Family Weekend 2024
Family Weekend is open to all registered guests, students, faculty, and staff.
Register Now!
Welcome Message
Welcome to Family Weekend! We are thrilled to have you join us for a weekend of connection, discovery, and celebration of the Pitzer community.
Family Weekend is a wonderful time to connect with fellow families, spend time with your student, and get a firsthand look at what makes Pitzer such a unique and inspiring place.
We invite you to stop by the Family Leadership Council (FLC) table at registration and at the Engage @ Pitzer Fair to meet members of the FLC and learn about the many ways to stay involved and connected throughout the year.
Thank you for being here! We look forward to sharing this special weekend with you and creating lasting memories together.
The Office of Alumni & Family Engagement
Family Weekend 2024 Schedule
- 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Registration, Check-In, Pitzer Store & FLC Table | McConnell Living Room
- Get ready for Registration and Check-In, where you’ll grab your materials and start the fun! Stop by the Pitzer Store for exclusive gear, and don’t forget to visit the Family Leadership Council Table to learn how you can get involved and make an impact.
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Study Abroad: Student Perspective | Fletcher Hall 104
- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Please join Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS) and Strive2Thrive Mental Health & Well-Being team for self-care and wellness activities, including making soothing, self-care body scrub| McConnell Apron
- Noon – 1:30 p.m. | Community Lunch (no program) | McConnell Dining Hall
- Come together for the Community Lunch! Enjoy great food, connect with fellow families, and soak in the lively atmosphere as we celebrate together. It’s the perfect time to relax, chat, and make memories!
- 12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Friday Noon Concert Series | Balch Auditorium (Scripps College)
- Enjoy a performance of the Brahms’s Horn Trio featuring Danielle Ondarza (Pomona), horn; Sarah Thornblade (Pomona), violin; and Jennie Jung (Pomona & Scripps), piano.
- 1 – 2:30 p.m. | End Plantation Prisons Film Screening and Panel | Benson Auditorium | Hosted by the Alumni Inclusion and Justice Committee
- This session begins with the End Plantation Prisons documentary screening, introduced by Mark Cunningham ’89 P’25 and PJI Executive Director Samantha Kennedy, highlighting the racial roots of mass incarceration and prison labor. Following the film, Cunningham will moderate a panel featuring representatives from the Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI), the Justice Education Center (JEC), and the Inside-Out Pathway to BA program, focusing on the transformative power of education in the prison system. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A.
- 1 – 4 p.m. | Open Class – Organizational Theory with Barbara Junisbai, Associate Professor of Organizational Studies; Organizational Studies Field Group | Robert Redford Conservancy (RRC). Meet at West entrance of Broad Center to join walking group (0.5 mi. walk to RRC). Comfortable shoes recommended
- 2:45 – 4 p.m. | Student Garden Activity | Outdoor Classroom near the Grove House
- Roll up your sleeves and join us at the Outdoor Classroom near the Grove House for a hands-on garden experience! Plant passionfruit, create custom signage, and learn about sustainability alongside students in this interactive session. Perfect for families looking to reconnect with nature and creativity!
- 3 – 4 p.m. | Wellness Programming | Avery 201
- This session will feature representatives from Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS) and Strive2Thrive, highlighting the wide range of wellness services available to Pitzer students. The program will cover how MCAPS offers mental health support through counseling and psychological services, while Strive2Thrive focuses on holistic wellness initiatives. Together, these programs work collaboratively to ensure students have access to comprehensive care, fostering both emotional and physical well-being throughout their college experience.
- 4:30 p.m. | Tour of the Strive2Thrive Mental Health & Well-Being Hub | East Sanborn C226
- 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Community Dinner (no program) | McConnell Dining Hall
- Step into a world of warmth and unity as we invite you to join us for Dinner. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow students, professors, staff members, and even visiting guests. Share stories, ideas, and laughter in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
- 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. | Family Weekend Welcome Rally (pre-game) | McConnell Apron | S’mores, cider, and hot cocoa on the Mounds
- Kick off Family Weekend with spirit and excitement at the Welcome Rally on the Mounds! Enjoy pre-game fun with music, games, and school pride, while sipping on warm cider and hot cocoa before cheering on the home team!
- 7 p.m. | Pomona-Pitzer Volleyball vs CMS | CARW
Get ready for an epic showdown as Pomona-Pitzer Volleyball takes on our biggest rival, CMS! Feel the adrenaline, cheer loud, and watch as the Sagehens fight for victory in this high-stakes, action-packed match. Let’s bring the energy and defend our home court
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Rise and Shine Yoga led by Michelle Dowd '90 | Brant Clock Tower Lawn (Rain Plan: Yoga Studio inside GSC)
Amid the buzz of College Family Weekend, we invite you to escape to a tranquil oasis of calm. Our Yoga and Mindfulness Session is a refreshing break from the festivities, offering participants of all ages an opportunity to rejuvenate their minds and bodies amidst the beautiful backdrop of our campus. Mats provided; limited space available.
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Registration, Check-In, Pitzer Store, & FLC Table | McConnell Living Room
Get ready for Registration and Check-In, where you’ll grab your materials and start the fun! Stop by the Pitzer Store for exclusive gear, and don’t forget to visit the Family Leadership Council Table to learn how you can get involved and make an impact.
9 – 10:30 a.m. | Donuts with the Deans | McConnell Apron | Rain Plan: McConnell Living Room
"Donuts with the Dean," is a delightful and casual gathering that offers students, faculty, and staff a unique chance to engage in informal discussions with our college's deans. It also reflects our college's commitment to fostering open communication, collaboration, and community-building among its members.
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Community Brunch (no program) | McConnell Dining Hall with overflow in Founders Room
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Book Talk and Signing with Ellen Harper '87, P'95, P'96 | Benson Auditorium and Stein Atrium | Always a Song: Singers, Songwriters, Sinners, and Saints - My Story of the Folk Music Revival
Join Pitzer alumna Ellen Harper '87, P'95, P'96 for an engaging discussion and signing of her memoir, Always a Song: Singers, Songwriters, Sinners, and Saints – My Story of the Folk Music Revival. In this captivating book, Ellen shares her personal journey through the heart of the folk music revival, highlighting the iconic artists and cultural movements that shaped her life. This event will take place in Benson Auditorium with a reception and book signing to follow in Stein Atrium.
11 a.m. | Pomona-Pitzer Men’s Water Polo vs. Redlands | TBD
Dive into the action as Pomona-Pitzer Men’s Water Polo faces off against Redlands! Get ready for an intense, high-energy match as the Sagehens battle to defend their turf. Bring your spirit and cheer loud—this game is sure to make waves!
Time TBD | Women’s Soccer Tournament: Pomona-Pitzer vs. SCIAC opponent | Location TBD
2 – 4 p.m. | Art Galleries Open House: Featuring Jimena Sarno: Las Tres Gracias Exhibition | Nichols Gallery, Broad Center
2 – 4 p.m. | Jimena Sarno: Las Tres Gracias Exhibition Opening Reception | Nichols Gallery, Broad Center
Las Tres Gracias is a site-specific operatic installation that experiments with sensorial and affective ways of knowing to challenge imperialist structures of knowledge.
- 1:15 – 2:30 p.m. | Faculty-led Afternoon Lecture Series #1 productive—demonstrating that choosing to act differently is still a form of action.
Title: Causal Inference
Deepti Goel, Assistant Professor of Economics;
Economics Field Group
Fletcher 106
What does it mean to say X causes Y? There are many ways that causation has been understood. I will talk about the most common definition that today's economists follow. Using day to day examples such as does going to the gym (X) result in weight loss (Y), I will discuss some popular methods used by economists to estimate the causal impact of X on Y.
Title: Making Place: Politics and the everyday practice of Life!
Eduard Fanthome, Anthropology Field Group;
Environmental Analysis Field Group.
Fletcher 110
This lecture explores the implications of a ‘relational’ view of place, where space is understood as produced by actions. It examines how this perspective influences political and social analysis, highlighting everyday, participation in politics and ways of resisting power. The talk also addresses how acts of resistance are inherently productive—demonstrating that choosing to act differently is still a form of action.
- 2:45 – 4 p.m. | Faculty-led Afternoon Lecture Series #2
Title: Housing Segregation in Everything
Stephanie Jones, Assistant Professor of Africana Studies;
Africana Field Group
Fletcher 104
The roots of housing discrimination and segregation particularly impact Black communities by creating structural barriers to adequate homes. Redlining and racial covenants are fundamental concepts which expose how housing segregation became a cemented part of American History. In this lecture, attendees will learn a brief history of housing segregation as well as how segregation is measured in cities across the U.S. We will also discuss how learning from where we have been could help us define housing justice for the future.
Title:Cyborg senses: How to add a 'sixth' sense
Brian Keeley, Professor of Philosophy;
Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Science, Technology & Society Field Groups;
IRB Chair
Avery 201
This lecture examines whether technology could enable humans to gain entirely new senses, inspired by advances like cochlear implants. Some people are already pursuing sensory augmentation, raising questions about what it would take to genuinely expand our sensory abilities. Drawing on philosophy, neuroscience, and cognitive science, the talk explores what defines a sense and how we might add new ones.
- 3 – 4 p.m. | Engage @ Pitzer Fair (Clubs, Orgs, & Campus Partners) | Gold Student Center, MPR
- Get connected at Engage @ Pitzer Fair! Explore a vibrant mix of campus partners, student-led organizations, and clubs. Discover resources, countless opportunities for involvement and personal growth.
- 3 p.m. | Tour of the Nucleus Science Building | Meet in front of the Nucleus
Note: the capacity for this tour is 50 guests
- 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Pitzer College Art Galleries and Galleries Fellows Present: Sensorium, a student exhibition | Hinshaw Gallery, The Grove House
- 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. | Fireside Chat with Pitzer Leadership | George C.S. Benson Auditorium
- Join us for an engaging Fireside Chat with Pitzer Leadership featuring President Strom Thacker, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Andrés Fernández, and Dean of Natural Sciences Ulysses (UJ) Sofia, PhD. Moderated by Hali Croner P'26, Trustee and FLC Co-President, this session offers families an opportunity to hear insights on the college’s vision, student life, and academic innovations.
- 5:15-6 p.m. | Post-Fireside Chat with Pitzer Leadership Reception | Stein Atrium | Immediately following program
- Join us for the Post-Fireside Chat with Pitzer Leadership Reception—a chance to connect and unwind with campus leaders over light refreshments!
- 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Community Dinner (no program) | McConnell Dining Hall (overflow in Founders Room)
- Step into a world of warmth and unity as we invite you to join us for dinner. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow students, professors, staff members, and even visiting guests. Share stories, ideas, and laughter in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
- 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Claremont Farmers & Artisans Market | Claremont Village
- Explore fresh produce, handmade goods, and local art at the Claremont Farmers & Artisans Market! Enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere while supporting local farmers and artisans with unique, high-quality offerings every weekend.
- 9 – 11 a.m. | Family Leadership Council Open Meeting and Brunch (hybrid) | Broad Performance Space
- Join us for a unique experience as we come together with the Family Leadership Council, a dedicated group of families who play an integral role in shaping the future of our institution.
- 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | Walk to the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability | Meet at Broad Center West Entrance
Explore the beauty of the Robert Redford Conservancy with a student fellow leading the way. Learn about Pitzer’s commitment to environmental stewardship while exploring native plant life and discovering hidden natural gems that make this space a model of environmental stewardship at Pitzer! Meet at the Broad Center West entrance by 9 a.m. Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended for this inspiring outdoor adventure! - 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Community Brunch (no program) | McConnell Dining Hall
- We invite you to join us for Brunch with the College Community. This cherished tradition unites students, faculty, staff, and friends over a sumptuous brunch spread. It's more than just a meal; it's an opportunity to forge connections, share stories, and celebrate the diversity that defines our academic family.
Save the Date for Pitzer’s Inaugural Community Weekend!
Celebrating Alumni, Parents & Families, Students, Faculty, and Staff
Join us May 2–4, 2025, for a special celebration bringing together the entire Pitzer community! Alumni, parents, families, students, faculty, and staff are invited for a weekend filled with engaging programs, activities, and opportunities to connect, make new friends, and experience the vibrancy of Pitzer. Registration opening soon.
Don’t miss out—mark your calendar today!