‘Monumental’ Gubernatorial Debate Leaves Lasting Impact on Pomona College Students

Jake Chang ’26, a public policy analysis (PPA) major with a focus in economics, greeted VIP guests when they arrived and says being a welcoming face for elected officials, leaders and other stakeholders “gave me the opportunity to talk with the changemakers of California and see this monumental event as bigger than myself.”

In addition to backstage roles, four from the Pomona community had on-screen roles.

Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of politics, moderated the final segment of the evening with CBS Bay Area anchor Ryan Yamamoto, and Dante Gilbert ’27, Ryan Kossarian ’27 and Kloi Ogans ’28 each asked the candidates on stage a question.

Kossarian, a politics major, believes he spoke for many when he remarked, “Wow, that was a bit of a mess,” in response to the candidates’ back-and-forth early in the debate.

“I was glad I was able to say that part out loud on the stage—and many people seemed to agree,” he says, adding that he felt “the presence of the democratic spirit” in being able to ask the candidates directly how they would tackle the rising cost of education and bring jobs back to the Golden State.

“I’m grateful for Pomona College’s support, the kind words of both students and faculty afterwards, and President [G. Gabrielle] Starr for her leadership,” he says.

Ogans, who plans to major in politics, credits the preshow rehearsals for helping her overcome her nerves as she walked to her mark to ask the candidates how they intend to rebuild California.

“As I stepped to the microphone, a calm came over me,” she says, “and I felt more assured by the reception I got when I sat down and the debate ended: congratulations, compliments and praise from my fellow students, community members and staff.”

Hours before the house lights dimmed inside Bridges, CBS News correspondent Jamie Yuccas interviewed Starr, Jonathan B. Williams, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid, and Char Miller, W.M. Keck Professor of Environmental Analysis.

Politics major Bella McGowan ’26 and philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) major Chris Hussey ’26 also spoke with Yuccas the morning of, and a handful of students were interviewed by a CBS correspondent at Frary Dining Hall before and after the event.

“Being interviewed was a little intimidating,” McGowan says, “but everyone from Pomona and CBS were very helpful and encouraging, especially with a student who has little experience in the area.”

So much student involvement in what was a first for the oldest of The Claremont Colleges resulted in a production that introduced a national audience to Pomona College, where civic engagement and active participation in the democratic process are encouraged and fundamental to its mission and identity.

“I am incredibly grateful to Pomona College for allowing me that chance to volunteer to help permeate a civic space in our very own Big Bridges,” says Elaine Suh ’28, one of several students who ushered visiting media members.

“I am reminded that even as a molecular biology major, I have every opportunity to engage in the political sphere, and it was rewarding to see the event run so smoothly.”