Dear Sagehens,
There are moments when a college has the chance to see itself anew, to look back with gratitude at what generations before us imagined and look forward with exhilaration at all that remains possible.
For Pomona, this is such a moment.
This past weekend, we came together on campus to introduce Originals: The Campaign for Pomona College, a $530 million campaign that is our most ambitious ever.
What stays with me most is the joy and serendipity of the gathering: generations of Sagehens reconnecting with one another, alumni hearing about the latest internship and research opportunities from today’s students and faculty, and new connections taking shape. And then there was the sheer fun of watching Sagehens use their creativity during the festival to express what makes Pomona original through our community art project on Marston Quad. I invite you to watch this video and experience some of the unmistakable Sagehen spirit that made last weekend so special.
Today, as we continued the celebration on campus for Founders Day, we share Originalswith the world. This campaign has two equally important goals: raising $530 million to support the people, ideas and experiences that will define Pomona’s future, and doubling alumni engagement to strengthen the bonds among Sagehens.
Our five priorities are united by one vision for Pomona. We will open Pomona’s doors wider through expanded financial aid for middle-income families and the resources every student needs to thrive. We will advance academic excellence by investing in exceptional faculty, groundbreaking research, transformative internships and a new Center for Global Engagement that will connect Pomona more deeply with the world. We will strengthen the health, wellness and sense of belonging that allow every Sagehen to flourish. We will create new opportunities for alumni to mentor students, share their expertise and deepen their lifelong connections to Pomona. And we will build upon the enduring financial strength and independence that will allow Pomona to pursue its ambitions for generations to come.
Pomona begins this public chapter with extraordinary momentum: $247 million raised from nearly 10,000 alumni, families and friends — 47% of our goal. I am deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity has brought us to this moment, and especially proud that every member of our Board of Trustees has supported our campaign — a meaningful reflection of their commitment to Pomona. To date, more than 40% of Sagehen alumni have already engaged in some aspect of the campaign through volunteering, opening doors to internships, attending Sagehen events — on campus and around the world, as well as philanthropic support.
But Originals is about more than numbers. It is an invitation to all of us.
Since Pomona’s founding, this College has been shaped by people willing to ask questions without obvious answers, cross boundaries others take for granted and imagine possibilities that do not yet exist. Now it is our turn to carry that spirit forward.
Every gift moves Originals forward. Every act of participation adds to its momentum. And every Sagehen has a place in what comes next.
I cannot wait to see what we make possible together.
Warmly,
Gabi