Dear Fellow CMC Alumni:

The events at CMC over the last several days have been upsetting for all of us, and we see evidence of growth and leadership in the College’s response. What began as several students wearing inappropriate and offensive Halloween costumes unleashed pent up frustration and demonstrations regarding concerns about racism, a lack of inclusivity, and feelings of alienation from some of our CMC students. The situation became the subject of national news. The campus has been deeply engaged in the issues of inclusivity and community as well as free speech and critical inquiry.

I am writing to provide additional information and to ask for your help. First, I would like to remind you of the initial communication from President Chodosh that were circulated to the CMC community, outlining some changes moving forward, found here: http://www.cmc.edu/news/message-outlining-action-steps-for-diversity-support. In addition to his recent written statements, President Chodosh scheduled an open conversation with students to provide an opportunity to share their views. Opinion pieces in the student press can be accessed here: http://cmcforum.com/category/opinion, http://claremontindependent.com/we-dissent/, http://tsl.news/opinions/5116/.

President Chodosh, David Mgrublian '82 P’11 (Chairman of the Board of Trustees), Susan Mirbach P'16 (President of the Parent Network Board), your alumni representatives and I joined a call Friday with the Board of Trustees for an update on what the college is doing to listen to its students and take appropriate actions. During that call, many Board members, who are also alumni, and in many cases parents of current or former students, volunteered to come to campus to help support the College’s important work. This call signaled to me that the College would benefit, as always, from our help as alumni.

Friday night, President Chodosh opened the Athenaeum to students, faculty, and staff for dialogue. Nearly 200 people attended including 25 faculty, 20 staff, nearly 150 students, and several alumni who serve on the college's personal and social responsibility committees. The conversations were valuable as people grappled with positions of difference and commonality. These important conversations will continue, informing actions that will better serve our entire community of students. An external review of student service operations will take place in the coming weeks. In the immediate term, Jeff Huang who many of you know and respect will serve as acting Dean of Students. The college will also bolster its support services with the addition of a dedicated staff person with expertise in addressing challenges that face underrepresented students or any students who face barriers to success in our community. I also want to share with you the message that Hiram sent today to the campus community that details the steps being taken: https://www.cmc.edu/news/president-chodosh-details-our-imperatives.

Further updates will be forthcoming, and I would like to invite every member of the alumni association to reflect thoughtfully on how your personal and professional experiences can be of value to the College as CMC moves toward lasting solutions. President Chodosh and the Board of Trustees, with the help of students, faculty, and staff, are assessing the full needs of the community, and will identify critical areas that could benefit from our support--as we volunteer, generate ideas, create student opportunities, and communicate with peers. We are discussing opportunities for alumni to engage that may include ways to mentor students, participate in panel discussions, and work together to improve the well-being and cohesiveness of the CMC community. This is a time to support the College, those who lead it, and especially each and every one of our students. Please reach out to Beth Walkenbach bwalkenbach@cmc.edu in the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations to let her know of your particular interest and expertise.

Thank you once again for your commitment to our College, especially in times when it needs you most.

Susan Matteson King '85, P'18
President, Claremont McKenna College Alumni Association