This year marks Claremont Graduate University’s (CGU’s) 100th anniversary since becoming an independent institution in 1925, and the university is celebrating with a yearlong series of events to honor its legacy.
“The 100-year history is a big celebration of not just CGU but the community of Claremont,” Alegria Martinez, social media specialist at the CGU Office of Advancement, said.
The university, previously known as the Claremont Colleges, was created in the 1890s by Pomona College founder James A. Blaisdell. According to Martinez, Blaisdell initially established the university so that students could have a place to further their education after obtaining their undergraduate degrees.
At the time, though, CGU wasn’t just a graduate school; it was also in charge of administering the consortium’s shared services, such as the library. Over time, the school hired its own faculty, establishing itself as an independent institution in October 1925.
100 years later, on March 1, the centennial festivities began with a spring celebration on CGU’s campus. The event featured live music performances, new CGU merchandise, an art gallery and exhibitions that showcased the interdisciplinary nature of a CGU education.
The celebration included a “Legacy Talk,” in which one of CGU’s history professors and other community members discussed the university’s past.
Smriti Nambudiri CG ’25, a graduate assistant for international admissions at CGU, said the event allowed many alumni to reconnect with former classmates, meet current students and return to campus for the first time in years.
To commemorate its progress, CGU has also developed a webpage dedicated to recording its history titled “CGU 100: Our Origin Story.” The multimedia page aims to tell CGU’s history through text and imagery, making up what they call “chapters.” Three are already out and according to Martinez, more are coming soon.
The university is also bringing its celebration to social media, highlighting its history and alumni using #CGU100 and sharing parts of the community, such as a couple who met at Claremont McKenna College before continuing their education together at CGU decades ago.
The CGU 100 page also features a community forum where alumni, students, faculty and staff can submit their most meaningful CGU memory and a photo to go on a story wall.
The website states, “The CGU story is best told through the lens of our vibrant community. From groundbreaking research to transformative mentorships, from lifelong friendships to life-changing initiatives — every journey here has contributed to our century of advancing knowledge.”
Martinez said that many notable community members will participate throughout the yearlong celebration, including Betty Hagelbarger, namesake of the on-campus café Hagelbarger’s, and representatives from the Claremont Chamber of Commerce.
Nambudiri emphasized the importance of celebrating CGU’s accomplishments.
“It’s a good way to kind of form more of a community, especially because it is a huge benchmark,” she said.
The university has a lineup of upcoming celebrations and events in the next year, with one of the more notable ones being their “Fall Centennial Celebration Week,” which takes place during CGU’s official birthday month from Oct. 11-18.
“The festivities are a great reason to come together as a community and celebrate a longstanding legacy,” Nambudiri said.
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