CMCAA Inland Empire Chapter

https://www.cmc.edu/sites/default/files/CMC%20Baja%20Flyer.pdf

Baja California: Among the Great Whales
Saturday, March 13 – Saturday, March 20, 2027

Dear CMC Alumni, Parents, and Friends,

Join fellow members of the Claremont McKenna community for an extraordinary expedition to Baja California: Among the Great Whales aboard the National Geographic Venture, March 13 to 20, 2027.

Often called the “Aquarium of the World” by legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, the Gulf of California is one of the most biologically rich marine ecosystems on Earth. Here, playful sea lions, manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, and migrating whales—including the magnificent blue whale—thrive in waters so vibrant that author John Steinbeck described the region as “ferocious with life.”

What makes this journey truly remarkable is the dramatic contrast between land and sea. Towering cactus-studded deserts, volcanic islands, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters create a landscape unlike any other. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, much of this region remains untouched and accessible only through special permits granted to expedition vessels like the Venture.

Alongside CMC's Dr. Lars Schmitz, you'll explore hidden lagoons, snorkel among colorful marine life, cruise by Zodiac through breathtaking coastal habitats, and witness legendary Baja sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and pink.

Space is limited. I hope you will join me for this unforgettable adventure and experience one of the world's last great wild places.
https://www.cmc.edu/sites/default/files/CMC%20Baja%20Flyer.pdf

For questions or assistance, please contact our travel consultant, PathWise Academic Travel, at [email protected].

Bon voyage!

John Faranda '79

PS. There is ONE cabin remaining for CMC’s Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands and Tracy Arm Fjord trip this summer, August 18 to 23. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the 49th state; let PathWise Academic Travel know of your interest at [email protected].
https://www.cmc.edu/sites/default/files/CMC%20Baja%20Flyer.pdf

Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement
400 North Claremont Boulevard
Claremont, CA 91711
PHONE 909.621.8097 | FAX 909.607.7494

www.cmc.edu

We love seeing our amazing faculty and students collaborate! ❤️ On the newest episode of CMC Conversations, Parishi Kanuga ’26 sits down with Professor Esther Chung-Kim to talk about the vital role of community in society.

From discussing the challenges of modern healthcare access to sharing her incredible journey researching the 1830s abolitionist movement, Professor Chung-Kim reminds us of the power of listening to multiple perspectives. She also gives a special shout-out to the brilliant CMC student research assistants who help drive her projects forward!

🎙️ Don't miss this inspiring conversation on empathy and teamwork.

👇 Click the link below to stream the episode on Spotify!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aWuIQSSW3E1F1tX4qH3NH?si=kmVU4Sm4TOWW2q5R3mYlSA

CMC art and architecture recognized with Cultural Heritage Award Claremont McKenna College was recently honored by Claremont Heritage with the 2026 Cultural Heritage Award at the organization’s awards gala and 50th anniversary celebration. At the gala, themed “Claremont Gold: Our Legacy, Our Future,” CMC was recognized for “its longstanding commitment to ...

It’s that joyful time of year, when CMC recognizes outstanding members of the graduating class with CMC Student Life awards at a celebratory dinner.

“The Class of 2026 boasts so many incredible leadership and achievement stories. And these students honored with the Student Life Awards are among the very best,” said Dianna “DT” Graves ’98, Vice President for Student Affairs.

CMC’s highest honors this year went to Lindsay Eisenman ’26 and Louis Layman ’26, who were awarded H.N. and Francis C. Berger Prizes for Outstanding Seniors in recognition of their academic achievements, leadership, contributions to the College and the student body, as well as their personal integrity.

Please join us in congratulating Lindsay and Louis, as well as our additional 2026 Student Life Award-winners:

🌟 Thomas Walker ’26 won the William H. Alamshah Award for Student Leadership.
🌟 Cahal Connolly ’26 won the William G. Dickinson Award, which recognizes the CMS student-athlete “who best represents the athletic program through determination, self-discipline, and conscientiousness.”
🌟 Lucy Meza ’26 was recognized with the Brian Walkenbach Award for Outstanding Resident Assistant. At the same time, Beckett Hall (where Meza shared RA leadership duties with Tamoy Pitt ’26 and dorm presidents Alex Chacon ’27 and Brayden Chien ’27) won the O’Keefe Award for outstanding residence hall. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Read the full CMC Currents story (including the list of CMC Alumni Association award winners)
https://www.cmc.edu/news/cmc-senior-awards-celebrating-student-leadership-community-achievements