Family Weekend 2023 Photos & Schedule

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Schedule | Jump to:

Friday, November 10

9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Registration, Check-in, and Information Center
Gold Student Health & Wellness Center, Multipurpose Room
Pick up your nametag, complimentary tote bag, schedule of events, and an energizing snack. Shop the Pitzer Store and enjoy your new Pitzer gear! We’ve designed the registration and check-in process to be smooth and efficient, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the festivities, and less time in lines. You’ll also have a chance to meet members of the Family Leadership Council.

9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Family Lounge and Pitzer Store
McConnell Center, Living Room
Welcome to the Family Lounge, the heart of comfort and connection at our campus. Take some time to visit the Family Lounge to recuperate and connect with other families.

10–11 a.m.

Student-led Campus Tour #1
Meet at Broad Center East Patio
Discover Pitzer in a whole new way by embarking on a student-led walking tour. Let our passionate student guides lead you on a journey filled with knowledge, stories, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply curious, there’s a tour for everyone. You’ll visit McConnell Center Dining Hall, a residence hall, the Gold Student Health and Wellness Center, the Keck Science Center, the Mounds, classrooms, the Grove House, and much more. Tours last approximately one hour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Lunch with the Campus Community
McConnell Center, Dining Hall
After we kick off our fun-filled weekend, we’ll walk over to McConnell for lunch. Mingle with staff from the Office of Student Affairs and see why Pitzer’s dining hall ranks among the best in the country. Our dining team takes pride in crafting a diverse and delectable menu, offering a wide range of options to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone.

Noon–5 p.m.

Art Galleries Open House
Nichols and Lenzner Art Galleries
Art Galleries Fellows will be available for guided tours
during the following times:

Nichols Art Gallery
2–3 p.m. with L Brock ’26
3–3:30 p.m. with Paige Baird ’26

Lenzner Family Art Gallery
3–3:30 p.m. with Wendy Wei ’26

1:15–2:30 p.m.

Afternoon Lecture Series

David Bachman, Professor of Mathematics
Fletcher Hall 110
Understanding ChatGPT
ChatGPT is often described as a “statistical algorithm that just predicts the next word in a sequence.” While there is some grain of truth to this, it is a gross oversimplification that leads to a basic misunderstanding of how ChatGPT really works. Such misconceptions impede intelligent debate on basic philosophical questions such as “Is ChatGPT intelligent?” as well as more practical ones like “What impacts will ChatGPT have on my job?” In this talk, Professor Bachman will pull back the curtain and give a non-technical description of how ChatGPT really works, and then touch on some of these larger questions

Carmen Fought, Professor of Linguistics
Fletcher Hall 106
Language and Gender in Disney and Pixar
Pretty much everyone we meet has a favorite Disney movie. Disney and Pixar are the unquestioned leaders in children’s animated films, and their movies have had a tremendous influence on children all over the world. Therefore, it’s worth considering what messages these films are conveying about what it means to be a boy or a girl. Specifically, how they employ language to perpetuate particular gender stereotypes. In this workshop, we will explore how language is represented in Disney and how research tools from linguistics might help us answer important questions about the influence of children’s media, including how representation in these movies has changed (or not) over time.

34 p.m.

Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS) Information Session
Broad Hall 214
Meet the staff from MCAPS and learn about mental health and psychological wellness services available to your student through this 5C resource.

34 p.m.

Student-led Campus Tour #2
Meet at Broad Center East Patio
Discover Pitzer in a whole new way by embarking on a student-led walking tour. Let our passionate student guides lead you on a journey filled with knowledge, stories, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply curious, there’s a tour for everyone. You’ll visit McConnell Center Dining Hall, a residence hall, the Gold Student Health and Wellness Center, the Keck Science Center, the Mounds, classrooms, the Grove House, and much more. Tours last approximately one hour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

4–5 p.m.

Art Galleries Conversation with Marguerite Elliot ’71 and Professor Emeritus Dan Segal + Q&A
Avery Hall 201
Pitzer College Art Galleries and the Pitzer Aesthetics Committee Present: Alumni in Art: Marguerite Elliot ’71, in conversation with Daniel Segal, Emeritus Jean M. Pitzer Professor of Anthropology and Emeritus Professor of History.
Emeritus Professor Daniel Segal and Marguerite Elliot ’71 discuss her participation in The Women’s Building, a center for feminist art in Los Angeles from 1973 to 1991, and her environmental sculptures, which comprise a temporary public art installation in the Holden Garden through June 2024.

5–7:30 p.m.

Dinner with the Campus Community
McConnell Center, Dining Hall

Step into a world of warmth and unity as we invite you to join us for dinner. This is an opportunity to connect with students, professors, staff members, and visiting families. Share stories, ideas, and laughter in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Saturday, November 11

8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Registration, Check-in, and Information Center
Gold Student Health & Wellness Center, Multipurpose Room
Pick up your nametag, complimentary tote bag, schedule of events, and an energizing snack. Shop the Pitzer Store and enjoy your new Pitzer gear! We’ve designed the registration and check-in process to be smooth and efficient, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in lines. You’ll also have a chance to meet members of the Family Leadership Council.

8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Family Lounge and Pitzer Store
McConnell Center, Living Room
After we kick off our fun-filled weekend, we’ll walk over to McConnell for lunch. Mingle with staff from the Office of Student Affairs and see why Pitzer’s dining hall ranks among the best in the country. Our dining team takes pride in crafting a diverse and delectable menu, offering a wide range of options to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone.

9–10 a.m.

Rise and Shine Yoga with Michelle Dowd ’90
Brant Clock Tower Lawn
Amid the buzz of Family Weekend, we invite you to escape to a tranquil oasis of calm. Our yoga and mindfulness session is a refreshing break from the festivities, offering participants of all ages an opportunity to rejuvenate their minds and bodies amidst the beautiful backdrop of our campus.
Up to 20 yoga mats will be provided

9–11:30 a.m.

Donuts with the Deans
McConnell Center, Living Room
Donuts With the Deans is a delightful and casual gathering that offers students, faculty, and staff a unique chance to engage in informal discussions with our college deans. It also reflects the College’s commitment to fostering open communication, collaboration, and community building among its members. Participants include:

  • Allen Omoto, Vice President for Academic Affairs and
    Dean of Faculty;
  • Susan Phillips, Associate Dean of Faculty and Director
    for the Robert Redford Conservancy;
  • Phil Zuckerman, Associate Dean of Faculty;
  • Nigel Boyle, Associate Dean and Director for IGLAS;
  • Jan Barker Alexander, Interim Vice President for
    Student Affairs and Dean of Students;
  • Kebokile Dengu-Zvobgo, Associate Dean of
    International Programs;
  • UJ Sofia, Dean of the W.M. Keck Science Department;
  • Leticia Romo, Associate Dean of Students and Director
    of Residence Life & Conference Services;
  • Joe Koluder, Assistant Dean of Residential
    Engagement and Community Standards;
  • Alayna Session-Goins, Assistant Dean of Campus Life;
    and
  • Stephanie Hannant, Assistant Dean of Mental Health &
    Well-Being

10–11 a.m.

Student-led Campus Tour #3
Meet at Broad Center East Patio
Discover Pitzer in a whole new way by embarking on a student-led walking tour. Let our passionate student guides lead you on a journey filled with knowledge, stories, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply curious, there’s a tour for everyone. You’ll visit McConnell Center Dining Hall, a residence hall, the Gold Student Health and Wellness Center, the Keck Science Center, the Mounds, classrooms, the Grove House, and much more. Tours last approximately one hour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

10–11 a.m.

Alumni Panel: From Student to Career Success
Avery Hall 201
Join us for an enlightening and motivating experience at the Alumni Panel. It’s an opportunity to connect with accomplished alumni, gain valuable insights, and forge meaningful connections that can benefit your academic and professional journey. Participants include Danny Camarena ’23, Catherine Caporale ’90, Alumni Board President Mark Cunningham ’89, Michelle Dowd ’90, Alumni Board member Meena Duguay ’93, Bernie Hernandez ’23, Trustee Louise Thornton ’68, and Alumni Board member Susie Warren ’78.

10–11 a.m.

Tour of the Nucleus led by UJ Sofia, Dean of W. M. Keck Science Department
Meet at W.M. Keck Science Center East Entrance
Join us for an eye-opening and educational journey through our new Science Center. It’s an opportunity to witness the exciting advancements in science education, research, and discovery that define our institution. The Nucleus is a state-of-the-art Pitzer-Scripps Colleges science center that is scheduled to open in fall 2024.
*20 guests max; closed-toed shoes required

10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Brunch with the Campus Community
McConnell Center, Dining Hall
We invite you to join us for brunch with the campus community. This cherished tradition unites students, faculty, staff, and friends over a scrumptious brunch spread. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to forge connections, share stories, and celebrate the diversity that defines our academic family. You’ll also have an opportunity to hear from Pitzer’s Family Leadership Council.

11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Study Abroad Panel: Student and Alumni Perspectives
Fletcher Hall 104
Moderated by Sayjal Waddy ’07, Assistant Director of Study Abroad & International Programs Services. This session will explore the variety and vitality of our study abroad and international programs and the impact that they have on our students’ appreciation for global diversity. You’ll hear from Brynn Anderson ’25, Pratya Poosala ’24, Andrei Šarapov ’26.

1:15–2:30 p.m.

Afternoon Lecture Series #1

Andre Wakefield, Professor of History
Broad Center 208
Propaganda
We almost always use propaganda as a term of abuse, as something
that other people do, as something that dupes and manipulates other people—Maoist posters, Soviet newspapers, East German films. Most of us recognize by now that America too has its own forms of propaganda, but that often seems like someone else’s problem. I plan to talk about propaganda as a structure, as coterminous with modernity. Modern
propaganda is ubiquitous; it maintains the world as we find it. Let’s talk about it.

Steffanie Guillermo, Associate Professor of Psychology
Fletcher Hall 104
Threat Stereotypes: From Visual Perception to Policing and Policy Attitudes
In this lecture, Professor Guillermo will present her research on the implications of stereotyping racial/ethnic groups as threatening or criminal. She will discuss biases in visual perception and decision-making that unfold quickly, within hundreds of milliseconds. She will also talk about the role of threat stereotypes in contexts like attitudes towards police use of force and views on immigration policies. The lecture will conclude with strategies for intervening on these biases to promote racial justice.

2:45–4 p.m.

Afternoon Lecture Series #2

Brian L. Keeley, Professor of Philosophy
Fletcher Hall 106
Synesthesia and the Philosophy of Perception
Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon in which individuals have experiences normally associated with one sense when presented with stimuli typically associated with another sense (or another element of a sense). A common example is color-grapheme synesthesia (experiencing colors when presented with printed letters or numbers). Rarer forms include experiencing a shape while tasting something in the mouth. Synesthesia raises a number of interesting questions in philosophy of science (how can we confirm that the phenomenon is perceptual)? It also can act as a tool for understanding more about how the mind/brain works. In this presentation, Professor Keeley will present the phenomenon and discuss how it shows up in some of his classes

2:45–4 p.m.

Student Garden Activity – Create Your Own “Pitzer Blend” Tea Sachets
Outdoor Classroom, near Grove House
“A cup of tea solves everything.” Pitzer’s Student Garden Club invites you to join in the harvest at the Student Garden, where you’ll create your own “Pitzer blend” tea sachets using the garden’s tea plants and leaves. Learn the art of plucking plants for your perfect blend of tea. Hot water will be available for your personalized cup of tea.

3–4 p.m.

Student Clubs and Organizations Open House
Gold Student Health & Wellness Center, Multipurpose Room
Connect with our diverse range of student clubs and organizations, each offering unique experiences and opportunities for you to explore your interests and passions. This is a chance to explore the vibrant tapestry of student life on our campus and discover countless opportunities for involvement and personal growth.

34 p.m.

Student-led Campus Tour #4
Meet at Broad Center East Patio
Discover Pitzer in a whole new way by embarking on a student-led walking tour. Let our passionate student guides lead you on a journey filled with knowledge, stories, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply curious, there’s a tour for everyone. You’ll visit McConnell Center Dining Hall, a residence hall, the Gold Student Health and Wellness Center, the Keck Science Center, the Mounds, classrooms, the Grove House, and much more. Tours last approximately one hour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

4:15–5 p.m.

State of the College with President Strom Thacker
George C.S. Benson Auditorium
Join us for an exclusive and insightful event as we present the State of the
College address with President Strom C. Thacker. This annual address is a significant occasion where our college community comes together to reflect
on our past achievements, assess our current standing, and chart the course for our future endeavors.

5:15–7:15 p.m.

Community Dinner with remarks from President Strom Thacker
McConnell Center, Dining Hall
This momentous occasion brings together students, faculty, staff, and honored guests to celebrate the accomplishments, milestones, and vibrant spirit of our academic community. Don’t forget to wear your Pitzer orange!

79 p.m.

S’mores on the Mounds with Midnight Echo
The Mounds (Pellissier Mall) and McConnell Center, Apron
Join us for an evening of fireside delight at S’mores on the Mounds. It’s an opportunity to escape the ordinary, indulge in a timeless treat, and connect with fellow attendees around the warmth of the firepit. Featuring a live performance by our very own Midnight Echo, a 5C a capella group.

Sunday, November 12

9–11 a.m.

Family Leadership Council Open Meeting and Brunch
Broad Center, Performance Space
Join us for a unique experience as we come together for a meal with the Family Leadership Council, a dedicated group of families who play an integral role in shaping the future of our institution. All families are welcome to attend.

9:15–10:15 a.m.

Rise and Shine Walking Club
Broad Center West Entrance
Get ready to step into a world of togetherness, fresh air, and exploration as you join the Walking Club for a delightful morning of exploration and bonding. This is a perfect opportunity for students, their families, and friends to enjoy a leisurely walk through the Claremont Colleges while creating cherished memories and forging meaningful connections.

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Brunch with the Campus Community
McConnell Center, Dining Hall
We invite you to join us for brunch with the campus community. This cherished tradition unites students, faculty, staff, and friends over a scrumptious brunch spread. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to forge connections, share stories, and celebrate the diversity that defines our academic family

Sunday FUNday in Claremont Village
Hang out and have some fun with the whole family in the city your student calls home! Enjoy all that our special town has to offer:

8 a.m.–1 p.m.

Claremont Farmers and Artisans Market
The Claremont Farmers and Artisans Market was founded in 1996 to connect California farmers and artisans to the local community. Now more than 100 growers and artisans share their goods and services throughout the year. Proceeds from each market also help to support service projects, such as the Prison Library Project. The market is located in the Claremont Village on Harvard Avenue between First Street and Bonita Avenue.

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

California Botanic Garden
California Botanic Garden is a living museum with curated collections of more than 22,000 California native plants.
*Admission fees apply

For more information, visit www.calbg.org.

Noon–4 p.m.

Claremont Lewis Museum of Art
The Claremont Lewis Museum of Art celebrates the community’s rich artistic legacy and promotes the cultural vitality of the region.

For more information, visit www.claremontmuseum.org

*This schedule is subject to change.

Please email questions to [email protected].

To receive the latest information, please ensure that we have your latest contact information.

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