Cal Poly Alumni Association 2024 Volunteer Award Recipients
Cal Poly alumni volunteers are the backbone of the Cal Poly Alumni Association (CPAA). From serving as a community leader or day-of-event volunteer to recruiting alumni at a career fair or mentoring students, there are so many ways our alumni get involved.
Recently, the CPAA honored several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond to help showcase how they are Cal Poly Proud. Read on to learn more about the 2024 award recipients!
Director of the Year Award
Anthonette Peña (Liberal Studies, '00)
Anthonette Peña is the Southern California Regional Director and was honored with the Director of the Year Award, which is given to the Regional or Affinity Director who has gone above and beyond to assist their network throughout the year.
Peña leads by example and demonstrates exceptional communication skills, creativity, and provides thoughtful solutions to challenges along the way. She excels in mentoring new community leaders and is always ready to lend a supportive hand for any community within her region. By doing so, her efforts have strengthened connections and created long-lasting impacts for Mustangs within the Southern California Region.
Peña said, "I volunteered on the leadership team of the San Diego community for many years before joining the CPAA board as the Southern CA Regional Director. Aside from being able to connect with other leaders on the CPAA board, I get to work with our leaders in Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego Counties who make the local events possible by volunteering their time! I love making connections with other alumni — all with the common goal of contributing back in ways that are meaningful to each one of us. It is also a great excuse to come back to campus a few times a year!"
Congratulations, Anthonette!
Most Collaborative Award
Christina Sholars Ortiz (MA '23, Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs)
Christina Sholars Ortiz, president of the Black Alumni Community, was honored with the Most Collaborative Award, which is given to an individual or community who has partnered with communities within their own CPAA network, across other CPAA networks or communities, or with departments on campus, to put on impactful programming throughout the year.
This year, Sholars Ortiz was an example of someone who partnered with all three of these groups and who always went that extra mile, from meeting with prospective and current students to breaking down silos across campus to re-engaging alumni across generations. Her passion and commitment to making a difference in everything she does, along with her endless energy and involvement in many organizations on campus, and her leadership in her alumni community, has helped to truly create a Mustang family.
Sholars Ortiz said, "The community I’m involved in is incredibly special because it fosters a sense of belonging and support among its members. It’s a space where individuals can share their experiences, celebrate achievements, and collectively navigate challenges. I enjoy being a part of this community because it not only encourages personal growth but also emphasizes the importance of giving back. The connections made here extend beyond professional networking; they often lead to lifelong friendships and mentorships. Joining this community means being part of something larger than oneself—an opportunity to make a lasting impact while celebrating shared heritage and achievements."
Congratulations, Christina!
Volunteer of the Year Award
Gretchen Stranzl McCann (Landscape Architecture, '83)
Gretchen Stranzl McCann from the Napa Community was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award, which is presented to an individual who consistently demonstrates the pillars of the Cal Poly Alumni Association’s mission by fostering a lifelong connection between alumni and Cal Poly and cultivating goodwill and support for the university.
Stranzl McCann was recognized for her outstanding leadership in event planning, financial management, and managing fundraising efforts. She displayed exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to financial detail, and tireless efforts to bring alumni and members of her community together. She inspired others to celebrate student success and at the same time set the bar high for excellence in event management. Her commitment to hard work has made a significant impact on the Cal Poly Alumni — Napa Community and to Cal Poly students who reside in the Napa Area.
Stranzl McCann said, "Cal Poly alumni in Napa are intelligent, successful, engaging and care deeply about our alma mater. We instantly connect, fostering a strong sense of belonging and value! We have a lot of alumni in Napa Valley — it is great to meet people who graduated throughout the years and hear how they have put their education into action. I was super proud of our gala event at Alpha Omega Winery in June 2024. Our Napa community leadership team worked diligently to create a scholarship for incoming Napa County Cal Poly students. We met our goal of raising enough money to fund the scholarship fully! Our team's tremendous partnership, generous venue host and alumni participants made the evening truly magical."
Congratulations, Gretchen!
Giving Back Award
Cal Poly Alumni — Seattle Community
The Cal Poly Alumni — Seattle Community was recognized with the Giving Back Award, which is given to a group or an individual who has demonstrated going above and beyond by giving back to their local community. The Cal Poly Alumni — Seattle Community is a team of volunteers who has shown a commitment to leaving their community a better place by making a positive impact on the lives of those in need, and reminding us of the power of collective action and compassion. This community regularly brings their members together in unique ways and looks to engage alumni from many different angles. This year they organized an event to sort and repack food at a local food bank, where Cal Poly alumni gathered and prepared food for delivery to food banks and shelters all over Puget Sound.
Lilani Dunn (Nutrition, '05) is a member of this alumni community. She said, "For me, the most rewarding part of volunteering is witnessing firsthand the positive impact we make in our community. Getting involved offers people a chance to contribute to a greater purpose while connecting with like-minded individuals. Alumni and others often find it rewarding to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, whether it's through food education, health initiatives, or simply supporting local projects. Plus, they get to see the direct impact of their efforts — and that’s incredibly motivating."
Congratulations to the Cal Poly Alumni — Seattle Community!
