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As I walked up Fiji Hill early this morning, enjoying the relative quiet of summer, I reflected on my excitement for fall, when a community of the country’s most dynamic, engaged, and service-oriented students will return to campus. As I took in the view of Los Angeles from the top, I felt incredibly grateful to have been selected as your 17th president of Occidental College. 

My first official day in office has already included listening sessions with faculty and staff and a meeting with student government leaders. I've had the opportunity to learn from many of Oxy's passionate students, faculty, and staff, as well as to meet with trustees, alumni, and parents. I’ve also had the opportunity to speak with President Elam about the power behind the Occidental Promise.

Throughout these conversations, I’ve been impressed by your commitment to the College’s mission, grounded in excellence, equity, community, and service. Our shared values of diversity, inclusion, and academic inquiry are why I am here at Occidental. I look forward to creating renewed opportunities to come together, supporting robust critical thinking and academic vitality, building and engaging in reciprocal relationships within Los Angeles, and fostering our culture of care in ways that will demonstrate the impact of an Occidental education on a national level. I am energized by the possibilities of building that future together.   

In the months ahead, I’ll be listening closely to understand how we expand upon the amazing legacy that you have helped to create. As we prepare for the excitement of Move-In, Orientation, and the beginning of the fall semester, I’m eager to meet and work with all of you, learn about your perspectives, and strengthen the bonds of our Occidental community.

Io Triumphe!

Tom
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