Occidental College

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Occidental College (informally known as Oxy) is a private liberal arts college located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887 by clergy and members of the Presbyterian Church, it is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast. The college is known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences, and it offers a wide range of undergraduate programs.

History[edit | edit source]

Occidental College was founded on April 20, 1887, in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. The college moved to its current location in the Eagle Rock neighborhood in 1914. The campus was designed by the noted architect Myron Hunt, who also designed the Huntington Library and the Rose Bowl.

Academics[edit | edit source]

Occidental College offers a variety of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college operates on a semester system and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. Notable academic programs include Diplomacy and World Affairs, Biology, Economics, and Media Arts and Culture.

Core Program[edit | edit source]

The Core Program at Occidental College is designed to provide students with a broad-based education. It includes courses in writing, foreign languages, mathematics, and the sciences, as well as a series of interdisciplinary courses that address global and local issues.

Campus[edit | edit source]

The Occidental College campus is located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles and spans 120 acres. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the Johnson Hall, the Weingart Center for the Liberal Arts, and the Hameetman Science Center. The campus also includes several residence halls, dining facilities, and recreational areas.

Student Life[edit | edit source]

Occidental College has a vibrant student life with over 100 student organizations, including cultural clubs, academic societies, and service organizations. The college also has a strong tradition of student activism and community engagement.

Athletics[edit | edit source]

Occidental College is a member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and competes in NCAA Division III. The college offers a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, track and field, and swimming.

Notable Alumni[edit | edit source]

Occidental College has produced many notable alumni, including:

Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States (attended 1979-1981)
Jack Kemp, former U.S. Congressman and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Ben Affleck, Academy Award-winning actor and filmmaker (attended briefly)