Stories of Sagehen Impact

Former Pomona College students joined colleagues and friends of Professor Samuel Yamashita at a day-long conference held on campus April 11 to reflect on Asian history, literature and policy as well as the impact of Yamashita’s mentorship.

Dr. Woutrina Smith ’96, a champion and leader of international conservation and global health initiatives, has received the 2026 Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing her impact on the wider world.

Members of the Pomona College community, joined by the family of Linda Wight Mazur ’81, gathered to dedicate a bench in honor of her lasting impact on the College and the Sagehen community.

Stephen Marc (Smith) ’76, an award winning photographer, has received the 2026 Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing a career marked by sustained creative excellence and cultural impact.

Throughout spring 2026, we asked alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends to share their dearest reflections on the Oldenborg Center for Modern Languages and International Relations. 

A $1 million gift from the Timken Foundation will restore the ceiling mural in the Mabel Shaw Bridges Music Auditorium, the historic venue affectionately known as “Big Bridges," as the auditorium approaches its centennial in 2031. 

As its centennial approaches in 2031, Bridges Auditorium is preparing for what comes next — preserving its character while welcoming a new century.

Six outstanding Sagehens were recognized over Alumni Weekend, April 30-May 3, for their professional achievements and longtime service to Pomona College by the Alumni Board.

Dr. Peter Caldwell ’61, a physician, author and endurance athlete, has received the 2026 Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring his life of service through medicine and storytelling.

Dr. Pamela Schaff is one of this year's Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Award honorees, recognized for her lasting impact across the humanities and medicine. Read more about her interdisciplinary work in the humanities and medicine.