Cal Poly Pomona's professors pour their hearts into molding the lives of their students, dedicating endless hours to shape them into the best versions of themselves. While the tenure of each professor varies, some rightfully earn the honor of emeritus - a title given to those with minimum of 10 years of distinguished university service.

Each year, the Office of the President and the Academic Senate hosts a faculty emeritus reception and ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments and legacy left by these retiring professors. This year, 16 honorees were celebrated among their colleagues, family and supporters at the Manor House on Wednesday, May 10.

President Soraya M. Coley set the tone for the joyous event in her welcoming remarks.

"It is impossible to measure the magnitude of what you have achieved during your time here," Coley said. "Truly, the differences you have made in your courses and your scholarship will reverberate far beyond our campus."

Among this year's honorees were professors from departments across the university, including former Dean Erik Rolland, who was appointed President of the University of the Bahamas last year; the late Urban and Regional Planning Professor Richard Willson, who was honored with Posthumous Professor Emeritus; and Ethnic and Women's Studies Professor Haiming Liu.

Professor and Chair of the Academic Senate Nicholas Von Glahn, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jennifer Brown, Professor Emeritus Haiming Liu and President Soraya M. Coley smile together at the Manor House.

"Dr. Liu has left a lot of legacies for our students," said Jocelyn Pacleb, professor and chair of the Department of Ethnic and Women Studies, who accompanied Liu to the reception.

In the fall of 1997, Liu collaborated with Lui Amador, then coordinator of the Asian & Pacific Islander Student Center (APISC), and a Southern California Filipino American muralist to teach students about contemporary API issues and ultimately paint the center's mural in April 1998. Over the last 25 years, the APISC has welcomed its visitors with this one-of-a-kind student-designed mural.

"He's helped to establish this legacy for our students to learn about Asian American history, and he's a role model for all of us," said Pacleb.

In reflecting on the afternoon's events, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jennifer Brown summarizes it best: "Faculty and lecturers are the lifeblood of our campus. Folks come here, and they find community. It's always wonderful to take the time to show our appreciation for and celebrate their contributions."

2023 Professor Emeritus Honorees:

• Amrik S. Dua
• Sarah A. Garver
• Mark Haag
• Janet Harms
• Rita Kahn
• Donald J. Kraemer
• Haiming Liu
• Grant A. Marler
• Rose Martin-Sheridan
• Lee-Anne Milburn
• Barry A. Milofsky
• Jerry Mitchell
• Jascha (Jarmila) Polet
• Erik Rolland
• Kenneth M. Stahl
• Richard Willson