COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Spring/Summer 2020 PANDEM OCRACY 4 HOMEPAGE 1 Class of

2020This issue of Pomona College Magazine is dedicated to the Class of 2020, members of which are pictured here in Frary Dining Hall on March 11 for the President’s Senior Dinner, a celebration that turned out to be the last collective event held on the Pomona campus before the pandemic forced the cancellation of all events and, ultimately, the closure of college campuses all across the country. The pandemic also forced the postponement of Commencement 2020 until some future date, as yet undetermined, when it will be safer to come together to celebrate.

5

1. Jade Hill. Netta Kaplan and Franco Liu; 2. Tyler Bunton and Cleo Forman; 3. Miguel Delgado-Garcia and Diana E. Rodriguez; 4. (back row) Samantha Little, Tariq Razi, Seena Huang, (front row) Megan Kuo, Jordan Grimaldi and Ali Barber; 5. (back row) Nick Borowsky, Ben Moats, Matthew Wagner, Jordan Huard, Sharon Cheng, Gabriel da Motta, Katherine Pelz, Chris Arbudzinski, (front row) President G. Gabrielle Starr, Ayleen Hernandez, Alexandra D'Costa Velazquez Acosta, 3 Khadijah Thibodeaux and Miguel Delgado-Garcia

2 STRAY THOUGHTS PANDEM-OCRACY COLLEGE MAGAZINE Pomona

By G. Gabrielle Starr President of Pomona College DEPARTMENTS This Isn’t Over

his isn’t over, not by a long shot. America’s will ultimately be written on her body, leaving a message for SPECIAL REPORT: Homepage 1 cities are still in turmoil, as are hearts and minds across others to find. T the world, after we watched the horrifying death by suf- The author must have thought himself a wit, while keep- focation of George Floyd, an African American man whose ing a safe distance from the blood, brutality, murder, abuse, Stray Thoughts 2 life was snuffed out under the knee of a police officer over rape and fundamental degradation of the realities of slavery. POMONA A DEMOCRACY READER 526 seconds. He pleaded for his life, asked for his mother. But I can’t—won’t—keep my distance from the reality of VS. THE Onlookers begged the officers holding Floyd’s neck and body racial hate and the necessity of making change happen today. Letter Box to the ground to stop—to have mercy. Each morning I must stand up and acknowledge my Black PANDEMIC 4 It’s not over. It’s not even just begun. This is yet one more heritage for what I know it to be—a sign of strength, and a in a long line of deaths: pointless, painful, final. One man died commitment to life even in the face of dark days. Then, I by jogging. A woman by opening her door. A boy by playing must straighten my back and return to a life of finely honed, Pomoniana 5 in a park. And the crisis that has in America brought forth severely tested optimism, in which education is held to be our bloody flowers and strange fruit (the blistering lan- last, best hope. guage used to describe lynchings sprung from Thus, I work to make it possible for students Booktalk 8 trees across my country) has spread. to learn, research to advance, professors to BOOK EXCERPT: teach. I work to enable the transmission, and Protests rock the world: in London, Mex- Within16 the period of a Field of Blood even expansion, of the shared inheritance of ico City, Amsterdam, Nairobi, Haifa, Lagos, few days in March, as Yale University Professor Joanne Freeman ’84 explores humanity, the long, hard-fought knowl- Buenos Aires, Tokyo and beyond. Mean- circumstances upped the the role of political polarization and violence in Congress New Knowledge 12 edge we on this planet have gained, hus- during the 1800s in paving the path to the Civil War. while, nations that are nearly paralyzed by ante day by day, colleges 34 banded and promised to preserve. This the COVID-19 pandemic, and particularly across the country went has never been more crucial: By one esti- ESSAY: the minority communities within them from health advisories who are hard-hit by medical and financial mate earlier this spring, more than 1.5 bil- Time Out 14 to closed campuses. The Authoritarian Pandemic inequalities, are facing choices. What do we lion children had lost access to all Pomona Professor Mieczysław P. Boduszy´nski considers

do? How do we express outrage? Most im- education. Such students could fall as much the way autocrats around the globe are using the COVID-19 portantly, how do we make change? as two years behind their peers. A Pandemic Timeline pandemic to continue tearing down fragile democracies. 37 Notice Board 52 Many people ask me these questions, and as Perhaps there is a slight opening in this mo- an academic, and now president at a small liberal arts ment, where the slowdown and solitude of the pan- BOOK EXCERPT: college in California, I seek answers. I’m the mother of two demic meets the crowds and cameras on the streets. A 17 The Oath and the Office children, both Black like me. The terror I feel for them some- chance to be truly heard? We know we need far more than a Brown University Professor Corey Brettschneider ’95 Class Notes 54 times leaves me gasping for breath. Yet I know there is a road fleeting “teaching moment.” Going Virtual offers a guidebook for future presidents in understanding their oath and their responsibilities under the Constitution. I must walk if any of this is to change for them, and for chil- I tell my children, college students, anyone who will hear: 39

dren across the U.S. and around the world. Whatever you do to address the inequality, the brutality, the Obituaries Q&A: 58 The hatred delivered to Black people wasn’t born on hatred and pain of racism, you must realize you cannot fight 20 America’s streets. It runs so deep in our history and can rear without knowledge. So spend the coming months and years The First Amendment in Action its head anywhere. This is revealed in the protests around the as you prepare for adulthood doing just that. Study policies Two young Sagehen journalists talk about their work Bittersweet 16 in covering the protests that swept the country following the world. The name for this systemic hatred is simple: ugly. It is that help reduce the use of force, mitigate poverty, cure those In Memoriam 62 murder of George Floyd and their role in our democracy. the ideology of white supremacy, an ideology born of the who need healing. Learn the tools of justice and the history 44

need to control populations across the world as Europe ex- of their uses and failures. Indeed, the 14th Amendment of 24 BOOK EXCERPT: panded its empires. It was born, equally, of the need for those the U.S. Constitution was passed, in part, to stop deadly ha- Back Story 64 who perpetuated it to feel morally just. rassment by “lawful” authorities of African Americans in the How Democracies Die Harvard Professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt ’95 I recall coming across a 400-year-old poem attributed to antebellum period. Pandemic Job-Hunting examine case studies in how democracies are eroded from Help your generation and mine, and those between us and John Cleveland while carrying out dissertation research in the within and consider danger signs for our own democracy. British Library two decades ago: a dialogue between “a fair beyond, to see past the misdirection, to rebut the lies and 46 28 Nymph” and “a black boy.” The boy pursues the nymph; the half-truths and to find a path together. It isn’t over. ARTICLE: irremediable darkness of his skin threatens the proclaimed pu- rity of hers. A solution is suggested through the metaphor of This essay was originally published in The Financial Times under Front Line Sagehens Policing the Police Two Pomona alumni with long histories in the field a printer’s press. The nymph says, “Thy ink, my paper, make the title “What to tell young people about systemic hatred in our magazine.pomona.edu of law enforcement discuss their thoughts and experience me guess/ Our nuptial bed will make a press.” The boy’s ink society.” It is reprinted with permission. 32 in the effort to achieve equal justice under the law. 50

2 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 3 LETTER BOX COLLEGE MAGAZINE POMONIANA Prize, and many people Remembering expected him to be the next big Remembering Pomona thing in poetry. Over the next Bob Mezey Richard Elderkin SPRING/SUMMER 2020 • VOLUME 56, NO. 2 few decades, Bob garnered fur- The first time I met Bob Mezey, I ther success for his translations, The loss of Richard Elderkin is THE CLASS OF was 16 years old and visiting introductions to important poets very sad news. Professor El- EDITOR/DESIGNER Pomona College; I had no train- and poems appearing in major derkin was on the admissions Mark Wood ([email protected]) ing as a poet. Bob had a reputa- journals. But during the last 20 committee in 1985 that admitted BOOK EDITOR tion for being difficult—he was years, it became increasingly me. When I arrived he told me Sneha Abraham ([email protected]) widely considered to be a mas- difficult to find his work, even in he hand-picked me as an ad- ter poet, but rumors swirled the formalist journals. What hap- visee because I was majoring in CONTRIBUTORS about his sharp tongue, frank pened? Had he offended one math, and he was intrigued and Corey Brettschneider ’95 (Excerpt from The Oath and the too many people, or was his Office) is professor of political science at Brown University. opinions and habit of publicly interested in the young man who renouncing poets that didn’t pay style of writing simply out of wrote my admissions essay. I told Joanne Freeman ’84 (Excerpt from Field of Blood) is the 2024 homage to the tradition of meter fashion? him I could introduce him to the Class of 1954 Professor of American History and of Ameri- Even in the midst of a global health crisis, the work of the admissions and form. I was a sensitive kid, Years later, I began to ex- guy if he gave me a couple can Studies at Yale University. office has gone on with the selection of the new Pomona College and the slightest cruel word pand my own poetic repertoire days. We hit it off immediately, Class of 2024. Here are a few facts about the new class of Sagehens: to include free verse. Bob cau- Mieczysław P. Boduszyn´ski (“The Authoritarian Pandemic”) might have crushed me. Years and he spent the next four years is professor of politics at Pomona College. later, I learned that Bob himself tioned me that writing a good supporting, encouraging and was also just 16 when he first free verse poem was far more guiding me. David Menefee-Libey (“Teaching Politics in the United were offered admission. sent his poems to John Crowe difficult than people thought. Brilliant, kind, thoughtful, car- States in the Age of COVID-19”) is professor of politics and 745 Ransom at Kenyon College. Per- “But in good free verse,” he’d ing, curious, loyal, engaged and coordinator of the Public Policy Analysis Program at Pomona College. haps this had something to do say, “you’ll still hear the ghost of Buckminster Fuller(!) are words U.S. states plus the District of Columbia, with how he handled our first the meter.” Bob rarely spoke of that come immediately to mind Daniel Ziblatt ’95 (Excerpt from How Democracies Die) is Guam and Puerto Rico, are represented. meeting. I gave him my poems his own work in free forms. when I think of Professor Elderkin. Eaton Professor of the Science of Government at Harvard 49 and eagerly awaited his re- When I asked about Naked Po- I find comfort in knowing the University. sponse. “Well,” he said, “you etry, he said, “Wish I’d never very large positive impact he don’t really know what you’re been part of the damn thing.” and his wife had on Pomona CONTRIBUTING STAFF other countries were home to new admits. Lupe Castaneda doing, but I see talent. I hope Somewhat ironically, just as the College, Claremont and, in turn, 45 Carla Guerrero ’06 you come here.” Even before I momentum of the poetry world the world for more than three Jeff Hing was swinging in the direction of Robyn Norwood began as a student at Pomona decades. I am a wiser, better of the class are female and 48% male. College, Bob sent me poems in Naked Poetry, Bob was making teacher because of his example, Kristopher Vargas Patricia Vest 52% the mail, photocopies of the a sharp turn back to formalism, and I reflect and tell stories about works of Borges, Frost, Justice, back to the original teachings of our interactions regularly be- SUBMISSIONS AND CHANGES: along with instructions to read Ransom. cause of his concern for me For class notes, address changes, photos and birth or death are domestic students of color. them carefully, listen to the In late April, I called Bob to while I was a student at Pomona. notices, email: [email protected]; phone: (909) 607-8129; or fax: 909-621-8535. For other editorial matters or 58.8% sound and see if I could imitate say I finally had a draft of a May his memory continue to submissions, phone: 909-621-8158, email [email protected] the meter. poem I’d been working on since grow as a blessing to all who or mail to Pomona College Magazine, 550 N. College Ave., of the class will be first-generation Later as a student at Pomona 2009—would he look at it? know and care for Richard. Claremont, CA 91711. Magazine policies are available at: www.pomona.edu/magazine/guidelines. college students. College, Bob and I frequently “Send it along,” he said. Bob —Donald Collins ’89 20.7% met for breakfast at Walter’s in was 85. On a Sunday morning, San Diego, CA POMONA COLLEGE MAGAZINE Claremont. He always arrived I woke early, and made coffee, is published three times a year. Copyright 2020 by Pomona transfer students were admitted. early, and I’d find him drinking eager to see if he’d written College, 550 North College Ave., Claremont, CA 91711. back—he had a habit of work- 26 coffee, reading poetry. More Athletic Mentors POMONA COLLEGE ing late. But there was no re- than once he looked at my work Looking back, I don't think I ap- is an independent liberal arts college located in Claremont, Calif. Es- sponse from Bob—only an email tablished in 1887, it is the founding member of The Claremont Col- military veterans were admitted, representing and said, “This is not poetry; preciated the quality of the staff write something in verse. Keep from his daughter, sharing the leges. the Army, Marine Corps and Navy. nearly enough when I was at 4 news that he had caught pneu- the meter; use your ear.” Bob Pomona. I spent at lot of time PRESIDENT monia, or possibly the virus, and G. Gabrielle Starr would bring in scanned versions around the athletics department. I of Larkin, Frost and Wilbur. He’d passed during the night. What are in the top 10% of their class. realize now how much those peo- NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY did he think of that final poem? point out the ionics and spon- ple shaped my life and who I am Pomona College complies with all applicable state and 90% “Not bad,” I imagine him say- federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in dees and explain how the poetic today. Bill Swartz, Curt Tong, Pat Essential PPE masters could rough up the ing, “only a few lines in here I education and the workplace. This policy of non- Mulcahy, Gregg Popovich, Lisa discrimination covers admission, access and service in are graduates of the Pomona Academy for might quarrel with.” During the pandemic, the Philosophy, Politics and Economics Program, verse, but only after years of Beckett, Motts Thomas, Charlie Pomona College programs and activities, as well as hiring, Youth Success (PAYS). practice. Once, while reading —Jodie Hollander ’99 promotion, compensation, benefits and all other terms known on campus as PPE, saw its initials co-opted in the national 6 Katsiaficas and Mike Riskas. All Wilbur’s “The House,” I saw his Minturn, CO and conditions of employment at Pomona College. media as the pandemic focused public attention on shortages of per- great people and great educa- admitted students were matched through eyes brimming with tears. It was tors, setting examples and teach- sonal protective equipment. So, when Professor Eleanor Brown ’75, Pomona’s partnership with QuestBridge. clear to me then that poetry was chair of the program, was casting about for some memento to send to Alumni, parents and friends are invited ing valuable lessons, whether you 16 not just Bob Mezey’s profession; played for them or not. I wish I the graduating PPE seniors, she hit upon the idea of co-opting a piece it was something much deeper to email letters to [email protected] or “snail-mail” them to Pomona College had realized how special they of personal protective equipment “to proclaim the essential nature of than that. were admitted through the Posse Foundation. Magazine, 550 North College Ave., were at the time. Bob had a promising start to this quintessential liberal arts degree.” Modeling the PPE’s new PPE in Claremont, CA 91711. Letters may be —Richard Wunderle ’91 FPO 20 his career: He’d won the Lamont the photo above is Rachel Oda ’20. edited for length, style and clarity. University Place, WA

4 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 5 POMONIANA

Wig Awards 2020 Physics major Adele Myers ’21 Six professors have been selected to receive the 2020 Wig Distin- has been awarded a Barry M. Goldwa- guished Professor Award for excellence in teaching. The award is ter Scholarship, which provides $7,500 the highest honor bestowed on Pomona College faculty, recogniz- a year for undergraduate education ing exceptional teaching, concern for students and service to the expenses to sophomores and juniors College and community. Here’s a list of this year’s recipients, who intend to pursue careers in math- along with anonymously written nomination comments from their ematics, natural sciences or engineer- students: ing. Working with physicist Greg Spriggs at Lawrence Livermore Na-

tional Laboratory, Myers discovered Aimee Bahng evidence of a phenomenon called Assistant Professor of Gender and Women’s Studies water entrainment in nuclear blasts “Professor Bahng is one of the most intellectually generous people I have ever met. Her over water. courses are fascinating, excellent discussions that I feel have contributed to my growth as a person. She masters the difficult dance of encouraging rigorous intellectual work while recognizing the strangeness of academia as an elite space (particularly in the context of Gender and Women’s Studies).” Recent graduate Sal Wanying Fu ’19 has received a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, a Tom Le $90,000 merit-based grant for out- Assistant Professor of Politics standing immigrants and children of New Director of Athletics “I met Professor Le my sophomore year in an upper division international relations class. immigrants who are pursuing gradu- At first, I was intimidated by his candor and overwhelming expertise on the subject of East ate school in the United States. A cur- Joins Sagehen Team Asian politics. However, in the span of a few weeks, I realized how lucky I was to have the rent astrophysics doctoral student at chance to take one of his classes. Professor Le has always pushed me to be better, work University of California, Berkeley, Fu is Innovative and accomplished athletics adminis- harder and care more. His leadership style is inspiring, and Pomona is lucky to have him among 30 students selected from a trator Miriam Merrill will lead Pomona-Pitzer as faculty. Thank you, Professor Le, for always encouraging me to be a better scholar, stu- pool of more than 2,000 applicants. Athletics into its next era after being selected as dent and friend.” She is the fourth Pomona graduate to director of athletics following a national search. join the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellows. Merrill, previously the associate director of Starr Named to Academy Jane Liu athletics at Hamilton College in Clinton, New Associate Professor of Chemistry York, also served as interim director of Hamil- President G. Gabrielle Starr has been elected Margaret Mead, Martin Luther King Jr. and “It’s amazing how a professor can make such a big difference in your academic experi- Franco Liu ’20 has been awarded ton’s NCAA Division III program for four to the American Academy of Arts and Sci- Akira Kurosawa. ence, even if you only see them once a week for lab. Professor Liu is not only extremely a Downing Scholarship to study lin- months in 2019. She starts at Pomona-Pitzer ences joining a new class of members recog- For 2020, the Academy elected 276 new knowledgeable and a talented scientist, but she is also one of the kindest human beings I guistics at the University of Cambridge nized for outstanding achievements in members. In addition to Starr, the group in- have ever met.” for 2020-21. An international student on July 1, and also will be professor and chair academia, the arts, business, government and cludes singer Joan C. Baez, former Attorney from China, Liu was hooked on the dis- of the Department of Physical Education at public affairs. General Eric H. Holder Jr., author Ann Jorge Moreno cipline after taking an introductory Pomona College, overseeing the joint athletic Starr is a highly regarded scholar of Eng- Patchett, poet and former Pomona College Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy course with Professor Michael Diercks department’s activity classes, faculty/staff fit- during his first year of college. The lish literature whose work reaches into neuro- professor Claudia Rankine, among others. “Professor Moreno has completely reimagined the possibilities of the STEM classroom. His ness and wellness program, intramural/club teaching style and commitment to students—particularly students that have been histori- award will cover Liu’s tuition, fees, liv- science and the arts. Her research looks Starr joins a number of exemplary Pomona ing expenses and round-trip travel, as sport and recreation programs and academic cally excluded from STEM spaces—makes him one of the most beloved professors at closely at the brain, through the use of fMRI, alumni and former faculty in the AAAS, in- well as a stipend for books, local offerings. Pomona. In his short time at the College, Professor Moreno has made an impactful impres- to help get to the heart of how people re- cluding scientists Jennifer Doudna ’85, J. An- travel and personal expenses. “Miriam is a collaborative and inspiring sion on students from all disciplines. He is truly an advocate for his students.” leader, and I’m confident she has both the vi- spond to paintings, music and other forms drew McCammon ’69 and Tom Pollard ’64; sion and the experience to help take Pomona- of art. She is a national voice on access to author Louis Menand ’73; art historian Ingrid Gilda Ochoa college for students of all backgrounds, the Rowland ’74; artist James Turrell ’65; jour- Professor of Chicana/o Latina/o Studies Yannai Kashtan ’20 became the Pitzer athletics to the next level,” said Pomona future of higher education, women in leader- nalist Joe Palca '74; and genomic biologist “Gilda Ochoa is the most deserving faculty member for this award because she is always first Pomona student and the first College President G. Gabrielle Starr. ship and the importance of the arts. She Sarah Elgin ’67. available for students regardless of their major or background. Gilda Ochoa is the person chemistry student to win a prestigious Merrill brings broad experience in athletics took office as the 10th president of Pomona The Academy is led by Pomona College to ask you how you are feeling rather than how you are doing. She will listen to you and Knight-Hennessy scholarship, which and academia to Claremont. She earned a make you feel heard and cared for. Her research advances social justice by centering un- provides a full ride to Stanford Univer- Ph.D. in the psychology of human movement College in 2017. President Emeritus David Oxtoby, who was sity to pursue any graduate program derrepresented voices.” The Academy was chartered in 1780 to inducted into the Academy in 2012 and was of his choosing. The award criteria for at Temple University in 2019, and previously “cultivate every art and science which may named its president in 2018. He served as winners include “rebellious minds and has served as an athletics director at Richard J. tend to advance the interest, honor, dignity president of Pomona College from 2003 Alexandra Papoutsaki independent spirits” and “future Daley College, a Chicago community college, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and happiness of a free, independent and vir- until 2017. global leaders.” He plans to study pho- and as head coach of women’s track and field “I was not the best computer science student and was never going to end up going very far toelectrochemical CO2 reduction with at Robert Morris University in Chicago. As an tuous people.” Academy members are elected Starr becomes the third Pomona College in it, but Professor Papoutsaki still worked hard to make sure I understood things. Some groups working on integrated artificial athlete, she was an NCAA Division I All-Amer- on the basis of their leadership in academics, president to join the Academy. David Alexan- people who are as evidently smart as she is in a given field aren’t able to make things photosynthesis modules. the arts, business or public affairs and have der, who served as president of Pomona from From top: Aimee Bahng, Tom Le, Jane accessible to those who don’t share their knowledge, but she can. I think it shows not just ican in track and field for the University of ranged from Benjamin Franklin and Thomas 1969 to 1991, was inducted into the Acad- Liu, Jorge Moreno, Gilda Ochoa and her talent for teaching, but what a genuinely great person she is.” Cincinnati in 2001 and was inducted into the Alexandra Papoutsaki Jefferson to such 20th-century luminaries as emy in 2006. university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.

6 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 7 BOOKTALK

and Aristotle thought was the origin of philosophy. Philosophy be- too, and that led to seeing the book that I might write. My sources gins in wonder. are documents sometimes, but more often, my sources are people, Over time, I grew to love that part of philosophy. Philosophy is texts, testimonies, places, experiences. So, I thought to myself, “Well, the discipline that persists in asking questions. That can be very frus- what if I write about sources of my understanding of the Holocaust?” trating if your goal is to get answers. Philosophy tries to do that, but Or as I like to phrase it, my sources of Holocaust insight. unavoidably, the questions keep coming back. By the time I had finished my sophomore year, I was committed PCM: You mentioned that you’re the son of a Presbyterian minister. to majoring in philosophy. And then something else happened. And How does being an American and a Christian affect your study of this is a tribute to Pomona College. I just loved being in college. the Holocaust? Pomona accounts for that. I fell in love with college because of Pomona. My experience there made a huge impact on me. I’ve spent Roth: When I read Elie Wiesel and I began to feel the need to learn most of my life in the culture of small liberal arts colleges, which I more about what had happened to him and why it happened to his just think are national treasures, and as I think about the condition of family, my study made me realize that my own tradition, Christianity, our country right now, I think the contributions that small liberal arts was deeply implicated in the genocide. This led me to grapple with colleges make are increasingly important. And probably endangered a the dark underside of Christianity. It created a personal dilemma I bit too. still wrestle with. I put the dilemma this way. For me, Christianity has been some- PCM: You’ve been working in this field of Holocaust studies for more thing good, but as some of my Jewish friends would remind me from than 50 years. time to time, and I knew this from study too, “Well, Christianity has- n’t been so good for us.” The Holocaust remains a big, big problem Roth: Yes. It’s added up to be that long. And it wasn’t where I for Christians. You have a good example of that right now because, planned to work. I didn’t go to the counseling center and say, “How after many, many years, the Vatican archives have been opened to do you become a Holocaust scholar?” I like to say that the Holocaust allow scholars—once we get the COVID-19 pandemic under con- found me. It did so partly through [the late Philosophy Professor] trol—to explore the controversial history of Pope Pius XII, who Frederick Sontag, who is a legend at Pomona and became a close, reigned during the Nazi period. He’s been a controversial figure. Did close friend of mine—we taught and wrote together. When I was his he do what he should have done during that period with regard to student, he was very interested in what philosophers call “the prob- the plight of the Jewish people? lem of evil.” So debate about the Holocaust and Christianity is ongoing. For Several of the courses that I took from Fred Sontag took me into me, it’s existential, because Christianity is my tradition. What do I do Holocaust Insight An Interview with John K. Roth ’62 that problem—that is, how and why does massive destruction of as I keep learning that my tradition has a dark and destructive side? human life take place? And what sense, if any, can be made of it? How My study and teaching about the Holocaust is a continuing way to do we deal with those questions? cope with that. And maybe in some ways, to try to make some ore than 50,” describes both the years of Holocaust requires of us. But the Holocaust was not yet where I was. Getting my attention amends, if I can, for that terrible shortcoming. academic inquiry about the Holocaust and This interview has been condensed and edited for focused on that took a while. It wasn’t until I was on the faculty of On the American side, the role of the United States during the “M the number of books by John K. Roth space and clarity. Claremont McKenna, which I joined in 1966, that the Holocaust Holocaust also raises questions. It does so about immigration; it raises ’62, Edward J. Sexton Professor Emeritus of Philoso- found me and changed my life. questions about action that was taken or not taken. And it certainly phy at Claremont McKenna College. Undoubtedly one PCM: How was your Pomona experience formative for In the early 1970s, I followed the lead of my teacher, Fred Son- involves issues about racism. Black Americans fought against Nazi of the preeminent scholars in the field of Holocaust you as a philosopher? What was that experience like? tag, who said one day, “I think you might be interested in reading racism but experienced American racism nonetheless. I’ve found that studies, he recently added a new book to his collection. some of Elie Wiesel’s writings.” I read Wiesel and was captivated and my identity as an American, as well as a Christian and a philosopher, Sources of Holocaust Insight: Learning and Teaching Roth: When I came to Pomona College in the autumn of compelled to find out more about what I was reading. This is why I continues to have points of contact with the Holocaust, which was about the Genocide reflects on the people, the texts, the 1958, I didn’t know what philosophy was. I had some ex- say that the Holocaust found me more than I found it. And it primarily European in its geography but had international dimensions events and places that have informed and influenced his perience with religion, and my father was a Presbyterian changed my life. I became a different person, professionally and exis- and implications too. Some of those connections and reverberations understanding of that atrocity. minister, so I grew up in a home where the Bible and tentially. My life reoriented because as I found out more about what are reflected in the fact that the United States Holocaust Memorial Roth is founding director of the Center for the ideas about God were important. I was aware that there had happened to people like Elie Wiesel and his family. I discovered Museum has become such an important place in our national capital. Study of the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights was something called philosophy, but I really didn’t know that a host of important questions were embedded in that experience There’s a long story about that: Why do we have a museum about the (now the Mgrublian Center for Human Rights) at very much about it. I didn’t take a course in philosophy at and history. I had to follow where they led. Holocaust situated close by the Washington Monument in Washing- Claremont McKenna. He was named the U.S. National Sources of Pomona until I was a sophomore. When I got into it, I ton, D.C.? That’s an intriguing and significant question. Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement Holocaust Insight thought, “This is interesting. Maybe I’ll get some answers PCM: Why did you write this book? What was the impetus? What I’ve found is that all of these identity questions drove me and Support of Education and the Carnegie Founda- By John K. Roth ’62 to my questions by studying philosophy.” further and deeper in understanding that it was important to spend But I rather quickly found out that that wasn’t going tion for the Advancement of Teaching in 1988. Roth is Cascade Books 2020 Roth: I was inspired to write the book because of another book that has time teaching, learning and writing about the Holocaust. also the recipient of the Holocaust Educational Foun- to happen because philosophy is much more about ques- meant a lot to me over the years. It is called Sources of Holocaust Re- dation’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Holo- 304 pages | $35 tions than it is about answers. Philosophers always come search and was written early in the current century by a very important PCM: You write about Richard Rubenstein, Elie Wiesel and Franklin caust Studies and Research. up with answers, and philosophers are salespeople in some Holocaust scholar named Raul Hilberg. I used that book in teaching Littell and how they encourage you to tell the story in your own way Pomona College Magazine’s Sneha Abraham, a for- ways. They want you to accept what they say. But the because it provides a good way for students to see how a scholar goes and to carry on the dialogue as best you can in your prayers and mer student of Roth’s, talked to him about his academic formation, power of the discipline goes back to Socrates and the use of questions about studying that massive event. quarrels with God. I really liked the way you put that. What does his new book, questions of the human condition, God, and what the to produce dialogue and develop the wonder about things that Plato Hilberg’s book made me realize that I have Holocaust sources that mean for you? w

8 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 9 Roth: Unlike some people who confront the Holocaust, my encoun- anti-semitism. But we learned that this plague is more endemic and saw torture, and she knew about murder. None of this was edifying, quoting someone, but you wrote that “Our calling is not to be perfect, ters with that catastrophe have not turned me into an atheist. I res- virulent than we wanted to believe. let alone helpful. Such knowledge was destructive and degrading. So but to do what we can to make room for caring help and compas- onated much more with the approach that Wiesel took in his So, I don’t believe in moral progress in any simple kind of way, as she works to show her readers such things, she hopes that they sionate respect in a world that is often cruelly cold and indifferent.” writings. People who really fall in love with Elie Wiesel’s writings are but I do hope that Martin Luther King Jr. was right when he said won’t end up saying, “So what? You know, I’ll just put this on the probably people who have some deep interest in things religious be- that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. shelf and go on about my life.” She was looking for somebody who Roth: When I wrote those words, I saw them—and still do see cause it’s hard to read Wiesel without finding, over and over again, That will happen, though, only if people make it happen. [During would read her writing and maybe, in some good way, be changed by them—as a way of putting one of the most insightful teachings from that he’s writing about questions that have to do with God and reli- this time of pandemic,] we keep talking about the “curve” and flat- it. Writings that come out of Holocaust experiences are sometimes so the Jewish tradition—that it is not our task to complete the work of gious practices and traditions. In particular, Wiesel is constantly car- tening it. That curve isn’t going to bend or flatten unless people act powerful that if you let them into your life, they have a way of reori- justice, but neither is it our right to refuse to take up that work. We rying on a quarrel with God. in ways that serve the common good. Even then, as we’re learning, enting you and changing you. Charlotte Delbo’s writings have been can’t complete the work of justice, but it’s our task to do what we One of the things I learned as a Christian that was very helpful to we’re probably not going to eradicate the novel coronavirus or the that way for me can, to the best of our abilities. More than 50 years of learning and me is that, in the Jewish tradition, quarreling and arguing with God disease of racism and injustice, at least not completely. teaching about the Holocaust make that insight imperative and in- and protesting against God are part of the spirituality of that tradi- PCM: I’m not sure if this was your comment in the book or if you were escapable. PCM tion. Christianity tends to play down such themes because of the PCM: Does the Holocaust call moral relativism on the carpet? strong emphasis that Christianity puts on the idea of God as love. But if God is more ambiguous and mixed than that, then the Jewish tra- Roth: Yes. I have a friend, Michael Berenbaum, who wisely refers to BOOKMARKS dition of carrying on arguments and protest as part of a relationship the Holocaust as a negative absolute. We may disagree about moral with God has a bigger role. I found I really liked that about the ap- values, but probably, we can come closer to agreement if we look at The Eye That what we think is absolutely wrong. Even there, drastic differences proach that I was discovering as I studied Wiesel, Rubenstein and Never Sleeps other post-Holocaust Jewish thinkers. may persist. The Nazis did not think that destroying Jewish life and Clifford Browder ’50 offers a So, I have a quarrelsome relationship with God. For me, that’s tradition was wrong. For the Nazis, that was right and good. So it’s classically told detective novel valuable just to the extent that it underscores the insight that God complicated, but as I like to say, the Holocaust was wrong, or noth- that creates a web of intrigue isn’t going to fix everything. Whether it’s fair or not, it’s up to us to ing could be. If we don’t say that, then we really do open the door while giving the reader a tour try to do that as much as we can. But I hold onto a relationship with to the pernicious view that might makes right. Earlier this year, At- of a bygone era of America God because it helps me to maintain my conviction that history is torney General William Barr emphasized that the victors write his- through the filter of New York not all that is. Reality is more than history. And I’m hopeful that, in tory. Even if he wasn’t incorrect factually, that proposition is morally City. some way, that means that what the Nazis did to the Jews doesn’t wrong because it is the ally of might makes right, a view that cannot have the last word. That’s my hope. I don’t want injustice and suf- withstand scrutiny. fering and murder to have the last word. They may have it. I don’t The Holocaust and events like it had better be the end of moral know for sure that they won’t, but my hope is that they don’t. My relativism, or we’re in more trouble than we need to be. But the dilemma is that this case of one of those where argument may not The Browning of teaching and writing about the Holocaust seek to encourage and the New South support that hope. settle the matter. This is a place where my concept of insight comes Nontechnical Guide in. We have to recognize that there may always be people, powerful Jennifer A. Jones ’03 takes an ethnographic look at to Petroleum Geo - PCM: What is your take on the human condition? Are we basically people, who act as if might makes right and who think they will win logy, Exploration, good? and get to write history their way. Study of the Holocaust alerts us to changing racial identities in an evolving Southern city. have our eyes open about what to do in that case. Drilling & Production Roth: I wax and wane between hope and pessimism. I often say that my Norman J. Hyne ’61, in the study of the Holocaust, overall, has made me more melancholy than I PCM: You say that through writer and Auschwitz survivor Charlotte new fourth edition of his was as a young person. That mood isn’t the same as despair, but it in- Delbo you understand the importance of taking nothing good for The Sweeney Sisters widely used textbook, pro- cludes aspects of that darkness. Melancholy isn’t paralyzing. It can granted. That’s the title of your epilogue as well. So, what good do vides broad insight into the Lian Dolan ’87 returns with her biggest, boldest, nature of gas and oil produc- combine with and even produce resistance against destructive powers. you not take for granted? most entertaining novel yet—a hilarious, heartfelt tion today. story about books, love, sisterhood and the sur- PCM: Do you believe in moral progress? Roth: The Holocaust destroyed so much that was good. So, of all my prises we discover in our DNA. Holocaust insights, none is more important than take nothing good Roth: Not in any simple way. No, I don’t. I think Albert Camus was for granted. Over and over again, especially privileged Americans like insightful in his book The Rebel when he said that human beings can me do take good things for granted, including life, liberty and the only arithmetically reduce the amount of suffering in the world. What pursuit of happiness. Study of the Holocaust helps to drive that Aphrodite’s Devotional he meant by that, I think, is that we can and must do everything we point home, but nowadays the COVID-19 pandemic and the re- Pen Thoughts on the can to reduce suffering and injustice, but, unfortunately, we aren’t ca- newed awareness of systemic racism in American life lift up that Jody Savage ’75, Lord’s Supper, pable of doing away with those things. So, according to Camus, you awareness too. writing as Stella Offering and resist, you try your best to thwart and curb and reduce these things, Fosse, seeks to em- Prayer but if your sensibility is that you’re going to continue to make PCM: Delbo essentially says, I’m paraphrasing, but: “Do something The Religion power older women progress until such time as suffering and injustice are inconsequential, useful with your life. Don’t let everything be useless knowledge or of Physics writing about erotic Ronald Johnson ’71 compiles you’re misguided. senseless.” experiences in life, 64 talks given prior to the Philip C. Groce ’62 melds sci- the bedroom and Lord’s Supper, 14 talks for the I think that the ongoing struggle against anti-semitism fits what ence and religion into a con- beyond. offering and two talks on Roth: Delbo’s moving writing about Auschwitz emphasizes how her Camus saw. Many of us who began a long time ago to teach about ceptual framework that God prayer. the Holocaust hoped that such work would curb if not eliminate experience there was full of what she called useless knowledge. She can be defined as energy.

10 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 11 NEW KNOWLEDGE

tion that is used in conjunction to gaze sharing in the screen collabo- availability of the starting materials and by harsh chemical reactions ration process. Second, she will seek to understand how the aware- that prevent late-stage functionality of the compounds. ness of someone else’s gaze affects groups of up to six remote Assistant Professor of Chemistry Nicholas Ball has received a collaborators that go beyond the traditionally studied pairs. $394,145 research enhancement grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to focus on the development of new chemical reac- tions that can facilitate drug target discovery using sulfur (VI) fluo- rides. For this three-year grant, Ball will work with an industry Modeling the Next collaborator, Pfizer’s Christopher am Ende, and Chapman Univer- sity’s Maduka Ogba. This collaboration will expand opportunities for Gravitational Pomona College students to gain research experiences at Pfizer and in computational chemistry. Wave Detector Ball’s lab has been working on sulfur-fluoride exchange chemistry, which is a promising new pathway to synthesize sulfur-based com- “Gravitational waves are tiny ripples in space and time that Einstein pounds by using easy-to-handle starting materials such as inexpensive himself thought people would not be able to measure,” Professor of Lewis acid salts and organic-based catalysts. The successful implemen- Physics Thomas A. Moore explains. “But now they have been meas- tation of the research proposed for this grant will represent a consid- ured, and that promises a lot of interesting astronomy to be done in erable advance over current methods that rely on starting materials the future.” that are challenging to synthesize or isolate. Moore has received a $145,223 grant from the National Science Equally important is the industry research experience that under- Foundation (NSF) to develop, test and share a computer application graduate students will gain from this research. The work in this pro- that simulates how future gravitational wave detectors would react to posal will expose them to biomedical research with significant focus binary star systems. Moore’s three-year project, “Adding Spin to a on synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Studying Stress Gravitational Wave Detector Simulator,” will create undergraduate summer research opportunities beginning in 2021 that expand on his During a Pandemic work with Yijun “Ali” Wang ’19, now a graduate student in physics at Caltech. The project was “partly inspired by the interest that a lot Exploring the of my students have because of the recent detection of gravitational The COVID-19 pandemic—and the personal and financial emergen- waves,” Moore says, referring to the historic 2015 observation that History of cies that accompany it—are causing heightened levels of stress and Gaze Sharing led to the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics for Rainer Weiss, Barry C. anxiety across all demographics. In the U.S. alone, the pandemic has Barish and Kip S. Thorne. Environmental Law touched the lives of millions, and the economic halt has led to and Remote Work The 2015 observation of waves created by a collision between two record-high unemployment. black holes was accomplished through the Laser Interferometer Grav- The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s highly competitive New Direc- To study the effect these stressful events are having on the people Collaboration itational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO, which consists of two U.S.- tions Fellowships are awarded annually to exceptional faculty in the living through them, Professor of Psychological Science Patricia based facilities, one in Hanford, Washington, and the other in humanities and humanistic social sciences who seek to acquire sys- Smiley has received a $164,138 research grant from the National During the coronavirus pandemic, working remotely has become, in Livingston, Louisiana. Each facility has two arms that stretch 2½ tematic training that pushes the edges of their own disciplinary back- Science Foundation. Her study will explore the changes in stress re- some cases, the only way for many workplaces to continue to func- miles in different directions and use vacuum systems, lasers and mir- ground. One of the recipients this year is Aimee Bahng, assistant sponse in adults and children brought on by the coronavirus tion. That has added a new urgency to a line of research that Alexan- rors to detect gravitational waves. professor of gender and women’s studies. (COVID-19) pandemic. dra Papoutsaki, assistant professor of computer science, was already Moore, who has taught physics at Pomona since 1987, has been Through this $285,000 grant, Bahng will explore where property The one-year study titled “The COVID-19 Pandemic and pursuing before the pandemic began. To continue her work, she re- particularly interested in a planned space-based gravitational wave de- law and environmental law overlap or diverge, a path of inquiry Changes in the Stress Response: Identifying Risk and Resilience in cently was awarded a $105,572 National Science Foundation (NSF) tector known as LISA, for Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, and which has taken her into legal terrain that is straining her disciplinary Adults and Children” is a collaboration with Professors Stacey Doan research grant, which she will use to study gaze sharing in support of notes that a detector built of satellites would have certain advantages training in literary studies and feminist theory. of Claremont McKenna College and Cindy Liu of Harvard Medical more effective remote work collaboration. over those on Earth. Computer modeling would allow scientists to Working at the interstices of environmental justice, feminist School. The researchers will focus on acute and chronic stress, the Gaze sharing, in which collaborators can see where each other’s evaluate potential designs before undertaking such massive projects. science studies, and Indigenous Pacific and transnational Asian transmission of stress between caregivers and their children, and risk gaze is directed on a shared screen, has been shown to have a positive American studies, Bahng proposes to study the history of environ- and resilience factors associated with exacerbating or reducing stress. effect in various visual tasks such as writing and programming. mental law around oceanic bodies of water. She plans to analyze The research team will capitalize on an ongoing longitudinal study Studying a person’s gaze is significant because it is a sign of how human governance of the environment emerged out of West- of stress and adaptation of 150 families with young children in Los human attention and intention and has a central role in workplace co- Developing New ern liberal humanistic concepts of property. It questions whether Angeles County. “The pandemic will allow us to address fundamental ordination and communication. Through eye tracking, researchers the property-based origin of our existing legal framework can be an questions about the effects of chronic stress that we would not other- can assess eye movements to determine where a person is looking, Chemical Reac tions effective lens through which to legislate the oceanic commons; it wise be able to answer,” says Smiley. “Uncertainty is something our what they are looking at and for how long they look at a screen. will also explore historical determinations of who and what is able brains dislike and that’s when we see increased cortisol production, a Researchers like Papoutsaki have been developing tools to lessen for Drug Discovery to bear rights. stress hormone, in our study participants. In our original study, we some of the problems encountered in remote collaborations. Bahng hopes to spend at least part of her fellowship time pursuing Nitrogen-based sulfur compounds such as sulfonamides, sulfamides saw heightened cortisol levels in those participants who are not able Papoutsaki’s two-year study aims to better understand gaze shar- coursework in environmental law at Lewis and Clark Law School, na- and sulfamates are important compounds that have therapeutic appli- to quickly adapt to stressful situations, so in the time of the current ing and examine previously overlooked dimensions of remote collab- tive Hawaiian law at the William S. Richardson School of Law at the cations against cancer, HIV and microbial infections. But existing ap- - pandemic, they may be more susceptible to chronic stressors, show- oration. First, she will investigate the effect of the choice of the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, and indigenous law at the University proaches to making these compounds are limited by the commercial ing higher cortisol levels and poorer psychological health.” communication channel—either audio or video-based communica- of Victoria in Canada.

12 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 13 TIME OUT

Joel Fagliano ’14 TAKING

TIME OUT Since we’re all spending a lot of time at home these days, this new section offers some amusing pastimes for those looking for a bit of relaxing fun.

3CROSSWORD

CHALLENGE This crossword puzzle was designed by Joel Fagliano ’14, the digital puzzle editor of The New York Times and assistant to the print

crossword editor, Will Shortz. The an-

swers are available at PCM Online. 3

COLOR ME

CREATIVE For those who have joined the adult coloring craze—or who want to give it a try—here’s a familiar image from the Pomona College campus. Send us a scan of your work ([email protected]) to show off in a future issue.

14 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 15 SPECIAL REPORT Pomona vs. the Pandemic

It all happened so fast.

The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus hit Southern California and the rest of the country with a rate of acceleration that, for a time, left colleges like Pomona announcing new and sweeping steps seemingly every day. Advisories quickly became urgent warnings and unprecedented changes. Within the period of a few days in March, the College went from limiting travel to closing events to the public to canceling them entirely to sending most of its students and employees home to work and study remotely for the duration. As this magazine went to press, many decisions about the future remained to be made. But in the meantime, here’s a look back at the pandemic semester of Spring 2020.

16 Photo by Jeff Hing 17 The Office of Information Technology ITS holds the first of many workshops Pomona sends out the first of several Services (ITS) reaches out to faculty about for faculty on distance learning health and travel advisories to the contingency plans in case the College technologies. One of the last public A campus community about the expanding needs to switch to remote instruction. events to take place on campus is a All events are closed to the public, global epidemic caused by the novel The College seeks to curtail air travel by baseball game between Pomona-Pitzer and most are canceled. All internal coronavirus shortly after the first case The disease caused by the novel limiting sponsorship or reimbursement and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at gatherings are limited to no more Pandemic is reported in the United States. coronavirus is named COVID-19. to trips that are deemed essential. Pomona. Pomona-Pitzer wins 9-3. than 100 participants.

Timeline Jan. 24, 2020 Feb. 11, 2020 March 3, 2020 March 9 , 2020 March 10, 2020

The Pomona-Pitzer baseball team defeats Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in one of the last public events held on campus before the cancelation of all spring semester events.

18 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine Photo by Aaron Gray 19 already planned to transition into student-focused work—discussions on topics that they were interested in, longer research papers, peer workshops on drafts, etc. It’s not possible to recreate the magic of those discussions online, but it is quite easy to move the research process into Sakai discussion forums and Zoom office hours. So, for Going both classes, I have excised the minimal post-spring break “content” in favor of having students focus on their own research.” Some classes and disciplines offered greater challenges than oth- ers. Science classes with hands-on laboratories were forced to take on new forms. Professor of Physics Janice Hudgings reported: “For labs, we’ve switched from actually building the circuits with a breadboard Virtual to ‘building’ the circuits in an online circuit simulator, which allows us to do all the same measurements that we would have in the lab. The circuit simulator is a useful new tool that we wouldn’t have learned without this shift to online teaching—so that’s a nice win!” The last day of March Music faculty did their best to meet all the complexities of guiding in the year 2020 will be remembered as the day when Pomona Col- ensembles and individual lessons in such dis- Left: Pomona faculty persed wide-ranging settings. “Applied les- lege’s curriculum entered a virtual new world. take part in a work- By then, most students had already moved off campus, and most shop on remote instruc- sons—one-on-one instruction on an staff and faculty had begun to work from home. During a prolonged tion. Inset: Physics instrument or voice—are going forward,” Professor Gordy Steck- wrote Professor of Music Donna Di Grazia, spring break, professors and staff had worked furiously to shift the lein and his Physics curriculum temporarily to online instruction. Leading up to the 174 students Mark “but it is taking herculean efforts to do so. virual relaunch, the College’s Information Technology Services (ITS) Braun ’21 and Camille Many students had borrowed instruments on Molas ’21 in a Zoom campus from the department, which is now had held countless workshops to guide members of the faculty in the class. use of a range of online tools, provided laptops to students and making arrangements to rent instruments at everything from tablets to video cameras to faculty. Professors had the department’s expense and have them delivered to as many of also spent the time reviewing course plans, seeking the best way to these students as possible. The logistics of doing this are complex, communicate content and create interaction online. and students also face challenges doing lessons or practicing with par- The result was a reliance on multiple approaches and technologies ents and siblings home, “and there is nowhere one can retreat and as professors sought to move online in the way best suited to their practice without distractions or without distracting everyone else.” content and teaching style. “Our faculty have been experimenting Several faculty members praised the work and dedication of the with pedagogical techniques like flipped classrooms, where they ITS staff for accomplishing so much so quickly. Professor of Geology record their lectures in advance,” Assistant Professor of Computer Eric Grosfils wrote: “The end-to-end development and testing of the Science Alexandra Papoutsaki wrote, “while others have been trying Virtual Server by ITS was amazing and deserves a special call-out. different setups for real-time class meetings. Some have brought mini This is something that would normally happen over many months; whiteboards home, some have been trying document-cameras so that ITS did it in roughly two weeks. Without this capability, a big hunk they can project what they write on paper in real-time, and others are of my computing-heavy course would be dead in the water. As it using set-ups like mine, switching between laptops and tablets.” stands, I simply have to help my students adapt to a new way to ac- Professors also reached out to their students, both to touch base cess that computing!” and to prepare for the resumption of classes. “Because I am aware that As at most of the nation’s top colleges and universities, after a people’s transitions have varied quite a bit in smoothness and results,” long debate and consultation with students, in recognition of the dif- Associate Professor of Psychological Science and Africana Studies Eric fering situations of students in completing their work after the cam- Hurley noted, “the very first concrete thing I did was to ask all my pus was closed, Pomona’s faculty voted to adopt a special grading students to ‘please do let me know in an email if there are things policy for that semester. As a result, for spring 2020, students’ tran- about your particular situation that you think I need to know and scripts will show only grades of P (pass), NRP (no report, pandemic) consider as I try to support your navigating the remainder of the or I (incomplete). No letter grades were to be recorded. In addition, course in balance with life.’ Of course, the College has been consistent student transcripts will bear the notation “COVID-19: Enrollment in its offers of technical and other support, but I figured that some is- and grades reflect disruption of Spring 2020.” sues and difficulties are kind of particular and that they can only be After delaying the decision as long as possible, the College also troubleshot as they come up. In fact, I did have a few responses to determined that it would be unsafe to hold the usual Commence- that, ranging from how virtual meetings might interact with students’ ment exercises on campus for the Class of 2020, so after consulting accommodations to the challenge of focusing on coursework while liv- with members of the class about their preference, the College an- ing in a small space housing a large number of people.” nounced that Commencement 2020 would be postponed until some Some professors chose not to try to recreate the classroom experi- as yet undetermined future date when it would be safer for the new ence, moving instead to more individualized research. Associate Pro- graduates to return to campus to celebrate together the end of their fessor of Sociology Colin Beck explained, “Both of my seminars were four-year educational journey. PCM

20 Photo by Kristopher Vargas 21 Pomona informs its students that they must leave campus by March 18 and should not expect to return before Pomona announces that all student The College announces a prorated the end of the semester. Spring break workers will continue to be paid whether refund of room and board for all students is extended to two weeks, after which or not they are able to continue their leaving campus, as well as covering all California Gov. Gavin Newsom issues an the College plans to resume its class employment by remote means. Students approved travel costs and other forms executive order urging people aged schedule through remote instruction. who cannot leave campus are asked to of emergency financial assistance for The CDC issues an advisory calling for 65 and older or suffering from certain All spring events are canceled. submit a petition to stay. Students begin to leave campus. departing students. no gatherings of 50 or more people. health conditions to shelter at home.

March 11, 2020 March 12, 2020 March 13, 2020 March 14, 2020 March 15 , 2020 March 16, 2020

Pomona students pick up boxes and other packing supplies at Bridges Auditorium as they prepare to leave campus.

22 Photo by Kristopher Vargas 23 attendant was standing right beside me, going through the normal A defender rushed in to try to block the shot, but Boyle threw a routine that they do when you’re pulling back in terms of the air fake. mask and the seat belt and all that. So I said, ‘Excuse me, ma’am, the “I saw the guy fly by me, and then I had a clean look at the bas- game we’re flying to has just been canceled. Is there any way you can ket. I felt confident in the moment that I could get a good shot off, take us back to the terminal so we can get off the plane?’ and so I just let it fly,” Boyle says. “She goes running up the aisle and I’m thinking to myself, there And so it ended. is no way they’re going to allow us to get off this plane. She comes After their third-round game against Elmhurst College in Illinois back 30, 45 seconds later and says, ‘Yep, we’re going to pull back in was canceled, the team deplaned and returned to campus, where stu- and let you guys get off.’” dents were packing to leave for the semester. For seniors Boyle, Kel- So unfurled one of the most emotional turnarounds in the history bert, Micah Elan PI ’20, Adam Rees ’20 and Matthew Paik ’20, it of Pomona-Pitzer Athletics. The only way a season usually ends on a was the end of the line. buzzer-beating victory is when a team wins a championship, unless a “That’s the tough thing, just trying to squeeze in that emotional team’s not good enough to make the postseason at all. Instead, it journey,” Kelbert says. “I think there was a four-day turnaround be- ended by getting off a plane. tween being on that plane ready to take off and then me leaving cam- The shot was one shining moment, now forever in suspended ani- pus for the last time as a senior. People were trying to sell as many mation. things as they possibly can, especially seniors who were like, ‘What “You realize that your sports career is over, for many of us,” James am I going to do with my fridge now?’” Kelbert ’20 says from his home in San Jose as classes moved online Realizing there would be no exit meetings, no banquet, no clo- and events across the country were suspended or canceled because of sure, Katsiaficas and his staff called a meeting for the next day, and The pandemic turned the Sagehens’ first invitation to the Sweet 16 into a bittersweet memory. the global coronavirus pandemic. “You have people crying; you have the team played some loose, somewhat socially distanced pickup ball, people just very upset. It’s a weird feeling, because you’re done, but then had Domino’s pizza for dinner amid informal awards and recog- you hadn’t lost. You go through a whirlwind of feelings and emo- nition. “We all just kind of got to enjoy each other’s company and play The team mobs Jack Boyle ’20 the game we love,” Boyle says. after he hit the The son of University of Colorado Coach Tad Boyle and older game-winning brother of high school senior Pete Boyle, who plans to attend shot to send the Sagehens to the Pomona and play for the Sagehens next season, Boyle is back home BITTERSWEET 16 Sweet 16. near Boulder, studying online and plotting his future. After interning last summer for the San Antonio Spurs, coached by former Pomona- Pitzer coach Gregg Popovich, he plans to pursue coaching for at least a while, maybe get an MBA. By Robyn Norwood Kelbert ultimately plans to pursue medicine. “This just makes me want to become a doctor a whole lot more,” he says. “Just because you see the bravery and you see the selflessness that they go through, because a lot of people are treating tons of vic- tims without any personal protective equipment, knowing very well they could get infected and die from this. “It’s really tough to see them go through these plights but it’s definitely strengthened my own convictions.” The Division III NCAA championship game would have been April 5 in Atlanta, sharing the weekend stage with the NCAA Divi- tions, just trying to navigate all of those. sion I Men’s Final Four. Who is to say where Pomona-Pitzer’s run “But at the end of the day, you’ve got to keep it in perspective, at might have ended? least from my point of view. This is a serious pandemic going on. “I think guys were like, we want more, we want to see where we This is probably the best thing for all of us.” can take this thing,” Katsiaficas says. “But we also know there are a The play will live on in Sagehen lore. bunch of other teams that are dealing with similar situations. Division irst came the shot: Jack Boyle’s spectacular Next came the shock: Sitting on a plane five Down two points with 2.2 seconds to go in the second round of II was in the middle of their national tournament and Division I was three-pointer from the corner as time expired days later on March 12 as they pulled away from the NCAA tournament, Pomona-Pitzer had the ball out of bounds just heading into a lot of their conference tournaments. So you had Fon March 7 sent Pomona-Pitzer to the Sweet the gate at Ontario International Airport to fly to near the Sagehens’ bench. teams all over the country that were chasing their dream of winning a 16 of the NCAA Division III men’s basketball tour- their next game near Chicago, players’ and The strong-armed Kelbert, also the goalie for the Pomona-Pitzer national championship. Spring sports are having their whole season nament for the first time in program history. coaches’ phones started to ding. water polo team, stood on the sideline to inbound the ball. Alex Pre- canceled. So there are plenty of disappointments throughout the “It felt like it hung in the air for almost an eter- “We were 100 yards from the terminal and we ston ’21 set a screen in the lane to free Boyle. And Kelbert led Boyle country. But as we get further away from it, you realize this had to nity,” says Boyle PI ’20, before the ball splashed all looked up at once and saw that the NCAA with a pass like a quarterback leading a receiver, hitting him with a be done. It’s something that makes sense for the country.” through the net for a 71-70 victory over 10th- tournament had been canceled at all levels,” two-handed, diagonal cross-court pass as he arrived in the far corner. The pain and frustration, over time, subside. ranked Emory and the Sagehens ended up in a says Charlie Katsiaficas, men’s basketball coach “Preston set a great screen, so I was I was able to get pretty wide “It’s great to go out, I guess, on a high like that,” Boyle says. “To celebratory pile near midcourt. and professor of physical education. “A flight open,” Boyle says. “Kelbert made an absolutely phenomenal pass.” have your last college athletics experience be that moment.” PCM

Pomona College Magazine 25 A Dining Service employee serves a student with a salad in a “Grab-and-Go container.”

Pomona closes all academic buildings In response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s and expands its work-from-home policy. sweeping new stay-at-home order, Classes resume with remote instruction. The College estimates the extra cost, The College’s Dining Service switches to A special, two-week spring break begins. Pomona asks all staff members who can The College announces that, respecting to date, of dealing with the coronavirus a “Grab-and-Go” system in which the Most students have left campus by this work from home to do so. Pomona makes All students remaining on campus move the wishes of the Class of 2020, pandemic at between $6 million and students remaining on campus receive date. Slightly more than 80 students who Zoom accounts available to all students, into the Oldenborg Center residence, the year’s Commencement ceremony $7 million, including refunds of room their meals in take-out containers and are unable to leave for various reasons faculty and staff and holds first training in where they can all have singles and will be postponed until a future date and board and financial support return with them to their rooms . end up staying on campus. using the online conferencing platform. space for social distancing. to be determined. for departing students.

March 17, 2020 March 18, 2020 March 20, 2020 March 24, 2020 March 30 , 2020 April 13, 2020

26 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine Photo by Kristopher Vargas 27 Gabrielle Starr in an email about the new program. “Supported with a $2,500 fellowship, each student will design a final product that encap-

SURP Becomes RAISE sulates what they learned, achieved or created this summer and that can be shared with the Pomona College community—and we can’t The College’s temporary shift to online interaction took on new forms wait to see the results when summer is over. We are deeply grateful to as summer arrived. Most notably, the College’s usual Student Under- our community of generous donors who have immediately responded graduate Research (SURP) program was restructured, temporarily, by providing over $1.1 million of restricted endowed funds, as well as into the Remote Alternative Independent Summer Experience new gifts, to support our students this summer.” (RAISE), a program designed to provide rising sophomores, juniors In other forms of summer support for students, the College pro- and seniors with multi-week, paid fellowships that will allow them to vided funding for up to 125 Pomona College Internship Program pursue independent projects or connect with faculty research pro- (PCIP) students who will be exploring potential career paths via in- grams, all through virtual means. More than 400 Pomona students ternships performed remotely in fields such as public policy, healthcare have chosen to take part in the program this summer. research and publishing. The institution also okayed the hiring 55 cur- “Students’ proposals covered subjects ranging from art to environ- rent students to work remotely to assist staff and faculty offices across mental analysis and from physics to philosophy,” wrote President G. the campus.

Job-Hunting those skills may have to be adjusted. It’s PCM: How can students job-hunt under PCM: How can alumni help? safer-at-home orders? worth noting that now that companies and organizations are reopening, there is going to Raja: Alumni and parents can be a great re- Raja: Seventy-five percent of jobs are found be great need for them to ramp up quickly. source to students right now. We are work- in the Pandemic through networking; therefore, 75 percent They’re likely going to be looking for short- ing with the Alumni Office and Parent n the fall of 2001, Hazel Raja, now associate dean and senior director of Pomona’s Microsoft Teams , Skype, etc., are hiring. of a student’s job search or internship search term manpower to help pick things back up Relations to explore a number of avenues to Career Development Center, was living in New York when the unthinkable happened— Obviously, the health care sector and phar- should focus on networking. again. And that is something that I think col- connect our students to Sa gehens and Sage- Ithe terrorist attacks of 9/11. “I’d taken out a large loan to go to New York University. maceuticals are booming. Additionally, the In a situation like this where your options lege students are the perfect candidate for, hen-supporters out in the workforce. Our It had always been my dream,” she explains. “I remember feeling overwhelmed and lost; public sector: governments, county offices, to physically network are extremely limited, because short-term work is exactly what #HelpingHens campaign, which launched in I was emotionally drained by all of the loss, trauma and upheaval. I struggled to focus on the schools are actively recruiting. They’re you need to have a really strong online they’re looking for in the summer months. April, signposts mentorship options and the a job search right away. What’s happening now feels very familiar.” looking for people to help quickly launch brand—that’s really important now because Additionally, the Pomona College In- promotion of jobs and internships. The global pandemic has created skyrocketing unemployment just as many of Pomona’s projects to support communities. Other opportunities to woo potential firms in per- ternship Program (PCIP) and RAISE pro- new graduates are job-hunting. “Students will need to continue to practice patience and areas that are actively hiring include account- son are not an option. gram are supporting hundreds of students PCM: What should students do to cope as focus on what they can control. They need to understand that their Plan B is just as impor- ing, logistics and delivery. Students have to “practice their pitch,” in developing their knowledge and employa- they search for work? tant, right now, as their Plan A,” says Raja. “The pandemic has impacted hiring. There Start-ups are a great option right now for and they just have to keep applying for jobs. bility skills though internships and inde- have been delays and fewer jobs posted. Students and our new graduates have to be realis- students and graduates who are enterprising To be quite frank, I don’t think students pendent projects. While those programs are Raja: Students need to take time to process tic,” she says. “But there are things that they can do. And that’s how the CDO can be and nimble. There are a lot of start-ups that apply for enough opportunities. In this type closed for this summer, students can also what’s happening and take care of them- helpful.” are looking for new graduates because of the of environment, it’s even more important develop great skills through remote campus selves by prioritizing their well-being. You skills they bring, their ability to be creative that they are actively applying and that they employment. Available jobs are posted on are a better job-searcher if you feel good PCM: What services are available through should connect with us to get trained. We and innovative thinkers and their ability to apply for even more opportunities than they Handshake. about yourself. And you will feel good about the CDO? can do mock interviews with them and will quickly pivot. would have normally. Additionally, students could take advan- yourself if you are sleeping well, eating well share tips to ensure that they are successful In contrast, there are industries that are It’s worth noting—if you need to take a tage of online learning, online teaching or and taking care of yourself. Raja: The CDO is operating all of our serv- in presenting themselves competitively and actively cutting jobs. If somebody said to pause because the industry you want to go tutoring opportunities, or working for sum- This can be a very isolating experience. ices remotely. We’re offering close to 30 re- authentically in this job market. me, “I want to get a job in the airline indus- into is not making decisions, ask yourself: mer programs for kids (if they enjoy doing Students should really be thinking about mote career advising appointments a day, as try,” I would say, “Well, there are very few What can I do between now and when it re- that kind of thing). their emotional health and schedule time to well as online info sessions and other re- PCM: Who is hiring in this environment? to no jobs being posted in aviation right opens to show how actively engaged I have If students have lost their internships or connect with their roommates, friends and sources through Handshake, plus alumni now.” Additionally, leisure and entertain- been, and how can I improve my candidacy plans for the summer or are not getting any mentors. Mental health is also not some- networking opportunities through our vir- Raja: There are industries that have in- ment have been hit hard. It’s important to for when things reopen? responses, they need to reflect on what they thing that can be neglected. If students had tual programming and resources like Sage- creased their hiring as a result of the pan- recognize that there are some fields, and can do to stay relevant. How can they stay therapy appointments lined up, they should hen Connect and SagePost47. demic. For example, many companies are some jobs, that may just evaporate for the PCM: What advice do you have for students on the radar of the person who hired them keep doing them virtually, because job- Hiring has gone entirely online; recruiters relying on their communication channels to time being or disappear altogether. If a stu- on summer plans? or would have been interested in their candi- searching can lead to increased anxiety, re- are conducting all of their interviews via share messaging, so they are hiring commu- dent is struggling because of the lack of op- dacy under other circumstances? What can gardless of the environment. It’s really easy phone and/or videoconferencing. If stu- nications professionals who focus on social portunities in their chosen career path, I Raja: Summer is a time for building skills they do to help support the employer or that to be down on yourself and take things really dents don’t feel 100% comfortable with media and public relations. Companies that hope they will feel comfortable leaning on through experiences. That expectation hasn’t organization remotely, if they’re willing to personally if you’re not taking care of your using those platforms to interview, they make remote work easier like Zoom, Slack, the CDO for support and advice. changed but the source of how you gain let them do that? well-being. PCM

28 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 29 The College launches a new program for the summer of 2020 to provide multi-week fellowships for students to work on virtual research projects, The faculty votes to grade all Pomona stu- either independently or in partnership The College announces a variety of With families across the nation and dents for spring 2020 semester classes on with faculty. The program is called contingency plans for the start of fall around the globe facing a major a P (Pass), NRP (No Record Pandemic) or RAISE (Remote Alternative semester but notes that final decisions The pandemic-disrupted spring semester economic downturn, the College freezes Pomona suspends all study abroad I (Incomplete) basis. Independent Summer Experience). may not be made until early July. of 2020 comes to a close. 2020–21 tuition at 2019–20 levels. programs for the fall semester of 2020.

April 20, 2020 April 22, 2020 May 7, 2020 May 16, 2020 May 21 , 2020 June 1, 2020

30 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine Photo by Jeff Hing 31 Vian Zada ’16 Fourth-year Medical Student, Georgetown University

Sagehens on “Medical students across the country are helping out with the re- sponse in virtual ways. For me, I am part of the MedStar Telehealth Response Team and, with other students, am calling thousands of pa- the Front Lines tients with their test results. I am also a coach with our school’s disas- ter preparedness exercise, and leading Zoom sessions for first-year Emergency room physician Jonathan Gelber ’10 is on the front lines medical students. I also have an Instagram page @studentsagainst- battling the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic at Highland Hospi- covid, which I am managing with some health professionals in the San tal in Oakland, California. Jennifer Doudna ’85, internationally fa- Diego area, where I grew up. We are hoping to target younger audi- mous for the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique, is establishing a ences with information on social distancing and disease prevention.” high-capacity coronavirus testing lab on the University of California at Berkeley campus. And Victoria Paterno ’75 P ’07, an assistant David Siew ’98 clinical professor in pediatrics at UCLA Medical Center who had re- Internal Medicine Physician, Kirkland, WA tired from private practice, volunteered to return for COVID-19 “Our hospital identified the first large-scale outbreak of COVID-19 duty. Those are just a few of the many Sagehens across the country disease in the United States after noting an influx of patients with un- who are responding to the pandemic. Here are a few of their stories explained respiratory disease from a local care facility. Up until that in their own voices. point, COVID-19 still felt a world away and none of these patients had the primary risk factor: international travel. We were shocked to Jonathan Gelber ’10 discover ourselves at the initial national epicenter of the pandemic. I Emergency Room Physician, Oakland, CA am amazed and humbled by the mobilization of our hospital and the multidisciplinary effort of every member of our organization to care “We do care predominately for vulnerable patients, people of unsta- for the community. My group continues to treat many hospitalized ble housing or frankly, homeless,” Gelber told CNN on March 30. patients with the disease and has compiled the lessons we are learning “When we work to plan discharges, when we tell people things like for other health care providers. ... The growing and evolving body of ‘shelter in place,’ [we’ve learned] to make sure people have a shelter knowledge regarding COVID-19 requires providers to assimilate new to ‘shelter in place’ in. We think it’s a lot easier to tell somebody information on a daily basis. Since there are many uncertainties, we Dr. Jonathan Glater ’10 like me to go hang out at home for two weeks and get food deliv- is interviewed on CNN have to collaborate with others and form our own critical conclusions growing louder. I cheer for my colleagues working in medicine, but COVID-19 pandemic grew. We saw at ered. It’s a little harder when the patient is a 55-year-old gentleman on March 30, 2020. on which to base our testing and treatment strategies.” also for the other essential personnel that are making this time in our least five cases of catastrophic large blood who lives in a tent encampment under the 45th Street bypass, and lives easier, like those working in grocery stores, hardware stores, and vessel strokes in patients under 60 who with 15 other people. So we’ve learned how to plan for that and see Daniel Low ’11 bodegas, and delivering food and driving public transportation that were infected with COVID-19. On at least one occasion, we inter- our problems ahead of time before they arise. That’s saying, hey, Famiy Medicine Physician, Seattle, WA helps me get to work. It reminds me that we’re all in it together, and vened with a thrombectomy revealing a larger than normal blood how do we keep the curve flat, how do we keep patients like this that despite how unbelievable and painful this time is, we still feel clot. Not all of these patients survived as a result of related respiratory from infecting other patients at shelters, at homeless encampments, “I think it is critically important to highlight the disproportionate ef- hope and optimism.” complications. Those who did survive were discharged to nursing fa- as well as the general patient population? And how do we keep the fect that COVID-19 has on marginalized communities. Certainly, cilities often still suffering from debilitating hemiparesis and aphasia.” people in the emergency room safe from infecting each other in the COVID-19 has touched virtually everyone, but the manifestations are lobby?” exacerbating existing socioeconomic and racial inequities in our coun- Vicki Chia ’08 Johanna Glaser ’10 try. Community health centers are being hit particularly hard and are Chief Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, MA Fourth-year Medical Student, UC San Francisco School of Medicine Zack Haberman ’10 having particular difficulty in serving the most disenfranchised individ- “I have borne witness to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic Emergency Room Physician, Stockton, CA uals in our communities. Without a critical lens focusing on the most “I just finished a rotation in a skilled nursing facility at the local VA has had on the birth experiences of patients whose communities have vulnerable, things as seemingly utilitarian as the ethical rationing of [Veterans Affairs] hospital. All of my patients during this time, men “My ER serves a diverse community, including a large elderly and so- historically experienced denials of reproductive freedom. Restricting limited ventilators will ultimately worsen healthcare disparities because over 70 years old with comorbidities, were among the highest risk for cioeconomically underserved population. I am seeing the number of the presence of a patient’s labor support person(s), disclosing their criteria for respirators often focus on the absence of chronic condi- serious illness and death if exposed to SARS-CoV-2. It’s been devas- COVID patients continue to grow. While I can draw on what I’ve diagnosis of COVID-19, and making the recommendation of separa- tions, and yet we know that structural violence and systemic racism tating to see the fatality rate of this pandemic among the elderly, es- learned from basic science at Pomona, medical school and residency, tion from their baby feels like an emotional assault on a new parent, have resulted in communities of color and economically disadvantaged pecially those residing communally, with about a fifth of all deaths in the scariest part of the virus is how much is unknown. In many ways, especially one who has limited resources in terms of housing and people having higher rates of chronic conditions at baseline. I’m try- the U.S. due to COVID-19 being linked to nursing facilities. Luckily, I am used to that—my job is to see patients with an unknown illness childcare. Additionally, my fellow health care providers and I are ex- ing to push an agenda that focuses on and responds to the most un- not a single occupant of the facility where I was on rotation had any or problem and make life-or-death decisions based on incomplete in- periencing the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) derserved during this crisis, as we already have emerging data worrisome symptoms nor had tested positive for the virus. This, how- formation. However, the more I see and read about the virus, it through hospital policies that ration or require reuse of PPE, and lim- demonstrating that these communities are the most hard-hit.” ever, came at the cost of extreme isolation for this otherwise highly doesn’t seem to respond in the same way that other serious heart and itations in testing capacity have resulted in late diagnosis and delayed sociable group of men. ... lung emergencies do. Because of that, we still don’t know the best identification of health care worker exposures.” Kate Dzurilla ’11 “I hope that we can take this moment to reexamine how we de- way to treat patients—especially the sickest ones. And unlike most Nurse Practitioner, Brooklyn, NY liver health and essential services in our country, with a new focus emergencies, it is putting myself, my co-workers and our families at Shennan Weiss ’00 on marginalized populations and health equity. ... In the medical risk. I’ve already had to take care of my colleagues who have fallen ill “I live on the Upper West Side, and look forward to 7 p.m. every Neurologist, East Brooklyn, NY context and more broadly, let us take this unprecedented event as from COVID, and I get a pit in my stomach knowing that there will night when we open our windows to hear cheers, applause, trumpets, “As a neurologist I was consulted for cases of stroke, seizure and con- an opportunity to avoid unnecessary suffering and inequality in be more to come.” bells, dogs barking, etc. Each night over the past week the cheers are fusion. We saw an increase in the number of our consultations as the the future.”

32 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 33 A Democracy Reader: Polarization and Violence

AN EXCERPT FROM FIELD OF BLOOD By Joanne Freeman ’84

RITING THIS BOOK The Field of Blood: Violence in was an emotional process. Immersing myself in Congress and the Road to Civil War extreme congressional discord and national divi- By Joanne Freeman ’84 siveness at a time of extreme congressional dis- Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2018 cord and national divisiveness was no easy 480 pages, $28 Wthing. At various points, I had to walk away and get some distance. At other points, unfolding events sent me scurrying to my keyboard to hash things out. Of course, there are worlds of difference between the pre–Civil War Congress and the Congress of today. But the similari- ties have much to tell us about the many ways in which the People’s became friends; Boehner was best man at Young’s wedding. And accord- Branch can help or hurt the nation. ing to the press reports that addressed the incident, it wasn’t the first Many years ago, when I began researching this book, it was far time that Young pulled a knife in the halls of Congress. In 1988, he re- less timely and far more puzzling. There seemed to be so much vio- portedly waved one at a supporter of a bill that would have restricted log- lence in the House and Senate chambers in the 1830s, 1840s, and ging in Alaska. (He also angrily shook an oosik—the penis bone of a 1850s. Shoving. Punching. Pistols. Bowie knives. Congressmen walrus—at an Interior Department official who wanted to restrict walrus brawling in bunches while colleagues stood on chairs to get a good hunting in 1994, but that’s an entirely different matter.) Two of these look. At least once, a gun was fired on the House floor. Why hadn’t confrontations made the papers when they happened, but only recently this story been told? has the Boehner showdown come to light. Remarkably, even in an age of That question is answered in the pages that follow, which reveal for round-the-clock multimedia press coverage, what happens in Congress the first time the full scope and scale of physical violence in Congress sometimes stays in Congress. between 1830 and the Civil War. Yet even knowing that answer, I did- From a modern vantage point, it’s tempting to laugh—or gasp—at n’t fully grasp how such congressional fireworks could remain under- such outbursts and move on, and sometimes that’s merited. (The cover until last year. In a long and intimate Politico interview, former oosik incident is definitely worth a chuckle.) As alarming as Young’s House Speaker John Boehner revealed that some time ago, during a knifeplay seems, it says less about a dangerous trend than it does contentious debate over earmarks (items tacked onto bills to benefit a about a somewhat flamboyant congressman. member of Congress’s home state), Alaska Republican Don Young And yet congressional combat has meant much more than that— pushed him up against a wall in the House chamber and threatened especially in the fraught final years before the Civil War. In those

him with a knife. According to Boehner, he stared Young down, tossed times, as this book will show, armed groups of Northern and South- off a few cusswords, and the matter ended. According to Young, they later ern congressmen engaged in hand-to-hand combat on the House w

Pomona College Magazine 35 floor. Angry about rights violated and needs denied, and worried of a confidential memorandum with three signatures on the bottom: A Democracy Reader: Emergencies and Power about the degradation of their section of the Union, they defended Benjamin Franklin Wade (R-OH), Zachariah Chandler (R-MI), and their interests with threats, fists, and weapons. Simon Cameron (R-PA). And it told a striking story. When that fighting became endemic and congressmen strapped on One night in 1858, Wade, Chandler, and Cameron—all antislav- knives and guns before heading to the Capitol every morning—when ery—decided that they’d had enough of Southern insults and bul- they didn’t trust the institution of Congress or even their colleagues lying. Outraged by the onslaught of abuse, they made a difficult to protect their persons—it meant something. It meant extreme po- decision. Swearing loyalty to one another, they vowed to challenge The larization and the breakdown of debate. It meant the scorning of par- future offenders to duels and fight “to the coffin.” There seemed to liamentary rules and political norms to the point of abandonment. It be no other way to stem the flow of Southern insults than to fight meant that structures of government and the bonds of Union were back, Southern-style. This was no easy choice. They fully expected eroding in real time. In short, it meant the collapse of our national to be ostracized back home; in the North, dueling was condemned Authoritarian civic structure to the point of crisis. The nation didn’t slip into dis- as a barbaric Southern custom. But that punishment seemed no union; it fought its way into it, even in Congress. worse than the humiliation they faced every day in Congress. So The fighting wasn’t new in the late 1850s; it had been happening they made their plans known, and— according to their statement— for decades. Like the Civil War, the roots of congressional combat ran they had an impact. “[W]hen it became known that some northern Pandemic senators were ready to fight, for sufficient cause,” the tone of Southern insults softened, though the abuse went on. The story is dramatic, but what affected me most when I first read it was the “The nation didn’t way the three men told it; even years later, they could barely contain An Essay by Mieczysław P. Boduszy´nski themselves. “Gross personal abuse” had an impact on these men, Associate Professor of Politics, Pomona College slip into disunion; it and it was mighty. Not only did it threaten “their very manhood” on a daily basis, but by silencing Northern congressmen, it deprived their constituents of their representative rights, an “unendurable HE WORLD WAS ALREADY fought its way into it, outrage” that made them “frantic with rage and shame.” To Wade, in an authoritarian moment even be- Chandler, and Cameron, sustained Southern bullying wasn’t a mere fore COVID-19 overwhelmed our matter of egos and parliamentary power plays. It struck at the heart even in Congress.” lives in the spring of 2020. After a of who they were as men and threatened the very essence of repre- surge of democratization following sentative government. the end of the Cold War, in the late 2000s deep. So did its sectional tone and tempo; Southern congressmen had They had to do something. And they did. T democratic gains began to reverse. Since long been bullying their way to power with threats, insults, and vio- These men were doing their best to champion their cause and 2006, more countries have declined in free- lence in the House and Senate chambers, deploying the power of public their constituents in trying times, and they said so in their statement. dom than gained it. At the same time, demo- humiliation to get their way, antislavery advocates suffering worst of They had written it “for those who come after us to study, as an ex- cratic openings in diverse parts of the world all. This isn’t to say that Congress was in a constant state of chaos; it ample of what it once cost to be in favor of liberty, and to express have failed to produce democracy. Neither the was a working institution that got things done. But the fighting was such sentiments in the highest places of official life in the United Arab Spring of 2011 (with the notable excep- common enough to seem routine, and it mattered. By affecting what States.” They were pleading with posterity—with us—to understand tion of Tunisia) nor electoral challenges to au- Congress did, it shaped the nation. how threatened they had felt, how frightened they had been, how tocracy in countries such as Venezuela and It also shaped public opinion of Congress. Americans generally much it had taken for them to fight back, and thus how valuable was Zimbabwe succeeded in reversing the slide to- like their representatives far more than they like the institution of their cause. In a handful of paragraphs, they bore witness to the pres- ward authoritarianism. Only six of the world’s Congress. They like them all the more if they are aggressive, defend- ence and power of congressional violence. 15 most populous countries (India, the ing the rights and interests of the folks back home with gusto; When I first read their plea, it brought tears to my eyes. It was so United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Japan and there’s a reason why Don Young’s constituents have reelected him immediate and yet so far away. It was also stunningly human, express- Mexico) can now be classified as democracies. twenty-three times. The same held true in antebellum America; ing anger and outrage and shame and fear and pride all in one. Not And yet even in these countries, the trend has Americans wanted their congressmen to fight for their rights, some- only did it bring the subject of this book to living, breathing life, but it been toward growing executive power and il- times with more than words. showed how it felt to be part of it. By offering a glimpse of the emo- liberal populism. This was direct representation of a powerful kind, however dam- tional reality of their struggle, Wade, Chandler, and Cameron opened The novel coronavirus has already exacer- aging it proved to be. The escalation of such fighting in the late a window onto the lost world of congressional violence. bated these trends, for reasons both internal 1850s was a clear indication that the American people no longer The lessons of their time ring true today: when trust in the Peo- and external to the countries experiencing “Since 2006, trusted the institution of Congress to address their rights and needs. ple’s Branch shatters, part of the national “we” falls away. Nothing democratic decline. The impact of this growing distrust was severe. Unable to turn to better testifies to the importance of Congress in preserving and I begin with the internal. Coronavirus has more countries the government for resolution, Americans North and South turned defining the American nation than witnessing the impact of its sys- led people to fear for their lives. History on one another. The same held true for congressmen; despite the temic breakdown. PCM teaches us that when people fear for their tempering influence of cross-sectional friendships, they, too, lost faith have declined lives, they tend to be willing to trade freedom in their sectional other. In time, the growing fear and distrust tore Joanne Freeman ’84 is the Class of 1954 Professor of American History and of American Studies at Yale University. “Author’s Note” from THE FIELD OF for security. Measures like border closures are the nation apart. in freedom BLOOD: VIOLENCE IN CONGRESS AND THE ROAD TO CIVIL WAR by immensely popular because it shows people Toward the start of my research, I discovered poignant testimony Joanne B. Freeman. Copyright © 2018 by Joanne B. Freeman. that the state is doing something. In this w than gained it.” to the power of congressional threats and violence. It took the form Reprinted by permission of Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

36 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine sense, a pandemic resembles war, which also tends to produce a to Latin America. Now they feel they have the acquiescence of a “rally-around-the-flag” effect in which people are willing to stand be- White House only interested in a transactional foreign policy. A Democracy Reader: Responsibilities of Office hind their leaders, often in an uncritical way. We saw this with the Pa- The coronavirus has distracted Washington, giving autocrats even triot Act after 9/11 in the United States, but even way back in the more room to ramp up repression. On top of that, the Trump admin- Middle Ages, European monarchs increased their power as a result of istration’s “America First” approach means that it has yielded the the plague that devastated the continent at the time. diplomatic prerogative to competitors such as China, Russia and Iran, Democracy may be sufficiently robust to withstand a temporary who have cleverly exploited the void by offering assistance and strengthening of executive power and a weakening of independent spreading disinformation. China’s influence was growing even before institutions to respond to a crisis in well-developed democracies. COVID-19, but with growing economic hardship, countries are pur- However, in new or fragile democracies, autocrats looking to main- suing new forms of economic cooperation with Beijing. Ironically, tain their power and patronage under the cover of coronavirus can despite its own coronavirus failures and despite being the source of deal a fatal blow to democratic institutions. They can harness a sense the pandemic, China’s reputation is improving. China, of course, is of fear or disruption to solidify their own power or that of their rul- not interested in democracy and human rights and, if anything, ing clique or to expand it further. They can also use disinformation as prefers to deal with other autocratic states. Meanwhile, the perceived a tactic—as a way of distracting, dividing and discrediting legitimate, shortcomings of the U.S. response to the pandemic coupled with do- factual sources of information while disparaging experts. In the end, mestic failures—think the brutal killing of George Floyd and the re- disinformation, too, undermines democracy. This tactic, sadly, has sulting protests—have lowered American credibility as a promoter of also been deployed here in the United States more recently, but it has democracy and human rights. “I can’t breathe,” the Chinese foreign a long history in the autocratic toolbox. ministry recently tweeted in response The legitimacy of elections—the to U.S. criticism of its policies in Hong AN EXCERPT FROM most basic ingredient of democracy— “‘I can’t breathe,’ the Kong. can also be undermined by leaders Thus, the pandemic has strength- under the cover of the coronavirus Chinese foreign ministry ened the fortunes of the world’s “au- threat. This can entail suggesting that recently tweeted in response tocracy promoters”—countries such as alternate voting methods are inherently China, Russia, the United Arab Emi- corrupted or delaying elections in the to U.S. criticism.” rates and others. In part this is because name of the pandemic. the Trump administration (with the THE OATH Consider the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), a region I possible exception of the Chinese power grab in Hong Kong), which teach and write about at Pomona. MENA leaders are using COVID- has already proven that democracy promotion plays a minor role in 19 as an opportunity to expand their political and security authorities. its foreign policy, is even less willing to stand up to them. These changes are likely to be permanent and will lay the ground- In sum, both internal and external counter-democratic trends— work for stronger authoritarianism across the region. Egypt has many of which were already evident before coronavirus spread across cracked down on journalists, including detaining prominent Egyptian the globe—have only been strengthened by the pandemic. In the AND journalist Lina Attalah and summoning foreign correspondents to short and medium term, the effect on democracy around the world is complain about their critical coverage of the country’s coronavirus thus grim. response. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a deal to What about the longer term? The answer will depend in part on form an “emergency government” that would allow him to remain in how ordinary citizens react to the expansion of state power in both office after three failed attempts to form a ruling coalition. Jordan democracies and dictatorships. After all, when a vaccine is made avail- THE OFFICE and Morocco have similarly used emergency powers to arrest journal- able and the threat of the virus dissipates, governments will have less ists and citizens for “spreading rumors” about the virus. room for maneuver. Corruption and overreach will be exposed. Will By Corey Brettschneider ’95 But there is an external autocracy-strengthening dimension to the people rebel, or will they be complacent? pandemic as well, and also one that bolsters trends that had emerged We might see evidence of both, depending on the country. In before COVID-19. In recent years, the democracy and human rights Hong Kong, we have seen protests against Beijing already. In Iraq, promoting role of the United States has diminished greatly. Part of Algeria, Iran and Lebanon—all places in which there were ongoing this is a function of declining U.S. power, but it is also about the mass protests before COVID-19 and where services are poor and Trump administration’s relinquishing of America’s traditional democ- corruption is rampant—protests could quickly re-emerge. On the racy-promoting role. The administration has not only turned a blind other hand, major protests could also contribute to a second wave of eye to repression around the world, but in some cases the president infections, providing a pretext for further government crackdowns. himself has openly praised autocrats like Egyptian president Abdel Yet, in another scenario, protests might not erupt at all, given the Fattah al-Sisi while disparaging allies like German Chancellor Angela fear of past violent government repression and the fact that anti- Merkel. protest measures are likely to be more brutal than ever. And also be- This has created a permissive international environment for the cause the measures deployed in response to the pandemic could give spread of autocracy around the world. While in the past the threat of civil society, opposition groups and other vestiges of democracy a de- U.S. censure (though that was hardly consistent even before Trump) cisive death blow in countries where democratic institutions were al- moderated the authoritarian excesses of regimes from Eastern Europe ready weak. PCM

38 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 39 phasized the limits of the presidential office. He held the inaugural The Constitution creates and defines the duties of the three ceremony in the relatively modest Senate Chamber of Congress Hall, branches of government: legislative, judicial, and executive—the last OU WANT TO SERVE YOUR COUNTRY. The Oath and the Office: A Guide located just steps from Independence Hall, where he had presided of which contains the office of the presidency. The Constitution You aspire to run for office—and not just any office. You to the Constitution for Future Presidents over the Constitutional Convention six years earlier. This choice of strictly limits the president’s powers in Article II, but it also limits the want to be president of the United States. By Corey Brettschneider ’95 venue signified his respect for the legislative branch as a coequal to president in other creative ways: by granting certain powers to the If you succeed, you will control the most advanced W. W. Norton & Company, 2018 his own executive branch. In his speech, Washington challenged other two branches, letting states retain certain privileges, and en- technology ever conceived, much of it secret. You will be 224 pages, $22.95 Americans to stop him should he fail to live up to his duties: shrining the rights of the people. Each of the three branches inter- Yable to authorize missile strikes, negotiate treaties, and spy on people prets the Constitution and encourages the others to act in ways that around the world. And with a vast payroll, you will now run the Previous to the execution of any official act of the President, the Con- are consistent with its requirements. largest employer in the country—the federal government. stitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about to take, This includes you, no matter where you live or what you do. The For a moment, say that you win. You might hope to use this you succeed, you can be remembered with Lincoln among the greats. and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my administra- Constitution is not magically self-enforcing, and there is no “Consti- power to achieve great things such as ending poverty, providing af- All presidents, from George Washington to Donald Trump, began tion of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly or tution police.” Not even the Supreme Court will always succeed in fordable health care, or eliminating violent crime. You will have the their terms with dreams of accomplishing great things. But whether knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring constitu- defending the Constitution’s values and enforcing the proper limits it ability to influence legislation and shape decisions about how to use your presidency is monumental or disastrous will hinge largely on a tional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now places on you. Fortunately, you will not be alone in defending the the enormous federal budget. Lives, jobs, and trillions of dollars hang simple thing: that you, a future president, understand how the re- witnesses of the present solemn ceremony. Constitution. In the end, it is essential for all citizens to recognize that in the balance—and you have the ability to tip it. As you wave to sponsibilities of the Constitution apply to your job. there is no guarantee that presidents or courts respect the Constitu- your inauguration crowd through a blizzard of confetti, nothing p In emphasizing the solemnity of the oath, Washington here was tion. By demanding that elected representatives—whether senators or

seems out of reach. speaking to future presidents and the future Americans charged with town council members—read, understand, and comply with the Con- What do you need to know to be president? Most of all, you need to Be careful: History might judge your presidency harshly. You holding them accountable. Washington is asking you, a future presi- stitution, the people can make sure that the requirements of the Con- know the U.S. Constitution. As president, your first task is to recite don’t want to be lumped in with Andrew Johnson, a president who dent, to respect the obligations and the limits of your new office. stitution do not become, as Madison worried, mere “parchment the oath of office. You’ll stand in front of your inauguration crowd, opposed and undermined the core values of the country. Surveys of And to those of us who won’t be president, Washington is reminding barriers.” Ultimately, the president is checked not by the Constitution guided by the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and recite the fol- historians from 2002 and 2010 each ranked Johnson as one of the us that we, too, must ensure that a president carries out the duties of itself, but by the American people demanding that it be respected. lowing words: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the worst presidents in American history. He was impeached by the the office. To uphold this duty, though, you need to understand the princi- Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of House of Representatives (but not removed from office by the Sen- Washington’s words here provide the impetus for our focus on what ples of the Constitution for yourself. Together, we’ll be taking a deep my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the ate) for firing his secretary of war Edwin Stanton, an ally of many in the Constitution demands of a president. This guide will detail what dive into our country’s founding document. United States.” Congress at the time. Far worse, he fiercely opposed the Fourteenth you need to know—how to take the oath seriously, and how to under- p This oath is your public contract with the American people, and Amendment—the monumental civil rights achievement of Congress stand both the obligations and the limits that it places on you. It is not reciting it is your first constitutional responsibility. Before you recite The Constitution isn’t the first thing most people think about after the Civil War. The amendment guaranteed equal protection of enough merely to avoid constitutional punishment, although that pun- it, you must know what it means and where it comes from. The oath when they vote for a presidential candidate. My own interest in poli- the law and extended citizenship to African Americans and all people ishment—in the form of impeachment, censure, or losing an election— is found in Article II of the Constitution, which established the presi- tics certainly didn’t start with the Constitution. born or naturalized in the United States. That amendment was neces- is still something you should worry about. You should go beyond this dency and defined its powers and limits. Ratified in 1788 and When I was growing up in Queens, my father worked for a local sary in part because Johnson essentially refused to execute the Thir- bare minimum requirement of the office, and defend the values that amended three years later in 1791 with a Bill of Rights, the Constitu- politician. I sometimes tagged along for political events. And in teenth Amendment, which banned slavery—a violation of his sworn the Constitution enshrines. Unlike President Johnson, and like Presi- tion contains a series of principles that limit the power of all federal Queens, the political event of the year was the Queens Day Celebra- duty to carry out the law of the land. dent Lincoln, you must recognize what the Constitution requires: read officials, including the president, and defines the powers that those tion—a parade that transformed Flushing Meadows Park, a faded On the other hand, Abraham Lincoln, who directly preceded it, study it, and through your speech and actions, promote it. officials do have. The Constitution will serve as your blueprint for gem that had twice held the World’s Fair, into the center of the Johnson, is seen as one of our greatest presidents. Among his many It’s crucial that you see the Constitution’s rules as legitimate con- how to do the president’s job, helping you to anticipate the pitfalls world—in my young eyes, at least. It was the sort of grand event that achievements, he kept the country together by winning the Civil straints, not obstacles to get around. But the Constitution is more than that all presidents should avoid. all the major figures from Queens would attend—and perhaps among War and shepherded the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, just these rules: it stands for a wider morality of limited government The oath itself is a reminder that your powers are conditionally them, a certain future president. It was there, at age nine, that I first which abolished slavery. Why was Lincoln able to be so great? He and respect for people’s rights. You must find a way for your actions granted and come with limits. The Constitution, in literally dictating saw my boyhood hero at the front of the parade: Edward Koch, the had a diligent fascination with the Constitution, the core principles and words to honor and expound those values, while abiding by the your first instant in office, signals clearly that you are not free to act mayor of New York City. that upheld the nation and the presidency, and the history of the limits that your office places upon you. You might be tempted to see however you wish. Article II goes on to provide directions for what At the time, Koch was larger than life. Some even mused that he Framers (the collective term we use for the storied people who the Supreme Court as the sole authority to tell you when you’ve you must do and avoid. The oath is thus not merely a ritual—it is a might become the first Jewish president. Now I was walking directly crafted the Constitution, such as James Madison and Alexander strayed from constitutional values. Sometimes, it does play this role: recognition that you temporarily occupy an immensely powerful of- behind him, right under Koch’s enormous arms, which he threw Hamilton). As the political theorist George Kateb writes, “Lincoln courts have often limited the president by declaring his actions uncon- fice, and that you must internalize the demands and responsibilities open every few seconds as he bellowed to the crowd, “How am I revered the principle of human equality and believed that he there- stitutional. But as you will see, the court’s role in American history has that come with it. Notice that you are promising to “preserve, pro- doin’?” The crowd of onlookers screamed their approval. fore should revere the US Constitution, the system of government often been limited. The Supreme Court has sometimes protected civil tect and defend” the Constitution—not just to avoid violating it. In Just then, Koch whispered to a local politician next to him, “I’d created under it ... making real the abstract principle of human liberties that presidents have put under threat, but at other times it has pledging to “faithfully execute” the office of the president, you love some ice cream. Vanilla.” The politician turned behind, pointed equality.” For Lincoln, that meant standing up for the fundamental failed to do so. As president, you have an obligation to go beyond promise to put aside your private interests to occupy a public and to a man next to me, and snapped, “Get the mayor some ice cream. values of the oath and the Constitution while working within the what courts require of you, taking it upon yourself to defend the prin- limited role on behalf of the American people. If you are not willing Vanilla!” The aide turned and sprinted across the field next to the pa- constraints that limited his office. To end the evil of slavery nation- ciples and rules of the Constitution. In order to do that, you must first to work within these limits and take initiative to promote the docu- rade route, and returned about ten minutes later with a vanilla ice wide, he didn’t rule by dictate; instead, he used the Constitution’s understand what those principles and rules are. ment, the Oval Office isn’t for you. cream cone. legal procedure to pass an amendment accomplishing his goal. Lin- p coln was a great president because he understood how the office of It was George Washington’s second inaugural address—which at That was the day I decided I wanted to be mayor. To the mind of the presidency—used as the Framers had created it—could preserve, 135 words remains the shortest in history—that gave voice to the As a professor of constitutional law, my job is to introduce students a nine-year-old boy, being mayor meant having the power to seem- protect, and defend constitutional values. ideas underlying the oath and the office. Today, we tend to think of to the core tenets of the Constitution. My students are often amazed ingly get anything—even ice cream—and get it on demand. As we shall see, the oath requires that the president uphold the inaugurations as grand affairs, with modern presidents using them to by the scope and foresight of this document. It does more than create What can a nine-year-old boy intuit about politics? A lot, actually. Constitution—even parts with which he or she disagrees. If you fail to draw widespread attention to their agendas. But Washington’s 1793 our entire system of government. It also provides tools that can limit For many adults, it’s moments just like these that draw them to poli- do so, you’ll end up with Johnson on the list of worst presidents. If inauguration was much more subdued—fitting, since his address em- those who try to abuse that system to violate the rights of the people. tics in the first place. For them, the presidency is shorthand for w

40 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 41 fame and power. They want to live in the White House. They want sumed that his readers had done the same. But during Watergate, he dent has suggested that the president is not required to uphold the planation of the Constitution’s ideal of “the people.” To him, the access to the staff. The helicopters. Air Force One. realized that the decline of civics education meant that Nixon’s equal protection of the laws in certain areas, such as immigration. Constitution protected not just against kingly domination, but also When they wrote the Constitution, the Framers were well aware staffers had not developed an appreciation for the limits of the Con- Other thinkers have suggested the Constitution’s ban on “cruel and against the “tyranny of the majority.” A president might become a of the trappings of power. That is why the Constitution’s oath is stitution, instead focusing more on presidential power. Our guide unusual punishment” may not prevent the president from using or tyrant by catering to the worst prejudices of the populace, but Madi- meant to take a private citizen, whose focus lies with his or her own makes clear what Neustadt’s book did not: that the Constitution is sanctioning torture. President Nixon even famously claimed the pres- son argued that the people could never be stripped of their rights— beliefs and desires—whether ice cream or the nuclear football—and not a mere obstacle to get around, and trying to do so would be a ident couldn’t be indicted while in office. However, with Madison as even if a large majority of people favored such a move. Those rights transform that person into a public “officeholder,” whose job is to disservice to the Framers’ ideas. To understand the Constitution, you our guide, we will push back against this strain of Hamiltonian con- allow the people to be the Constitution’s best protector. Sometimes, safeguard the Constitution and the country it governs. Presidents, of need to see that the powers it grants are of a particular kind—loaded stitutional thinking that emphasizes the powers of the president over the people can exact punishment on an errant president indirectly, by course, are required to recite the oath. But reciting it is not enough; with tripwires, trapdoors, and springboards that protect the rights of the constraints on the office. working through the other branches: for example, by demanding vig- they should read the oath carefully, internalizing its fundamental the people and the rule of law. Presidents should celebrate, not be- A president who takes the oath seriously needs to consider these ilance from Congress. But the people can also take action directly, principles and the constraints it creates on the office. When you’ve moan, this complex design. Framers’ competing visions. But the Framers aren’t the only thing using rights like the First Amendment’s free speech protection to crit- just been elected by millions of people, you might feel as if you’re au- The best guide we have to the Constitution is the Federalist Pa- that needs to be considered: the president also needs to consider the icize a president. thorized to do as you wish—or whatever your supporters want you to pers. Written anonymously during the course of a single year between text of the document, case law, and the meaning of later amendments As president, you will be constrained by these legal dynamics of do. But the constraints on your office are critically important. In fact, 1787 and 1788, the Federalist Papers were the project of three such as the Fourteenth Amendment and its Equal Protection Clause. the Constitution. But far more integral to your presidency is some- they are a defining feature of our system of government. Framers—James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay—and The Framers’ ideas should be honored—particularly Madison’s vision thing else: the Constitution’s political morality. By this, I mean the

were an effort to persuade New York and other states to ratify the of a limited presidency—but only as a guide, not as the final word on values of freedom and equality that inform the document beyond its p Constitution. Like many of their fellow Framers, Madison, Hamilton, what the Constitution means. judicially enforceable requirements. We can tell whether presidents In this guide, we will examine the difficult balance between respect- and Jay were concerned about the tyranny of Great Britain, against Madison designed the Constitution to ensure that those of us embrace the Constitution’s values not just by their executive orders ing the wishes of the people who elected you and respecting the lim- which they had just revolted. As a result, the Federalist Papers fo- who will not be president—“the people”—could protect the office or official appointments, but by how they speak to the American peo- its the Constitution places on your power. These limits constrain cused a great deal on how the governmental structure outlined in the from a president who failed to carry out the oath. He and the ple. No court can tell you what to say. But you still must be guided presidents who cater to the worst prejudices of the people who Constitution would protect citizens from a flawed government—in- Framers gave us a Bill of Rights and institutions such as the judiciary, by the Constitution in this crucial endeavor. As president, you should elected them. But such safeguards, which operate by slowing down cluding a despotic president. They emphasized what it meant to be a the Congress, and state governments to protect those rights if a speak for all of us—and more, you should speak for what our country the pace of government, can also contribute to government gridlock. legitimate leader. president failed to do so. stands for, and aspires to be. ... President Harry Truman observed this conundrum firsthand. In James Madison, an author of the Federalist Papers and a primary In modern-day politics, we often try to understand what “We the Some people may tell you that you have to choose between the 1952, as he was preparing to leave office, Truman turned to an aide writer of the Constitution, will serve as our guide throughout this People” want through polls and policy preferences. But the Consti- words and the principles of the Constitution when interpreting the and predicted what would happen to his successor, former general book. Madison is a good guide in large part because he was the tution means something different by “We the People.” These words document, or that you should just listen to the Supreme Court. Dwight Eisenhower, who was accustomed to the military’s famous Framer who most consistently stressed the limits on the president, don’t just refer to voters and their preferences of the moment. And None of these approaches is complete. Looking to the Constitution’s “But the constraints on your office are critically important. In fact, they are a defining feature of our system of government.” efficiency. “He’ll sit here and he’ll say, ‘Do this! Do that!’ And noth- writing, “the ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone.” He they don’t mean that a populist president who claims that his per- text, the history of Supreme Court rulings, and the broader values ing will happen,” Truman mused. “Poor Ike.” was also the most influential proponent of a Bill of Rights. And as sonality reflects the desires of the people has a mandate to ignore the underlying the Constitution gives us the best method to resolve con- Truman’s words indicate a central irony of the American presi- president, Madison went beyond what he believed he was required to requirements of the law. Rather, “We the People” is an ideal of a stitutional disputes and discover the document’s meaning. I refer to dency: yes, the office is immensely powerful. Yet it is so often con- do by the courts, using his own veto power to strike down laws he “constitutional” people—citizens not only versed in the Constitu- this approach as value-based reading. strained and thwarted—by Congress, the courts, the press, the states, viewed as violations against the Constitution. This guide may not al- tion, but who demand that public officials, especially the president, So what are constitutional values? They are best understood as ordinary citizens, and even by its own executive bureaucracy. This lim- ways agree with Madison: for instance, in matters concerning hiring comply with it. principles of constitutional self-government—principles that realize ited role in the constitutional system is no doubt frustrating for presi- and firing, where he wrongly ascribed too much power to a presi- Lincoln explained this constitutional ideal when he distinguished the ideal of an American populace with all citizens regarded as equal, dents, but it serves the wider goal of the Framers: respecting individual dent. But overall, it is Madison’s vision of a limited presidency that between people’s base instincts and their “better angels.” Later, eulo- always retaining their right to rule and influence public life. Although rights and the rule of law—the notion that we are not governed by in- inspires the ideas of this book. gizing the war dead at Gettysburg, Lincoln explained that ours was a the text of the Constitution is the first place to look for signs of these dividuals’ whims but by standards common to all. The constraints are a Madison’s vision of the presidency was just one of many debated government “of the people, by the people, [and] for the people.” values, they have also been argued over and worked out through feature, not a bug. They ensure that the oath is not a set of mere at the time. Another Framer, Alexander Hamilton, stood for a That phrase best explains the Constitution’s meaning and how it Supreme Court cases throughout American history. We will look to words, but that there are mechanisms for constraining a president. markedly different vision. These days, Hamilton, a famous delegate treats the ideal of a constitutional people. We are a government “of” these cases as an important guide to the Constitution, sometimes in- The “Poor Ike” story is often told by scholars of the presidency. It to the Constitutional Convention from New York who later became the people, because ultimately all government officials work for and voking the conclusions of the court’s justices and, where necessary, was reported in Richard Neustadt’s influential book Presidential secretary of the treasury, receives a good deal more popular attention are accountable to “We the People”—an idea expressed in the Con- pointing to how the case law should evolve to better reflect the Con- Power and the Modern Presidents. Neustadt’s book taught future pres- than his fellow Framers. (Let’s just say there is no Madison: The Mu- stitution’s first three words. We are a government “by” the people, in stitution’s deeper values. And throughout, we will come back to the idents and their aides how to use the power of persuasion to lead the sical.) At times, Hamilton was Madison’s ally—recall that they wrote that we participate in elections and in lawmaking. Finally, we are a architect of the Constitution itself: James Madison. In the Federalist country. With its focus on power, the book was so popular in the the Federalist Papers together. But they often clashed, especially on government “for” the people, because we recognize in our founding Papers, his public speeches, and other writings, Madison is essentially 1960s that President Richard Nixon’s chief of staff, H. R. Haldeman, where presidential limits ought to lie. document that each of our fellow citizens is a rights holder. Without speaking to us across the ages. made it required reading for all staffers in the White House. Later, as Hamilton referred to the need for “energy in the executive,” by the right to free speech, we could not conceive of the ideas necessary We should listen. PCM

we’ll see, after Nixon was impeached for his role in the break-in at which he meant the president’s ability to make great things happen to make democratic decisions. If we were denied religious freedom, Corey Brettschneider ’95 is professor of political science at Brown University. the Watergate Hotel and the subsequent cover-up of the event, one quickly. In a Hamiltonian view, the president is not a king—but does we could not truly develop our own beliefs. Excerpted from THE OATH AND THE OFFICE: A GUIDE TO THE CONSTITU- Nixon staffer told Neustadt that “you have to share the responsibil- retain some kinglike powers. He argued that the president should The Constitution protects this higher ideal of “the people” most TION FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS. Copyright © 2018 by Corey Brettschneider. ity” for the illegal actions because of the ideas in his book. have broad powers in war and foreign policy, even though the Con- obviously through the Bill of Rights—the first ten amendments to Excerpted by permission of W. W. Norton & Company. All rights reserved. No Neustadt took this accusation seriously. He had learned to under- stitution didn’t say so explicitly. Madison disagreed. These debates the Constitution. But the structure of the original Constitution itself part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writ- stand the Constitution when he was a student in civics class and as- still resonate long after the Founding. For example, some legal prece- also protects the rights of the people. Madison gave the best early ex- ing from the publisher.

42 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 43 It’s also worth noting However, it is concerning that members A Democracy Reader: Freedom of the Press that these protests are hap- of the media are facing violent acts and ar- pening in the middle of the rests. Now more than ever, we need jour- COVID-19 pandemic. Be- nalists on the ground covering what is cause of that, we’ve had to happening in real time. We are committed to be mindful of how we can informing our viewers of these historic mo- cover these protests up close, ments. Incidents like these only interfere Q&A: The First Amendment in Action while also ensuring the safety with our duty to ensure public transparency of our news team and our in- and our responsibility to tell the stories of terviewees. Now more than those involved in these current events. As multiple crises converged on the nation in weren’t passing beyond a certain point in people are demanding justice for George ever, newsrooms require we May, reporters Marybel Gonzalez ’09 of Tele- town. Things escalated on and off through- Floyd and for all others who have died while have all hands on deck to Can you speak to the commitment of being mundo Chicago and Sam Kelly ’18 of the out the evening as far as confrontations be- in police custody. cover the fast-changing a journalist covering this issue at a time Chicago Sun-Times were sent into the tween police and protestors. As a journalist, it’s been important to events. However, due to the when the media is facing such challenges? Chicago streets to cover the protests and con- cover all angles of how these events, as they pandemic, many newsrooms frontations with police that followed the death add context as to why these protests are tak- PCM: Tell us what you’ve witnessed. across the nation have had to Kelly: It bothers me to see the way Trump of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapo- ing place. cut staff and therefore also talks about the press and the attitudes that lis. Amid a global pandemic, a national reck- Gonzalez: From peaceful demonstrations resources that are needed in people have developed about the press. Be- oning with racism and police brutality and and civil resistance to looting and acts of vio- PCM: Sam, you saw one officer spit at a times like these. cause I think when journalism is done cor- deep political divisions, Gonzalez and Kelly lence between police officers and residents, protestor and others tackle a protestor and rectly, it’s a valuable resource to our reflected on working in journalism in a time I’ve witnessed firsthand how the George hit him with a baton. How surprising was it PCM: There have been in- community, to our society. of crisis amid cries of “fake news” from the Floyd protests and riots have unfolded across to see that kind of reaction from police? stances of reporters being That being said, I understand the frustra- President of the United States. our city and surrounding areas. I’ve reported injured or arrested. Have tion that a lot of communities have with the on a crowd of thousands who took to the Not very surprising, to be honest. I Kelly: you felt unsafe? press, communities that may have been mis- PCM: What was your role in covering the streets of downtown Chicago chanting while understand the history of police in this coun- represented historically. I don’t necessarily recent protests in Chicago? they marched, while others knelt and took a try and Chicago especially. I’ve lived here my Kelly: The only times I ever hold it against anyone who has those convic-

moment of silence to call for an end to racial whole life. I understand that tensions are re- felt unsafe were when I got tions in good faith. I have seen a lot of things Gonzalez: I’ve been covering the protests violence. On the other hand, we’ve also wit- ally high among protestors and among po- caught in the middle of skir- on social media about journalists who are since they first started here in Chicago. The nessed looting of commercial retail stores lice. I work with police every day in my job, mishes or potential skir- coming under attack at protests. And it is in- first large-scale George Floyd protests were Marybel Gonzalez ’09 reporting from the streets of Chicago. and small mom-and-pop shops. We’ve inter- as far as my usual reporting, so I wasn’t sur- mishes. There were a lot of furiating, absolutely, and it makes me upset. held May 30 in downtown Chicago. Since viewed business owners on the aftermath of prised to see them responding that way. times when protestors would But I also think a lot of the journalism com- then, our entire news team has been dili- these acts, some of them denouncing the I have a lot of personal feelings about the PCM: Have you covered protests in the past? start to congregate near cops and maybe a munity is making this about themselves, and gently covering all angles of the current vandalism, while others saying they under- police relationship with Black communities If so, how are these protests different? few rocks would be thrown. Obviously the that bothers me as well, because the commu- events. In conjunction with our NBC 5 sister stand the anger behind them. In areas like and communities of color and impoverished police’s plan for diffusing the situation—and nities that are protesting have been dealing station, we’ve covered every major neighbor- Brighton Park, Pilsen and Cicero we’ve done communities, but I have to put those aside as Gonzalez: While working as an investigative it worked pretty well for them—was just to with that violence forever, for generations. So hood in Chicago and its suburbs. Telemundo stories about how local gang members a journalist and just report what I see as ac- reporter along the U.S.-Mexico border in run in a line at the protestors. Every time if anything the recent events have encour- has specifically focused on the largely His- guarded their neighborhood stores against curately as possible and try to let justification the Rio Grande Valley, I covered protests that happened, the protestors would turn aged me to try be mindful of my role in the panic communities, including Pilsen, Little looting. or lack of justification for any actions make calling attention to family separations due to around and sprint back down the street. I situation as best as I can. The last thing I Village, Belmont Cragin, Brighton Park and We’ve also reported on how some have themselves clear without inserting myself into enforcement of the Zero Tolerance Policy, was on my bike, like I said, so a few times I want to do is make things worse. Within my West Chicago, to name a few. used their own resources, platforms and cre- the situation. But that can be hard sometimes rallies against and in favor of border wall felt nervous about getting caught up in that. power, my main goal has been to put an ac- ativity as a way of protest. In Little Village, because I’m also just a person, and I have my construction along that region, and protests I also knew in those moments the police curate description out there that includes the Kelly: I’m a breaking news reporter, so I for example, a group of people performed an own feelings about the situation. related to the detention of migrant children wouldn’t distinguish me from anyone else, voices and perspectives that maybe haven’t work on the 24-hour breaking desk. I work Aztec dance to show the Latino commu- In that instance, I wasn’t filming when in the area. However, the George Floyd so I had to run with them. been heard from as much in the situation the night shift. The protests were the news, nity’s support for the Black Lives Matter the cop spat at the protestor’s feet because protests are vastly different from ones I’ve that’s going on. and so that’s what I was covering. I got sent movement. In the city of Aurora, business up until that point, it had just been a guy covered in the past. For one, the scale of Gonzalez: Across the country, we’ve learn- out into downtown Chicago on Saturday owners commissioned local artists to paint walking by with his fist raised, shouting slo- these protests is notable. People across the ing of incidents of violence against media. Gonzalez: I believe journalism is critical in night and I put my bike on the bike rack of murals on their boarded-up storefronts to gans, shouting “Black Lives Matter,” “No globe have taken to the streets to protest in We’ve heard reports and seen videos of pho- shaping our democracy. Journalism ensures my car. I parked outside of downtown and show solidarity for the protests. Outside of justice, no peace.” He purposefully walked the name of George Floyd. Social media tographers and reporters allegedly being as- transparency at all levels. Through fact-check- then I biked in. I think the worst of the con- Chicago Police headquarters, Black female very near the officers but never threatened vi- platforms have also played a large role in saulted by law enforcement and residents. ing, it holds those in power accountable; frontations between police and protesters clergy leaders read prayers and poems out olence or anything. I wasn’t filming every this. People have used those streams to coor- We’ve even heard of reports of journalists ar- through storytelling, it gives a voice to those was in the afternoon that day. But it was still loud demanding police reform. single thing I saw because there was so much dinate virtual protests. These avenues have rested while covering a protest. at the center of a given event. Journalism en- certainly pretty hectic late that evening as The manner and platforms in which ac- happening, but once I saw the cop spit at the allowed people to upload images and videos Our company has been very good at sures the public is well-informed so that they well. The cops were frantically just driving all tivists, residents and protestors have ex- guy’s feet, I pulled my phone out. But you of the protests as they are happening. While providing security for us if we are covering can make their own decisions about the issues over the place, in some cases. In other cases, pressed their solidarity varies. However, know there were a lot of moments like that, this has led to a plethora of valuable infor- any large-scale protest or rally. We’ve also that make a difference in their communities. I there were large congregations of police just based on interviews we’ve conducted, the but I wasn’t really processing them emotion- mation being shared, it’s also caused a lot of been instructed to drop our assignment if we would say that democracy cannot exist with- trying to hold lines to make sure people call to action of many of them is the same: ally as much as just trying to do my job. misinformation to spread as well. feel our safety is in jeopardy. out freedom of the press. PCM

44 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 45 A Democracy Reader: Democratic Breakdown

AN EXCERPT FROM HOW DEMOCRACIES DIE By Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt ’95

S OUR DEMOCRACY IN DANGER? How Democracies Die It is a question we never thought we’d be asking. We have been By Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt ’95 colleagues for fifteen years, thinking, writing, and teaching stu- Crown, 2018 dents about failures of democracy in other places and times— 320 pages, $16 Europe’s dark 1930s, Latin America’s repressive 1970s. We have spent years researching new forms of authoritarianism emerging around the globe. For us, how and why democracies die has been an occupational obsession. But now we find ourselves turning to our own country. Over the Ipast two years, we have watched politicians say and do things that are unprecedented in the United States—but that we recognize as having At midday on September 11, 1973, after months of mounting ten- been the precursors of democratic crisis in other places. We feel sions in the streets of Santiago, Chile, British-made Hawker Hunter dread, as do so many other Americans, even as we try to reassure our- jets swooped overhead, dropping bombs on La Moneda, the neoclas- selves that things can’t really be that bad here. After all, even though sical presidential palace in the center of the city. As the bombs contin- we know democracies are always fragile, the one in which we live has ued to fall, La Moneda burned. President Salvador Allende, elected somehow managed to defy gravity. Our Constitution, our national three years earlier at the head of a leftist coalition, was barricaded in- creed of freedom and equality, our historically robust middle class, side. During his term, Chile had been wracked by social unrest, eco- our high levels of wealth and education, and our large, diversified pri- nomic crisis, and political paralysis. Allende had said he would not vate sector—all these should inoculate us from the kind of democratic leave his post until he had finished his job—but now the moment of breakdown that has occurred elsewhere. truth had arrived. Under the command of General Augusto Pinochet, Yet, we worry. American politicians now treat their rivals as ene- Chile’s armed forces were seizing control of the country. mies, intimidate the free press, and threaten to reject the results of Early in the morning on that fateful day, Allende offered defiant elections. They try to weaken the institutional buffers of our democ- words on a national radio broadcast, hoping that his many supporters racy, including the courts, intelligence services, and ethics offices. would take to the streets in defense of democracy. But the resistance American states, which were once praised by the great jurist Louis never materialized. The military police who guarded the palace had Brandeis as “laboratories of democracy,” are in danger of becoming abandoned him; his broadcast was met with silence. Within hours, laboratories of authoritarianism as those in power rewrite electoral President Allende was dead. So, too, was Chilean democracy. rules, redraw constituencies, and even rescind voting rights to ensure This is how we tend to think of democracies dying: at the hands of that they do not lose. And in 2016, for the first time in U.S. history, men with guns. During the Cold War, coups d’état accounted for a man with no experience in public office, little observable commit- nearly three out of every four democratic breakdowns. Democracies in ment to constitutional rights, and clear authoritarian tendencies was Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Greece, elected president. Guatemala, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Thailand, Turkey, and Uruguay What does all this mean? Are we living through the decline and all died this way. More recently, military coups toppled Egyptian fall of one of the world’s oldest and most successful democracies? President Mohamed Morsi in 2013 and Thai Prime Minister w

Pomona College Magazine 47 Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014. In all these cases, democracy dissolved diers but by elected governments themselves. Like Chávez in that other democracies have kept extremists out of power. A compar- stitutional system designed by the founders. Democracies work in spectacular fashion, through military power and coercion. Venezuela, elected leaders have subverted democratic institutions in ative approach also reveals how elected autocrats in different parts of best—and survive longer—where constitutions are reinforced by un- But there is another way to break a democracy. It is less dramatic Georgia, Hungary, Nicaragua, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, the world employ remarkably similar strategies to subvert democratic written democratic norms. Two basic norms have preserved Amer- but equally destructive. Democracies may die at the hands not of Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Ukraine. Democratic backsliding today begins institutions. As these patterns become visible, the steps toward break- ica’s checks and balances in ways we have come to take for granted: generals but of elected leaders—presidents or prime ministers who at the ballot box. down grow less ambiguous—and easier to combat. Knowing how cit- mutual toleration, or the understanding that competing parties ac- subvert the very process that brought them to power. Some of these The electoral road to breakdown is dangerously deceptive. With a izens in other democracies have successfully resisted elected autocrats, cept one another as legitimate rivals, and forbearance, or the idea that leaders dismantle democracy quickly, as Hitler did in the wake of the classic coup d’état, as in Pinochet’s Chile, the death of a democracy is or why they tragically failed to do so, is essential to those seeking to politicians should exercise restraint in deploying their institutional 1933 Reichstag fire in Germany. More often, though, democracies immediate and evident to all. The presidential palace burns. The pres- defend American democracy today. prerogatives. These two norms undergirded American democracy for erode slowly, in barely visible steps. ident is killed, imprisoned, or shipped off into exile. The constitution We know that extremist demagogues emerge from time to time in most of the twentieth century. Leaders of the two major parties ac- In Venezuela, for example, Hugo Chávez was a political outsider is suspended or scrapped. On the electoral road, none of these things all societies, even in healthy democracies. The United States has had cepted one another as legitimate and resisted the temptation to use who railed against what he cast as a corrupt governing elite, promis- happen. There are no tanks in the streets. Constitutions and other its share of them, including Henry Ford, Huey Long, Joseph Mc- their temporary control of institutions to maximum partisan advan- ing to build a more “authentic” democracy that used the country’s nominally democratic institutions remain in place. People still vote. Carthy, and George Wallace. An essential test for democracies is not tage. Norms of toleration and restraint served as the soft guardrails of vast oil wealth to improve the lives of the poor. Skillfully tapping into Elected autocrats maintain a veneer of democracy while eviscerating whether such figures emerge but whether political leaders, and espe- American democracy, helping it avoid the kind of partisan fight to the the anger of ordinary Venezuelans, many of whom felt ignored or its substance. cially political parties, work to prevent them from gaining power in death that has destroyed democracies elsewhere in the world, includ- mistreated by the established political parties, Chávez was elected Many government efforts to subvert democracy are “legal,” in the the first place—by keeping them off mainstream party tickets, refus- ing Europe in the 1930s and South America in the 1960s and 1970s. president in 1998. As a woman in Chávez’s home state of Barinas put sense that they are approved by the legislature or accepted by the ing to endorse or align with them, and when necessary, making com- Today, however, the guardrails of American democracy are weak- it on election night, “Democracy is infected. And Chávez is the only courts. They may even be portrayed as efforts to improve democ- mon cause with rivals in support of democratic candidates. Isolating ening. The erosion of our democratic norms began in the 1980s and antibiotic we have.” racy—making the judiciary more efficient, combating corruption, or popular extremists requires political courage. But when fear, oppor- 1990s and accelerated in the 2000s. By the time Barack Obama be- When Chávez launched his promised revolution, he did so demo- cleaning up the electoral process. tunism, or miscalculation leads established parties to bring extremists came president, many Republicans, in particular, questioned the legit- cratically. In 1999, he held free elections for a new constituent assem- Newspapers still publish but are bought off or bullied into self-cen- into the mainstream, democracy is imperiled. imacy of their Democratic rivals and had abandoned forbearance for a bly, in which his allies won an overwhelming majority. This allowed sorship. Citizens continue to criticize the government but often find Once a would–be authoritarian makes it to power, democracies strategy of winning by any means necessary. Donald Trump may have the chavistas to single-handedly write a new constitution. It was a themselves facing tax or other legal troubles. This sows public confu- face a second critical test: Will the autocratic leader subvert demo- accelerated this process, but he didn’t cause it. The challenges facing democratic constitution, though, and to reinforce its legitimacy, new sion. People do not immediately realize what is happening. Many con- cratic institutions or be constrained by them? Institutions alone are American democracy run deeper. The weakening of our democratic presidential and legislative elections were held in 2000. Chávez and norms is rooted in extreme partisan polarization—one that extends his allies won those, too. Chávez’s populism triggered intense opposi- beyond policy differences into an existential conflict over race and tion, and in April 2002, he was briefly toppled by the military. But culture. America’s efforts to achieve racial equality as our society the coup failed, allowing a triumphant Chávez to claim for himself grows increasingly diverse have fueled an insidious reaction and in- even more democratic legitimacy. “History doesn’t repeat itself. But it rhymes...” tensifying polarization. And if one thing is clear from studying break- It wasn’t until 2003 that Chávez took his first clear steps toward downs throughout history, it’s that extreme polarization can kill authoritarianism. With public support fading, he stalled an opposi- tinue to believe they are living under a democracy. In 2011, when a not enough to rein in elected autocrats. Constitutions must be de- democracies. tion-led referendum that would have recalled him from office—until Latinobarómetro survey asked Venezuelans to rate their own country fended—by political parties and organized citizens, but also by demo- There are, therefore, reasons for alarm. Not only did Americans a year later, when soaring oil prices had boosted his standing enough from 1 (“not at all democratic”) to 10 (“completely democratic”), 51 cratic norms. Without robust norms, constitutional checks and elect a demagogue in 2016, but we did so at a time when the norms for him to win. In 2004, the government blacklisted those who had percent of respondents gave their country a score of 8 or higher. balances do not serve as the bulwarks of democracy we imagine them that once protected our democracy were already coming unmoored. signed the recall petition and packed the supreme court, but Because there is no single moment—no coup, declaration of mar- to be. Institutions become political weapons, wielded forcefully by But if other countries’ experiences teach us that polarization can kill Chávez’s landslide reelection in 2006 allowed him to maintain a tial law, or suspension of the constitution—in which the regime obvi- those who control them against those who do not. This is how democracies, they also teach us that breakdown is neither inevitable democratic veneer. The chavista regime grew more repressive after ously “crosses the line” into dictatorship, nothing may set off elected autocrats subvert democracy—packing and “weaponizing” nor irreversible. Drawing lessons from other democracies in crisis, 2006, closing a major television station, arresting or exiling opposi- society’s alarm bells. Those who denounce government abuse may be the courts and other neutral agencies, buying off the media and the this book suggests strategies that citizens should, and should not, fol- tion politicians, judges, and media figures on dubious charges, and dismissed as exaggerating or crying wolf. Democracy’s erosion is, for private sector (or bullying them into silence), and rewriting the rules low to defend our democracy. eliminating presidential term limits so that Chávez could remain in many, almost imperceptible. of politics to tilt the playing field against opponents. The tragic para- Many Americans are justifiably frightened by what is happening to power indefinitely. When Chávez, now dying of cancer, was reelected dox of the electoral route to authoritarianism is that democracy’s as- our country. But protecting our democracy requires more than just in 2012, the contest was free but not fair: Chavismo controlled much How vulnerable is American democracy to this form of backsliding? sassins use the very institutions of democracy—gradually, subtly, and fright or outrage. We must be humble and bold. We must learn from of the media and deployed the vast machinery of the government in The foundations of our democracy are certainly stronger than those even legally—to kill it. other countries to see the warning signs—and recognize the false its favor. After Chávez’s death a year later, his successor, Nicolás in Venezuela, Turkey, or Hungary. But are they strong enough? alarms. We must be aware of the fateful missteps that have wrecked Maduro, won another questionable reelection, and in 2014, his gov- Answering such a question requires stepping back from daily America failed the first test in November 2016, when we elected a other democracies. And we must see how citizens have risen to meet ernment imprisoned a major opposition leader. Still, the opposition’s headlines and breaking news alerts to widen our view, drawing les- president with a dubious allegiance to democratic norms. Donald the great democratic crises of the past, overcoming their own deep- landslide victory in the 2015 legislative elections seemed to belie crit- sons from the experiences of other democracies around the world and Trump’s surprise victory was made possible not only by public disaf- seated divisions to avert b reakdown. History doesn’t repeat itself. But ics’ claims that Venezuela was no longer democratic. It was only throughout history. For the sake of clarity, we are defining a democ- fection but also by the Republican Party’s failure to keep an extremist it rhymes. The promise of history, and the hope of this book, is that when a new single-party constituent assembly usurped the power of racy as a system of government with regular, free and fair elections, in demagogue within its own ranks from gaining the nomination. we can find the rhymes before it is too late. PCM Congress in 2017, nearly two decades after Chávez first won the which all adult citizens have the right to vote and possess basic civil How serious is the threat now? Many observers take comfort in presidency, that Venezuela was widely recognized as an autocracy. liberties such as freedom of speech and association. Studying other our Constitution, which was designed precisely to thwart and contain This is how democracies now die. Blatant dictatorship—in the democracies in crisis allows us to better understand the challenges demagogues like Donald Trump. Our Madisonian system of checks Daniel Ziblatt ’95 and Steven Levitsky are colleagues at Harvard University, form of fascism, communism, or military rule—has disappeared facing our own. For example, based on the historical experiences of and balances has endured for more than two centuries. It survived where Ziblatt is the Eaton Professor of the Science of Government and Levitsky across much of the world. Military coups and other violent seizures other nations, we have developed a litmus test to help identify the Civil War, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and Watergate. is professor of government. Excerpted from HOW DEMOCRACIES DIE. Copy- of power are rare. Most countries hold regular elections. Democracies would–be autocrats before they come to power. We can learn from Surely, then, it will be able to survive Trump. right © 2019 by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. Excerpted by permission of still die, but by different means. Since the end of the Cold War, most the mistakes that past democratic leaders have made in opening the We are less certain. Historically, our system of checks and balances Broadway Books. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be repro- democratic breakdowns have been caused not by generals and sol- door to would–be authoritarians—and, conversely, from the ways has worked pretty well—but not, or not entirely, because of the con- duced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

48 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 49 of us reflects on all of us. Especially in the age of hand-held video and police chief. “Civilians can hold the police accountable in ways that A Democracy Reader: Equal Justice Under the Law body cameras, our conduct is on display and subject to review.” extend far beyond individual complaints, potentially covering broad He adds that incidents involving the use of force against Black areas of police practice and policy,” she notes. “It is important to ef- men by police officers stand as markers of America’s racial divide. fect change on police department policies. Only a small number of “Those who peacefully protested earlier incidents as well as those officers will be impacted with disciplinary matters, but policy change who protest the death of Mr. Floyd have a simple but important mes- is department-wide.” sage. Namely, that ‘equal justice under the law’ is the very essence of One of the programs Hicks is most proud of is the mediation pro- what America is supposed to stand for. gram created at the OCC. The voluntary program meant that both Policing the Police “I’ve seen things get better in our profession. Hopefully, I’ve con- the complainant and the police officer had to agree to mediate. In San tributed to that a bit. But things still need to get better than this. Francisco over 90% of the eligible officers and 55% of complainants By Patricia Vest And the recent incident in Minneapolis sure feels like a setback.” agreed to participate in mediation. “We had the highest voluntary per- Unfortunately, Hicks believes, for Blacks in America, setbacks have capita officer participation rate in our mediation program in the na- confident, no-nonsense person, Joyce Hicks ’74 spent most of inadequacies of the practice of hiring young officers, some even become the norm. She recalls that her father, who was a pilot with tion. We had skilled mediators who conducted these mediations. The her career in city government, fixing and managing agencies straight out of high school. “They don’t have enough life experience the original Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, protested the conversation wasn’t always about an apology, but it was about both A by making data-driven decisions. A UC Berkeley-educated and knowledge necessary yet to process some of the situations they mistreatment of Black officers by white commanders. “We’re still the officer and the complainant having an opportunity to explain their lawyer, she was recruited to lead several departments in Oakland, in- will be in,” she says about young cadets. protesting some of the things my late father once protested,” she position.” cluding its Citizens Police Review Board (CPRB). Toward the end of In George Floyd’s case, three officers involved were charged with says. “As a society, we’re going backwards in terms of race baiting Currently there are more than 200 civilian oversight boards in the her professional career, she led for almost a decade one of the most aiding and abetting second-degree murder. Two of those officers and inciting violence based on race.” U.S. and 18,000 law enforcement agencies, according to the Na- powerful civilian police were novices. “When But in terms of civil- tional Association for oversight bodies in the you’re a rookie cop and ian oversight of police, Civilian Oversight of country, San Francisco’s your field training offi- she believes the country Law Enforcement, an Office of Citizen Com- cer is doing something is moving forward. “The association where Hicks plaints (OCC), now the “In my career I wrong, it takes a lot of work in San Francisco “I believe that was a board member. Department of Police had never seen courage to say stop. and the progress these it is necessary There’s no strict defini- Accountability. There has to be a cul- agencies are making tion for these boards, But on May 25, Hicks such a sustained ture shift. You have to around the country is for us to ‘call out and their latitude could did something uncharac- and callous have your own moral hard work, but it is for- our own’ when encompass responsibili- teristic. She rushed to code.” ward-thinking,” she says. ties ranging from inves- judgment, certain that disregard for Pastor agrees. He “But until this country mistakes are tigation to review and she had just witnessed a life and plea advises law enforcement can come to grips with made or when audit. In addition to murder. agencies to reexamine racism, the job of police Oakland and San Fran- The death of George for mercy.” their cultures because officers will continue to conduct is just cisco, where Hicks Floyd under the knee of —Joyce Hicks ’74 “culture is more perva- be treacherous and also plain wrong.” served, other major a Minneapolis police of- sive and powerful than be a microcosm of our cities with civilian over- ficer overcame her with rules and procedures. society.” —Paul Pastor ’71 sight agencies include so much emotion that This does not mean that At a time when there New York, Chicago, At- she wept. “In my career all agency cultures are is a public outcry for po- lanta, Los Angeles and I had never seen such a hopelessly tainted. It lice reform, Hicks be- New Orleans. sustained and callous dis- means that we need to lieves a civilian agency Beyond their out- regard for life and plea for mercy,” says Hicks, who is African Ameri- refine and rededicate to key ethical values. Where we find that we fall overseeing a police department can make a difference. While in San rage, both Hicks and Pastor believe policing can be done right and can. “George was just a bit older than my own son.” short, we need to own up and make changes.” Francisco, she had to build relationships with community groups, po- that change must come. For his part, Sheriff Paul Pastor ’71 thought he had pretty much He argues that the men and women who carry badges make mil- lice administrators and union officials. She carefully examined police “I have hope,” says Hicks. “I have worked in environments where seen it all during more than 40 years in law enforcement, but on May lions of good, ethical decisions every day. “But there are also in- department patterns through data collection, and she also had to im- police chiefs and commissioners want to create change, but we need 25, he, too, was taken aback. “What happened in Minneapolis took stances in which we let the community down,” he says. “Instances in prove the caliber of investigations focusing on complaints that raised civilians on the front lines always reminding them that you must have place in the midst of America’s long-standing unresolved racial di- which our people do the wrong thing. Instances in which we hurt policy issues, such as vehicle pursuits and use of force. civilians keeping you accountable.” vide,” the longtime sheriff of Pierce County says. “Police officers en- community members and undermine what we claim to stand for.” Under her leadership, San Francisco civilian investigators looked In his upcoming retirement, Pastor hopes to make a further con- counter this divide on a regular basis, and their decisions have the Pierce County is more than 1,500 miles from Minneapolis, but into citizen accusations of misconduct or neglect of duty, interview- tribution at a national level. “I’ve been doing things with the Major potential to perpetuate it or to help resolve it. In Minneapolis, we Pastor says people in his community have experienced the same pro- ing the complainant, the officer and witnesses and gathering internal Sheriffs Association of America and the National Executive Institute saw an instance of perpetuation.” found anger, frustration and disappointment felt in communities and external documentary evidence. The office’s decisions were based at the FBI. I’d like to spend more time on that,” he says. “I would Both Hicks and Pastor pointed out that policing involves hard across the country. He saw those same feelings among his personnel on relevant evidence. If the investigators sustained a complaint, Hicks also hope that new graduates would consider a career in policing. I ethical and legal decisions that frequently have to be made in difficult in the Sheriff’s Office. would send a report to the police chief, who could hold a disciplinary have found it to be both morally and intellectually engaging. We are and chaotic situations. “I believe that it is necessary for us to ‘call out our own’ when hearing. Hicks also had the discretion to forward a complaint to the not a perfect profession, nor are we perfect people. Like America, we One of the first things that Hicks did as executive director of Oak- mistakes are made or when conduct is just plain wrong,” he says. police commission if the chief did not agree that misconduct had oc- have a long way to go. But we regularly make a positive moral differ- land’s CPRB in the mid-2000s was to take an 10-hour ride along “The actions in Minneapolis reflect on the credibility of my deputies. curred. For more serious misconduct, Hicks filed charges directly ence in the communities we serve. Few other professions do this as with a police sergeant. One of the things she quickly learned was the I tell my new recruits that, whether fair or unfair, the conduct of any with the police commission, with or without the concurrence of the often or as intensely as does policing.” PCM

50 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 51 NOTICE BOARD Sagehen Student Summer 2020 Opportunity Fund

Many students are facing a loss of critically needed income due to the loss of summer jobs, internships, and research prospects. The College has established the Remote Alter- native Independent Summer Experience (RAISE) program to facilitate a broad range of remote activities that will con tinue to provide academic and professional growth oppor - tunities throughout the summer. A gift to this Fund - ensures that, even during these challenging times, students can continue to explore their interests this summer in expe riential and immersive environments. Visit - Thanks, pomona.edu/give-today to give to the Sagehen Student Summer 2020 Opportunity Fund. Bobby Lee Our deepest appreciation goes to Bobby Lee 2020 Alumni Awards ’02 for his three years of service as Pomona College’s National Chair for Annual Giving: The Alumni Distinguished Service Awards 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. During The Alumni Distinguished Service Award pays tribute to an alumnus or alumna in his tenure, the Pomona College Annual Fund recognition of that person's selfless commitment and ongoing volunteer service raised more than $15M, and in 2018, to Pomona College. Many thanks and congratulations to our 2020 Distinguished marked its first increase in alumni participa- tion in 14 years. Under Bobby’s leadership, Service award winners (photos above, left to right): Frank Albinder ’80, Jim the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement McCallum ’70 and Harry E. Pukay-Martin ’70. Read about these exceptionally adopted its first crowdfunding platform, dedicated alumni at pomona.edu/distinguished-service-winners-2020. which enabled a new style of targeted fundraising campaigns used for the Draper The Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Awards Center, Empower Center, Pomona College The Blaisdell Award recognizes alumni whose contributions and achievements in Internship Fund, Alumni Scholarship Fund, their profession or community mark them as distinguished persons even among ONE POMONA and many more areas of need. Bobby steps the distinguished body of Pomona alumni. Congratulations to this year’s Blaisdell A Record Show of down from his role on June 30, and we are Award recipients (photos below, left to right): Steven G. Clarke ’70, Jennifer Sagehen Gathering Brings Alumni pleased to welcome our new National Chair Doudna ’85, Ann Hardy ’55 and Anjali Kamat ’00. Learn more about these for Annual Giving, Nathan Dean ’10. extraordinary alumni at pomona.edu/blaisdell-winners-2020. Philanthropic Support Together for a Virtual Trip Home

We’re excited to share the successful outcome of the Sagehen Emergency Impact Challenge crowdfunding Nearly 1,200 alumni from 27 countries registered to take a virtual trip campaign that ran May 1-2 to increase support for home to campus for One Pomona: A Virtual Sagehen Gathering. May the new Remote Alternative Independent Summer Ex- 1-2, Sagehens from the Classes of 1949 through 2019—and one from perience (RAISE) Program and the Draper Center’s the Class of 1946!—came together for Pomona’s first-ever, online Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) alumni gathering to attend specially curated livestreamed events with students and families.Partnering with the One President Gabrielle Starr, Dean of the College Robert Gains, Dean of Pomona: A Virtual Sagehen Gathering event, the chal- Students Avis Hinkson and others. Attendees also got a sneak peek tour lenge far surpassed its goal of 470 donations to of the new Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College and perused the reach a total of more than 800 donations that raised Best of Pomona video catalog of distinguished guest speakers and Blais- over $70,000 and unlocked $147,000 in challenge dell Award winners. Alumni celebrating class reunions this year were bonus funding. treated to their own unique class chat rooms and Zoom meet-ups. Thank you to everyone for coming together in this While on Pomona’s virtual campus, attendees could also engage in time of difficulty to help meet critical needs for Pomona students and our PAYS students and families. direct chats with groups or individuals and download special content to The kind generosity shown was not only impactful but save. Many alumni took the 47-question Pomoniana Challenge trivia also contributed to our most successful 47-hour partici- quiz and also played Cecil’s Participation Challenge, earning points for patory campaign to date! exploring the site. Congratulations to our 71 prize winners! Chirp!

52 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 53 CLASS NOTES

Betty Fussell, Santa Barbara, book, According to Soledad, about lead- PCM “In Memoriam” article on Leonard to 2107, he was the Elizabeth R. and have helped make it possible for the cli- first solo show at the Dallas Nasher ’48 CA, writes: “Still scribbling. ing a hybrid life as a child born in Mexico Pronko, Professor Emeritus of Theatre Thomas E. Plott Chair in Gerontology at mate science community to evaluate and Sculpture Center, titled Remaking Sculp- New memoir will be out 2021: How to to parents from the United States. and Dance, “it brought back wonderful UCLA. His achievements have been hon- improve climate change modeling, to dis- ture, according to an article in the Dallas Cook a Coyote: A Manual of Survival.” ƒ Gary Gwilliam, Alamo, CA, writes: memories of the very first kabuki produc- ored by the William C. Rose Award in tinguish human impacts on climate and Morning News. The article notes that “I continue to practice law at the firm tion in 1965. It was a double bill Benten Biochemistry from the American Society to estimate uncertainty in projections of “Ball uses 3-D scans and printing meth- Harriet Sanders, Murphys, I founded 42 years ago. I am a plaintiffs the Thief and The Monstrous Spider. This for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, future climate change.” ods designed with complicated computer- ’52 CA, writes that she and Jim civil litigation trial lawyer specializing in was the first and only drama production I the American Chemical Society Ralph F. Taylor created the Taylor Diagram, which assisted programs that allow him to work Sanders ’52 “both turn 90 this year and serious injury work and employment/ took part in. I performed a dance and Hirschmann Award in Peptide Chemistry, is used in evaluating the relative merits of in stone in ways that were unthinkable still alive and kicking. We moved into a civil rights cases.” had a minor speaking part. I was excited a MERIT award from the National Insti- different climate models in simulating even two decades ago.” senior mobile home park that has many at this opportunity to take part in kabuki tutes of Health, a Senior Scholar Award multiple variables. It appears in hundreds activities. Murphys now has 27 wine tast- Richard Reed, Oak Park, IL, at Pomona since my mother’s big passion in Aging from the Ellison Medical Foun- of research papers each year and is rou- Frank Albinder, Washington, ing rooms! Come and visit.” ’60 writes: “I retired in 2017 after and hobby was Japanese dance. Her older dation, and by selection as the 107th Fac- tinely used by several major climate mod- ’80 DC, is a 2020 recipient of the careers in social work (organization) and brother brought kabuki productions to ulty Research Lecturer at UCLA. He is a eling centers. He also has contributed to Alumni Distinguished Service Award for Barbara McBurney Rainer, adult education. I especially enjoyed of- Maui, Hawaii, where they lived and recipient of the UCLA Academic Senate the scientific assessment reports of the In- selfless commitment and ongoing volun- ’53 Carmel, CA, writes that she fering citizenship classes. I’m enjoying re- where I grew up. Their parents, my Distinguished Teaching Award, including tergovernmental Panel on Climate teer service to the College. With his de- continues to work in ceramics as a found- tirement, keep fit at the ‘Y’, follow grandparents, immigrated from Southern the Eby Award for the Art of Teaching. Change (IPCC) as lead author of the votion to Pomona as clear as the tattoo of ing member of Peninsula Potters, a part- mystery shows.” Japan. Other members of the class of ƒ Jim McCallum, Bethesda, MD, is a chapter on “Climate Models and Their Cecil Sagehen on his right arm, Albinder nership of 52 years with a studio 1965 that I remember who took part 2020 recipient of the Alumni Distin- Evaluation” in 2007, as review editor in has been an advocate for the College workshop in Pacific Grove. Willard Berry, Washington, were Charles Newman and Alice Jones, guished Service Award for selfless com- 2013 and as contributing author to a since he graduated. When he moved to ’61 DC, has written his first novel, who besides acting did the specialized mitment and ongoing volunteer service total of seven chapters in the 1995, 2001 Boston for graduate school, he couldn’t Ann Hardy, Mountain View, Chasing Gods. It chronicles the calami- makeup and wigs. It was a most memo- to the College. He has been involved in and 2007 reports. The IPCC was imagine life without Pomona, so he CA, is a 2020 recipient of the ’55 tous life of the author’s third great- rable event.” (See photo.) the area of Washington, DC, organizing awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize served as an alumni admissions volunteer Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Award, grandfather, Ephraim Berry, who was events at the Smithsonian Institution and jointly with Al Gore for its efforts to and as the Boston Chapter Chair for the which recognizes alumni for high brought down by paternal scorn, an Robert (Bob) Michael, Fort White House. He also has stayed active as “build up and disseminate greater knowl- Pomona Alumni Association. He served achievement in professions or community economy destroyed by war, and the crop- Jerry Kelly, Jim White and Bill Wissler on their annual ski trip to Lake Tahoe. (See Class of ’64.) ’66 Collins, CO, writes that he “re- a class volunteer, co-chairing reunions, edge about man-made climate change.” as chapter chair again in San Francisco service. Hardy, a pioneer in the computer less “Year without a Summer.” According ’64 cently drove the Karokoram Highway and has served as an all-around booster at and Washington, D.C., and was on the industry, was vice president of Tymshare to an article in the Davis Enterprise, the from Xinjiang in far western China to the Pomonathons, 4/7 service events and Alumni Board for many years before be- and cofounder of both Key Logic, a com- novel is a cautionary tale of how the drive Hunza Valley in Pakistan. Possibly the other gatherings. Stints on the Torch- coming president for the 2009-10 aca- puter security business, and Agorics, a and desire for spirituality can lead to cor- world’s most spectacular mountain bearers Board and now the Alumni Board demic year. For several years, he software consulting business. ruption and to the harm and loss of all road?” have rounded out a happy, ongoing con- conducted an Alumni Weekend choir. He Despite her lack of a science degree after that one holds dear. After graduating nection. ƒ Phyllis Hagstrum Meshu- has hosted numerous winter break parties being discouraged by a professor, Hardy from Pomona College, Berry earned his Tom Schumann, Deming, WA, lam P’05, Sebastopol, CA, won an Artists in Washington and has served as co-chair talked her way into a computer training Ph.D. at Duke University. He taught po- ’68 writes: “Well, I have to admit Embassy International Prize for her book for most of his reunions. ƒ Alison Rose course at IBM in 1956, becoming a pro- litical science for 10 years at Georgia that I was as surprised as anyone when of poems, Land of My Father’s War and Jefferson, Los Angeles, CA, was selected grammer when other paths were blocked. State University before moving to Wash- Morganna and Anastasia won women’s will be the Sonoma County Poet Laure- by the Los Angeles City Historical In the late 1960s, she heard of a startup ington to work on public policy, spending doubles at Milan’s Bonacossa. Admit- ate for 2020-2022. ƒ Harry Pukay- Society as one of the individuals and in California called Tymshare and told the next 33 years as the chief executive of tedly, since it was the fifth year in a row, Martin is a 2020 recipient of the Alumni organizations recognized in 2020 for the cofounder he needed to hire her to several trade associations. ƒ Ralph we had a nice 2011 Armand de Brignac— Distinguished Service Award for selfless exceptional contributions to the greater write the operating system for the com- Bolton, Palm Springs, CA, who retired as that’s the 15 liter—on ice. That should commitment and ongoing volunteer understanding and awareness of Los puter they were about to purchase. The a Pomona College anthropology profes- put them back on the cover of Tennis service to the College. He has served on Angeles history. She received her award product based on her system was the sor in 2015, has retired as president of View. Did I say they’ve appeared eight numerous reunion committees, including at the organization’s annual gala on most consistently profitable division of The Chijnaya Foundation, a nonprofit he times? That’s three more than Serena… chairing or co-chairing the 40th, 45th, March 8 at the Dunbar Hotel on Central the company for 20 years, and Hardy founded in 2005 to provide assistance to but I don’t like to brag about it. For our 47th and 50th committees, and was pres- Richard Herrell, Washington, Avenue. Jefferson received the Miriam rose in the ranks to vice president. When communities in extreme poverty in part, we’re still at the villa on Ile d’Yeu. It ident of the Torchbearers from 2010 to ’72 DC, sends along a 47 sighting, Matthews Ethnic History Award for her Tymshare was acquired in the 1980s, she southern Peru. The board of the founda- was tempting to sell—did I mention we 2014. He partnered with staff to estab- a graphic noting the “average number of book, Living the California Dream: left to start her own computer security tion presented Bolton with a plaque that picked it up for a tidy $3 million? That’s lish the new multiyear “Flight to 50,” a listeners who donate their vehicles to sup- African American Leisure Sites during the business, Key Logic, which she ran suc- reads as follows: “In recognition of 15 Euros of course, but, again, I don’t like program that engages classes from their port WAMU, my DC NPR station, each Jim Crow Era. She also was the keynote cessfully for several years. She then years of distinguished leadership as the to brag. The point is that, really, we have 47th Reunion to their 50th Reunion and week.” (See image above.) speaker for the event, giving a talk on the started a software security consulting founder and president of The Chijnaya enough property and if we sold anything led the effort to endow a scholarship in history of the Dunbar and the Central company, Agorics, which worked to bring Foundation and for his dedication to it should be the horses. But then there the name of the class celebrating its mile- Dawn Downey, Kansas City, Avenue district when it was the hub of online checking to banks and the govern- work for the benefit of the communities goes the Belmont, so I guess the horses stone year. ’73 MO, has written a third book, African American community and cultural of the Altiplano, for teaching us to make stay. Did I mention that we won the Searching for My Heart: Essays About life. ƒ John J. Ngai, Berkeley, CA, be- ment. ƒ Joyce Lester Welsh, La Habra, Professor Leonard Pronko's first kabuki production in 1965. (See Class of ’65.) CA, writes: “After the loss of my husband the world a better place and for giving us ’65 Preakness last year? Love to see Susan Kleinberg, New York, Love. It has been included in the collec- came director of the National Institute of in 2018, life goes on. To stay busy and the satisfaction of helping others.” The anyone. Stop by. Bono knows how to get ’71 NY, a multimedia artist, exhib- tion of the Mid-Continent Public Library Health’s Brain Research through Advanc- find joy is a quest. Looking forward to work of the foundation has been sup- in touch with us.” ited Exquisite Vicissitudes, a collection of in Kansas City. ing Innovative Neurotechnologies the class of ’64 for the wonderful and Services, a leading provider of alternative the reunion.” ported over the years by many in the new prints based on the medusa popula- (BRAIN) Initiative in March. “The wide-reaching online community we have dispute resolution services. “Mr. Kelly is Cathy Corison P’16, St. He- Pomona College community, including Steven G. Clarke P’12, Los tion proliferating in acidifying crystalline BRAIN Initiative aims to revolutionize going. (Hat off to Pete Briggs P’93).” one of the pre-eminent trial lawyers, liti- lena, CA, whose winemaking David Wark, St. Paul, MN, Bolton’s former students and faculty col- ’70 Angeles, CA, is a 2020 recipient seas, in February and March at Carl’s At- ’75 our understanding of the brain and brain ƒ Jerry Kelly, Buffalo, NY, and the gators, law firm leaders and professional career began after taking a wine apprecia- writes: “Turned 86 this year, leagues. He remains on the foundation of the Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni elier in Santa Monica, CA. The images disorders,” said Dr. Francis S. Collins, ’56 Fourth Quarter Ski Team of Jim White, association leaders in the country,” ADR tion class at Pomona, has been nominated but still practicing as a licensed psycholo- board while enjoying more time to travel Award, which recognizes high achieve- derive from the waters in Ponza, off the NIH director. “We welcome Dr. Ngai’s Bill Wissler and himself traveled to Lake Services announced in a news release. for a 2020 James Beard Award in the cat- gist. I tell my friends I’m practicing re- and write and to work with Peruvian an- ment in professions or community serv- Italian coast. In addition, Kleinberg’s leadership in steering this groundbreak- thropology students and colleagues. Tahoe for their sixth annual ski trip. He “He has vast experience in numerous ice. Clarke, UCLA Distinguished egory for “Outstanding Wine, Beer or tirement, and someday I will get it right. reports it went smoothly with just a few substantive and human relations areas video, Helix, developed with the scientific ing 21st century project.” The initiative is ƒ Jarle Eldevik P’95, Blue Jay, CA, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Spirits Producer” for demonstrating con- ’Till then, on we go!!” glitches: “On our very first ride up a that he will bring to bear in efficiently, ef- team of the Louvre and previously shown a large-scale effort to accelerate research writes: “My wife and I are healthy and ac- is an authority on the biochemistry of the sistency and exceptional skill in her craft. Heavenly chair lift Jerry dropped one of fectively and economically resolving mat- at the Venice Biennale 2019, was in neuroscience. Ngai earned his Ph.D. in tive. Enjoyed a great visit at X-mas of our aging process and how protein modifica- ƒ Berta Maria Hines, Portland, OR, has Muriel Anderson, Seaside, CA, his poles. On our trip to Northstar, Jim ters as a mediator, arbitrator or referee.” screened in the atrium of Westfield Cen- biology from Caltech and was a postdoc- son John ’94 (professor at Hamilton Col- tion can regulate biological function. His written an article titled “Releasing the ’57 writes that she and Paul Ander- invited an old friend who promptly skiied Kelly had been a litigator at Wilson Elser tury City in February. ƒ Karl Taylor toral researcher at Caltech and at the Co- lege in NY) and his wife Madeleine ’94 current research interests include under- Fear; Boosting Your Immune System and son ’57 are happily living in the Mon- us into the ground on the black diamond Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker since P’95, Danville, CA, received the Haagen- lumbia University College of Physicians and their three daughters.” ƒ Anne Kel- standing the roles of spontaneous protein Healing the Presence of Disease.” The terey Bay area and “Paul has retired from runs. But we were fortunate that the 1980. He sees a role in alternative dispute Smit Clean Air Award from the California and Surgeons before starting his faculty logg, Los Osos, CA, writes: “Sending damage and repair in aging, especially in physician and creative healer’s website is the Army after serving as a cardiologist weather provided brilliant sunny ski days resolution as a fitting end to a long ca- Air Resources Board, a high honor for position at the University of California at for 20 years. He has also retired from healthy energy to all of us seniors self-iso- Alzheimer’s disease. Clarke earned his achievements addressing air pollution and drbertamariahines.com. Berkeley, where he has taught for more during the entire week. Next year we’re reer. In 2019, the Los Angeles County doing medical-legal exams for workers’ lating in California. A time for restraint, Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular bi- climate science. Taylor, a longtime than 25 years. His lab uses a wide array of headed for Banff and Lake Louise on Jan- Bar Association, of which Kelly is a past Marcy Helfand, Dallas, TX, compensation and state disability exams. spiritual retreat and creativity. May the ology at Harvard University in 1976 and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory tools and techniques to study the cells uary 31st to February 7th and invite any president, presented him with the Shat- writes: “It was a busy year for Muriel has retired as his editor; she was world heal before more are lost. We are joined the faculty in the Department of climate scientist was among seven win- ’76 and molecules behind olfaction, including classmates to join us!” (See photo.) tuck-Price Outstanding Lawyer Award, in Chemistry and the Molecular Biology In- grandchildren. Triplets (boys) in June, happy to have finally found a use for her all in this together even though we have ners. He was commended for “contribu- fundamental research on how the nerv- recognition of extraordinary dedication stitute at UCLA in 1978. He directed then another grandson in January. That English writing major at Pomona.” to be physically apart to slow the curve.” Patrick M. Kelly, a prominent tions—both in building essential ous system detects odors and turns them to the high principles of the legal profes- the UCLA Cellular and Molecular Biol- brings the total to five.” trial lawyer and past president of infrastructure to improve climate model- into neural signals sent to the brain. He is Joanna Biggar P’94, Oakland, ’65 sion and to improving the administration ogy Training Program from 1988 to Katie Goodridge Ingram the State Bar of California, has joined the ing and through his own far-reaching re- also interested in unraveling the diversity CA, writes: “In this time of of justice. ƒ Linda Kwon Quist, 2018 and the UCLA Molecular Biology Artist Barry X Ball P’19, New ’59 P’93, Ojai, CA, has published a ’64 panel of distinguished neutrals at ADR Everett, WA, writes that as she read the search exposing differential forcing effects of cell types in the brain and understand- ‘sheltering’ a special note of gratitude to Institute from 2001 to 2011. From 2012 of anthropogenic sulfate aerosols—[that] ’77 York, NY, recently mounted his ing how the nervous system repairs itself

54 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine Send your class notes and photos to [email protected]. 55 pated books for April. Her previous dell Distinguished Alumni Award, which books were “Helen of Pasadena” and recognizes alumni for high achievement “Elizabeth the First Wife.” ƒ Julie Nico- in professions or community service. A letta has been teaching history, art and Peabody Award-winning and Emmy- architecture classes at the University of nominated investigative journalist, writer Washington, Tacoma, since 1996, during and documentary filmmaker, Kamat’s re- which time she has held many titles and ports from around the world cover responsibilities around the campus, in- geopolitics, the global economy, migra- cluding being the first adviser for the cur- tion, poverty, racism, social movements, rent iteration of the university’s student wars, and the intersection of money and newspaper, The Ledger. politics. She has been a correspondent and host for New York Public Radio, Al David Blatner, Woodinville, Jazeera’s current affairs documentary ’88 WA, is now CEO of Creative- show Fault Lines, and the daily television Pro Network, a resource for graphic de- and radio news hour Democracy Now! signers and marketing professionals. He Her work also has appeared in The New and Debbie Carlson ’90 have two Republic, Dissent and online at Slate and teenage sons. Trump, Inc., a joint reporting project by WNYC Studios and ProPublica Trump, Greg Fitchitt, regional presi- Inc. and The Stakes podcasts. Kamat dent of the Howard Hughes John Starr, Emil Kakkis and David Reboussin on a Super Bowl ski trip. (See Class of ’82.) ’91 spent 2011 covering the Arab uprisings ’82 Corp. in Columbia, MD, leads the com- from Egypt and Libya. She currently is pany’s $5 billion development project in writing a book on South Asian labor mi- following injury or degeneration. His which recognizes high achievement in downtown Columbia, which will add 14 grants in the Middle East for Verso million square feet of mixed-use develop- Books. On June 1, Kamat joined Reveal work has led to the publication of more professions or community service. An in- Elise Nussbaum competing as a three-day champion on Jeopardy! (See Class of ’01.) than 70 scientific articles in some of the ternationally renowned professor of ment to Maryland’s flagship planned as a senior reporter based in New York. ’01 field’s most prestigious journals, and 10 chemistry and molecular and cell biology urban community. Reveal is the nonprofit Center for Inves- U.S. and international patents. Ngai has at UC Berkeley, Doudna is one of the tigative Reporting’s website, public radio received awards from the Sloan Founda- discoverers of the revolutionary gene- James Named Dean of Wharton Tim DeRoche, Los Angeles, program, podcast and social media plat- tion, Pew Charitable Trusts and McK- editing technique known as CRISPR- ’92 CA, writes: “My second book A form. ƒ Jon McCumber has joined the night Endowment Fund for Cas9 and has been a vocal proponent of Erika H. James P’24 has been named the next dean of Fine Line:How Most American Kids Are Chicago office of Cresset as a registered Kept Out of the Best Public Schools pub- Neuroscience, among others. its responsible use. Her early guidance for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, investment advisor, according to a news more research and discussion came to the lished on May 17th, the 66th anniversary release. Prior to joining Cresset, he was effective July 1. “Erika is an award-winning scholar and of the Brown v. Board of Education rul- John Starr P’15, P’18, fore after the “CRISPR babies” an- ’91 an executive director and investment spe- Emil Kakkis P’16 and David nouncement of late 2018, when she and teacher and a strong, proven leader who serves as dean of the ing. The book examines the laws and cialist with J.P. Morgan Private Bank in ’82 policies that assign children to public Reboussin got together for a Super Bowl other leaders denounced a Chinese scien- Goizueta Business School at Emory University,” said Penn President Chicago. schools based on where they live. Last ski trip before the Kansas City Chiefs’ vic- tist’s claim of creating twin “designer ba- Amy Gutmann. “A passionate and visible champion of the power of tory over the San Francisco 49ers. (See bies.” Doudna is an investigator with the year, my first book, The Ballad of Huck & David Chen, Denver, CO, was photo.) ƒ Penny Yee, Clinton, NY, who Howard Hughes Medical Institute, senior business and business education to positively transform communities Miguel, was featured on CBS Sunday ’01 recognized by Asian Avenue holds the James L. Ferguson Chair in investigator at Gladstone Institutes, and locally, nationally, and globally, she is exceptionally well prepared to Morning. Both books benefitted from Magazine as an “Asian American Hero of the help of a number of my Pomona Colorado” this year along with four other psychology at Hamilton College, has the executive director of the Innovative lead Wharton into the next exciting chapter of its storied history.” been appointed as the college’s next asso- Genomics Institute, which this spring friends and former classmates. On the outstanding community members. Chen ciate dean of faculty, effective July 1. She quickly shifted its focus to testing and re- Since becoming dean of the Goizueta Business School in 2014, family side, Simone finished her master’s was selected for his advocacy for bike and previously served as associate dean of fac- search to battle the coronavirus James has introduced and led an effort to build an innovation and en- degree at USC and now works as an oc- street safety, which included testifying to cupational therapist at City of Hope Hos- ulty from 2013 to 2018, when her role (COVID-19) pandemic. She cofounded trepreneurship lab open to all students on campus. She grew the the state legislature and working with vic- emphasized curriculum. For her upcom- pital, helping cancer patients with their tims’ families. ƒ Michael Lane has been and serves on the advisory panel of sev- Goizueta faculty by 25 percent by the end of her first term, building a ing three-year term, Yee will bring her ex- eral companies that use CRISPR technol- rehab. Our daughter Neve is 5, and son promoted to managing director with SC pertise in advising to the collaborative ogy in unique ways, including Inari, critical mass of junior faculty and seasoned scholars in key academic Orik is 2. Please reach out if you pass Capital Partners in Shanghai after 10 work of developing faculty connections to Synthego, Mammoth Biosciences and areas such as behavioral and decision-based research, business ana- through Southern California! tim@timde- years as an executive director for the Sin- a new, integrated advising project. Yee roche.com” gapore-based private equity firm. Prior to Caribou Biosciences. She is a member of lytics, and health care innovation. With strong faculty input and sup- earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in the National Academy of Sciences, the joining SC Capital, he had served as a Ed Gulick was recently pro- human experimental psychology from the National Academy of Medicine, the Na- port, she also expanded corporate engagement with the creation of a senior associate with Morgan Stanley’s moted to vice president at High University of Oregon. She joined the tional Academy of Inventors and the research-based corporate think tank. ’94 real estate asset management business A group of Sagehens met in Big Sky, MT, for some fun in the snow. (See Class of ’07.) Plains Architects in Billings, MT. A li- Hamilton faculty in 1991. Among her American Academy of Arts and Sciences. from 2006 to 2009. He served as a re- ’07 “Erika has consistently and constructively drawn upon her own censed architect in Montana and Idaho, many accomplishments, she has twice Doudna is also a Foreign Member of the search analyst for Cushman & Wakefield he is the current president of the Billings been the recipient of the Hamilton Col- Royal Society and has received numerous scholarship in the areas of leadership development, organizational from 2003 to 2004 and as an associate fi- constructive urologist, has been named Adam Schleyhahn recently be- Architectural Association. He received his lege Class of 1963 Faculty Fellowship other honors including the Breakthrough behavior, gender and racial diversity, and crisis leadership,” Pritchett nancial advisor for Merrill Lynch from partner at Idaho Urologic Institute and ’08 came director of sales at Fluid master’s degree in architecture from Yale (2004 and 2013) and in 1993 was a co- Prize in Life Sciences, the Japan Prize, 2001 to 2003. ƒ Elise Nussbaum com- the Surgery Center of Idaho. She at- Components International (FCI), accord- said, “applying her own insights into human behavior to foster a University in 1998 and has taught at recipient of a National Science Founda- Kavli Prize and Wolf Prize. Doudna’s peted on Jeopardy! last November, finish- tended medical school at Eastern Virginia ing to a corporate news release. Prior to work culture that allows people to thrive personally and profession- Montana State University, Billings, and tion grant to establish a Center for work led TIME to recognize her as one ing as a three-day champion with Medical School in Norfolk, VA, and com- joining FCI, he was a member of the cor- Rocky Mountain College. His work in Cognitive Study at Hamilton. of the “100 Most Influential People” in ally. She has led faculty and student workshops on such topics as un- winnings of $80,400. “It was great to pleted her urology residency at the Uni- porate staff at Swagelok’s headquarters in downtown Billings includes Home on the 2015 and as a runner-up for “Person of conscious bias and building trust across divides and has been have Adam Boardman and Alice Chung versity of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Ohio. He was previously the Range, the former Good Earth Market, cheering me on from the audience! And Jennifer Doudna, Berkeley, the Year” in 2016. engaged as a consultant by some of the nation’s largest and most going on to complete a fellowship in gen- general manager of sales for San Diego ’83 CA, is a 2020 recipient of the Swift Building Lofts and Valley Credit of course I credit Professor Peggy Waller itourinary reconstructive surgery at the Fluid Systems Technologies, representing Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Award, Kevin Leonard was named the prestigious firms.” Union. He has worked on 11 of High with inspiring me to major in French, a University of Colorado in Denver. Swagelok products. He earned his MBA ’86 new dean of the Southern Illi- At Emory, James undertook a significant redesign of the under- Plains Architects’ 12 LEED platinum cer- choice that helped me run the first cate- from UCLA Anderson School of Man- tified buildings and has more pending. gory ("The Occupation of France"). The Emma Spiro, Seattle, WA, agement. ƒ Jenn Wilcox Thomas, San nois University Edwardsville College of graduate business curriculum, integrating immersive learning, technol- Arts and Sciences (CAS), Edwardsville, whole experience was completely surreal, ’07 writes: “A group of friends and Francisco, CA, and husband Ahin SHARE YOUR NEWS! ogy, and partnerships with Emory College’s liberal arts curriculum. Jodie Hollander, Minturn, and an excellent way to become reac- family met in Big Sky, Montana, for some Thomas welcomed baby girl Sameera IL, in April and will assume the role July ’99 CO, a poet who studied under New job or hobby? Travel stories? 1, according to a college press release. He Prior to her deanship, she served as the senior associate dean for quainted with the LA area.” fun in the snow before heading back to Reed Thomas in January 2020. Big sister Robert Mezey at Pomona and remained Cool photos? Share your news was previously professor and chairperson executive education at the University of Virginia Darden School of various cities about to enter quarantine. Annika and dog Blankets are quite enthu- close to him until his death in April at 85, Sophia Booth Magnone and We are thankful to have had this time siastic about her arrival (as are the par- with your classmates through PCM in the Department of History at Middle Business, working closely with faculty to reimagine executive educa- wrote a tribute to the emeritus professor Tennessee State University since 2017 ’06 Max Wainwright ’07, San with lifelong friends and are now doing ents). (See photo.) Class Notes. (For cell phone tion and lifelong learning opportunities. of English and poet-in-residence in the Francisco, CA, are delighted to announce our part to flatten the curve. Thank you photos, please send largest size.) and chair of the Department of History Kenyon Review. Hollander and her hus- at Western Washington University from She has also been named one of the Top 10 Women of Power in the birth of their child Clementine Booth to all our healthcare workers!” Among Drew Hedman became major Email: [email protected] band Aaron were wrapping up work on a Wainwright on March 25, 2020. Al- those on the trip with Spiro: Chris ’09 league run production coordi- 2011–17. Education by Black Enterprise and as one of the Power 100 by Ebony podcast about Mezey after conducting 25 Mail: Class Notes Editor though the family would not necessarily DuBois ’06, Becky Abbey, Dave nator for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Magazine. She holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in organizational interviews. She also was seeking a home recommend giving birth during a global Dorsey, Maria Popkovacheva, Sam January 2019 after working as a pro scout Pomona College Magazine Novelist Lian Dolan, Pasadena, for some of Mezey’s unpublished poems. pandemic, Clementine is doing her part Rorick, Audrey Bergmann and Kyle for the organization for the previous year. 550 N. College Ave. ’87 CA, has published a new book psychology from the University of Michigan titled The Sweeney Sisters, which Good to make sheltering in place as exciting as Edgerton ’08. (See photo.) A 50th-round pick, he played professional Claremont, CA 91711 Anjali Kamat, New York, NY, possible. ƒ Lisa Parrillo, Boise, ID, a re- baseball for four years in the Red Sox or- Reads named as one of its most antici- ’00 is a 2020 recipient of the Blais-

56 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine Send your class notes and photos to [email protected]. 57 Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, fol- land First Methodist Church, where his able to take many international trips; un- English as a second language at the Patrick Andrew Powell, Clare- lowed by medical practices in Pomona wife founded the nursery school; re- fortunately, further complications led to school part time and unofficially assisted ’52 mont, CA (2/26/20), at age Obituaries and Claremont and teaching pediatric car- turned to Claremont in 1954 when he Bob’s premature death; Mary continued neighbor children in learning the lan- 90; born in Loma Linda, CA, the diology at LA Children’s; raised five chil- was hired as the assistant minister at in her work with the Parkinson’s Support guage while navigating the joys and chal- youngest of three sons; grew up in dren of his own and had many stories of CUCC; daughter Sarah was born that Group in San Diego, which she and Bob lenges of running a household in a Fontana with his extended family, work- ALUMNI rushing to the hospital in the middle of year, followed by Lauren in 1957; in founded and which became a model for different culture; directed the school’s ing in the family lumber yard; graduated the night in his supercharged Studebaker 1959 the family accepted a posting as ed- similar support groups around the coun- bookmobile program, for which the from Chaffey High School in 1948; while Clella Claire Carpenter Snider Avanti to care for an ailing infant; after va- ucational missionaries to Izmir, Turkey; try; Mary was honored for this work in Fowlers drove to rural villages on Satur- biking through Europe in 1949, met his ’49 P’73, P’82, Whitter, CA cationing in Montana, moved in the early upon the family’s return in 1962, transi- 2005; after several years, met her next life days with a handful of ACI students to German pen pal of six years, Steffi Beck, (11/10/19), at age 91; lived fully with a 1970s to a beautiful lakefront orchard on tioned from the ministry into counseling, partner, Russell Rhue; they coordinated distribute books to children; spent sum- who would become a close, lifelong vision beyond her times while constantly Montana’s Flathead Lake called Finley building a private practice in marriage several wonderful summer trips for the mers traveling in the Middle East and Eu- friend; returned to Germany the following maintaining a positive attitude; born June Point; became a physician with the Bu- and family therapy while pursuing a Mowry clan; Mary always was very organ- rope with other missionary families; after year to study at the University of Köln; 24, 1928, in Azusa, CA; remembered reau of Indian Affairs; started the Lake Ph.D. in sociology at the University of ized, planning each step of summer birth- returning to Claremont, continued her graduated from Pomona College, where fondly her early years growing up in Paso County Public Health Department, where Southern California; a founding faculty day celebrations and meals; relished the studies in early childhood development at he met his wife, Anne Martha Hooker; Robles from 1933 to 1938; as a child, he had the privilege of being the first Lake member at Pitzer College in 1964, time together, group pictures, water bal- Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, ulti- they married in 1953, beginning a 56- wanted to be a park ranger, even though County Health Officer; served as physi- taught extension courses at several cam- loon tosses and swimming; family re- mately earning a master of arts in early year union; drafted by the U.S. Army, women were prohibited from ranger serv- cian to the county jail; as a pediatrician, puses in the University of California sys- unions were highlights of summer for childhood education from Claremont served in Germany as the newlyweds ex- ice at the time; enjoyed family pack trips became Polson’s first medical specialist tem throughout the 1960s; the Fowlers eight grandchildren; moved to Fredericka Graduate University; a long teaching ca- plored Europe in their spare time; return- into the Sierras and recounted sitting and practiced in his own small office in were committed to the principles of equal Manor in the San Diego area after Russ reer with the Pomona Unified School ing from Germany, lived in Arizona, around a campfire and listening to the town, as well as his in-home office; built a rights and equal opportunity and led in- passed away; spent Christmas 2019 with District began in the then-new Head pursuing studies at Thunderbird School packers’ tales; lived in Downey when family farm with cherries, apples, an ex- novative educational and community pro- extended family and her last week and a Start program and continued over 30 of Global Management; began teaching at World War II broke out; the events re- perimental pear orchard, honeybees, a grams in the “War on Poverty”; after 10 half with Linda, who facilitated virtual years as a kindergarten teacher at Lincoln La Puente High School in the mid-1950s, mained a vivid image all her life; gradu- large vegetable garden and the most de- years in private counseling practice and connections with other family members School; the couple became activists for forming a faculty bridge group that met lectable chickens and eggs imaginable; college level instruction, he became exec- (due to COVID-19) prior to Mary’s un- monthly for more than 50 years; earned ated from Pomona with a degree in music historic preservation in the late 1960s as along with other local growers, soon saw utive director of the American Associa- expected passing; Mary was happy to his master’s degree in administration from specializing in piano; met William (Bill) they watched a house across the street de- Jenn Wilcox Thomas and husband Ahin Thomas welcome baby Sameera. (See Class of ’08.) the need for a more adequate packing fa- tion of Marriage and Family Therapists, meet, at a distance, her new great-grand- Claremont Graduate School in 1961, be- Snider ’49 there and they married shortly molished and citrus groves targeted for ’08 cility and helped establish Skidoo Packers, establishing the AAMFT national office daughter; continued to be the same gra- coming a school administrator at La after graduation; moved into their home development; one of a core group of citi- in Whittier in 1953, where she lived for which was built on the south end of his in Claremont Village; after retiring, cious, considerate, thoughtful, loving Puente; in 1967 the family moved to Ot- property, presently the site of Flathead bought A. Kline Chocolatier on Second mother she was throughout her life; zens who undertook a door-to-door peti- tawa Drive in Claremont, where the chil- 66 years; raised three children, spending tion drive in a grassroots effort that time at the beach house, fly fishing in the Lake Cherry Growers; was a pioneer in Street (ostensibly a selfless act of sacrifice passed away with her four children by her dren grew up and he would live for 53 the organic farming business, developing to ensure the continued presence of a side; will be sorely missed and will con- succeeded in creating the Claremont His- years; preceded in death by his wife of 56 Sierras, camping in Baja California, toric District in the city’s zoning plan in courageously attempting to ski and driv- his own organic fertilizer company, Gla- crucial small family business); served on tinue to live on through her children, years in 2009; survived by son Andy and cier Natural Products, Inc.; spent any free city and community commissions; was a grandchildren and great-grandchild. 1971; the Fowlers used personal finances daughters Anne Elizabeth and Susan as ing throughout Canada and Alaska in to save two old houses from demolition; their Scout with a canoe on top; touched time he had with numerous volunteering familiar face—and voice—at meetings and well as a grandson, Albert. efforts, including medical missions with hearings; the Fowlers loved trees and Mervin (Merv) A. Nerling in the late 1980s, the Fowlers champi- the lives of many young women as a Girl oned another historic preservation cause: Scout Leader for 12 years; received a Jan in Ecuador and Belize and serving as worked tirelessly against the many threats ’51 (3/30/20) at age 91; possessed David Holton P’80, saving the 1908 Barbara Greenwood teaching credential through the Univer- trustee on the district school board, secre- faced by Claremont’s trees; the magnifi- a keen mind and a dry wit, which he ’53 (1/23/20) at age 88; last days Kindergarten bungalow in Pomona and sity of Southern California and a master’s tary of the Montana Board of Pediatrics cent ginkgo in their front yard and the “gleefully exercised” on all; enlisted in were surrounded by his loving family, an- serving as foundation board members degree as a special education teacher from and numerous volunteer and leadership piles of brilliant golden leaves drew the U.S. Navy and served during the Ko- swering their questions, sharing many what is now California State University, positions with local churches where he friends, neighbors and Pomona students rean War, honorably discharged as a lieu- and docents for the building for decades; laughs, a meal and his favorite wine; a Fullerton; taught a class for children with and Jan worshiped; also was percussionist to see it; in 2017, the couple moved to tenant; married Marcia Walkey in 1954 passionate about the environment, the third-generation Californian, grew up in special needs at La Colima School in for the pit orchestra with Port Polson Louisiana to be near daughter Sarah and and had a daughter, Diane; two sons, Fowlers were pioneers in small scale solar Corona and become an Eagle Scout; Whittier; after retirement became the ac- Players; enjoyed sailing, water-skiing, family; a year later, a dear friend sent a David and Rick, two grandsons and four projects, installing solar panels on their graduated magna cum laude in physics companist for the New Century singers swimming, tennis, hiking and keeping up box of ginkgo leaves from the tree; Mr. great-grandchildren; enrolled at San home and small rental properties; also and elected Phi Beta Kappa at Pomona, for 28 years; enjoyed being active in PEO his running skills in local races, in which Fowler’s thank you email said, “That sud- Diego State University in 1955, receiving passionate about the beauty and impor- where he met his future wife Marilyn and was a member for 70 years; also par- he excelled into his late 60s; after retiring den sight of those few Ginkgo leaves an elementary teaching credential and tance of trees, working tirelessly to pro- Hendrickson (Stanford ’55); earned a ticipated in a Red Hat group, book club, from medical practice, poured himself made us realize that, of all the symbolic master’s degree in school administration; tect Claremont’s trees from the threats of master’s in civil engineering at Stanford writers’ workshop and beloved swim- into the field of nutritional science and elements of our 61 years of life in that lo- spent the next 37 years with the San budget cuts, drought, politics and ill-ad- University; worked for Shell Oil Co. and mers’/breakfast group; attended Whittier became a contributing editor for The Or- cation, unchanging from the day we Diego City Schools where he served as vised pruning; her daughter remembers the California cities of Palo Alto, Ventura First Friends Church; traveled through- thomolecular Medicine News Service; co- moved in, ‘The Tree,’ and especially its teacher, consultant, program coordinator that when the city was contemplating re- and Modesto among other employers; out the United States (including Alaska authored two books on child nutrition leaves epitomized the special stability of and principal for nine district schools, moval of all the elms along Indian Hill owned 13 homes around the state while that are presently sold worldwide—The completing his career as principal of The raising two children; built a retirement Ali Standish introduces baby Luka to one of his fellow "Sagechicks.” (See Class of ’10.) and Hawaii), Africa, Egypt, Mongolia, our life there.” Survived by daughters, Boulevard due to the threat of disease, ’10 Japan, Brazil, Scandinavia, Russia, Ire- Vitamin Cure for Children and The Vita- Sarah (Phil Boswell) of Shreveport, LA, Revere School for Severely Handicapped her mother threatened to chain herself to home in Twain Harte, CA, where family land, China and several mainland Euro- min Cure for Infants; was profoundly and Lauren (Michael O’Malley) of Park Children in 1991; collected vintage a tree; she later received Sustainable and friends gathered to enjoy the out- ganization, topping out at Double-A. “I 20, 2020. Unable to gather with 2010 pean countries; the love of travel changed by his Christian faith in Jesus City, UT; four grandchildren; two great books and newspapers and sang tenor. Claremont’s Tree Champion Award; vol- doors; active in the Tuolumne County certainly knew the odds weren’t in my classmates and their young families for stemmed from her enjoyment of adven- Christ and often quipped, “You just don’t granddaughters; the extended Blakeley unteer activities included the League of Historical Society and Museums, Stanis- Barbara Blakeley Fowler P’79, favor, but with that being said, I always Alumni Weekend because of the COVID- ture stories and books as a child; survived get it, ‘til you get it!”; preceded in death and Blanchard families; five godchildren; Women Voters, Claremont Reading Con- laus Wilderness Volunteers, Tuolumne Shreveport, LA, at age 89; a tried to be stubborn enough to think I’d 19 pandemic, Standish printed photos of by her brother and his wife (Charles and by his best friend and cherished wife of 67 and dear friends across the country and ’52 ference, Claremont Civic Association, Wine Association, Twain Harte Design longtime Claremont resident, preserva- be the exception,” he told Fan Graphs. friends’ babies to “introduce Luka to his Alice Carpenter), three children and their years, Jan, and his beloved son, Ken. globe. Claremont Heritage, Sustainable Clare- Review Committee, Christian Men’s tionist, activist, kindergarten teacher and He worked as an assistant coach at Van- fellow Sagechicks.” His new friends are spouses (Bonnie Jean Snider Johnson mont, Tree Action Group (TAG), city Chorus, Sonoma Lions Club and the volunteer; born in Glendale, CA and derbilt University before gaining a front- Omri (Becca AbuRakia-Einhorn), Rory, ’73 and Ramsey Johnson, Stan and Gera- Charles “Ray” Fowler P’79, Mary Mowry P’86, Bonita, CA parks and recreation and Pilgrim Place; Community Services Unit of Tuolumne raised in Santa Ana, CA spending sum- office internship with the Washington (Ingrid Vidal Cullen and Jed Cullen) lyn Snider and Karl Snider ’82 and ’50 Shreveport, LA, (3/25/20), at ’50 (5/18/20), at age 90, the day their support for many organization led County Sheriff’s Department; hiked and mers on her grandparents’ apricot farm in Nationals, which led to the scouting job and Charlize Izumi McClure (Alex David Sateren), as well as five grandchil- age 91; a longtime Claremonter known before her 91st birthday; born in St. to deep friendships; in 2017 the Fowlers snowshoed in his beloved Sierra with Hemet; majored in sociology at Pomona, with Arizona. ƒ Samantha Kanofsky, Scharr). (See photo.) dren and five great-grandchildren. for his deep voice, warm smile, puns and Paul, MN, moved to California as a tod- received the Claremont Heritage Lifetime friends and sometimes alone, to find where she began dating Ray Fowler ’50 Berkeley, CA, runs her own company calm air of having everything under con- dler; graduated from Pomona as a zool- Achievement Award, “for many years of peace and restore his soul; in 2013 and graduated Phi Beta Kappa; the cou- called SoulLight Counseling and Com- The athletic achievements of Ralph Kain Campbell, Polson, trol; predeceased two months earlier by ogy major, always cherishing the bonds service and contribution to the preserva- moved to Stoneridge Creek retirement ple married that year and moved to center in Pleasanton, CA, near daughter munications, which she describes as Zack Senator as a member of ’50 MT (1/12/20) at age 92; his wife of 67 years, Barbara Fowler ’52 made there; her daughter, Linda Mowry tion of our cultural, natural and built en- ’20 P’79; raised in Long Beach, loved to surf Beck ’86, followed her footsteps; met Northern California, where she founded Suzanne; one joy was a gathering of four “communication coaching and nature im- the Pomona-Pitzer men’s water polo and shortly after high school, was conscripted vironment”; in 2017 the Fowlers moved the world famous “wave,” before it was Robert Mowry after college, marrying and directed the nursery school at the Pomona fraternity brothers each year for mersion for fast-paced individuals and or- swim teams were the subject of a feature into the Marines and based at Camp to Louisiana to be near their daughter wiped out by the Long Beach breakwater; shortly thereafter; a son, Robert, was Oakland First Methodist Church; re- 47 years; after singing in the Men’s Glee ganizations.” One of the services offered in an article in his hometown newspaper, Pendleton, where he served in the med- Sarah and her family; survived by two the Palisadian-Post of Pacific Palisades, ical corps; after the end of World War II, following in the footsteps of his mother born, followed by Richard, then Jeanne turned to Claremont in Club at Pomona, remained active in is leading workshops based on the Japan- 1955, when her husband took a post as months by her husband of 67 years (see CA. Senator’s future plans include start- he attended Pomona, just a short drive (Edith Moore, ’26), attended Pomona and Linda; the family vacationed in Bak- many choirs, in later years directing the ese practice of shinrin-yoku, which assistant minister at Claremont United obituary above); also survived by daugh- ing in January as a management consult- away from Redlands College, where his College, majoring in English literature; ersfield, Idyllwild, Palm Springs, San Juan Stoneridge Creek choir; a favorite roughly translates to “soaking in the for- Church of Christ; bought a house at the ters Sarah (Phil Boswell) and Lauren est atmosphere.” ant at the global consulting firm Deloitte future wife, Jan, was studying to be an el- while in college served as youth minister Capistrano, Boulder, CO, and Kauai, HI; achievement was climbing to the top of at Claremont United Church of Christ Bob was forced to quit his medical prac- corner of Seventh Street and Yale Av- (Michael O’Malley); four grandchildren; Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park; in Los Angeles. ementary school teacher; married soon two great grandchildren; brother Robert Ali Standish, Raleigh, NC, and after their graduation in 1950, and made (CUCC) and began dating Barbara; they tice when the children were still young enue, a block from the church, raising survivors include Marilyn, his wife of 66 married shortly after her graduation in due to Parkinson’s disease; Mary took daughters Sarah and Lauren there; from and his wife Milly (Blanchard) Blakeley; years; son Doug Holton and daughter ’10 her husband Aki Laakso, whom a honeymoon out of driving cross-coun- the extended Blakeley/Blanchard fami- she met while studying abroad in Cam- try to Connecticut where he attended 1952, moving to Northern California; such detours in stride, gradually assuming 1959 to 1962, the Fowlers lived in Izmir, Suzanne Simmons, grandchildren and completed his divinity degree at the Pa- the role of primary care provider not only Turkey, while Mr. Fowler taught at the lies; and dear friends across the country great grandchildren. bridge, England, welcomed their first Yale Medical School, specializing in pedi- and globe. child, Luka Standish Laakso, on January atrics; did his residency at Los Angeles cific School of Religion and worked part for the four children, but also of Bob; de- church-founded American Collegiate In- time as minister to young adults at Oak- spite his physical disabilities, they were stitute (ACI); Ms. Fowler officially taught

58 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine Send your class notes and photos to [email protected]. 59 Gwynne Lee Shaw, qualities of music; as a spiritual healer, when Milo was born prematurely; a sabbatical in Cambridge, England, where Obstetrics and Gynecology Association; raising three sons, a heroic effort he once and author of Desert Solitaire; while there, and largely invisible role of dramaturg, a ’54 (12/26/2019); born Gwynne would compose “songfirmations” for champion of the appropriate use and Dean and Judy bought a Volkswagen mi- retired in 2003 after delivering thousands said required more bravery than anything wrote a park interpretive brochure, “Wan- kind of theatrical editor, coach, tutor and Alles; married Douglas H. Shaw, a gradu- clients based on their home-tone, deter- treatment of animals in research; served crobus to tour France on spring break, a of babies and caring for countless pa- he endured in Vietnam; began with the dering for Beauty: Everett Ruess in the advisor; “To be a dramaturg, you have to ate of Claremont Men’s College (now mined with muscle testing; devoted to at the National Academy of Sciences from trip enlivened by the presence of three tients; loved and trusted by patients, ad- purchase of a very pre-owned 1966 Glen Canyon Area,” on an artist and poet like being a facilitator, because you’re Claremont McKenna), who would pass Indian spirituality and New Age mysti- 1995 to 2000, heading the Institute for young girls, one in diapers; loved teaching mired and respected as a teacher and Chevy Sportvan Deluxe; he unbolted the who disappeared into the desert in 1934 never going to be the one whose work is away 12 days before her; “My mother cism; a follower of Amma, the hugging Laboratory Animal Research, where he and poured his intellectual and spiritual mentor; an accomplished surgeon, dedi- bench seats and secured a flooring of four and whose body was never found; married visible onstage,” Doug said in a loved her days at Pomona,” writes daugh- saint of India who gave Joan her spiritual was responsible for updating federally re- energy into hefty syllabi, prayers before cated colleague and loyal friend; knowl- inches of foam rubber on which he sta- Sheri Zumwalt (Scripps ’82) after meeting 2012 Denver Post interview; “I love the ter Pam Massey. name, Durgama; was very proud of hav- quired guidelines that govern the care classes, lectures and mentoring of stu- edgeable about many subjects, well pled a piece of carpet, tossed in a few at a Claremont party; earned a Ph.D. position I’m in. It’s just perfect for who I ing been a Sagehen ... even more proud and use of animals in research; when he dents; with Sibley Towner, a colleague he versed in history, science, music, art, bean bag chairs and spent years leading from Colorado State University in 1986 am.” After growing up in Whittier, CA, Marianne “Nan” Brigham, that her one grandchild, Peter was diagnosed with probable Lewy body met as a new faculty member at Yale, led food, wine and sports; an accomplished his young family throughout California before joining the faculty at Boise State; graduated from Pomona with a degree in ’56 White River Junction, VT Mellinger, graduated from Pomona in dementia in 2011, clinicians asked if he students on tours of the Middle East, be- skier, flyfisherman, sailor, cook, and introducing the pleasures of the wrote dozens of scholarly and popular ar- German language and literature; after (4/25/20), at age 86 after a long illness; 2018; survived by her son, Chris Hopkins wanted upon death to donate his brain lieving in the importance of understanding oenophile, punster; lived for finding a West—journeying into the mythic Mo- ticles on conservation issues and pub- some Pomona-like diversions into Ger- earned a Master of Social Work from the of Los Angeles, daughter Pamela of for research; he agreed, noting he had al- the context—both past and present—of bargain; loved crosswords; funny and fun jave Desert, breathing in the verdant lished the book Islands Under Siege man graduate school at Princeton and University of Connecticut, writing her Carmel Valley, grandson, Peter Mellinger ways “donated” his brain to science and the biblical literature they assigned to their to be with; romantic, charming, senti- climes of Carmel, Point Lobos and Big (University Press of Kansas, 1991) on acting at CalArts, received a call from master’s thesis on alcoholism; attended and brother Edward Cobb of Racine, WI. wouldn’t stop; a short video documen- students; also spent two summers working mental, handsome, a gentleman; doted Sur; in 1981, returned with his family to how a number of national parks, ham- Oregon Shakespeare Festival Artistic Di- the New England School of Alcohol tary, Ralph and the Gift of Alzheimer’s as an archaeologist with the Meiron Exca- on his dogs; compassionate and passion- Charleston and entered private civil prac- strung by their own conflicting priorities rector Libby Appel, who recognized that Studies; as a certified social worker, Annot (Mathews) Leeds, Disease, shown at the Riverstone Adult vation Project in Israel; a meticulous, ana- ate; cherished time outdoors and sharing tice, maintaining it for nearly 40 years; and bureaucratic inertia, have been under- Doug was probably not destined to be- worked for Orange County, CA, Welfare ’56 Modesto, CA, (2/19/20), at Day Program Gala in 2016, captured his lytical writer and a generous editor and that joy with family and friends; true to member in good standing of the mined by political forces and pressures come a professional actor; instead, she Department, Vermont Department of So- age 86; beloved mother, grandmother and his wife’s desire to learn from the ex- collaborator; part of the team of scholars his thrifty nature, his annual Whistler ski Charleston Ancient Artillery Society, a from industries just outside their borders; suggested he study dramaturgy at Yale; he cial Welfare, Family Service of New and aunt; born in Los Angeles in 1933, perience of dementia; returned to his who translated and provided the commen- passes were well used; skiing rejuvenated group originally founded by veterans of served as a mentor and friend to hundreds did, earning a master’s degree from Yale Haven, CT, and Veterans Administration raised in Hollywood; married Daniel rural roots when he and Karen retired to tary for the New Revised Standard Version him, whether for a solo sprint, leaving the American Revolution whose battalion of his students, including Boise Mayor in 1992 before becoming the managing hospitals in Northhampton, MA, and Leeds in 1957 and raised three sons in Whitingham, VT, in 2003, together of the Bible; served on the editorial boards home before dawn, driving north accom- “protected the Charleston City Gates”; Lauren McLean, who remembered bring- editor of American Theatre magazine; White River Junction, where she was a Cupertino; divorced while the boys were restoring an 1826 farmhouse and, with of the Fortress Press Hermeneia series and panied by Bach, Handel, James Taylor or known as the Old Bats, the society met ing her then-infant daughter to classes at worked as a dramatug at the McCarter clinical social worker and acting chief; the still in grade school, raising them on her friends, building handcrafted Shaker-style the journal Interpretation; co-edited an the Dixie Chicks, making tracks all day or for the purpose of “basking in the sun- Freemuth’s urging; named Professor of Theatre in Princeton, NJ, and then at the first director of social service at Gifford own; later took a position in the electrical cherry cabinetry, a goat barn and a Mon- honorary publication of essays, known as a a family trip; also found great joy on the shine of their mutual company,” in more the Year for Idaho in 2001 by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for seven Memorial Hospital in Randolph and a engineering department at Stanford Uni- golian ‘ger’ on the property; in addition Festschrift, for mentor and teacher Frank Yakima River, catching (or not) and re- recent decades typically involving a Carnegie Foundation and the Council for years, under his mentor Libby Appel; “I field work instructor for the University of versity, where she worked for two decades to his wife, survived by his four children Moore Cross and another for Sib Towner, leasing trout; never happier than sitting at monthly poker game which John at- the Advancement and Support of Educa- can’t imagine the world without Doug Connecticut School of Social Work; held before retiring and moving to the Lake and their partners, Laura Dell (Hugh lifelong friend and collaborator; remained the head of the table heavily laden with tended faithfully for some 35 years; adroit tion (CASE); counseled political leaders Langworthy in it. He was a life buoy in offices in the Hampshire County, MA, Tulloch district of Calaveras County; in Carter), Kenneth Dell (Nadia Barker- active in the church as a congregant, elder gourmet food and a bottle or two of fine at the droll quip, one-liner and sly take; and land use policy makers statewide and the sea. Someone you just counted on to Community Council, the New Haven, retirement, a frequent volunteer in Dell), Ethan Hein (Anna Pomykala) and and Sunday school teacher for his entire vintage or local wine to be shared with also the unparalleled master of silence as elsewhere in the West; helped kickstart a be always there,” she said; Doug joined CT, Social Workers Organization, the Jamestown, CA, at the library and Hu- Molly Hein (Dan Griffin); five grandchil- life, teaching a Sunday school class via family and friends; married to his retort; in an extended family of story- recent initiative to revive salmon in Idaho the Denver Center for Performing Arts Massachusetts and Vermont chapters of mane Society; loved her family as well as dren, Olivia, Zoe, Milo, Bernadetta and speaker phone two days before his death; Pomona College sweetheart, Sue Marie tellers, gossips, scheherazades, fireside or- rivers; moderated numerous panels, (DCPA) Theatre Company in 2007, the National Association of Social Work- cats, books, travel, her Scottish ancestry Ramona; and two sisters, Dorothy Hop- served in many roles in his final congrega- Lynn Der Yuen ’61, from 1961 until her ators and others who are just really, really where, as one participant put it, “his abil- eventually becoming director of new play ers; member of the Council of Social and her beloved San Francisco Giants, kins and Mary Louis. tion, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in death in 1973; in 1978, married Leena loud, perfected a wordless retort he could ity to bring folks with different viewpoints development, tasked with being their Work Education and on an advisory San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Kilmarnock; loved to spend time with his (Kiirats); it was not lost on him how for- deploy in all kinds of ways, slaying a together was his gift;” held the record for “hand on the pulse of the American play- council to the Vermont Department of Warriors; cancer took away two of three S. Dean McBride, Jr., Kil- children and grandchildren: eating deli- tunate he was to have found true love room with laughter, buttoning a story most appearances on the Idaho Public writing scene.” Awarded the Elliott Social Welfare; vice chairman of the Na- sons during her lifetime—John in 1990 ’58 marnock, VA, (5/12/20); cious family meals, talking about books twice in a lifetime; in addition to his wife with poignance, or edging a nearly peni- Television show “Outdoor Idaho” hosted Hayes Award for Dramaturgy for his tional Association of Retired Federal Em- and Michael in 2016; survived by son Jim passed away at his home with wife Judith and ideas, singing on the screened porch Leena, survived by beloved daughters Hi- tent child into a truly cringeworthy con- by Bruce Reichert; fathered two sons, work on the DCPA Theatre Company’s ployees Northfield and White River Leeds of Sonora, CA, grandchildren John Anderson McBride and other members and smoking the occasional cigar; in addi- lary (Geoff) Bond of Wayne, PA, Jennifer fession; the riposte of silence was never Kenton Freemuth ’15 and Andrew 2011 Ruined after setting up a Skype Chapters; chairman and secretary of the Leeds II (Rebecca) of Dana Point, CA, of his beloved family at his side; a retired tion to Judy, his wife of 61 years, survivors Der Yuen (Tim Katz) of Portola Valley, intimidating, as it might get caricatured Freemuth; left behind an in-progress conversation between the actors and a United Church of Bethel Board of Dea- and Mikaylin Leeds of Modesto, CA; and professor of Hebrew and Old Testament include Elissa and her children Isaiah and CA; and Whitney (Tim) Hemker of in movies, but always honest or content, book on Idaho’s Craters of the Moon Na- group of Ugandan women who had sur- cons and secretary of the Unity Circle; daughters-in-law Linda Leeds of Interpretation at Union Presbyterian Sem- Ross Silvers; Sharon and her husband John Bellevue, WA, as well as grandchildren kind and revealing; for those who loved tional Monument; never stopped running. vived violence similar to that of the Con- listed in Who’s Who of American women; Jamestown, CA, and Monica Leeds of inary in Richmond, VA; also taught at Hancock and daughter Sarah; and Doran Evelyn, Phineas and Beatrix Bond, him, it’s what he left us; survived by his golese women in the play; that year, he volunteer for Toys for Tots, American Victorville, CA; sibling of Jon Mathews Garrett Evangelical Seminary, the Univer- and her husband Curtis Mills and children Charles and Madeleine Katz and Pene- devoted wife, Joan Algar of Mount Pleas- Sally Dungan, (4/12/20), at married his husband Rex Fuller, CEO Cancer Society, Red Cross United Way, ’52 and sister-in-law to Jon’s wife Char- sity of Chicago, Yale Divinity School, Hillary and Lucas; we will all miss him lope and Bennett Hemker. ant; his three sons, Robert Chance Algar ’75 age 66; chief investment officer of The Center on Colfax, the leading re- United Church of Bethel, Bethel Food lotte (Dallett) Mathews ’52; aunt to the Brown University and at his undergradu- very much. (Kate) of Concord, CA, James Hitt Algar at Tufts University since 2002, guiding source center for LGBTQ people in the Shelf and White River Interfaith Care- four children of Jon and Charlotte: Va- ate alma mater, Pomona College; born in John Philip Algar, Mount (Raleigh) of Mount Pleasant and Whitton an endowment that reached nearly $2 bil- Denver area; an expert translator, Doug givers; enjoyed sports, fishing and hunt- lerie Mathews ’76, Jancis (Mathews) Los Angeles, CA, to the Reverend S. Dean Douglas Der Yuen, (4/7/20), ’66 Pleasant, SC, (5/12/20), at age John Algar of James Island, SC; five lion; “Sally literally grew the office from transformed 15 texts from German into ing, reading, knitting, photography, Martin ’77, Richard H. Mathews ’79 McBride, Sr. and his wife Frances; grew up ’60 at age 81; born in Hong Kong 76; husband of Joan Hitt Algar; an attor- treasured grandchildren, Rezo, Joshua, scratch, to create an incredibly highly what he called “readable English,” in- painting, writing poetry, singing, cooking and William S. Mathews ’82. with his younger sister Michal in San to Frank and Eileen (Cheng) Der Yuen; ney in Charleston, SC, for decades; born Aurora, West and Winter; one sister Lau- functioning, collegial enterprise,” said cluding works by Brecht, Kleist and and yard sales. Diego, playing beach volleyball and at- growing up with his sister Penelope in in Los Angeles, CA, the second son of rie Algar (Randy) of Niwot, CO, and two Steven Galbraith, trustee emeritus and Goethe. His greatest playwriting pride Ralph Bishop Dell, New York, tending their father’s services at Point Running Springs, CA, in the San Persis Whitton Algar and James N. Algar, brothers, Bruce Algar (Judy) of Bluffton, chair of the investment committee, in a was most likely translating Frank Joan Cobb Hopkins GP’18, ’57 NY, (2/11/20), at age 84; a re- Loma Presbyterian Church; at Pomona, Bernardino Mountains, developed a pas- one of Walt Disney’s original animators SC and James Algar (Pam) of Valencia, statement; prior to joining Tufts, Dungan Wedekind’s Spring Awakening, the ’56 Carmel Valley, CA (4/5/2020), search scientist and biomathematical met and fell in love with Judy, a fellow sion for downhill skiing, becoming a na- whose work included Snow White and the CA; for memories and stories, all are in- worked as the director of pension fund banned 1906 play of sexual repression at age 87; born in New York City to modeling expert, outdoorsman and Californian; at first more enthusiastic on tionally ranked racer as a teenager; never Seven Dwarfs, 1937; the Sorcerer’s Ap- vited to enjoy the John P. Algar Memorial management for Siemens Corporation for that inspired the hit Broadway musical; a music composers Ida Bostelmann and craftsman, loving husband, father and the football and rugby fields than he was outgrew his love of the mountains, fresh prentice segment of Fantasia, 1940; and Page on Facebook. two years; before Siemens, was the close second would be his 2014 pub- Scribner Cobb; at 16 when her father be- grandfather; born and reared in Alaska; in the classroom, by the time he graduated powder and making effortless, endless pioneering the nature documentary genre deputy chief investment officer and senior lished adaptations of Johann Wolfgang came terminally ill, left high school to spent formative years in Skagway on the he had developed a passion for biblical tracks; following graduation from in 1948 with the True Life Adventures John Freemuth P’15, Boise, ID investment officer for public markets at von Goethe’s sprawling epic poem Faust work full time as a secretary at the Aus- state’s panhandle northwest of Juneau; as studies; won a Rockefeller scholarship to Pomona, pursued his medical degree at Series as a writer/director, earning five ’72 (5/2/2020) at age 69; forged a the Massachusetts state pension fund and Parts 1 and 2; said another dramaturg, tralian Consulate; after 3 1/2 years as a a teenager, read the book Microbe attend Harvard Divinity School beginning the University of California, San Fran- Academy Awards; John graduated first in central role in finding “common ground” an administrative manager for Lehman “Langworthy has expertly trimmed the Manhattan secretary, attended Pomona Hunters by Paul de Kruif and decided to in 1958; Judy joined him in Cambridge, cisco, completing internship and resi- his class from North Hollywood High on tangled Western public land use policy Brothers; at Tufts, created a young ana- gargantuan text while maintaining College and then Barnard College, grad- become a scientist and physician; after MA, after they were married, living in a dency training in Seattle at Harborview School, graduating from Pomona with a disputes as Cecil D. Andrus Endowed lyst program for Tufts alumni; also served Goethe’s structure. … Langworthy pro- uating in 1956, after which she studied Pomona, graduated from the University small apartment above a girls’ school; Medical Center and the University of degree in English in 1966; served nearly Chair of Environment and Public Lands on the boards of several public and pri- vides a rhythmic and colloquial blank for a year at the Hochschule fur Musik in of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1961, spent a memorable summer as newlyweds Washington Medical Center; drafted into three years in the U.S. Army, including a and University Distinguished Professor of vate institutions, including the Eagle- verse that feels both classical and contem- Munich, Germany; in 1958, married paying for his education by repairing ra- working at a boys’ camp on Echo Lake in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in July of term in Vietnam, emerging with the rank Public Policy at Boise State University, brook School in western Massachusetts, porary.” Recently, Doug was a major part photographer Peter Hopkins (1918- dios and TVs; became a full professor at coastal Maine and continued to live and 1969, serving 2½ years at Landstuhl of lieutenant in 1969; in the spring of board member of the Andrus Center for which her sons Joseph Henry and Bud of The Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s 2004) of Princeton, NJ; in 1962, they Columbia Presbyterian Medical Cen- work in Cambridge while Dean earned his General Hospital in Germany before 1970, drove to the South with dreams of Public Policy and one-time chairman of (Samuel) Henry attended; listed controversial Play On! Initiative; one of drove to California with two young chil- ter/Columbia University Physicians and Ph.D. in Near Eastern languages and liter- transferring to Madigan Army Hospital in being a writer and meeting a Southern the Science Advisory Board of the Bureau among Trusted Insight’s Top 30 Women 36 playwrights to translate all the plays dren and settled in Carmel Valley; worked Surgeons; spent 37 years at Columbia be- ature with a focus on the book of Tacoma, WA, in 1972; after discharge, belle; landed a job as the police reporter of Land Management; a politics major Chief Investment Officers and considered attributed to Shakespeare into contempo- as a piano teacher for decades; like her fore retiring in 2000; performed bio- Deuteronomy; although his father and joined the faculty of the Department of on the Charleston newspaper; there be- and varsity distance runner for four years one of the most influential women in in- rary modern English; “This was contro- parents, loved to write music; in 1975 her mathematical modeling for research grandfather were both Presbyterian minis- Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Univer- came smitten by another reporter, Joan at Pomona; remained in Claremont for a stitutional investing; graduated from versial, but when I saw his versions of all musical, Dear Earthlings was produced studies, publishing dozens of academic ters, Dean chose academics; returned with sity of Washington until 1977, when he Hitt; they were wed in 1971 at St. few years after graduating, teaching high Pomona with a degree in French in 1975 three parts of Henry VI, I found his by Monterey Peninsula College and sub- papers; with Robert Winters coauthored a Judy to California to accept a faculty posi- joined The Mason Clinic and served as Philip’s Church; attended law school at school and coaching cross country at the and earned a master’s degree from the translations not only more transparent, sequently by Fitch Middle school where medical bestseller, Acid Base Physiology in tion at Pomona College; after a year, re- chief of obstetrics at Virginia Mason Hos- the University of North Carolina in College, taking the men’s team to the Monterey Institute of International Stud- but more entertaining than those of other her musical Tooth Rock was also pro- Medicine; an inventor and patent holder turned to the East Coast for a new pital; in 1981, moved to private practice Chapel Hill, graduating in 1973; return- 1979 NCAA Division III championships ies in intercultural communication. translators in the project. It was one of duced; wrote several hundred songs, with Columbia on a formula to promote position at Yale; raised their three daugh- with the Seattle Obstetrics and Gynecol- ing to California, passed the bar and was as interim head coach during Pat Mulc- my favorite Shakespeare experiences,” often with themes of peace and the envi- growth in infants born prematurely; nick- ters in Hamden, CT, and Evanston, IL, ogy Group and was chief of obstetrics employed by the Kern County District ahy’s sabbatical; served as a seasonal Na- Doug Langworthy, Denver, said friend and classmate Frazier Steven- ronment; in 2009, her CD, Songs to Heal named “Ralph’s Pretty Good Baby spending many enjoyable summer weeks and gynecology at Swedish Hospital for Attorney as a deputy prosecutor for seven tional Park Service ranger at Glen Canyon ’80 CO, (3/9/20) at age 61; a clas- son ’80. “The worlds both of theatre and Our Planet, was produced by savethe- Food” by a friend, the formula was given camping in state and national parks in four years; a past president of Washington years, trying all manner of cases including National Recreation Area, where he lived sic Pomona polymath—playwright, trans- at large will miss him, as will I.” whales.org; passionate about and devel- to his own grandchild, Milo Pomykala- Connecticut, New Hampshire and Wis- State Obstetrical Association, Seattle Gy- complex death penalty murder cases; also for a time in a trailer once occupied by lator, academic and journalist—his oped her own theories on the healing Hein, in the neonatal intensive care unit consin; one memorable year was spent on necological Society and Pacific Northwest devoted to his other adventure with Joan, Edward Abbey, a fierce environmentalist theatrical happy place was in the shadowy

60 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine Send your class notes and photos to [email protected]. 61 IN MEMORIAM

test in Modeling. “While at Pomona, he Poetry of E.A. Robinson Richard Elderkin worked closely with students doing research Robert Mezey (1999), and, with Don- Professor Emeritus of Mathematics on interdisciplinary problems and dynamical Professor Emeritus of English and ald Justice, The Collected and Environmental Analysis systems, generating excitement for how Poet-in-Residence Poems of Henri Coulette broadly mathematics can be used. Several of (1990). Richard Elderkin, professor emeritus of us are grateful to Rick for bringing us to Professor Emeritus of English and Poet-in-Resi- He devoted a decade mathematics and environmental analysis, Pomona College,” they wrote. dence Robert Mezey died at the age of 85. of his poetic energy to died of Alzheimer’s disease on March 9, Professor Char Miller, director of the 5C Mezey taught at Pomona for more than 20 translating other people’s years, and his work was published widely in The poetry, much of it from 2020. He was 74. Elderkin was a member of Environmental Analysis Program (EA), re- the Pomona faculty from 1974 until his re- New Yorker, Harper's Magazine, New York Re- Spanish to English. His members his colleague Elderkin as “a re- view of Books and Paris Review, among others. translations included tirement in 2013. markably generous soul, gifted teacher and He once said he chose to teach poetry to works by César Vallejo One former student noted that Elderkin dedicated collaborator.” stay close to the language he loved. “Getting and, with Richard was “extremely generous with his time in Rick Hazlett, emeritus professor and past paid to talk about poetry” is how he described Barnes, all the poetry of helping me with research … he is very good coordinator of the EA Program, says El- his job. His courses always included reciting po- Jorge Luis Borges. at helping students put together difficult top- derkin, who helped launch and guide etry and memorizing passages—“have them in He received several ics.” Another former student recalled El- Pomona’s EA Program 20 years ago, was a their hearts,” he said. Emeritus Professor of English Tom Pinney re- prestigious honors such as a Robert Frost Prize, a derkin’s Classic Environmental Readings community-minded mathematician. “He Poet and memoirist Garrett Hongo, ’73 members Bob as a lover of good poetry. “If Bob prize from the American Academy of Arts and Let- discussion-based course and said, “He always had a great laugh, an ever approachable, at- shares one of his memories. “When my second liked a poem, he had to read it only twice and ters and a PEN Prize. In addition, he received fel- kept things interesting by guiding the discus- tentive, good natured personality, and ab- book came out, I gave a reading at the Huntley he had it memorized.” lowships from the Ingram Merrill Foundation, the Bookstore. Bob came, sat quietly in the back row His collections of poetry included The Love- Guggenheim Foundation and the National En- sion with provocative questions.” solute devotion to the importance not only maker (1961), winner of the Lamont Poetry A recipient of various Mellon Foundation through the whole thing, then spoke to me. He dowment for the Arts. of teaching mathematics to his young stu- said, ‘Well, I don’t know if it’s poetry, but it sure Prize; White Blossoms (1965); The Door Stand- He received his B.A. from the University of grants for his research, Elderkin was an ex- skaya and Shahriar Shahriari noted that it dents, but doing so in a meaningful way,” is powerful, emotionally speaking.’” ing Open: New and Selected Poems, 1954– Iowa and completed graduate studies at Stanford pert in mathematical population ecology was Elderkin, together with Emeritus Profes- Hazlett remembers. “The man swung from love to reproach, meet- 1969 (1970); Small Song (1979); Evening University. In addition to Pomona, Mezey taught with a research focus in mathematical model- sor of Mathematics Kenneth Cook, who first A native of Butte, Montana, he received ing to meeting, yet tenderness to others and de- Wind (1987); Natural Selection (1995); and at various institutions, including Case Western Re- ing. Offering their collective reflections on gave Pomona a national presence in mathe- his bachelor’s degree from Whitman College votion to art were his dominant traits. He lit up Collected Poems 1952–1999, which won the serve University; Franklin & Marshall College; his impact on the College’s Math Depart- matical modeling, leading several teams to and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University when the topic was the love of poetry and he Poets’ Prize. He edited numerous works, includ- California State University, Fresno; the University ment, Professors Jo Hardin, Ami Radun- first place in the national Mathematical Con- of Colorado, Boulder. shared it,” says Hongo. ing Thomas Hardy: Selected Poems (1998), The of Utah and Claremont Graduate University.

brought these to Pomona and developed new and other needs for all the athletic teams and di- Catalin Mitescu ones both here in the U.S. and in France at the Mike Riskas recting the intramural program. He also served as Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy École Normale Supérieure, where he was a fre- Professor Emeritus of Physical Education chair of the Pomona-Pitzer Hall of Fame Selection quent collaborator. Committee, administered all NCAA compliance Catalin Mitescu, professor emeritus of physics Most faculty will remember Catalin for his Mike Riskas, professor emeritus of physical edu- paperwork and taught such classes as tennis, and astronomy, passed away Saturday morn- role as parliamentarian at faculty meetings, but cation and former head coach of baseball, weight training, volleyball, cardio conditioning, ing. He was 81. A professor at Pomona for 47 he also led the Cabinet for many years and passed away on April 1, 2020. He was 85 handball, racquetball, swimming and wrestling. years, much of it as the Seeley W. Mudd Profes- served for many years as head of the Goldwa- years old. Emerita Professor of Physical Education Lisa sor of Physics, Mitescu was known for his roam- ter selection committee and the advisor for the Riskas retired from Pomona in 2003 after 42 Beckett says, “There is good reason why Coach ing intellect, his ability to lecture on complex 3-2 Engineering Program.” years serving in a wide variety of roles—from Riskas was given the nickname ‘Iron Mike.’ The topics in physics without notes and his complete Mitescu was also a man of deep faith. Com- coach to facilities coordinator. As an emeritus strength of his character was unsurpassed. Hon- dedication to his students. mitted to the Orthodox Christian Church, he professor, he stayed connected with many of his est, fair, generous, kind, loyal, genuine and re- “Probably the smartest man alive,” one of served as a deacon for many years at Holy Trin- students, following their lives and careers through silient… that was Mike. Coach Riskas made a his students once wrote. “He not only taught me ity Church in Los Angeles, then as an ordained correspondence. He was a special friend and positive impact on anyone lucky enough to be a great deal of course content but shaped the priest there and administrator of the church’s St. aide to all his colleagues and served the Depart- around him.” way I think about science. He took a course John the Evangelist Mission in Claremont. Be- ment of Athletics and Physical Education at In 2001, Riskas took a three-year sabbatical overload to teach a class with me and only one ginning in 1993, he served at Saint Anne Or- Pomona and Pitzer Colleges to the utmost. from Pomona, and Major League Baseball (MLB) other student in it.” Another student wrote sim- thodox Church in Pomona, becoming archpriest “Coach Riskas set the bar and gold stan- sent him to Greece as a coach-in-residence to de- ply: “With an incredible mind and a lot of pa- in 2007. He was also engaged with the South- dard in terms of what it meant to be a coach, velop their grassroots baseball. He helped coach tience, this man can do the impossible—make ern California Orthodox Clergy Council, serv- an educator and a professional. He was a cher- the Greek national team to a 2003 silver medal physics understandable.”A third student, look- ing as secretary and president, and the ished and valuable mentor for so many of us in the Senior Europe Tournament, and the team ing back on the occasion of Mitescu’s retire- Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, through the years. But most significant, he was qualified for the 2004 Olympic Games in ment, wrote: “The scientific depth and rigor serving as president of the Spiritual Consistory a dear friend,” writes Professor of Physical Edu- Athens. Prof. Mitescu brought to teaching were always and chair of the Department of Missions. He re- cation and Men’s Basketball Coach Charles He was inducted into the UCLA Baseball Hall balanced by a holistic approach to science and One of Mitescu’s former colleagues, Physics tired from the active priesthood in 2015. Katsiaficas. well as the Quarter Century Award from the of Fame in 1996 and into the Pomona-Pitzer Ath- its philosophical underpinnings. Rarely a day Professor David Tanenbaum, remembers: “Prior A native of Bucharest, Romania, Mitescu im- Riskas first arrived in 1961, serving as assis- American Baseball Coaches Association. letic Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2017, Riskas was goes by in my own professional life that these to his arrival at Pomona, he had a strong bond migrated to Canada as a child, graduating tant football coach for 24 years and head base- Riskas was known as a team player, supervis- honored with the SCIAC Distinguished Service standards and this wisdom do not somehow with the rich traditions of Richard Feynman and from McGill University in Montreal before com- ball coach for 25. He was named NCAA Division ing schedules, maintaining athletic facilities, ar- Award for his meritorious service to intercolle- echo in my mind and ask me to aim higher.” major players in the physics community. He ing to California to earn his Ph.D. at Caltech. III West Region Coach of the Year in 1986, as ranging for transportation, meals, strength-training giate athletics.

62 Spring/Summer 2020 Pomona College Magazine 63 BACK STORY

Teaching Politics in the United States in the Age of COVID-19

An essay by David Menefee-Libey Pomona College Professor of Politics

OVID-19 arrived smack in the middle of the semester I first premacy, economic oligarchy, punitive economic and social policy, Michigan capitol as the legislature deliberated closing public facilities security, unemployment insurance and pension guarantees in the started teaching Politics 142, Anti-Democracy in America. The and corrupted and dysfunctional elections. The 14 amazing Clare- across the state to slow the spread of the virus. United States since the 1980s. This book in particular struck a chord C pandemic shut down our class meetings, disrupting our normal mont Colleges students in the seminar were up to the challenge, The racial dimensions of the pandemic became obvious within for the students in the seminar, who are about to enter the labor ways of working together, but it fit disturbingly well into the content though. They did the readings, formed their own views, discussed weeks, as public health researchers published data showing higher in- force in an economy devastated by the pandemic. As the semester that we were studying. their agreements and disagreements in our bi-weekly seminars and fection and mortality rates among people of color in the United ended, unemployment neared 15 percent, and bipartisan majorities The pandemic has laid bare the United States in 2020, as we en- wrote ambitious papers. States. Students in the seminar had already read a variety of materials in Congress targeted their first recovery legislation primarily at busi- counter the public health consequences of deep social and political Again and again, COVID-19 connected with the readings. In on white supremacy in the United States, and they couldn’t help but nesses and investors. inequality, widespread economic precariousness, white supremacy, How Democr acies Die, Levitsky and Ziblatt showed how anti-democ- notice that virtually all of the anti-quarantine “protesters” in the In short, the pandemic became part of our curriculum this semes- polarized and dysfunctional politics, hollowed-out government, and a ratic political leaders all over the world commonly attack the institu- news were white. ter. Again and again, COVID-19 taught us hard truths. In 2020, as scandalously inadequate health care system. tions of government and challenge the legitimacy of professionals and Rick Hasen’s newly published Election Meltdown seemed alarmist the election nears, democracy in the United States is at best more as- First, a little background. I’ve long meant to teach a course like experts. As the pandemic emerged in March, we learned the Trump to some of us, as he warned about the fragility of U.S. voting sys- piration than reality. At best. this as a counterpoint to Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in Amer- administration had gutted pandemic preparation in 2018, and we tems. Then we watched the Republican state legislature and the Wis- Let me close on a personal note. After teaching about U.S. politics ica, the 1830s study famous for its generous portrayal of American watched as the President and other Republican leaders dismissed the consin Supreme Court overrule Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ at Pomona College for more than half my life, I struggled with giving civil society. (“Among the novel objects that attracted my attention warnings of public health officials and researchers around the world plea to delay the state’s primary election, forcing residents to risk ex- students such dark material during such dark times. But I was deeply during my stay in the United States, nothing struck me more forcibly as a “hoax.” posure to the coronavirus if they wanted to cast their votes. grateful for the opportunity to work through this syllabus with those than the general equality of conditions.”) A bunch of events finally We read several studies on polarization and the “culture wars” in Students read about the chaotic state of public health insurance 14 young people twice a week this spring. In the face of everything, gave me the push: Donald Trump’s election in 2016, Danielle Allen’s the United States. The pandemic offered an immediate case study, as and access to medical care in Jamila Michener’s Fragmented Democ- the students in the seminar remained engaged and committed, more Pomona commencement speech in 2018, and Daniel Ziblatt ’95 many conservatives politicized the quarantine and the wearing of pro- racy. This prepared them to understand reports about disparities in than willing to face, consider, discuss and write about the implica- publishing How Democracies Die with his colleague Steven Levitsky tective face masks. In April, Vice President Mike Pence refused to access to health care during the pandemic, particularly the research tions of these readings (and the pandemic ) for their own futures, and that same year. cover his face even at the Mayo Clinic. showing larger numbers of uninsured and untreated people resided in the future of the United States and the world. The Anti-Democracy course took on some hard topics, including In The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Re- states whose governments had refused to enact the Medicaid expan- We face daunting challenges, but those students give me hope. the challenge of defining democracy in the first place, the building made the Constitution, Eric Foner showed how the framers of the 14th sion available under the 2010 Affordable Care Act (commonly called of the United States on slavery and settler colonialism, deep and po- Amendment struggled to defend elected governments from armed ter- Obamacare). David Menefee-Libey is professor of politics and coordinator of the Public larized disagreements about who is an American and what the rorists in the South in the 1860s. This seemed a part of America’s dis- In 2019, Jacob Hacker published an updated version of The Policy Analysis Program. He has been a member of the Pomona College United States should be, historical and contemporary white su- tant past until April, when armed “protesters” tried to storm the Great Risk Shift, which focused in part on the dismantling of job faculty since 1989.

64 Spring/Summer 2020 Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Claremont, CA 91711 333 North College Way, Claremont, CA 91711 Permit No. 17 Change Service Requested

In times of uncertainty, the Pomona Plan provides stable and predictable lifetime income.

Call us to see how the Plan can support you. OF POMONA COLLEGE

SAMPLE Age 90 13.0% ANNUITY RATES Age 85 11.5% FOR INDIVIDUALS Age 80 10.0% Age 75 8.5% RATES VALID THROUGH JULY 31, 2020 Age 70 6.7%

Call us: (800) 761-9899 Email: [email protected] Website: www.pomonaplan.pomona.edu