Occidental College Stands Out: Everything You Need to Know!

Occidental College Sports Teams

Occidental College, known for its vibrant athletic culture, offers a variety of sports teams that compete in the NCAA Division III within the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The college takes pride in its student-athletes, who excel both academically and athletically. Here’s a detailed look at the sports teams at Occidental College:

Men’s Sports Teams

• Baseball
  • Overview: The baseball team at Occidental College is a competitive squad with a rich history. They play their home games at Anderson Field, a top-notch facility that provides an excellent environment for players and fans.
  • Achievements: The team has consistently performed well in the SCIAC and has produced several players who have gone on to play professionally.
• Basketball
  • Overview: The men’s basketball team competes in Rush Gymnasium. Known for their high-energy play and strong teamwork, the Tigers are a formidable presence in the SCIAC.
  • Achievements: The team has a strong tradition of success, with multiple conference championships and appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament.
• Cross Country
  • Overview: The cross country team trains rigorously, taking advantage of Southern California’s varied terrain. They compete in meets across the region, striving for excellence in both individual and team events.
  • Achievements: The team regularly qualifies for the NCAA Regionals, with individual runners often placing high in conference meets.
• Football
  • Overview: Occidental’s football team has a storied history, playing their home games at Patterson Field. The team is known for its competitive spirit and strategic play.
  • Achievements: The Tigers have won numerous conference titles and have had players move on to professional careers in football.
• Soccer
  • Overview: The men’s soccer team plays on Bell Field, where they showcase their skills and tactical prowess. The team is known for its dynamic play and strong defense.
  • Achievements: Consistent contenders in the SCIAC, the team has earned several conference championships and made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
• Swimming and Diving
  • Overview: Competing at De Mandel Aquatics Center, the men’s swimming and diving team boasts a strong tradition of success in both individual and relay events.
  • Achievements: The team has produced numerous All-Americans and consistently places high in the SCIAC Championships.
• Tennis
  • Overview: The men’s tennis team competes on the McKinnon Family Tennis Center courts. They are known for their sportsmanship and competitive edge.
  • Achievements: The team regularly competes in the SCIAC and has had players earn individual accolades and qualify for national tournaments.
• Track and Field
  • Overview: The track and field team competes in both indoor and outdoor events, showcasing their versatility and athleticism.
  • Achievements: The team has a strong tradition of excellence, with multiple conference champions and national qualifiers.
• Water Polo
  • Overview: The men’s water polo team competes in the state-of-the-art aquatics facilities at Occidental. They are known for their tactical play and endurance.
  • Achievements: The team regularly contends for conference titles and has produced several All-Americans.

Women’s Sports Teams

• Basketball
  • Overview: The women’s basketball team is a powerhouse in the SCIAC, playing their home games at Rush Gymnasium.
  • Achievements: They have earned multiple conference championships and have a strong tradition of advancing to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
• Cross Country
  • Overview: The women’s cross country team is known for its endurance and competitive spirit, training in the diverse terrains of Southern California.
  • Achievements: The team consistently performs well in conference meets and often qualifies for the NCAA Regionals.
• Lacrosse
  • Overview: The women’s lacrosse team competes on Bell Field, where they display their skills and tactical play.
  • Achievements: They are regular contenders in the SCIAC and have made appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
• Soccer
  • Overview: The women’s soccer team is known for its strong defense and strategic play, competing on Bell Field.
  • Achievements: They have won several conference titles and frequently compete in the NCAA Tournament.
• Softball
  • Overview: The softball team plays their home games at Bell Field, known for their competitive spirit and teamwork.
  • Achievements: The team has had several successful seasons, earning high placements in the SCIAC.
• Swimming and Diving
  • Overview: Competing at De Mandel Aquatics Center, the women’s swimming and diving team is known for their strength in both individual and relay events.
  • Achievements: The team has produced multiple All-Americans and consistently performs well in the SCIAC Championships.
• Tennis
  • Overview: The women’s tennis team competes at the McKinnon Family Tennis Center, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship.
  • Achievements: They regularly compete in the SCIAC and have had players qualify for national tournaments.
• Track and Field
  • Overview: The women’s track and field team competes in a wide range of events, both indoor and outdoor.
  • Achievements: The team boasts several conference champions and national qualifiers.
• Volleyball
  • Overview: The women’s volleyball team competes in Rush Gymnasium, known for their powerful play and strong teamwork.
  • Achievements: They have earned multiple conference championships and are regular contenders in the NCAA Tournament.
• Water Polo
  • Overview: The women’s water polo team competes in Occidental’s aquatics facilities, known for their endurance and strategic play.
  • Achievements: They have won several conference titles and have produced numerous All-Americans.

Occidental College’s sports teams are an integral part of campus life, fostering a sense of community and school spirit. The college’s commitment to athletic excellence is evident in the numerous achievements and accolades earned by its teams and athletes. Whether participating in a sport or cheering from the sidelines, Occidental students are part of a proud and storied athletic tradition.

Occidental College Campus Life

Occidental College, often referred to as Oxy, offers a vibrant and engaging campus life that complements its rigorous academic environment. The college, situated in the heart of Los Angeles, provides students with numerous opportunities for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and community involvement. Here’s an in-depth look at the aspects of campus life at Occidental College:

Residential Life

• Residence Halls
  • Variety of Housing Options: Occidental College offers several residence halls, each with its own unique character and community. Freshmen typically live in traditional dormitory-style halls, while upperclassmen have options that include suite-style and apartment-style living.
  • Themed Living Communities: Themed housing options include floors or halls focused on specific interests, such as sustainability, global perspectives, or substance-free living, which help students connect with like-minded peers.
• Residential Community
  • Community Building: Residence life at Oxy is designed to foster a sense of community and belonging. Resident Advisors (RAs) organize various events and activities to help students get to know each other and build lasting friendships.
  • Support Services: The Office of Residential Education and Housing Services provides support and resources to ensure students have a positive living experience. This includes conflict resolution, health and wellness resources, and academic support.

Student Organizations and Clubs

• Diverse Interests
  • Academic and Professional Clubs: These clubs provide students with opportunities to engage in academic interests outside the classroom. Examples include the Pre-Law Society, Investment Club, and Psychology Club.
  • Cultural and Identity-Based Organizations: Groups like the Black Student Alliance (BSA), Latinx Student Union (LSU), and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Club celebrate cultural heritage and provide support for students from various backgrounds.
• Special Interest and Hobby Clubs
  • Outdoor Club: For students who love adventure, the Outdoor Club organizes hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
  • Photography Club: Offers workshops, photo walks, and opportunities to showcase student photography.
  • Dance Club: Provides a platform for students interested in various dance forms to learn and perform.
• Service and Advocacy Groups
  • Habitat for Humanity: Engages in local building projects and fundraising efforts.
  • Sustainability Club: Promotes environmental awareness and sustainability practices on campus.
  • Oxy Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Assault (OASSA): Provides support and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault.

Arts and Culture

• Performing Arts
  • Music and Theater Productions: Occidental College offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in the performing arts. This includes choirs, jazz ensembles, theater productions, and dance performances.
  • Glee Club and Theater: The Glee Club and theater productions provide platforms for students to showcase their talents and contribute to the vibrant cultural scene on campus.
• Media and Publications
  • The Occidental (Oxy’s Newspaper): Students can write articles, edit content, and work on the production of the college newspaper.
  • KOXY Radio: Students can run a radio show, DJ, or produce podcasts.
  • Feast Magazine: A student-run magazine focusing on food culture and culinary arts.

Athletics and Recreation

• Intramural and Club Sports
  • Intramural Sports: Options like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee provide opportunities for friendly competition and physical activity.
  • Club Sports: Students can join club sports such as rugby, lacrosse, and fencing, which offer a higher level of competition.
• Fitness and Wellness
  • Fitness Classes: Yoga, pilates, and other fitness classes are regularly offered to help students maintain their physical and mental wellness.
  • Recreational Facilities: The college boasts excellent recreational facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and climbing wall.

Community Engagement and Volunteering

• Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP)
  • Local Volunteering: Students volunteer in local schools, community centers, and non-profit organizations, making a positive impact in the community.
  • Upward Bound: A program where students tutor and mentor high school students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Public Health Initiatives
  • Community Health Engagement: Students participate in public health initiatives and awareness campaigns, helping to improve health outcomes in the local community.

Social Life and Events

• Campus Traditions
  • Annual Events: Occidental College hosts numerous annual events that foster school spirit and community, such as Homecoming, Spring Fest, and International Week.
  • Themed Dances and Socials: These events provide opportunities for students to socialize and enjoy themselves outside of academic responsibilities.
• Nearby Attractions
  • Los Angeles Exploration: The campus’s proximity to downtown Los Angeles allows students to explore a wealth of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options, including museums, theaters, beaches, and restaurants.

Occidental College has a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields, including politics, entertainment, business, and academia. Here are some of the most notable alumni:

Politics and Public Service

• Barack Obama
  • Role: 44th President of the United States
  • Contribution: Attended Occidental College from 1979 to 1981 before transferring to Columbia University. His time at Oxy was formative in shaping his political outlook and leadership style.
• Jack Kemp
  • Role: U.S. Congressman, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Vice Presidential Candidate
  • Contribution: Played a significant role in national politics and was known for his work on urban development and economic policies.
• Lucille Roybal-Allard
  • Role: U.S. Congresswoman
  • Contribution: The first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress, she has been a prominent advocate for health care, education, and immigration reform.

Entertainment and Media

• Ben Affleck
  • Role: Actor, Director, Producer, and Screenwriter
  • Contribution: An Academy Award winner known for his roles in films like “Good Will Hunting,” “Argo,” and “Gone Girl,” Affleck has also made significant contributions as a director and producer.
• Rae Armantrout
  • Role: Poet
  • Contribution: A Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Armantrout is known for her insightful and often humorous exploration of contemporary issues through her poetry.
• Andrea Elliott
  • Role: Journalist
  • Contribution: A Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times, Elliott is known for her investigative journalism and in-depth reporting on social issues.
• Aziz Ansari
  • Role: Comedian, Actor, Writer, and Producer
  • Contribution: Known for his role in the TV show “Parks and Recreation” and his stand-up comedy, Ansari has also received critical acclaim for his Netflix series “Master of None.”

Academia and Science

• Robert Finch
  • Role: U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare
  • Contribution: Played a key role in shaping health and education policies during his tenure in the Nixon administration.
• Earl Shorris
  • Role: Author and Social Critic
  • Contribution: Founder of the Clemente Course in the Humanities, a program designed to provide humanities education to disadvantaged individuals. Shorris was also a MacArthur Fellow.
• Carolyn See
  • Role: Author and Critic
  • Contribution: An acclaimed author and literary critic, See wrote several novels and non-fiction works and was a book critic for The Washington Post.

Business and Philanthropy

• Arie S. Belldegrun
  • Role: Medical Scientist and Entrepreneur
  • Contribution: Founder of Kite Pharma and a leader in the development of CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment.
• Lorenzo Fertitta
  • Role: Entrepreneur and Businessman
  • Contribution: Former CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and co-founder of Fertitta Capital, a private investment firm.
• Joan Williams
  • Role: Professor and Author
  • Contribution: A leading scholar on gender, family, and work, Williams has authored several influential books and is the founding director of the Center for WorkLife Law at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Arts and Literature

• Luke Campbell
  • Role: Artist and Writer
  • Contribution: Known for his innovative art installations and thought-provoking written works that explore contemporary social issues.
• Gloria Alvarez
  • Role: Writer and Activist
  • Contribution: A prominent voice in Latin American literature and social activism, Alvarez’s works focus on political and cultural issues in the region.

Unique Campus Traditions at Occidental College

Occidental College, known for its strong community spirit and rich history, boasts a variety of unique campus traditions that contribute to the vibrant student life. These traditions foster a sense of belonging, school pride, and camaraderie among students, faculty, and alumni. Here are some of the most cherished traditions at Occidental College:

Convocation and New Student Orientation

• Overview: The academic year begins with Convocation, a formal ceremony that welcomes new students to the college community. This tradition includes speeches from the college president, faculty, and student leaders.
• Significance: It marks the official start of the students’ journey at Occidental, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence and community involvement.

Oxy Engage

• Overview: Before classes start, new students participate in Oxy Engage, a program that involves community service, outdoor adventures, and cultural immersion activities.
• Significance: It helps new students bond with their peers, learn about Los Angeles, and start their college experience with a sense of purpose and connection.

First-Year Picnic

• Overview: An annual picnic held for first-year students, faculty, and staff on the beautiful campus grounds.
• Significance: This event helps new students feel welcomed and allows them to interact with faculty and upperclassmen in a relaxed and informal setting.

Homecoming and Family Weekend

• Overview: A weekend-long celebration featuring athletic events, reunions, campus tours, and special performances. Alumni, families, and friends of the college gather to celebrate their connection to Oxy.
• Significance: It strengthens the bond between the college and its alumni, fostering a lifelong connection to Occidental.

Founder’s Day

• Overview: Celebrated each April, Founder’s Day honors the founding of Occidental College in 1887. The day includes a range of activities such as historical lectures, performances, and community gatherings.
• Significance: It celebrates the rich history and traditions of the college, reminding students and faculty of the institution’s heritage and evolution.

Spring Fest

• Overview: A lively springtime festival featuring music, food, games, and various entertainment activities. Organized by the Associated Students of Occidental College (ASOC), it is one of the most anticipated events of the year.
• Significance: It provides a much-needed break from academic pressures and an opportunity for students to relax and enjoy campus life.

Greek Week

• Overview: A week-long series of events and competitions among the college’s Greek organizations, including fraternities and sororities. Activities include sports, talent shows, and community service projects.
• Significance: It promotes unity, friendly competition, and philanthropic efforts within the Greek community and the larger campus.

Senior Banquet

• Overview: A formal event held for graduating seniors, featuring dinner, speeches, and reflections on their time at Occidental. Faculty and staff also attend to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.
• Significance: It serves as a farewell celebration, allowing seniors to reminisce about their college experiences and look forward to their futures.

Tiger Tailgate

• Overview: Held before major athletic events, the Tiger Tailgate includes food, music, and games, creating a festive atmosphere for students, alumni, and fans.
• Significance: It boosts school spirit and supports Occidental’s athletic teams, fostering a sense of community and pride.

Dance Production

• Overview: An annual student-run dance show that features a wide range of dance styles and performances. Students audition, choreograph, and produce the entire show, showcasing their talent and creativity.
• Significance: It highlights the diverse artistic talents of the student body and provides a platform for creative expression.

Oxy Senior Farewell

• Overview: A series of events and activities designed to celebrate and honor the graduating seniors. It includes social gatherings, networking opportunities, and special recognitions.
• Significance: It provides closure for seniors, celebrating their accomplishments and preparing them for their transition into the next phase of their lives.

Midnight Breakfast

• Overview: Held during finals week, this tradition involves faculty and staff serving breakfast to students at midnight. It offers a fun and supportive break from studying.

The unique campus traditions at Occidental College play a vital role in creating a cohesive and vibrant community. These traditions not only celebrate the college’s rich history and values but also enhance the student experience by fostering connections, promoting school spirit, and creating lasting memories. Whether through academic ceremonies, festive events, or community service, Oxy’s traditions are cherished by students and alumni alike.