Recap of the Latinx Alumni Familia y Comunidad Panel Discussion & Reception
On November 2, 2024, the Cal Poly Alumni — Latinx Community partnered with Cal Poly Parent and Family Programs for an event during Mustang Family Weekend on campus. This event brought current students, their families and alumni together to discuss their experiences at Cal Poly as a Latinx-identifying student including struggles they faced, advice could they offer, how they found Latinx representation on campus and more.
The 95 registered attendees and panelists discussed topics such as where to shop for authentic food locally, the pressures felt by first-generation students and the progress Cal Poly has made over the years. Panelists included:
- Martin Ortega (Architecture, ’95), alum and parent of a current student
- Andrea Martinez, current Master’s student and graduate assistant at La CASA (Cal Poly’s Latine/x Center for Academic Success and Achievement)
- Luis Nieto (Civil Engineering ’24), recent graduate
- Audrey Arnold, current Communications student
- MC Cristian Reyes (Child Development, ‘24), recent graduate and current Master’s student
"I believe guests walked away with a deeper understanding of the importance of community in nurturing success in college. It was clear that when students and their families feel connected and valued, it creates a ripple effect of confidence, motivation and achievement," said Reyes.
Recently, Cal Poly has reached a significant milestone in its quest for designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution. Fall 2024 enrollment numbers show the university’s Hispanic/Latino student enrollment at the required 25% this year for the first time — an announcement made just a few days before the event.
"Looking ahead, I hope for a future where our Latinx community continues to thrive and grow," he said. "I envision a Cal Poly that creates even more inclusive spaces for Latinx/e students and their familias to come together, celebrate their identities and support one another."
