Imagine strolling through a campus where Hollywood magic meets academic rigor. That’s Occidental College. Founded in 1887, Occidental stands as Los Angeles’s first and only liberal arts college. But its story is more than just its age.
Occidental College faced early struggles. A fire destroyed its only building in 1896. The college moved four times in under 30 years. Despite these challenges, it persevered. Occidental is now recognized as one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges.
Myron Hunt designed Occidental’s Eagle Rock campus. His Mediterranean style is visible everywhere with covered walkways and tile roofs. Beatrix Farrand developed the campus landscape in the late 1930s. All 19 Hunt buildings still stand today. Newsweek even ranked Occidental College as the sixth “Most Beautiful” campus in 2012.
Occidental’s location is a major asset. Its 120-acre campus provides a space for hands-on learning. Students engage in labs and community work as much as classroom study. This integration with Los Angeles distinguishes Occidental College.
Did you know Occidental was nearly all-male in 1912? President John Willis Baer wanted to convert the college. Students and faculty protested and the plan was dropped.
Occidental’s commitment to diversity dates back to its early days. Ki Rhee Lee, the first Asian-American graduate, received his degree in 1910. By 1916, almost 10% of alumni had foreign addresses.
The college has many notable alumni. President Barack Obama attended Occidental before transferring to Columbia. Terry Gilliam, Jack Kemp, and Ben Schwartz also spent time here.
Occidental’s athletic history is rich. It helped organize the first intercollegiate athletic competition in Southern California. Occidental beat Pomona College at football in 1895. The college has produced 21 Olympic athletes. They have won a total of 10 medals.
Occidental College offers over 40 majors and minors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1. This ensures personalized attention for students.
The college’s motto is “Occidens Proximus Orienti”. In English it means “The West is nearest the East”. Occidental emphasizes diversity and global engagement. It prepares students to be global citizens.
From its early struggles to its current status, Occidental College has a fascinating history. It’s a place where academic excellence meets real-world engagement. As you explore this beautiful campus, remember its commitment to shaping future leaders.