As students, they studied on Marston Quad, discussed research with professors and dined with classmates under Prometheus’ watch. Now, our 2025 Pomona College Alumni Award honorees say those campus experiences and relationships shaped who they’ve become and the journeys they’ve taken since leaving Claremont.
They credit their Pomona education with helping them take risks, reach their goals and pay it forward. Presented with their awards during Alumni Weekend in May 2025, these exceptional Sagehens had a few words of advice for our students and recent graduates.
From left: Nancy Treser-Osgood ’80, Susan Blaustein ’75, Charles “Chuck” E. Phelps ’65, Douglas M. Haynes ’85, Priya Amritraj ’15 and John Rabold ’75
Your path doesn’t have to be straightforward
“Follow your inner spirit and your dreams, and try not to worry much about your journey being linear. The gifts that you’ve been given at Pomona really do stand you in good stead for whatever comes along. And believe me, the world needs you.”
— A composer turned international women’s advocate, Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Award honoree Susan Blaustein ’75 is the founder, executive director and board chair of WomenStrong International.
Embrace challenges with patience and build connections
“Use your time as a student to forge relationships, take risks and allow yourself license to fail. Give yourself and others the grace to start over. As students and alumni of such a diverse community, it is not always easy to reconcile the intent and impact of the choices we make, but Pomona’s values provide us tools to navigate in these times.”
— A leader and advocate for equity and inclusion in higher education, Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Award honoree Douglas M. Haynes ’85 is professor emeritus of history and African American studies at UC Irvine.
Be willing to take chances
“Getting outside your comfort zone can lead to things that you otherwise never would have done or accomplished. The superb liberal arts education you receive at Pomona College gives you two tools with which to explore the unknown: the flexibility in thinking that comes from exposure to many academic disciplines and the ability to keep learning throughout your lives. Go out there and do something daring—and always take your intellectual curiosity with you!”
— An internationally recognized health economist, Blaisdell Distinguished Alumni Award honoree Charles “Chuck” E. Phelps ’65 is a professor emeritus and provost emeritus at the University of Rochester.
Understanding who you are is essential
“Your time at Pomona is critical for gaining knowledge of academic subject matter and the world around you, but also of your own self. Self-knowledge requires flexibility, a willingness to challenge existing beliefs and exposure to the many kinds of experiences that are available to you at the College. Learn, and prepare to continue learning for the rest of your life.”
— A longtime Sagehen supporter who strengthens his classmates’ connection to Pomona, Alumni Distinguished Service Award honoree John Rabold ’75 is a retired finance professional and community volunteer.
Stay active with the alumni community
“For the rest of your life, you will cross paths with other Pomona alumni—sometimes in the most unexpected places. After you graduate, keep and nurture those meaningful relationships you’ve developed with fellow students, alumni, faculty and staff. Stay connected to each other and be an active part of the alumni community. You are an important member of the Sagehen flock.”
— A former director of alumni relations at Pomona and dedicated volunteer, Alumni Distinguished Service Award honoree Nancy Treser-Osgood ’80 is a senior consultant with The Phoenix Philanthropy Group.
Explore the unexpected
“Take classes outside of your major and other interests. It may be one of the last times you’ll have the freedom to learn subjects outside of your area of concentration in the company of some of the most wonderful people you’ll ever meet. The further afield the subject, the better; you never know where it may lead.”
— A global storyteller bringing underrepresented voices to cinematic life, Inspirational Young Alumni Award honoree Priya Amritraj ’15 is head of film and television for Hyde Park Entertainment Group.