Family Weekend 2025

9 a.m.–6 p.m. Family and Friends Lounge (Registration & Check-In, Pitzer Store, and Information Center) – McConnell Center, Living Room.
The stage is set! Stop by the Family and Friends Lounge to pick up your materials, grab Pitzer swag, and connect with staff who can help you plan your weekend debut.

9–10:30 a.m. Donuts with the Deans and Faculty featuring Specialty Coffee Cart – McConnell Center, Apron.
Cue the conversation. Mingle with Pitzer’s academic leaders over fresh donuts and drinks from Salt & Light’s specialty cart. It’s a relaxed opener before the day’s next act.

10 a.m.–Noon Office Open Houses – Various Offices (map available at check-in).
Go behind the scenes to meet the departments supporting every student’s storyline—from Career Services and Study Abroad to Justice Education and Student Affairs.

11 a.m.–Noon World Stage: Study Abroad Stories – Fletcher Hall 104.
Adventure takes the spotlight as Pitzer students share their study abroad experiences—from Nepal to Brazil and beyond. Hear how global learning transforms their stories and discover how your student can take their studies to the world stage.

11 a.m.–2:45 p.m. Spotlight on Well-Being – Gold Student Center, Multipurpose Room (and Terrace).
Take a mindful intermission and explore hands-on activities with Strive 2 Thrive, MCAPS, and the Student Garden—creative ways to recharge, recenter, and take care.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Wellness Talk – Bernard Hall 207.
Join Associate Professor of Psychology Marcus Rodriguez for a conversation on balance, health, and everyday practices that support wellness.

1:30–2:45 p.m. Mental Health Symposium – McConnell Center, Founders Room.
Led by Dr. Edel Jose ’04, this symposium brings together alumni, faculty, and campus partners to discuss the evolving landscape of student mental health, including emerging understanding of genetic influences.

11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Intermission Lunch – McConnell Center, Dining Hall.
Pause between scenes to refuel with the campus community. Share a relaxed meal, swap highlights from the morning, and get ready for the next act.

12:15 p.m. Friday Noon Concert – Autumn Bamboo: Sounds of Shakuhachi – Balch Auditorium, Scripps College.
Let the music transport you in this weekly concert series. The Japanese bamboo flute takes the spotlight, blending tradition and tranquility in perfect harmony.

1–4 p.m. Pitzer College Art Galleries Exploration – Nichols Gallery (Broad Center) and Lenzner Gallery (Atherton Hall).
Step inside Carmen Argote: gajes del oficio — a compelling exhibition exploring labor, migration, and material memory through site-specific garments and sculptures made from everyday materials like citrus and clay.

1:30–2:45 p.m. Interact, Engage, Exchange I – Various Classrooms.
The spotlight shifts to our faculty for dynamic talks that invite curiosity and participation.

• Barbara Junisbai, Professor of Organizational Studies: The Org Studies Inside-Out Learning Laboratory – Fletcher Hall 106. Join Professor Junisbai and students in ORST173a as they demonstrate Pitzer’s distinctive inside-out approach to organizational studies, followed by Q&A.

• Jemma Lorenat, Associate Professor of Mathematics: Data and Justice: Past, Present, Future – Broad Hall 207. Professor Lorenat (a historian of mathematics, not an ethicist!) shares how she designed a course for Pitzer’s new data science minor that meets the ethics and justice requirement, culminating in a conversation about how data shapes society today.

3–4:30 p.m. Immigration Justice: Community Voices and Action – In collaboration with Pitzer’s Inclusion and Justice Committee – Gold Student Center, Multipurpose Room (and Terrace).
In this powerful feature, Pitzer faculty, students, and community partners share real stories from the front lines of immigration justice. Stay for the Art + Action activity that lets you turn empathy into impact.

4–5 p.m. Empathetic Listening – The Hive, 130 E. 7th Street.
Join members of The Hive to practice deep listening and communication skills that strengthen connection during your student’s transition to independence.

4–8 p.m. Harvest Festival – Brant Clock Tower Lawn
The evening’s headliner! Enjoy Grove House bites, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, games, crafts, a photo booth, and live student performances. It’s an autumn celebration worthy of applause, led by Pitzer’s Student Engagement and Activities (SEA) team.

8:30–9:30 a.m. Rise and Shine Yoga – Brant Clock Tower Lawn (rain plan: Gold Student Center, Yoga Studio).
Start your day with a centering warm-up before the curtain rises on another full day. Stretch, breathe, and reset with Pitzer alum Michelle Dowd ’90 as the sun takes the stage.

9 a.m.–6 p.m. Family and Friends Lounge (Registration & Check-In, Pitzer Store, and Information Center) – McConnell Center, Living Room.
The Lounge stays open as your all-day greenroom—drop in for Pitzer gear, a quick snack, or an intermission between acts.

10–11 a.m. Nucleus Tour – Meet at the corner of Mills Avenue & 9th Street (outside The Nucleus).
Go behind the scenes of Pitzer’s state-of-the-art science center. This backstage tour reveals the innovation, collaboration, and design that power discovery at the heart of campus.

10 a.m.–Noon Student Garden Crafternoon – Pitzer College Student Garden (rain plan: TBD).
Step into a living set where sustainability takes root. Tour the garden, meet the student stewards, and take part in hands-on projects that make this space a community favorite.

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Matinee Brunch – McConnell Center, Dining Hall.
A mid-day performance of flavor and conversation! Enjoy a brunch spread featuring favorites like bagels and lox, avocado toast, fresh fruit, and more—perfect fuel before the afternoon's events take the spotlight.

11 a.m.–Noon Historical Walking Tour – Meet at Avery Gates (campus entrance near Avery Hall).
Join Louise Thornton ‘68, Pitzer trustee and one of the College’s pioneering Women of the ’60s, for a special walking tour into early Pitzer. Hear stories of the College’s founding years and how those roots continue to shape Pitzer today.

1–2:15 p.m. Interact, Engage, Exchange II – Various Classrooms.
Take your seat for Act II of our faculty sessions—each one a thought-provoking performance of ideas. From robotics to economics, explore topics that move, challenge, and inspire.

• Deepti Goel, Assistant Professor of Economics: An Economics Perspective on Immigration: Who Wins and Who Loses? – Fletcher Hall 104. Professor Goel applies an economic lens to the contentious issue of immigration. Using a supply-and-demand framework, she shows how immigration creates winners and losers, raising normative questions around redistribution.

• Trung “Average” V. Phan, Assistant Professor of Physics: From Advanced Physics to Amazing Students – The Nucleus, Room E158. This lecture demonstrates how big, wild ideas in physics can be made accessible and hands-on for undergraduates. Explore fun, curiosity-driven projects turning simple toys into meaningful research, and hear about student projects headed to the APS Global Summit (the world’s largest physics research conference).

1–3:45 p.m. Drawing in Nature: A Guided Walk and Sketch Session – Hosted by Jessica McCoy, Professor of Art – Meet at Broad Center, West Entrance.
Begin with a campus-to-conservancy walk, then explore drawing practices shaped by the natural environment at the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability. This extended session invites you to pause, observe carefully, and discover creative ways to connect with your surroundings through sketching. All materials provided; no experience required.

1–4 p.m. Pitzer College Art Galleries Exploration – Featured Exhibition: Carmen Argote: gajes del oficio – Nichols Gallery (Broad Center) and Lenzner Gallery (Atherton Hall).
Immerse yourself in LA-based artist Carmen Argote’s powerful exhibition, which explores labor, migration, and material memory through site-specific garments and sculptures made with materials like citrus and foraged clay. Created in collaboration with the artist’s mother, the work foregrounds intergenerational care and the human side of making.

2–5 p.m. Maker Market – The Hive, 130 E. 7th Street.
It’s showtime for student creators! Shop original works, jewelry, art, and more — each item a handmade spotlight moment from the 5C maker community.

2:30–3:45 p.m. Interact, Engage, Exchange III – Various Classrooms.
The final round of faculty sessions invites you to participate, question, and create. Expect lively demonstrations and workshops that put learning center stage.

• Marilyn Grell-Brisk, Adjunct Professor of Organizational Studies: Active Listening and Working Toward Resolution or Reconciliation – Fletcher Hall 106. Emphasizing experiential learning, this workshop explores the effects of active listening (through a looping technique) in high-conflict situations, and questions of resolution and reconciliation in negotiating conflict.

• DIY Sushi Class (Pre-registered event): Roll Your Own Sushi – McConnell Center, Founders Room. Roll up your sleeves for a fun, hands-on sushi-making experience led by Pitzer’s award-winning Dining Hall staff. Learn simple rolling techniques, explore fresh ingredients, and create custom sushi rolls to enjoy on-site. (Pre-registration required; this event is closed to walk-ins.)

4–6:30 p.m. I Have a Name Film Screening + Discussion – George C.S. Benson Auditorium.
I Have A Name has a special Claremont Colleges connection: we’re thrilled to welcome filmmaker Adam Bronfman PO ’85 (spouse of Cindy Bronfman PZ ’86) for a viewing of his powerful documentary, which follows artist-activist Jon Linton and the “Let’s Be Better Humans” project. That project asks one simple question—“What’s your name?”—to humanize the U.S. unhoused crisis. Through intimate portraits and street-level encounters, the film invites compassion that leads to action. After the screening, Bronfman will join a community conversation about the film and how to get involved in helping the unhoused.

6–7:30 p.m. Dinner, Show, and S’mores – The Mounds and McConnell Apron (rain plan: Dinner in McConnell Center Dining Hall; Show in Benson Auditorium).
Enjoy a delicious dinner and the comedic talents of Without a Box, the 5C improv troupe that guarantees plenty of laughs. Close out the act with s’mores and good company under the lights.

8–10 p.m. Final Act – Open Mic Night – Grove House.
Bring down the house with music, poetry, and surprises from our campus performers. It’s an unscripted encore of talent and heart—the perfect curtain call for Saturday night.

8 a.m.–1 p.m. Claremont Farmers & Artisans Market – Claremont Village.
Stroll through Claremont Village for the final scene of the weekend—fresh produce, local treats, and artisan finds make this a lively Sunday market worthy of an encore.

9–11 a.m. Family Leadership Council Open Meeting (Hybrid) – Broad Center, Performance Space.
Step into the producer’s chair! Learn how the Family Leadership Council shapes engagement, philanthropy, and connection behind the curtain. All families are welcome to join the conversation.

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Curtain Call Brunch – McConnell Center, Dining Hall.
A warm closing scene for the weekend. Gather with family and new friends to share final moments, toast the memories, and celebrate your time together at Pitzer.

3–5 p.m. Nobuntu: Bessie Bartlett Frankel Chamber Music Festival – Garrison Theater, 231 E. 10th Street.
Experience the harmony and artistry of Zimbabwe’s acclaimed female a cappella ensemble. Their vibrant voices create a finale that deserves a standing ovation.

7–9 p.m. Concert Series: The Eclipse Quartet with William Kanengiser – British Invasion – Shanahan Center, Drinkward Recital Hall, Harvey Mudd College.
Close the weekend with a high-energy performance blending classical precision and rock-inspired flair. It’s the perfect final note to an unforgettable weekend production.