Oxy's Alumni Board of Governors is actively working to expand and promote alumni activities not just on campus, but around the world—and you're encouraged to get involved
The Alumni Board of Governors (BOG) works to connect alumni around the world. A subset of the BOG represents a standing committee that meets regularly to consider and promote ideas for sustaining the Oxy community we knew and loved during our years in Eagle Rock. How are we doing this?
Regional Alumni Groups: We’ve overseen the launch or expansion of regional alumni groups around the country and internationally, including Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; Santa Barbara; San Diego; the San Francisco Bay Area; Seattle; Central Texas; the Tri-State Area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut); Washington, D.C.; and London.
We are always looking for more locations. In-person events have ranged from local social gatherings to sporting events (including supporting Oxy Athletics when the Tigers are in town), educational events, museum visits, and volunteer events. There is no limit to what can happen—all in the name of promoting and developing the local Oxy community. Launching a regional group is easy. Kelsey Belli, assistant director of alumni and parent engagement, is there to help. The BOG, in addition to supporting local events, plays a cross-regional role, helping groups learn from each other and grow.
Ongoing Events at Oxy: The BOG fully supports ongoing events held at Oxy. We play important roles in Homecoming & Family Weekend, Alumni Reunion Weekend, New Student and Parent Orientation, and other events hosted at the College. Please get involved! Hearing a friendly voice on campus reminiscing brings joy and appreciation from current students, faculty, and existing alumni alike. Dana Brandsey ’02, director of alumni and parent engagement, is there to help you get involved in any way you may find of interest.
Affinity Groups: Promoting —groups based on gender, ethnicity, profession, or a particular interest—is another way the BOG helps alumni connect and continue to grow. Examples of affinity groups include: API Alumni and Allies for Oxy (A4Oxy), Alumni of Occidental in Education (ALOED), Black Alumni Organization (BAO), Occidental Latino Alumni Association (OCLAA), and Out@Oxy (for the LGBTQIA+ community).
Faculty Speaker Series: This fourth area is under development. We are looking to organize and promote a faculty speaker series for alumni and parents to highlight the power of the Oxy educational experience. We’ve done several of these events dating back to the start of the pandemic, and they’ve been fabulously attended. We are eager to host regular faculty lectures and continuing education programs at locations around the country.
Get involved! Oxy engagement is key, and the possibilities are endless. We hope you will consider getting involved in any way you feel comfortable. The above is a road map of how your BOG is working to promote this goal.
Top photo: Members of Oxy's API alumni community gathered in Eagle Rock in April for an A4Oxy Re(Launch) happy hour.
