The Road to Success

Class of 2023 Forged with Grit and Determination

by Melanie Johnson

They arrived on campus uncertain and inexperienced, but with a hope that they would discover their purpose and passion.

A few years later, the graduates in the Class of 2023 crossed the University Quad stage to receive their degrees, confident in their capability to define and achieve the success they seek.

Cal Poly Pomona celebrated the trials, triumphs and resiliency of the university’s newest alumni at the Commencement ceremonies in May. About 7,500 graduates from spring 2023, fall 2022 and summer 2023 received their undergraduate and graduate degrees to the roar of thousands more family members, friends and supporters. Commencement featured several student and guest speakers, including honorary doctorate recipients: Sean Yu (’99, political science, management and human resources), a successful finance entrepreneur, and Clark Rucker (’83, engineering technology), who retired after a 43-year career in aerospace engineering.

However, the stars of the stage were the students who crossed it with diplomas in hand, smiling, dancing and waving to the crowd of beaming loved ones. That final moment on stage, as well as the thousands more throughout their journey at Cal Poly Pomona, will stay with them for a lifetime.

“To see my brain and heart open up here has been so surreal,” said Emily Quinton (’23, marketing management). “Getting the opportunities I’ve gotten through being at Cal Poly Pomona have been the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced in my whole life.”

“You are not who you were when you began your Cal Poly Pomona journey, nor are you an empty vessel waiting to be filled. Rather, you brought hopes and aspirations, and that you are preparing to cross the Commencement stage is a testament to your self-determination, your resiliency in facing your fears and meeting and overcoming challenges.”

– President Soraya M. Coley

“No matter what anybody says, no matter how many people try to categorize you, put you in a place, tell you what your limits are — you can be whatever you want to be. All you have to do is push yourself and put your mind to it.”

— Ckark Rucker (’83, engineering technology), honorary doctorate recipient

“Remember to honor those who came before you and those who will come after you. Use your education for good and never forget where you came from, your roots. We have a professional, ethical and moral responsibility to serve our people.”

— Diana Aguilar-Cruz (’23, biology), CSU student trustee