Our last day of this academic semester is Friday, December 20th – the day before theÌýWinter Solstice.ÌýAs we approach the break, we find ourselves at a powerful crossroads of the year—a time of bothÌýcelebration and introspection.ÌýThe Solstice marks not only the longest night of the year but also the moment when darkness begins to yield to light, symbolizing a season of renewal and transformation.
This transitional period invites us to pause and reflect. Winter, in its stillness, reminds us of the cycles of life—endings and new beginnings.ÌýIt’s a time to honor what has passed, while opening ourselves to the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether it’s a moment of personal reflection or a gathering of loved ones, this break offers a unique opportunity to recharge, reset, and align ourselves with our individual and collective goals.
In this edition, we’ll reflect on the past semester, and look towards the new year as a time that can serve asÌýa catalyst for recommitment and community.ÌýLet’s embrace the quiet of the season and celebrate the transformative power of the Solstice together.
Committee on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (CIDE)
Under President Marcus-Newhall’s leadership, theÌýCommittee on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (CIDE)Ìýis charged with proposing initiatives, policies, and practices that will enhance public dialogue on gender identity, ethnicity, religion, race, diversity, and other topics critical to the future of the College and facilitating campus conversations on race, equity, and inclusion. TheÌýCollege’sÌýcommitment to inclusion and equityÌýhas been executed by a variety of different working groups and committees over the last 20+ years. In that time, there have been many cultural shifts, both on campus and across the country. And now is anÌýopportune time to reflectÌýon how theÌýwork will continue to move forward as the College moves towards its centennial. Be sure to follow along with us on this process this Spring.
Spotlight
For this edition, we spotlightÌýNick Daily, a Black, queer, nonbinary consultant leading theÌýreimagining of SCORE.ÌýNick accepted their role through their firmÌý, which provides training, workshops, coaching, and assessments for organizations. They also have deep ties to the Claremont community, having served as Assistant Dean of Students at OBSA from 2016–2020, and collaborated with the ADRE to develop 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú’ DEIJ Departmental Action Plans.
Since March 2024, Nick has been working with 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú to assess the culture of SCORE. They’ve spoken with many students, faculty and staff, and several alums to ensure diverse perspectives are included in the reimagining process. This semester, Nick shared a report with Dr. Sha Bradley outlining recommendations for SCORE’s future, with plans for a page with the recommendations on the 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú website in the Spring.
Nick encourages the 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú community to support SCORE during this transition by visiting the space, attending programs, and sharing feedback. Ultimately, SCORE is just one example of our commitment to inclusion—it is our collective responsibility to maintain multiple spaces of belonging across campus. For questions or thoughts about SCORE, please connect with Nick at [email protected].
Updates
2024-2025 Student Racial Justice and Equity Fellows
The Racial Justice and Equity Fellowship Program provides grants for research, internships, and community-engagement projects designed to advance scholarship and explore topics relevant to the following: racial justice; inequality; equity; criminal justice reform; intersectional, interracial, and intraracial violence; community-engaged projects; and related areas.
2024-2025 Faculty Fellows
Professor Nancy Neiman
Reform Movement: Greater Ed Opportunities for Incarcerated Individuals
Professor Westenley Alcenat
An Indigenous People’s History of 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú & the Claremont Colleges
The 2024-2025 Racial Justice and Equity Student Fellowship application opens in the Spring. Student applications require a faculty advisor / mentor component.
Events
Fall Community Gatherings
Spring 2025 ConverActions
Final Thoughts
“In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that…In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.”
— Albert Camus
