CLASS Students Recognized for Perseverance

Written by Stephanie Salazar

The McGoldrick Award, established this year by sociology Professor Emeritus Stacy McGoldrick for the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences, recognizes graduating seniors who excelled academically and stayed involved in extracurricular activities despite facing significant challenges. 

This year's McGoldrick Award recipients were communication student Zane Landin and theatre student Jesse Rodriguez, each receiving $750 in recognition of their strength and perseverance.

About Zane Landin

As a first-generation student, Landin faced multiple challenges throughout his undergrad journey—including working numerous jobs and internships, struggling with his mental health, taking a semester off, and most recently, the unexpected loss of his mother.

"My mom's light encourages me to continue. Before, I wanted to make my mom proud, but now it's even more than that," said Landin. "I want my mom's legacy and heart to reflect what I put out in the world." 

Landin used these challenges as a motivation to make a name for himself at Cal Poly Pomona — and beyond. With his mom as his inspiration, Landin pushed forward, creating a lasting impact on the communities where he found solace. 

He not only graduated as a Kellogg Honors College member and McNair Scholar, but he was also a frequent Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities Conference presenter and served in numerous leadership positions for organizations on- and off-campus.

"Being involved helped me find a community to thrive as a student, scholar, and leader," said Landin.

Recently, he was chosen as one of 30 young activists to participate in the first-ever Mental Health Youth Action Forum at The White House. Currently, he is interning at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory as the Universe Public Engagement Intern and General Motors as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Communications Intern.

About Jesse Rodriguez

From his mother's dementia diagnosis to housing and financial hardships brought on by her illness, Rodriguez's journey toward getting his bachelor's degree has been nothing short of an uphill battle. 

"I had no idea she was losing her identity to this disease, and once it was clear that she couldn't communicate with us, my brother and I were determined to be there for her as she was there for us when we were growing up," said Rodriguez. 

Despite the challenging circumstances, Rodriguez continued to work towards a career in lighting design for the entertainment industry. Rodriguez committed to his coursework while holding various full-time jobs, including retail and warehouse work, to continue supporting his family and his dream. 

While at CPP, Rodriguez significantly impacted the Theatre and New Dance Department, having designed the lighting for multiple CPP productions, including the Southern California Shakespeare Festival. He also consistently gives back to his community and has served as the lighting designer for numerous shows at his high school alma mater.

Rodriguez recently found steady employment as a lighting technician at Knott's Berry Farm and will soon begin a full-time position at Disneyland, where he can fine-tune his skills. To further his career and deepen his artistry, he also plans on getting a Master of Fine Arts in lighting design.

To learn more about the McGoldrick Award, visit www.cpp.edu/class/news/articles/2022-03-02_mcgoldrick_award.shtml.