Cal Poly Alumni Communities are marking the end of a successful fiscal year with a $42,000 gift to the university. The funds represent the combined efforts of Alumni Communities across the country who have come together to donate the proceeds from their various events to student success initiatives.

“Our alumni volunteers work tirelessly to promote our mission of engaging with alumni and connecting them back to Cal Poly through meaningful programming and events,” said alumna and director of alumni programs and engagement, Kelly Owens-Dávalos (B.S. Animal Science ’05).

We’re proud to be able to offer opportunities for alumni to connect and have fun, while also giving back to Cal Poly.

Kelly Owens-Dávalos

Animal Science,'05

Regional and affinity-based communities chose where to direct their event revenue, leading to more than $13,000 raised for student scholarships, nearly $8,000 for the Cal Poly Food Pantry and more than $7,000 directed to programmatic support, in addition to other areas of need.

The Packaging Community, an affinity-based group of alumni affiliated with the Packaging Technology Program, dedicated their funds back to the academic program.

“Our focus is on building connections between current students, alumni and industry leaders, so we jumped at the chance to give back to the packaging program to support whatever they need,” said community president Paul Marchetti (B.S. Industrial Technology, ’12).

“It means a lot to me personally because I truly enjoyed my time at Cal Poly and I wouldn’t have the career I have today without the packaging program,” he added.

The regionally-based Orange County Community chose to focus their gift on student scholarships and immediate needs through Cal Poly Cares, a grant program that provides financial assistance to students experiencing emergencies or temporary hardships.

“As a group we decided we wanted to support those students with the most immediate needs and where we could make the most impact,” said Orange County Community leader Andrew Shugart (B.S. Industrial Technology, ’05).

“It’s extremely important to give back to Cal Poly, not just financially but with your time and dedication,” he said. “It feels good knowing that what you’re doing is helping someone.”

“Whether you're volunteering, making a monetary gift, or showing your support by attending an event, our goal is to give alumni an opportunity to connect to Cal Poly in a way that enriches their own lives and those of others," added Owens-Davalos.