pitzer alumna and staff member in the Office of Study Abroad and International Programs. In this Q&A, she discusses the Pitzer-run study abroad programs in nine different countries and how their cultural immersion breaks learning out of the classroom silo. "You have classes, language learning, family stay, and trips. As you grow in your language ability, you better communicate with your family, which helps you improve your language and helps your independent study. One impacts the other. That’s how learning should be."
