Cal Poly Proud Stories Archive
Former Mustang Softball Standout Goes for Gold in Tokyo
Sierra Hyland always loved playing softball. But being in the Olympics is a relatively new goal for her — and one that she’s more than ready for.
Wagman Set to Pitch for Team Israel in Olympic Games at Tokyo
When Wagman arrived at Cal Poly in the fall of 2009, he probably didn't have a whole lot of confidence on the mound. Today, Wagman can call himself an Olympian.
Recent Grad Heads to Tokyo to Cycle for Team USA
When Christopher Blevins moved into the Cerro Vista residence hall in the fall of his freshman year, he attached a sticky note to his wall with one word on it: Tokyo. Five years later, the Mustang is on his way to the Olympics in that city to compete for the United States in the men’s cross-country mountain bike race on July 26.
Alumni Give Their Best Advice to the Class of 2021
We asked alumni for their best advice to the graduating class of 2021, and you delivered! From work ethic, to staying in touch with friends and making sure you wear sunblock on the big day— it's all covered.
Alumnus Victor Glover Returns Home After Successful Six-Month Mission in Space
Alumnus Cmdr. Victor J. Glover, Jr. (General Engineering, 99) has arrived safely back on Earth after a successful and historic mission aboard the International Space Station.
Strategic Research Initiatives Program Strives to Solve Large Problems
The goal of the new Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) Program at Cal Poly is to connect faculty and students across disciplines and use the unique Learn by Doing ethos at Cal Poly to solve large and complex real-world problems. It was also the topic of the Insights and Impact: An Alumni Speaker Series, which focused on Strategic Research Initiatives.
Victor Glover Checks in With the Today Show
Victor J. Glover, Jr. (Engineering, '99) was recently interviewed by Al Roker as part of the Today Show's Changemakers series in honor of Black History Month. Glover is the first African American to serve on an extended mission aboard the International Space Station.
Helping Students is Easy and Rewarding with Cal Poly Career Connections
Alumnus John Goble, (Electronic Engineering ‘86) is no stranger to networking. A management consultant by profession, he’s also a regular guest lecturer for the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department. What Goble didn’t expect was that when it comes to networking, many Cal Poly students have no idea no idea where to start.
The Lopez Family Redefines a Cal Poly Legacy
Cal Poly has many proud legacy families with both parents and children receiving the same Learn by Doing education, but during different decades. The Lopez family has a more unique experience.
Get a Look Inside the New VGs!
The original Vista Grande Dining Complex opened in 1973 and throughout years, it was THE place to get waffles, late night breakfast burritos, ice cold milk, and oh so many snacks. We recently asked alumni to share their favorite memories of the original VGs on our social media channels. Read on for some of our favorite comments, and a peek at the new building!
Virtual Learning Flashback
Virtual learning has become the new normal for current Cal Poly students. While they wait to get back to campus and continue Learn by Doing, computerized learning has allowed classes to continue while the pandemic keeps them from attending in person. But online and computerized learning has not always been as easy as it is today.
From the Fields to the Food Bank, SLO Alumni Give Back by Gleaning
Traditionally defined as gathering what’s left in the field after a harvest, gleaning has a long history in agriculture. On the Central Coast, that tradition has been adapted to modern times by volunteers such as alumna Susan McTaggart (Natural Resources Management, ’76)
Alumna Gives Back With Career Advice and Senior Project Support
With the current ups and downs of the job market due to COVID-19 a lot of alumni and recent graduates may be worried about their professional future. After completing years of coursework in their desired major, it's understandable that many are concerned they won't find work in their field of study, but some experienced alumni recognize that college is often a training ground and stepping stone to other paths outside their major, and that their actual careers might be very different from what they studied as an undergrad. Kelley D'Angelo, President, CEO and Founder of Lark Ellen Farm can attest to this from personal experience.
Important Message from The Cal Poly Alumni Association
We hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. As we come to the close of a very emotional week, we want you to know that the Cal Poly Alumni Association is here for you. The recent killings in the black community have broken something in our country, which must reckon with its history of racism and violence. We know that members of our Mustang family are hurting--and it breaks our hearts.
Alum Offers Free Photoshoots for Grads in Quarantine
Photographer Asia Croson (Modern Languages and Literature, ’11) has no problem telling her subjects what to do.“One grad, I got her 34 photos in just seven minutes,” Croson laughed. “I have this down. I tell them when to blink, smile, cross the street, laugh — we get a lot done” she says. Time is always of the essence during a photo shoot, but especially during the special 15-minute photo sessions Croson has been hosting for 2020 grads. So far, she's held portrait sessions for 150-200 grads. For free.
Manufacturing New Solutions During the COVID-19 Crisis
When the COVID-19 crisis began to affect California, Jim Schrempp (Computer Science, ’80) knew he had to do something. So, when a hospital tweeted they needed face shields and asked if someone in Silicon Valley could help, members of his community brought the idea into their online forums where the idea caught fire; and like other makers around the country, Schrempp and the Maker Nexus community got to work.
From Engineer to Educator, Alum Founds Club for Young Men of Color
After five years working in construction as an engineering project manager, Ashanti Branch discovered a new calling. A Saturday morning tutoring job soon became his passion when he saw the impact that he was having on underserved youths through mathematics. In 2002, he decided to give teaching a try, with the plan of eventually coming back to engineering. Eighteen years later, he hasn’t looked back.
Alumni Across the World Congratulate the Class of 2020
From astronauts to educators, athletes and journalists, cowboys and business owners — our alumni represent the best of Learn by Doing. Join us in celebrating the class of 2020 with a video message.
Cal Poly Announces Most Successful Capital Campaign in CSU History
Cal Poly is officially announcing the successful completion of its comprehensive philanthropic campaign. The Power of Doing: The Campaign for Learn by Doing raised more than $832 million, the largest fundraising initiative in university and CSU history.
Stepping Up to Fly the Empty COVID Skies
Molly Choma is one of a greatly reduced number of flight attendants still reporting to work as scheduled during COVID-19 pandemic. She is documenting the experience through photos.
Alumna and Business Coach Leads Exercise in Positivity
Nisse Noble, alumna, business and sales coach and entrepreneur leads alumni through a quick exercise in positivity on the alumni Instagram account!
Alum's Kick It App Aims to Connect During Quarantine
2017 Business grad Brett Foreman created the Kick It app as a way to connect SLO businesses to new customers. Now, with the stay at home order, he's changed the app to reward virtual connections, while still providing those important connections.
Giving Back However He Can
Alumnus Victor Rey (Crop Science, '03) recently teamed up with a local event decorator and nutrition store to donate floral arrangements and 60 meals to healthcare workers at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in Salinas. Calif.
Grub for Guardians Connects New York Chefs and Healthcare Workers
Mike Frank (Journalism, ’18) always dreamed of moving to New York. A few months after graduation, he packed up his things and made that dream a reality. Frank now works at the New York University (NYU) Tandon Future Labs, an incubation program focused on helping start-ups, entrepreneurs and new ventures succeed.
Alumni-Owned Distillery Pivots to Hand Sanitizer
In a vivid sign of the times, proprietor and master distiller Aaron Bergh (Agriculture and Environmental Plant Sciences, '15) of Calwise Spirits Co. has suddenly found himself producing a uniquely different product for an entirely new clientele—first responders.
Alumni-Owned Small Business Imports PPES
Brian Espy (Graphic Communication, '99) is the president of Doghouse Promotions, a company that has specialized in branded promotional gear for more than 20 years. His business relies on a global supply chain and was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, but Espy has managed to pivot and adapt by offering new essential items, including hand sanitizers and protective masks.
