Image header from left to right: Bianca, Brent, Yvonne, Brad and Ashley Sams.

For over 30 years, Yvonne Sams (Agricultural Engineering Technology, ‘95) has been a steadfast supporter and advocate for Cal Poly, giving back to her alma mater through her time, talent, and treasure. As President of the Cal Poly Alumni Association (CPAA), Sams brings her deep-rooted commitment to building connections and creating meaningful alumni experiences to the forefront.

The Cal Poly Alumni Association (CPAA), is an engaged and diverse board of directors that is committed to creating quality alumni experiences. Yvonne’s role is a two-year term and one she’s proud to take on after serving as a volunteer in regional Cal Poly alumni communities and on department and college boards for the past 30 years.

"There's just a connection between Cal Poly alums that no matter where you are if you're out of the country or wherever you run into somebody, there is a connection to this beloved place and San Luis Obispo,” she said.

Born and raised in Watsonville, California, in a traditional Mexican family, Sams was one of the first in her extended family to attend college. After initially being accepted into Cal Poly as an Agricultural Engineering major, she switched to Agricultural Engineering Technology, where she became one of the program's first female students. The hands-on, technical training she received at Cal Poly in welding, milling, lathing, and engine repair would shape her future career in agriculture and logistics, a field still largely dominated by men. “Doing that kind of work really set me up for success in my career” she explained.  

Sams’s professional career spans the food and agriculture industry, with leadership roles at major companies such as Frito-Lay, Gallo Winery, Tyson Foods, and G3 Enterprises. A move to Modesto early in her career marked the beginning of her involvement with the CPAA, where she became a leader in the local alumni chapter. Over the years, she has also served on volunteer advisory boards for the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Department, as well as the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. In addition to her board service, Yvonne’s dedication to her alma mater was further demonstrated when she played an instrumental role in restarting the Latinos in Agriculture Club at Cal Poly, a group that continues to thrive with over 120 student members today.

“It was one of the organizations that kept me grounded, that kept me connected to my heritage, my family and my culture, and I am so proud to have helped restart this amazing organization,” she recalled.

Yvonne’s dedication to Cal Poly extends to her own family, which is also deeply connected to the university. She and her husband, Brad (Food Science, ‘95), met as students at Cal Poly, and today, their two daughters, Bianca (Agricultural Systems Management, ‘24) and Ashley (third-year Nutrition major), are continuing the Mustang legacy. She enjoys sharing her school pride with them and says it’s a different perspective as a Cal Poly parent.

“Being a Cal Poly parent is something that I find fascinating because even though parents may not be alums of Cal Poly, they are also proud and connected to Cal Poly.”

Now serving as CPAA Board President, Yvonne is focused on continuing to strengthen the connection between alumni and Cal Poly. “As I look forward to my role as president, I’m focused on building on our strong foundation of alumni engagement,” she says. “It’s about keeping our alumni connected, motivated, and inspired to give back — whether that’s through time, resources, or mentorship.”

Under Yvonne’s leadership, the CPAA continues to thrive as a vibrant, engaged community of over 225,000 alumni who are making a difference through giving, mentoring, and staying connected to the Cal Poly experience. There are many ways to give back and get involved. You can find a regional or affinity-based network near you and join Cal Poly Proud alumni who are reconnecting with Cal Poly and taking part in meaningful engagement.

Learn More About the CPAA Volunteer Community