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Hello Oxy Tigers,

It’s been quite a year. Words cannot express the challenges faced by Oxy students, faculty, staff and alumni and parent communities. From closing the campus abruptly in the spring, to canceling in-person commencement and reunion weekend - it has certainly been an emotional year. Yet, 2020 has also illuminated so much more. The Oxy alumni community has joined together to bring words of encouragement and support for students and each other. We saw it in both the Day For Oxy and for the Class of 2020 virtual commencement. We’ve witnessed it in the workplace with alumni helping students with networking and career planning. And we’ve experienced it with the outpouring of support to welcome our new president, Harry J. Elam, Jr. 

This year and next I will serve as the president of the Alumni Board of Governors - a group which represents you, the Oxy alumni community. Our 30 members span generations of Oxy classes, and a range of majors and backgrounds. Together, our goal is to help shape the future of Oxy, and support our College today with our ideas and voices all fueled by our passion for our alma mater. 

Oxy changed my life by giving me opportunities I could not have had elsewhere. I’m honored to give back and hope you will join me in contributing your ideas and vision for Oxy as we all weather this demanding time together.

With gratitude and hope,

Tuan Ngo ’07

President, Board of Governors

Alumni Survey Results

The role of the Occidental Alumni Association is to be the voice of Oxy alumni from all generations. To best support our community, we need to understand your perspectives and attitudes about Oxy. Therefore, in October 2019, in partnership with Performance Enhancement Group, we conducted a comprehensive survey to gather your feedback. More than 250 universities and associations have used this Alumni Attitude Study to understand alumni opinions, motivations and concerns. The results then help guide us as we develop programs and communications to keep you connected and informed. 

Thanks to all 1,854 respondents to our survey! Below is a summary of the results, and you can read more details on the Alumni website or download a PDF of the report.

1,854 Respondents

from 50 states
Classes from 1950-2019
448.% Men / 54.3% Women
91%

promote Oxy to others

93%

describe their student experience as good to excellent

93%

rate their decision to come to Oxy as good to great

Highlights by Generations

While pride in Oxy is strong across generations, student experiences and opinions about the role of alumni can differ. Here are some highlights:

1973 & Before

History and tradition have a significant impact on their opinion of Oxy

1974-1980

Thinks Oxy did a great job in providing opportunities like athletics, Greek life and student clubs

1981-1993

Believes it’s important for alumni to serve as ambassadors by promoting Oxy to others

1994-2000

A diverse and inclusive environment has a significant impact on their overall opinion of Oxy

2001-2008

Believes it’s very important for alumni to mentor current students

2009-2014

More than half participated in a community service organization or activity while at Oxy

2015 & Above

Has a strong affiliation to a student organization or activity with which they were associated

Top 3 Forms of Preferred Communication

an icon of a printed book
Alumni Magazine

an icon of a computer
Alumni Email

an icon of speech bubbles
Staying in Touch with Other Alumni

You would like the college to help fellow alumni:

  1. Identify job opportunities for graduates
  2. Mentor students
  3. Network with alumni

An alumnus' opinion of Oxy is impacted by:

  • Valued/respect for degree
  • A diverse and inclusive environment
  • Accomplishments of students
  • Availability of scholarships
  • College leadership/president

How well did Oxy prepare alumni for life after college?

Alumni feel Oxy prepared them well for furthering graduate education, an appreciation for the public good, and for contributing to the community.

Missed the survey?

Your opinion is important to us and we apologize if this survey did not reach you. To receive information about Oxy and how to connect with future alumni opportunities, please update your contact information by visiting alumni.oxy.edu/update-info.

Alumni & Parent Events

Before the pandemic, our alumni and parent community gathered in Eagle Rock, across the country, and traveled to far away places. Here’s a look back:

  • 1/16
  • 2/16
  • 3/16
  • 4/16
  • 5/16
  • 6/16
  • 7/16
  • 8/16
  • 9/16
  • 10/16
  • 11/16
  • 12/16
  • 13/16
  • 14/16
  • 15/16
  • 16/16

Connecting Alumni & Parents

During the pandemic, our Oxy alumni and parent community has found creative and resourceful ways to gather and support each other.

A view of the academic quad with jacaranda trees in full bloom

Commencement Well-Wishes

Alumni from varied class years gave their heartwarming words of encouragement for students at the Class of 2020 Virtual Celebration.

Watch the video
An overhead shot of campus from a distance

Virtual Class Reunions

Alumni classes ending in 0s and 5s connected virtually for Alumni Reunion Weekend in June.

See how classes celebrated
Alumni Seal Awards logo

Alumni Seal Awards

Our Alumni Seal Conversations Virtual Event series celebrated this year’s award winners. The events featured thoughtful conversations with awardees, faculty and other alumni, and were attended by hundreds from the Oxy community. 

Read about the event