Dear Pomona Community,
I’m excited to share with you the first in a series of regular updates you'll receive from my office as we move the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) forward together. My goal is simple: to keep you informed, connected and engaged with the CGE’s future as it unfolds. There is a lot happening. In particular, I hope you’ll join me today and tomorrow at events celebrating Oldenborg and looking ahead to the CGE. At the bottom of this message are updates about office location changes as we prepare for building construction over the next few weeks.
This week
Today | Thursday, April 30
2:30–3:30 p.m. | Seaver North Auditorium
The Pomona College Campus: A History and a Vision for the Future
This afternoon, I'll be speaking about the CGE's vision and what it will mean for students, faculty, staff and the broader Pomona community, notably the kinds of learning, partnership and global engagement we're building toward. Associate Vice President of Facilities Bob Robinson will join me to review the plans for the new building in the context of the College's design history. This session is part of Alumni Weekend and open to all. If you've been curious about where we're headed and what the CGE will actually feel like as a place and a program, please join us.
Tomorrow | Friday, May 1
10:00–11:30 a.m. | Rose Hills Theatre
Dear Oldenborg Community Storytelling Session
For 60 years, Oldenborg has been a place where language, culture and community come to life around shared tables and lived experiences. More than a building, it represents a tradition of immersive learning and belonging that has shaped generations of Sagehens. This Friday, storytellers from the Oldenborg community—past and present—will gather to honor that legacy. Featured presenters will include Adan Amaya, Liam Bayer '27, Bernie Chan '88, Jacqueline Cordes '25, Anne Dwyer, Terril Jones '80, Blanca López Sagarra, Nimal Perera and Karin Zaugg Black '93. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear our legacy brought to life.
Tomorrow | Friday, May 1
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Oldenborg Center
Oldenborg Open House & Final Language Tables Lunch
Join a final shared meal and conversation in the Oldenborg building. The student award ceremony begins at 12:15 p.m. and will include recognition of our Honorary Language Table Hosts: Anne Bages, Rita Bashaw, Graydon Beeks, Winston Chih-Wei Ou, Valerie Gustaveson, Liana Judo, Sigal Gol-Raviv, and Monique Saigal. When we return in the fall, language tables will resume in the Frank Blue Room, and language immersion residential housing will be located in Lawry Hall.
A Few Reminders
As shared earlier this semester, the related moves of certain office locations are underway as we prepare to begin the CGE’s construction in late May.
- May 1 – IDPO staff move to Montgomery Hall
- May 4 – Oldenborg staff move to Montgomery Hall
- May 5 – Kitchen and dining staff move to Montgomery Hall
- May 8 – Language Residents move to 1105 College Avenue
All Oldenborg and IDPO programming will continue throughout the construction period and into the new CGE, where we’ll elevate, refine and expand on Pomona’s legacy in global and interdisciplinary engagement.
More to Come
In the coming weeks, I'll share a fuller update on the CGE's emerging vision and new web resources, including stories from our pilot programs and the ideas taking shape for the CGE’s Fall 2028 opening. There is a lot to look forward to and I'm grateful for our partnerships across the Pomona community.As always, your questions and ideas are welcome through our feedback form, or please feel free to reach out to me directly.
Warmly,
Kara Godwin
Assistant Vice President and Chief Global Officer