2025 José A. Gómez CLASS Faculty Excellence Award

The José A. Gómez College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences Faculty Excellence Award acknowledges outstanding teaching, research, creative work, service, advising, mentoring, and collaboration. Dr. Gómez established the fund to honor faculty members who have significantly contributed to student success in CLASS. A first-generation college student, Dr. Gómez grew up in La Puente before attending Cal Poly Pomona, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. During his time as a student, he served as president of Associated Students Inc. and chaired the 23-campus Cal State Student Association. Gómez later pursued master’s degrees in political science and public administration, as well as a Ph.D. in political science, all from USC. In 2019, Cal Poly Pomona honored him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Through the CLASS Faculty Excellence Award, Gómez seeks to give back to his alma mater and celebrate faculty who embody the ideals and values of the California State University system. 

“From the very beginning, the educators I encountered at Cal Poly Pomona genuinely believed in me and my potential,” said Dr. Gómez, now Superintendent/President of Pasadena City College. “It’s an honor to recognize those who continue to inspire today’s students.” Each recipient will receive a $1,000 stipend.  The Dean’s Office sincerely thanks the members of the José A. Gómez CLASS Faculty Excellence Award selection committee: Jesse Portillo (TND), Dr. Tatiana Pumaccahua (PSY), and Dr. Mariusz Ozminkowski (COM).

The inaugural José A. Gómez College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences Staff Excellence Award launches this spring. The award recognizes a staff member who has made exceptional contributions to our college community and embodies the values of CLASS and CPP.  Nominations will be collected here through February 14, 2025.

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Faculty awardees:

• Dr. Lauren Furey, Associate Professor, Communication
• Dr. Shayda Kafai, Associate Professor, Ethnic and Women’s Studies
• Dr. Janine Riveire, Professor, Music

Meet the 2025 Jose A. Gomez Faculty Excellence Award Recipients 

Dr. Lauren Furey, Associate Professor, Communication

Dr. Lauren D. Furey is an Associate Professor of Multimedia Journalism at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she has served since 2016. With a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Florida and an M.A. in Journalism from Columbia University, Dr. Furey specializes in teaching courses on reporting, magazine journalism, and communication law and ethics. Her research focuses on media effects, political communication, and the representation of women in news coverage. An award-winning scholar and educator, Dr. Furey has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and integrates creative projects like podcasts into her work. She is also a dedicated mentor to student journalists and serves as an advisor to The Poly Post and the Bronco Guide.  Reflecting on her mentorship, she shared, “I’ve not only seen students become amazing, award-winning journalists, but I’ve seen their passion and confidence grow, and I’ve seen them find family among their peers in the newsroom. It is an honor and privilege to witness and help foster that growth and community.”

Dr. Shayda Kafai, Associate Professor, Ethnic and Women’s Studies

Dr. Shayda Kafai is an Associate Professor in the Ethnic and Women’s Studies Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She earned her Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from Claremont Graduate University and specializes in disability justice, intersectional feminism, and queer studies. Dr. Kafai is the author of Crip Kinship: The Disability Justice & Art Activism of Sins Invalid and co-editor of Mad Scholars: Reclaiming and Reimagining the Neurodiverse Academy. Her scholarship bridges academia and activism, exploring themes of community, care, and liberation through a disability justice lens. A recipient of multiple awards, including the Womxn’s Resource Center’s Promoter of Healing and Hope Award, Dr. Kafai is a dedicated educator, mentor, and advocate for intersectional equity and inclusion.  This is demonstrated through her creation of EWS’s first PolyX course, Women, Health, and Body Politics Zine Making, where she explains: “By applying their knowledge of gender and body politics in inventive and creative ways, learners contribute to two on-campus zine libraries and embody the principles of artivism.”

Dr. Janine Riveire, Professor, Music

Dr. Janine H. Riveire is a professor of music at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she has been shaping the next generation of musicians since 2000. With a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from the University of Southern California and a career marked by an enduring commitment to string pedagogy, Dr. Riveire's work spans teaching, research, and performance. Her scholarly pursuits include exploring string teacher training, improvisation, and underrepresented composers' orchestral works. An accomplished bassist, Dr. Riveire's creative endeavors feature solo and ensemble performances as well as innovative projects like the Fleisher Orchestra Music Project. Passionate about inclusivity in the arts, she emphasizes the importance of welcoming non-major musicians to campus, stating, “We constantly field questions from high-schoolers interested in other CPP majors who wish to continue playing and singing music. They choose CPP because we welcome non-major musicians. We know that good citizens understand the role of the arts and humanities in a balanced life.” Dr. Riveire has contributed extensively to music education literature and remains a sought-after adjudicator in the field.