About the Distinguished Alumni Award

Under the guidance of the Office of Alumni and External Relations, the Distinguished Alumni Awards Program has been in existence since 1960. Over the course of the program's history, over 400 alumni have been recognized for outstanding achievement in a profession or vocation; service to local, national or global community; and service to Cal Poly Pomona. Currently one alumnus/a is nominated per college and athletics. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award is an additional honor bestowed on an alumnus/a who over the course of their relationship with Cal Poly Pomona has made an impact on the university that has changed the lives of students, through their generosity, of time and/or resources.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented by the Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association to honor:

  • Outstanding achievement in a profession or a vocation
  • Service to a local, national, or global community
  • Service to Cal Poly Pomona

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for the "Distinguished Alumnus(a) of the Year" award is as follows:

  • The recipient of the award shall be a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, or the Voorhis campus.
  • Current members of the Board of Directors of the Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association and University faculty or staff are ineligible.
  • A recipient may not be recognized more than once by their respective college or athletics department.

CRITERIA

The criteria for nomination of the Distinguished Alumnus(a) includes accomplishments in three categories:

  1. Professional Achievement: The recipient shall have attained prominence through his/her respective field or profession.
  2. Community Service: The recipient shall have a significant record of service to the community state and/or nation.
  3. Service to Cal Poly Pomona: The recipient shall have demonstrated support for Cal Poly Pomona through donated time or resources.

In 2016, the criteria for the award was revised to allow a college or the athletics department to honor alumni who are married or are domestic partners. Both must be graduates from the same college or were both involved in intercollegiate athletics.

NOMINATION PROCEDURE

The Alumni Association will recognize one alumnus/alumna per College and one alumnus/a from Athletics. Nominations must be approved by the respective College's Dean. In the case of Athletics, the Athletic Director's approval will be required.