'We Serve Because There is No Shortage of Need'

Wise Words for the Next Generation

Since 2019, the College of Engineering has conferred honorary doctorate degrees to alumni who have accomplished much and impacted the lives of so many. And every year, they share life lessons to thousands of new graduates. Below are excerpts from each doctoral recipient.

2019 Joan Robinson-Berry (’82, Engineering Technology)

Former Vice President of Engineering, Modifications & Maintenance for Boeing Global Services

So, as you embark on this journey and settle into your careers, I urge you to ask yourself: How will I make this place better?

It may seem a little philosophical or even cliché, but I encourage you to take pride in your work, but don’t be prideful. Focus less on personal accomplishments and accolades and more on what you have done to change a life—whether it’s one person or a billion.

2021 Ganpat “Pat” Patel (’69, Electrical Engineering and Instrumentation)

President and Patron-in-Chief of Ganpat University    

I wish you all great success in combining your curiosity and your passions. My personal, humble upbringing in India has also taught me a valuable lesson. My mother lived by the notion of karma and felt that doing good for others would bring fortune back to us. My family and I now carry the same value.

This has brought me and my wife Manju great joy and pleasure. Take your own family values and continue to pay it forward. I hope it provides you the same joy. I wish you all the very best. Thank you and congratulations again.

2022 Larry Gates (’87, Civil Engineering)

Founder and President of DRC Engineering

As you embark on your careers, I hope that you encounter colleagues who will guide you and share their knowledge and experience with you. As you progress in your careers, I hope that you will act in kind because it’s important to give back and to pass on your knowledge and experience to future generations. And as you achieve success in your careers, I hope that you remember Cal Poly Pomona and the opportunity that it has provided you.

Cal Poly Pomona is not as fortunate as private universities or even other public colleges. It does not have a huge endowment to help fund the campus, so every dollar donated by our alumni is valuable. So please, stay connected to the university, come back to campus often, and participate in alumni events. Over time you will see the difference that your contributions, big or small, can make.

2023 Clark Rucker (’83, Engineering Technology)

Former Director of Phantom Works Quality for Boeing Defense, Space and Security

I chose Cal Poly Pomona for many reasons. I learned much more than what they teach you in class here, I learned how to be innovative and creative—how to think outside the box.

I have spent many years creating my career, learning all of the things that I know about aerospace, engineering, management, leadership, and business in general.

I feel that it would be wrong for me to take all that with me to my grave. So, I share it with you.

Rucker is a perennial advocate and ambassador for the college and its students. Among his many contributions, he spends significant time mentoring students as they step into the professional world.

2024 Brian Jaramillo (’87, Construction Engineering Technology )

Chief Operating Officer for Tilden-Coil Constructors

Giving back and investing in those around us is something that my parents consistently modeled. What I learned from them is that God gives us all a sphere of influence. Within this sphere, big or small, we are called to care for and serve the needs of others. We don’t serve because we may get something for it. We serve because there is no shortage of need, and it is essentially the purpose of life.

I can still hear my mother’s voice say, “Brian, no one asked if you wanted to do it. Serve because it needs to be done. Life is not about you, son.” So, I encourage you to follow my mother’s advice too and simply serve even if you don’t want to. A wonderful place to consider is right here at Cal Poly Pomona as new alumni. You can improve opportunities for students just as someone did for you.