Recent News
Cal Poly Receives CSU-Record $110M Gift from Alumnus William L. Frost
Jul 18, 2017
Donation, among the largest ever in California public higher education, will transform the College of Science and Mathematics’ undergraduate research program
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Demonstrating unprecedented support for the nation’s largest public university system and specifically for undergraduate research, California State University alumni William and Linda Frost have given a CSU-record $110 million to Cal Poly’s College of Science and Mathematics.
The gift is among the largest ever to public higher education in California.
Cal Poly Names Dean Wendt to Lead College of Science and Mathematics
Jul 18, 2017
Alumnus will succeed Dean Phil Bailey, who is retiring after nearly 50 years at the university
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly Provost Kathleen Enz Finken today announced that Dean Wendt, a biology professor and currently the university’s dean of research, will become dean of the College of Science and Mathematics effective July 1.
Wendt will succeed current Dean Phil Bailey, who is retiring after 48 years as a professor and administrator at the university, including 34 at the helm of the College of Science and Mathematics.
Cal Poly to Build Solar Farm as Part of Net Zero Plan
Jul 18, 2017
18.5-acre facility to generate up to 25 percent of university’s electricity, produce $17 million in savings
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly will break ground this summer on a solar farm that will generate renewable energy, create Learn by Doing opportunities for students and save the university millions of dollars.
The facility, to be erected adjacent to Highway 1 on the western side of the Cal Poly campus, will be financed, designed, constructed and maintained by REC Solar, one of the nation’s largest solar providers. REC Solar, headquartered in San Luis Obispo, was founded by Cal Poly graduates in 1997.
Cal Poly Shines in Latest PayScale.com Return-on-Investment Report
Jul 18, 2017
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — A Cal Poly education pays dividends for decades, according to the latest PayScale.com ranking of return on investment among the nation’s top colleges and universities.
Cal Poly ties for No. 29 for all institutions nationally in the 2017 rankings, up from No. 32 a year ago, with California residents netting 20-year return on investment of nearly $680,000, according to the online salary, benefits and compensation information company.
Cal Poly Freshman Named Treasurer of California FFA State Officer Team
Jul 18, 2017
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly freshman Armando Nevarez, a bioresorce and agricultural engineering major, has been elected treasurer of the California FFA State Officer Team. He will serve alongside five colleagues in 2017-18, traveling the state and representing the organization.
Nevarez, a first-generation college student form Holtville, California, will take a year off from his studies at Cal Poly to fulfill his duties as a state officer. He was elected to the position April 24 in front of more than 7,000 people at the FFA state conference held at Fresno’s Selland Arena after an intense five-day interview process.
Cal Poly Receives STARS Silver Rating for Sustainability Achievements
Jul 18, 2017
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly has earned a STARS Silver Rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.
This is the first time the university has applied for a STARS rating. Recognizing the value of the STARS framework, Cal Poly pursued the rating to establish benchmarks for its sustainability efforts. Cal Poly rated highest in the areas of curriculum, campus engagement, planning, and water and greenhouse gas emissions management.
Donation Funds HD Upgrade to Student-Run TV Studio at Cal Poly
Jul 18, 2017
Retired Raytheon CEO Bill Swanson and wife, Cheryl, give $100,000
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Thanks to a $100,000 donation to the Cal Poly Journalism Department from Bill and Cheryl Swanson, the university’s student-run television studio will be outfitted with the latest cameras, switchers and other equipment, allowing students to broadcast in high definition.
“We chose to make this donation because we believe in Learn by Doing, and Cal Poly students deserve the best,” said Bill Swanson, chairman of Cal Poly’s Foundation Board and retired chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Raytheon Company.
Longtime Cal Poly Supporters Pledge $1.5 million to Support J.G. Boswell Agricultural Technology Center
Jul 18, 2017
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Jim and Michelle Marderosian, longtime supporters of Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and key leaders in the citrus industry, have pledged $1.5 million to the college’s new J.G. Boswell Agricultural Technology Center.
The gift will fund a new plant pathology lab that will be used to diagnose and explore plant diseases and disease control strategies.
Cal Poly Announces New Vice President and Chief Officer for Diversity and Inclusion
Jul 18, 2017
Josephine De Leon will lead efforts to foster an inclusive campus climate
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly has named Josephine (Jozi) De Leon as vice president and chief officer for diversity and inclusion.
De Leon will serve as the campus leader of inclusivity and diversity initiatives at Cal Poly. In her role, she will report directly to President Jeffrey D. Armstrong and will function as a leading voice on matters of equality, diversity and inclusion. De Leon will start at Cal Poly on July 10.
Cal Poly Announces Scott Dawson to Return as Orfalea College of Business Dean
Jul 18, 2017
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly announced today that former Orfalea College of Business Dean Scott Dawson will return to the position effective June 1.
“We are pleased that Scott will return as part of our leadership team and that the Orfalea College of Business’ students, faculty and staff will once again benefit from his visionary leadership and commitment to Learn by Doing,” said Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong.