Community Weekend (Formerly Alumni Weekend)

Thursday, May 1, 2025

4–5:30 p.m.
Alumni Film Screening + Panel
George C.S. Benson Auditorium
Join us for a special screening of The Butter and the Fly – Love Comes from Birds, a captivating film by alumnus Santiago Gabriel Soto Gómez de la Torre ’12. After the screening, stay for a lively panel discussion where Santiago will share insights into the creative process, the inspiration behind the film, and its cultural impact.

Friday, May 2, 2025

10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Registration and Pitzer Store
McConnell Center, Living Room
Kick off the weekend by checking in and picking up your event materials. While you’re here, browse the Pitzer Store for exclusive merchandise.

10–11 a.m.
Coffee & Conversation with Faculty and Deans
McConnell Center, Apron
Enjoy a cup of coffee while engaging in informal conversation with Pitzer faculty and deans. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and connect with academic leaders in a relaxed setting.

10:30–11:30 a.m.
Student Garden Tour and Activities with Fellows
Student Garden
Enjoy a relaxing morning in the Student Garden with our Garden Fellows! Take a guided tour to learn about Pitzer’s sustainability efforts and the special role the garden plays in campus life. Afterwards, tap into your creativity with hands-on activities: paint your own Pitzer rock and craft an ornament or garland using repurposed wood from the iconic Pitzer Mounds. All ages are welcome!

Noon–5 p.m.
Pitzer Art Galleries Open House
Nichols & Lenzner Galleries
Visit the Pitzer Art Galleries to enjoy student and faculty exhibitions. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the creativity and artistic talent of the Pitzer community.

Noon–1:30 p.m.
The Recovery Divide: Disasters, Justice, and the Path Forward
George C.S. Benson Auditorium
This panel addresses the deep inequities in emergency response and recovery, with panelists including individuals impacted by recent disasters like the Maui wildfires and Moss Landing fire, alongside students documenting the Eaton fires.

1–2:30 p.m.
Fulbright Panel and Reception—Reimagining Incarceration: Forging Paths Forward
McConnell Center, Founders Room
Join Fulbright Association - Claremont Consortium Chapter President Dr. Edel Marie Jose ’04 for a thought-provoking panel and reception exploring incarceration reform from policy to practice. Featuring Pitzer’s Professor of Political Studies Nigel Boyle, UC Irvine’s Charis E. Kubrin, Oxford’s Dr. Daniel Pascoe, and Malibu Conservation Camp Commander Lt. Anthony Banks, the discussion will highlight current mechanisms for progress and new ways to shape the future of incarceration. Learn about innovative initiatives, including Pitzer’s groundbreaking Inside-Out Pathway-to-BA program—the first of its kind in the nation. Enjoy light fare, beverages, and the chance to network with fellow attendees during this engaging and timely forum.

2–3 p.m.
New Resource Program 50th Anniversary Community Mixer
Scott Courtyard
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the New Resource Program with a special community mixer. Reconnect with alumni and current students while commemorating this milestone in the program’s history.

2–3:30 p.m.
Tour of the Robert Redford Conservancy + Student Showcase
Meet at Broad Center West Entrance
Join us for a guided tour of the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability, where you’ll learn about environmental conservation and sustainability efforts. The tour will also feature a Student Showcase, highlighting sustainability initiatives led by Pitzer students.

3–6 p.m.
Year in the Making + Maker Market
The Hive, 130 E 7th Street
Experience the creative works of Pitzer students, faculty, and staff at The Hive, where you’ll find handmade goods for sale, live music, snacks, and an Alumni Stand Up featuring stories from alumni about their journeys.

3–5 p.m.
CLSA Celebrating 55 Years Alumni Reception
Tranquada Student Services, 2nd Floor, 757 College Way
Celebrate 55 years of the Chicano/Latino Student Affairs (CLSA) program with an afternoon of food and fellowship. Reconnect with fellow alumni and current students as we honor the CLSA’s impact on Pitzer’s community.

3:30–5 p.m.
Retirement Celebration for Nigel Boyle
George C.S. Benson Auditorium
Join us for “A Parting Glass” to honor Professor of Political Studies Nigel Boyle on his retirement. Celebrate his remarkable contributions to Pitzer and reflect on his legacy.

5–8 p.m.
MOLT: Senior Art Thesis Exhibition and Opening Reception
Reception: Brant Clock Tower Lawn; Exhibition: Nichols Gallery, Lenzner Gallery, Hinshaw Gallery, and Salathe Gallery
Join us for the opening reception of MOLT, this year’s Senior Art Thesis Exhibition, which embraces pivotal moments of change. Featuring thirteen graduating art majors, this exhibition explores themes such as transformation, identity, process, memory, play, the body, and the environment. Through innovative materials and thought-provoking works, the artists will challenge assumptions and create new worlds. The opening reception will be held on the Brant Clock Tower Lawn, where food and drinks will be served. Guests can pick up brochures and maps to guide you through the four exhibition spaces.

5–6:30 p.m.
Sunset Reception
Ann E. Pitzer Courtyard at the Nucleus—Upper Level
Relax and unwind with a sunset reception in the beautiful Ann E. Pitzer Courtyard. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day’s events while enjoying stunning views and good company.

5–6:30 p.m.
3C Wine Tasting
Scripps College—Elm Tree Lawn
Sample fine wines at the 3C Wine Tasting, hosted on the scenic Elm Tree Lawn at Scripps College. This event offers an elegant setting for enjoying wine and socializing with fellow attendees.

5–7:30 p.m.
Community Dinner
McConnell Center, Dining Hall
Come together for a Community Dinner in the McConnell Center Dining Hall. Share a meal with old friends and new, and enjoy the camaraderie of the Pitzer community.

6:30–8:30 p.m.
Trailblazers Reunion Dinner (Private Event – Invitation Required)
McConnell Center, Founders Room
Reconnect with alumni from the Classes of 1965–1975 and emeriti faculty at the Trailblazers Reunion Dinner. This special evening honors the pioneering spirit of Pitzer’s early graduates and the Class of 1975 celebrating their 50th reunion.

Here is the Saturday and Sunday schedule for Community Weekend 2025, now with linked locations to the Pitzer interactive campus map:

Saturday, May 3, 2025

8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Registration and Pitzer Store
McConnell Center, Living Room
If you missed registration on Friday, stop by to get your materials. You can also explore the Pitzer Store for exclusive merchandise and souvenirs.

8:30–9:30 a.m.
Rise and Shine Yoga
Brant Clock Tower Lawn
Join us for a refreshing and energizing yoga session to start your Saturday. This class will be led by Michelle Dowd ’90 and is suitable for all levels and is designed to wake up both your body and mind.

9:30–11 a.m.
Wellness Programming with Strive2Thrive and Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS)
Scott Courtyard
Join Strive2Thrive and MCAPS for a hands-on wellness session. Create DIY body scrubs while engaging in a relaxing, mindful activity with fellow attendees.

10:30–11:30 a.m.
Connection, Intention, and Play
Northernmost Mound
Reignite the spirit of connection, growth, and creativity that defines the Pitzer experience. Join fellow alumni and friends for a structured hour of movement, imagination games, and open-hearted sharing. Hosted by Lolly Beck-Pancer ’08 and Malcolm Miller ’10.

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Community Brunch
McConnell Center, Dining Hall
Join us for a casual and delicious Community Brunch. This is the perfect time to catch up with friends and enjoy good food before the afternoon’s events.

11 a.m.–Noon
Wellness Hub Open House
Wellness Hub – East Sanborn C226
Explore the Wellness Hub and learn about the resources available to Pitzer students for maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

11 a.m.–Noon
Tour of the Nucleus with UJ Sofia
Meet at East Entrance of The Nucleus (9th Street & Mills Avenue)
Join Dean and Physics Professor UJ Sofia for a guided tour of Pitzer’s science and research hub.

10 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Faculty Session: Drawing in Nature
Meet at Broad Center West Entrance
Join Professor Jessica McCoy for a creative walk-and-sketch session at the Robert Redford Conservancy. All materials provided.

10–11 a.m.
Faculty Session: Tour of The Outback
Meet at Green Bike Shop
Led by Monica Mahoney. A nature walk exploring native ecology and Pitzer’s sustainability practices.

10–11 a.m.
Faculty Session: Modernization or Colonialism?
Fletcher Hall 106
Professor Azamat Junisbai discusses post-Soviet identity and Central Asia.

10–11 a.m.
Faculty Session: Collective Endeavors in the History of Mathematics
Broad Hall 214
Professor Jemma Lorenat highlights collaborative history research from Pitzer and beyond.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Faculty Session: The Origins of Totalitarianism, Revisited
Broad Hall 210
Professor Will Barndt reflects on Hannah Arendt's influential work and its relevance today.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Faculty Session: WE are the hardest nut to crack. Let’s get cracking.
Fletcher Hall 104
Join Darin Brown for an insightful talk on modern psychology, mental health, and the RAD Lab.

Noon–3 p.m.
Children’s Programming
Broad Center, East Patio
Creative hands-on activities including rock painting, tie-dye, and jewelry making for kids.

1–2 p.m.
Stage and Screen: Crafting a Versatile Career
George C.S. Benson Auditorium
A 5C alumni panel on navigating careers in theater and film/TV.

2–3 p.m.
Alumni Panel: From Students to Stewards
Avery 201
Hear from alumni who work at Pitzer today as they share their career journeys and advice.

3–5 p.m.
Class Photos
Grove House
Group class photos and informal reconnecting with classmates.

2–6 p.m.
Taste of Pitzer Food and Music Festival
The Mounds
Live music, food trucks, and performances by students and alumni.
Time                     Artist   
2:00–2:25 p.m.     The Sun Fades Blue   
2:25–2:40 p.m.     DJ Bravo ’26   
2:40–3:05 p.m.     Jack Higgins ’14    
3:05–3:20 p.m.     DJ Bravo ’26    
3:20–3:45 p.m.     Casa de Brujas   
3:45–4:00 p.m.     DJ Bravo ’26   
4:00–4:40 p.m.     Tom Freund    
4:40–4:55 p.m.     DJ Bravo ’26    
4:55–5:25 p.m.     Storey and the Tellers   
5:25–6:00 p.m.     DJ Bravo ’26  

2–5:30 p.m.
Sip & Savor Lounge
The Mounds
A relaxed area to mingle, enjoy drinks, and listen to live music during the festival.

2–6 p.m.
Vendors on The Mounds
The Mounds
Browse a marketplace of goods and services from the Pitzer community.

6:30–8 p.m.
Alumni Awards Ceremony
George C.S. Benson Auditorium
Celebrate awardees Diana Bob ’02 and Moonlight Zhu ’17 with a special performance by Claudia Lennear ’06.

8–10 p.m.
Grooves at the Grove House After Party
Grove House
Wrap up the day with dancing and music from DJ Isa Bravo ’26.

Sunday, May 4, 2025

9–11 a.m.
Open Alumni Board Meeting
Broad Center, Performance Space
Alumni are invited to discuss future plans and opportunities for engagement.

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Community Brunch
McConnell Center, Dining Hall
Share one final meal with the Pitzer community before departing.

10:30 a.m.–Noon
Farewell Mariachi Brunch
Scripps College – Jaqua Quadrangle, East
Festive farewell brunch with live mariachi music. Additional $35 fee.

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
7C OBSA Annual Alumni Brunch
OBSA Garden, 139 E. 7th Street
Celebrate Black alumni at this special gathering for connection and reflection.

Q: When will registration open?
A: Registration is now open! View the Registration Form.

Q: Is Community Weekend open to all alumni?
A: Yes! You don’t have to be in reunion to participate.

Q: Can families and students attend?
A: Yes! We look forward to seeing families and students at Community Weekend! 

Q: What is the deadline to register?
A: Early Bird registration closes at midnight on February 28. 
Online registration will remain open through Saturday, May 3. 
Early registration is highly recommended, as space is limited.

Q: Where is the hotel and travel information?
A: Hotel block rates and travel information can be found on our Hotel and Travel webpage.

Q: I still have questions about Community Weekend 2025. Whom should I contact?
A: Email us at engagement@pitzer.edu.