On a warm fall evening, the unexpected sound of laughter drifts through the open doors of Occidental's largest chemistry classroom. Clapping, cheering, snapping and shouting ring out at almost constant intervals. What is most striking, though, are the singular voices reciting poetry ranging from eulogies to tongue-in-cheek odes to past lovers. One such voice is visiting poet Michael Lee.“Our job...

On the bottom floor of Weingart Center for the Liberal Arts, the printmaking studio is humming with activity. Colorful samples of art projects line the walls and indie music blares. The students themselves are equally as lively; chatting but focused on their work. Abbey Williams (senior) is one of the 10 studio art majors in her graduating class. Williams has...

Every day around noon, a 71-year-old man swims laps in Taylor Pool for a few hours. His 6-foot height and muscular build suggest a once-powerful physique, and it is still not yet completely diminished. He periodically mingles with the athletes, lifeguards and swimmers who frequent the pool, but generally completes his laps and goes home, until he returns the next...