CMC Parent Newsletter
Winter 2026

In this issue:

Saturday, February 14 – Monday, February 16, 2026

Family Weekend is your invitation to step into the CMC story and experience the moments, conversations, and community that shape your student’s time at the College. Throughout the weekend, families can attend panel discussions, academic sessions, athletic events, and social gatherings designed to showcase the academic rigor and vibrant campus life.

There are so many great reasons to make your plans to join us!

Here are five of our favorites:

See the CMC Experience Firsthand
From academic panels to athletic events, Family Weekend brings the full CMC experience to life. Attend engaging discussions, explore the spaces where your student learns, leads, and lives, and attend an actual class or two! No quizzes required!
Join the Conversations That Define CMC
CMC is known for meaningful dialogue, and Family Weekend puts families at the center of it. Highlights include the Town Hall Meeting and Q&A with President Hiram Chodosh, as well as sessions that explore career development, CMC’s history, undergraduate research, and the ideas shaping student success.
Valentine’s Day, Campus Style
Saturday, February 14 falls on Valentine’s Day this year, making Family Weekend a perfect way to celebrate connection. Spend the day enjoying campus traditions, lawn games, shared meals, and time with your student in a place that has become their second home.
Connect With the CMC Community
Family Weekend is also about the people. Meet fellow CMC families, engage with faculty and staff, and reconnect with the broader campus community. Events throughout the weekend create space for conversation, laughter, and shared pride in the CMC journey.
Leave Inspired—and Better Connected
Whether you attend one event or the entire weekend, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of your student’s experience and a stronger connection to the College. Family Weekend is designed to inform, engage, and inspire families who are such an important part of our community.

Families are encouraged to register in advance if they plan to attend any part of the weekend.

While Family Weekend offers many opportunities to spend time together, we encourage families to coordinate with their students regarding study schedules and availability, as students may be free for only part of the weekend.

Visit the Family Weekend website for the most up-to-date schedule of events.

Please note that the schedule continues to evolve, and a final program will be provided at check-in.

5 Razones Para Ser Parte De Family Weekend (Fin de Semana Familiar 2026)

Sábado, 14 de febrero – Lunes, 16 de febrero de 2026

El Fin de Semana Familiar es una invitación para conocer de cerca la experiencia de tu
estudiante en CMC y compartir los momentos, las conversaciones y la comunidad que forman
parte de su vida en CMC. Durante el fin de semana, las familias pueden asistir a charlas, sesiones
académicas, eventos deportivos y actividades sociales que muestran lo mejor de la vida en el
campus.

Vive la experiencia CMC en persona
Desde paneles académicos hasta eventos deportivos, el Fin de Semana Familiar te permite ver
cómo es la vida en CMC. Participa en conversaciones interesantes, recorre los espacios donde tu
estudiante aprende y vive, e incluso asiste a una o dos clases. ¡Sin exámenes, lo prometemos!
Súmate a las conversaciones que hacen único a CMC
CMC es conocido por sus buenas conversaciones, y este fin de semana te pone en el centro de
ellas. Podrás participar en la reunión abierta con el Presidente Hiram Chodosh y en sesiones
sobre desarrollo profesional, la historia de CMC, la investigación estudiantil y conocer sobre los
recourses que ayudan a los estudiantes a tener éxito.
San Valentín, al estilo del campus
Este año, el sábado 14 de febrero cae en el dia San Valentín, lo que lo convierte en una forma
perfecta de celebrar juntos. Disfruta de juegos al aire libre, comidas compartidas y tiempo con tu
estudiante en el lugar que ya es su segundo hogar.
Conecta con la comunidad CMC
Este fin de semana también se trata de conocer gente. Podrás conectar con otras familias,
conversar con profesores y personal, y sentirte parte de la comunidad del campus. Habrá muchos
espacios para charlar, reír y compartir el orgullo de ser parte de CMC.
Encuentra conexión e inspiración
Ya sea que vengas a un solo evento o a todo el fin de semana, te llevarás una mejor idea de cómo
es la experiencia de tu estudiante y una conexión más fuerte con CMC.

Si planeas asistir, te recomendamos registrarte con anticipación aquí.

Aunque habrá muchas oportunidades para pasar tiempo juntos, te sugerimos coordinar con tu
estudiante sus horarios de estudio y disponibilidad, ya que puede que solo esté libre durante parte
del fin de semana.

Para ver el programa más actualizado, visita la pagina web aquí.

El programa final se entregará al momento del registro.

AI Is Changing Work—Here’s How CMC Graduates Stay Ahead

By Denise Stolte P’28

As a parent, you may be wondering: What kind of job market will my student step into after graduation—and will they be ready for it?

The landscape facing today’s college graduates is shifting faster than it has in decades, shaped by rapid technological advances and economic uncertainty. Generative AI can now handle many traditional entry-level tasks—researching, analyzing, writing, summarizing—that used to be the foundation of early career roles. This shift has contributed to headlines about an “employment crisis,” including a 5.8% unemployment rate for recent college graduates, the highest in 40 years.¹ Some industries are preparing for workforce reductions, especially in entry-level technical roles, and positions like analyst, junior consultant, and researcher are evolving across sectors.

The CMC Pivot: Helping Students Complement—Not Compete With—AI
The Soll Center for Student Opportunity approaches this moment with a clear philosophy: rather than trying to “outrun” technology, students should learn how to partner with it. CMCers are encouraged to strengthen two essential skill sets:

Technical competencies—AI literacy, data fluency, and familiarity with machine learning concepts. Dr Shibu Yooseph, Kravis Professor of Integrated Science, focuses on researching and teaching computational biology and bioinformatics. He uses AI throughout his coursework: “One of our goals is to teach our students the responsible use of AI. We want them to understand both the power and the potential pitfalls of using AI in the context of their education. Topics related to computing and AI come up frequently in our curriculum. For instance, in our SCI10 (Codes of Life) class, we emphasize learning the fundamentals of algorithmic thinking and introductory programming and highlight several areas in biology that have been positively impacted by progress in AI methods. In the SCI50 (Computing for Discovery) class, we teach them the computational and statistical foundations of machine learning and AI approaches.”
Core liberal arts abilities—advanced critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, and cross-cultural understanding—the human skills technology has more challenge replicating. Dr. Stacey Doan, the Norwood and Frances Berger Professor of Psychology, Business, and Society and Director of the Berger Institute, believes that "AI is most powerful in the hands of a user who understands its limitations, knows when to apply the technology wisely, compassionately, and with a thorough understanding of context. Strategic use of AI thus requires students to learn to think critically and creatively first."

These strengths position students well for growth areas like Big Data, Fintech, AI, and Machine Learning, as well as roles where human critical thinking skills and judgment will always matter, such as project management, strategy, and client-facing work.²

CMC’s individualized coaching model, organized by nine different interest clusters, helps students navigate these paths with one-on-one support. The Sponsored Internships & Experiences (SIE) program further expands opportunities by providing up to $2 million in summer funding so students can gain hands-on experience before graduating.

Strong Outcomes—Even in a Changing Market

Even with the complexities of today’s job landscape, CMCers continue to thrive.

96% of the Class of 2024 reported defined plans six months after graduation.
The overall median starting salary has remained stable at $80,000.
Industry Destinations are evolving: While Accounting & Financial Services consistently employs about 30% of new graduates, students have seen a decline in the number of opportunities in other sectors such as consulting and technology.

Playing—and Winning—the AI Recruitment Game

Your student may already be using AI to strengthen their applications. But so are employers. Many companies are responding with new screening tools and, interestingly, a renewed emphasis on human connection—including more in-person interviews at firms like Google and McKinsey.

What this means for students:

Their LinkedIn account and resume must show comfort with AI and highlight job relevant skills.
According to Ursula Diamond, Assistant VP of Student Opportunity, free access to LinkedIn Learning offers CMC students excellent opportunities to complement their skill sets. Reviewing job descriptions can be a great source of information for determining which skills are most valued by a specific sector or opportunity.
They must demonstrate qualities AI cannot: creativity, judgment, adaptability, empathy.

How Parents Can Make a Difference

Parents are an important part of the CMC network, and there are many ways to get involved. Only a few years ago, our platform Engage.CMC began including parents, and already over 12% have signed up and clicked “willing to help.” Support can be as simple as a short Zoom call, a coffee chat, or as impactful as generating job and internship leads. Participating in the annual networking event during Family Weekend or offering industry insights can open doors for students. Even small gestures of support can make a big difference!

As a parent, I’m happy to know that CMC is preparing students not just to use AI, but to lead in a world shaped by it. With our support, they’ll graduate ready to combine technological fluency with the human connection that makes careers—and lives—meaningful.

A Day in the Life of a CMCer

By Francesca Romana Puggelli P’29, Arti Kumar P’27, and Melanie J. Malinowski, Ph.D. P’28

Every CMC student’s journey is different. We asked three students to share what shapes their days on campus, from classes and commitments to friendships and routines. Here’s a glimpse into their lives at Claremont McKenna.

Ludovico Cordara ’29

Favorite Part of CMC
Without question, dinner with friends. My friends come from everywhere—Taiwan, Iran, India, San Francisco, the East Coast, and I’m from Italy. That mix makes every conversation sharp and eye-opening. Eating together has become the anchor of my day.

What’s Shaping My Time at CMC
My Gov 20 Honors class with Professor Pitney has been a highlight. He reignited my interest in American government in a way I hadn’t felt in years. I’m also involved with the Real Estate Finance Association, which has given me both direction and community. Beyond that, everyday routines—gym sessions, dorm hangouts, studying at the new Robert Day Science Center—have shaped my closest friendships.

A Typical Day
I wake up around 8:30, grab breakfast at Collins, and head to class. Mornings alternate between Gov 20 Honors and my FHS seminar. Lunch is always with friends, followed by a few focused hours of work, class, or internship tasks. At 4 p.m., I’m at the gym. Evenings are spent at dinner with friends, then studying together until around 10. I end the day calling home and reading before bed—a small ritual that helps me slow down.

Amar Kumar ’27

Favorite Part of CMC
The intellectual environment, both inside and outside the classroom. Conversations don’t stop when class ends. I’ve debated policy over lunch and had hour-long discussions with professors about research and career paths. There’s a real culture of curiosity here.

What Makes CMC Unique
CMC’s small size paired with access to the broader Claremont Colleges. You get a close-knit community where professors know your name, but you’re also free to take classes, attend events, and build friendships across the consortium.

Most Fun Memory
A spontaneous late-night hike during finals week. What started as a study break turned into one of those unforgettable, delirious, laughter-filled moments that only happen in college.

A Typical Day
I usually start with an early workout at Roberts, grab coffee at the Pit, and head to class. Between classes, I work in Kravis or the Cube, meet with study groups, or attend office hours. Afternoons might include clubs or research, and evenings are for homework, with breaks to hang out or attend campus events.

Maria Mukhar ’28

Favorite Part of CMC
The people. From teammates and professors to coaches and staff, everyone genuinely wants you to have a great experience. During move-in, people I’d never met stopped by just to welcome me—it made the transition so much easier.

What Makes CMC Unique
How connected everyone is. No matter what you’re involved in, there’s always overlap—someone knows someone doing something interesting, even across completely different areas of campus.

Most Fun Memory
Winning the Sixth Street Rivalry game in the SCIAC Tournament Final my freshman year. After all the hard work, qualifying for NCAAs that way was incredibly special.

A Typical Day
During the season, my day revolves around classes and practice. I fit homework in whenever I can, always stop to chat with Nancy, our Appleby building attendant, and then head to Roberts to prepare for practice. After two hours of training, the team grabs dinner together—refueling, laughing, and catching up—before I finish homework and head to bed early.

What Shapes My Experience
Being a student-athlete. It’s busy and repetitive at times, but I love it because I’m doing what I love.

What Brings Me Joy
Walking around campus. I always run into friends or teammates, and those small conversations make every day better.

Classes & Looking Ahead
My favorite (and most challenging) class has been Intro to Comparative Government with Professor Pei. I’m especially excited to take Leading Teams with a DEI Lens as part of my Leadership Studies sequence.

Together, these stories capture the rhythm of life at Claremont McKenna—where rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and everyday routines come together to shape the student experience. Whether in the classroom, at practice, over dinner with friends, or during late-night study sessions, CMC students find connection, purpose, and joy in the moments that make each day their own.

Reflections from the Class of 2026

By AJ Yates P'27

What They Did, What They Missed, and What They’ll Remember

As the Class of 2026 prepares to walk across the stage at Commencement, seniors are taking a thoughtful look back at their time at Claremont McKenna College. I asked several seniors to reflect, and they shared candid insights into what they “missed,” what they “did,” and the moments that made their CMC journey meaningful.

Their reflections offer a heartfelt glimpse into how these young adults grew—intellectually, personally, and socially—during their four years in Claremont.

Moments Missed, Lessons Gained
Many students admitted they wished they’d slowed down more often—an extra dinner with friends at Collins, another evening at the Hub, one more conversation under the stars.

Yet, as one senior wrote, “You think you have all the time in the world, until you realize the moments were already making you who you are.”

These reflections speak to the CMC experience as one of discovery, not only in academics and leadership, but in learning to pause and appreciate the present.

Accomplishments to Celebrate
Deservedly, many seniors shared tremendous pride in what they accomplished. They founded new initiatives, led organizations, competed on athletic teams, pursued internships from Los Angeles to London, and built lifelong friendships along the way.

As one student reflected, “Every time I said yes—to a team, a class, or a challenge—it opened a door I didn’t expect.”

What They’ll Carry Forward
When asked what they will remember most, nearly every student pointed to people—the professors who inspired them, the staff who guided them, and the peers who became family.

As one senior put it beautifully, “CMC taught me how to build something lasting—confidence, community, and direction.”

Top 3 CMC Bucket List Experiences
Before they toss their caps, some seniors shared a few can’t-miss traditions and favorite CMC moments that made their time here truly special:

Ath Talks: Those signature evenings at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum that spark conversation, curiosity, and lifelong inspiration.
Sunsets from North Quad: The perfect pause to appreciate where you are and how far you’ve come, often shared with close friends and laughter echoing across campus.
Late Nights at the Hub: A CMC classic! A place where studying, laughter, and spontaneous deep conversations seem to blend seamlessly.

A Note of Gratitude
As these soon-to-be graduates look ahead, they do so with gratitude—for opportunities taken, lessons learned, and a community that has shaped them deeply.

To every parent and family member who has encouraged, cheered, and supported the Class of ’26 along the way: thank you for being part of this journey.

“It’s not about what I missed or did. It’s about how much I grew in the process.”
— CMC Senior, Class of 2026

Meet Mia Trugerro and Support CMC Students: Offer an Internship or Job Opportunity

Experiential learning is a core part of a Claremont McKenna College education. Internships and early career opportunities allow students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, often serving as a pathway to full-time employment after graduation.

You can make a tangible impact by sharing opportunities within your professional or personal networks. Many CMC alumni began their professional journeys in roles offered or supported by members of the parent and alumni community.

Mia Trugerro, Assistant Director of Employer Relations, works closely with employers, alumni, and parents to help identify and coordinate meaningful job and internship opportunities for CMC students. Through these partnerships, Mia helps connect students with experiences that build professional skills, confidence, and career direction.

If you are aware of any job, internship, or summer opportunity, we encourage you to please contact Mia Trugerro at [email protected].

Parent Network Board Meetings

The Parent Network Board meets quarterly to discuss ways to enhance the College experience and to hear from College leadership. Read the September 2025 Board meeting minutes here.

Read the Meeting Minutes