Dear Sagehens,
With spring now in full bloom and our campus back to life after the spring recess, the remainder of the semester promises to be both busy and meaningful. As we move through this key stretch of the academic year—recitals, exhibits, presentations, the gubernatorial debate, Alumni Weekend, finals and Commencement, to mention just a few highlights—I want to take this opportunity to share some updates from on and off campus.
First, we were thrilled to invite 876 students from across the world to be part of our Class of 2030. The excellence of this class is a tribute to the caliber of students Pomona continues to attract. Our admitted class includes students from all 50 states (and D.C.) and 44 countries, as well as a record for first-generation admissions: 29% of those accepted would be the first in their family to complete college. We are deeply encouraged that international students continue to demonstrate a strong interest in Pomona despite the additional barriers they now face. My enthusiastic thanks to Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Jonathan Williams and our entire admissions team for their tireless efforts recruiting an outstanding class.
Speaking of international experiences, I led an invigorating and productive trip to London and Paris over the spring recess, where I had the pleasure of connecting with families of existing students, prospective and new students, and Sagehen alumni. As we develop the Center for Global Engagement, we look to alumni around the world for their experience and perspective. Likewise, we continue to prioritize attracting international students and enabling exchange opportunities for our Sagehens here in Claremont. On this trip, Vice President for Advancement Maria Watson and I visited Cambridge University’s Jesus College, where we spent time with three Pomona students studying there this semester as well as College Master Sonita Alleyne and Professor Shailaja Fennell, who oversees their excellent exchange program. It was wonderful to be with them, and I thank them for their kind welcome and hospitality. I’m pleased to share some photos from our visit to Europe with all of you.
I began last week in Washington, D.C., meeting with local alumni and families of current Sagehens. I also paid a visit to our representatives on Capitol Hill. As demonstrated last year when Congress rescinded the endowment tax for colleges like ours, we must engage when we can at the national level to advocate for Pomona and the liberal arts mission. The tax savings have allowed us to boost investment into our Middle Income Initiative, ensuring that we continue to broaden access for more students from across the economic spectrum.
With this priority in mind, we continue to closely track several federal actions and opportunities. Pell Grants, which provide federal aid for students who come from low-income families, have long been insufficiently funded. With 23% of Pomona students eligible for such funding, we are concerned that over the last few decades, Pell Grants have lost 60% of their purchasing power. Working together with the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), we continue to advocate for the long-standing goal of doubling the per-student Pell Grant from $7,395 to $15,000, so that it remains a meaningful resource for supporting access and affordability.
We also raised concerns about recent immigration enforcement actions across the country and the disruptive effect such actions can have on campus communities like ours. Finally, we explained to lawmakers that the growing barriers faced by international students affect not only individual students and institutions, but the cultural and educational exchange that is essential to building trust across borders.
Back on campus, I’ve been attentive to concerns shared by some of our Black students, including deeply troubling accounts of racist incidents. I take these concerns seriously, and I know our community does too. Addressing them requires sustained engagement, and I look forward to conversations with students, faculty, and staff as we work to ensure that we live up to our most important values.
Finally, preparations are well underway for the gubernatorial debate that Pomona will proudly host on April 28 in our historic Bridges Auditorium. I’m excited to announce that the ticketing portal for students, faculty and staff is now open on our webpage. As you know, this event is a first for Pomona and will take place just five days before ballots are mailed for the primary election. Please consult our FAQs for further information.
I find it so fitting that an event with such importance to our state’s democratic process will be held at our College, where civic involvement is inherent in our mission. Politics Professor Sara Sadhwani, who will participate in moderating the debate, is already joining our co-hosts from CBS News California in a weekly roundtable about one of the most significant gubernatorial races in this year’s election cycle.
As we look forward to the debate, Alumni Weekend and Commencement—in addition to numerous other events at Pomona this spring—I am reminded how fortunate we are to be part of such an active college community. I hope you’re able to participate in some of the many programs offered on campus as this semester continues. I look forward to seeing you on campus.
Warmly,
Gabi