Pitzer College

Pitzer College, the sixth gem in the prestigious Claremont Colleges constellation, offers a distinctive liberal arts experience rooted in its unique founding principles. Established in 1963, Pitzer immediately set itself apart by empowering its earliest students and faculty to collaboratively shape its curriculum and governance, fostering an academic environment defined by engagement and shared responsibility.

The college's origins trace back to California citrus magnate and philanthropist Russell K. Pitzer. Initially founded as a women's college, Pitzer quickly developed its infrastructure under its first president, John W. Atherton, who rapidly recruited students, faculty, and trustees, completing initial campus buildings just in time for the inaugural fall 1964 semester. This early period was marked by an extraordinary spirit of innovation, as the foundational academic and administrative structures were built from the ground up by its pioneering community.

Evolving with the times, Pitzer became co-educational in the fall of 1970, further diversifying its student body which, even in its first year, represented 16 states and five countries. The college has also made significant strides in leadership, notably with the appointment of Melvin L. Oliver as its sixth president, marking him as the first African American to lead any of the five Claremont Colleges. Today, Pitzer continues to embody its founding ethos, providing an engaging and inclusive educational journey for its students.