New engineers, cybersecurity specialists, environmental scientists, teachers, architects, transportation planners, financial analysts, game and film music composers, hospitality and tourism managers, and pre-vet, pre-med and pre-law students will cross the stage in the University Quad to accept their degrees on May 22-24.

Cal Poly Pomona will hold its 12 commencement ceremonies Monday through Wednesday. Nearly 60,000 family members and friends will cheer approximately 7,500 graduates from the Class of 2023, which includes students who completed their degrees in fall 2022, spring 2023 and summer 2023.

"Throughout my college experience, the most important thing I learned is how hard work really does pay off," said business administration senior Jezmier Johnson-Oliveros. "After many sleepless nights, I'm finally graduating with honors."

The Class of 2023 lived, learned and adapted through the pandemic. Urban and regional planning senior Anushka Kargathara turned her energies outward as a student leader on the Environmental Design Student Council, focusing on building community and connections for peers.

"Graduating is a really big milestone for me," Kargathara said. "I learned how resilient I am, not only as person but also a student wanting to make the most of a college experience that seemed right out of a dystopian book."

For business administration senior Yuqing "Kelly" Lin, being in the Student Managed Investment Fund team - where activities included promoting campus-wide financial literacy and winning the top spot in the 2022 CFA Society of Orange County competition for managing an $83,000 asset portfolio - proved to be the most memorable polytechnic experience.

"I am grateful to Cal Poly Pomona for giving me the opportunity to engage with bright minds and connect with people I never thought I would have access to," Lin said.

The investment team experience dispelled doubts about the education system for Ison Serrano.

"Working with interesting and intelligent people exposed me to the beauty of education and curiosity," said the business administration senior. "The professors and students in Cal Poly Pomona helped me realize that education is a privilege and a powerful tool that enhances one's life. After graduation, I plan on pursuing higher education and entering the fascinating world of finance. Thank you, Cal Poly Pomona and all of those who supported me along the way."

"I learned that we as humans are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for," said Brandon K. La, business administration senior. "Throughout my adult life, I have pushed myself so far to see what I am truly capable of. I'm happy to say that time and time again I have surprised myself at the result. It has now gotten to the point where I'm starting to no longer be surprised when I'm able to push myself a little further than I thought I could, and that is what I am the most proud of."

This year's honorary doctorate degree recipients are:

• Sean Yu ('99, political science; management and human resources), managing director and leader of The Sean Yu Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in Pasadena. On Wall Street and Barron's lists have named Yu multiple times as a top financial advisor. He will be the guest speaker at the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences ceremonies.
• Clark Rucker ('83, engineering technology), whose aerospace engineering career spanned four decades and involved work from B-2 aircraft to defense systems. Rucker served as the director of Phantom Works Quality, Boeing Defense, Space and Security and retired after 33 years with the company. He will be the guest speaker for the College of Engineering ceremonies.

Graduates will also have a new spot on campus for graduation photography: The Park at 98. Featuring six-foot-high green CPP letters accented in gold, the 8,600-square-foot green space sits on the former site of the CLA Tower and offers two overlooks: One vantage point at the top of the site offers a panoramic slice of the campus and sunset views, while the other overlook peers down into the Aratani Japanese Garden.

Visit the Commencement website for the full schedule and to learn more about this year's honorary doctorate recipients and guest speakers.