Faculty & Staff

Dr. Wayne Rowe

Professor Wayne Rowe was Professor of Communication at Cal Poly Pomona, where he taught for 27 years, until his retirement in 2017. He instructed courses in film photography, digital photography, and photographic lighting. He also developed a popular General Education course, “Understanding and Appreciating the Photographic Image.” On the very first day that class was held, the lecture hall filled with 120 students, and, still, many more students waited outside, wanting to enroll in the course. Professor Rowe inspired students to explore the depth and breadth of photography, and to understand the role it played in shaping and influencing America’s culture and conscience. His department chair at the time, Dr. Richard Kallan, described Wayne as the “perfect faculty member, mentor, colleague, and friend.”

Professor Rowe's openness, kindness, and charm inspired hundreds of students, who often commented that he had guided the direction of their life. One such student created a photo tribute that read: "Simple tips to remember: Always trust Dr. Rowe . . . He’s the Photo God.”

Throughout his life, Professor Rowe was known for his extraordinary generosity and graciousness. He forever championed respect, acceptance, and kindness towards others. His wife, Yvone, perhaps said it best: “Wayne was born with a pure heart, which remained unsullied all his life.”

The Wayne Rowe Memorial Scholarship has been established in memory of Professor Rowe by his wife and brother, and also by Professor Richard Kallan. To contribute to the fund, please click here and note that it is for the Wayne Rowe Memorial Scholarship.