Statements/Messages from President Starr

As we wind down the fall semester and prepare to begin a new calendar year, I’m reflecting on the liberal‑arts tradition at Pomona College.

During the Spring 2026 semester, Pomona will conduct a follow-up campus climate survey to determine if our actions have led to positive, lasting changes. We have once again contracted with Rankin Climate to lead this effort.

As we begin the planning process for the FY2027 budget, we write to share an update on Pomona College’s current financial position.

Nearly two weeks ago, a gathering sponsored by the Hillel Club and the Scripps Jewish Studies Department to honor the victims of the October 7 massacre was disrupted by masked intruders. The incident left participants deeply shaken.

Last night, a memorial on our campus to honor the victims of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel was disrupted by four masked and disguised individuals who burst through a locked fire door, shouting.

The fall semester is well underway, and Pomona is alive with the energy of new possibilities. With so much happening, I wanted to share a brief summary of some developments of interest to Sagehens everywhere.

We are pleased to share with you this update on the progress toward the Global Pomona vision and new Center for Global Engagement (CGE).

HAPPY FALL! Since I was a child, the start of the school year has always been my favorite time of the year, as energy builds toward the return of books, classes, and friends both old and new. 

I write to share important information about how the recently passed federal legislation called the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" will impact higher education.

The House passed the domestic policy legislation amendment to the House bill H.R.1. We are grateful that this bill effectively exempts colleges with enrollments of less than 3,000 tuition-paying full-time students from paying an endowment excise tax.