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Alumni Spotlight

Celebrate Cal Poly Founders Day with Alumni

Cal Poly alumni smiling for the camera.

Join Cal Poly alumni for the second-annual Founders Day celebrations!

On March 8, 1901, Governor Henry Gage signed legislation establishing Cal Poly. This exciting announcement came after a group of local citizens led by journalist Myron Angel had been lobbying for a state school in San Luis Obispo since 1894.

To commemorate this special day in Cal Poly's history, alumni communities and networks are hosting gatherings across the US on March 8, 2025. Join us to network with fellow alumni in your area, meet alumni volunteer leaders and show your Cal Poly pride! 

Alumni are throwing it back this year — wind up your disposable cameras, break out your vintage Cal Poly gear and get ready to share in your nostalgia! 

See below for the available events organized by volunteers in the community. 

Don't see your community on the list? Kick off the new year by getting involved with Cal Poly alumni! We are always looking for enthusiastic alums to volunteer their time hosting events, supporting their community and sharing their Cal Poly pride. 


Founders day Events

ALUMNI COMMUNITIES

Boston, MA

Denver, CO

East Bay

Fresno

Los Angeles

Modesto

North Bay

Orange County

Salinas Valley

San Diego

San Francisco

San Jose

San Luis Obispo

Seattle, WA

POP-UP LOCATIONS

Chicago, IL — coming soon!

Minneapolis, MN

Nashville, TN

Phoenix, AZ


Photo of the first three Cal Poly campus buildings.
The first three buildings at the California Polytechnic School in 1906, designed by architect William Weeks.