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CPP Celebrates 2023 Distinguished Alumni

October 26, 2023 | Esther Chou Tanaka

he awardees at the 61st annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Awards at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry

Cal Poly Pomona recognized nine outstanding alumni who have attained success through significant achievements in their professional fields, serve their community and give back to the university. The Distinguished Alumni Awards, now in its 61st year, recognizes one individual from each college and a Lifetime Achievement honoree.

This year's Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Ron Gregoire ('71, accounting), who has had a highly successful career in the automotive industry.

During college, a paid internship experience and a professor helped set up Gregoire for success. After graduating, he worked at an accounting firm and then moved to the automotive industry, acquiring a Dodge franchise in Pasadena. One of his first major business deals was purchasing 200 GM trucks and leading a brilliant advertising campaign. Over the next 10 years, he acquired six additional franchises and flourished.

Throughout his life, Gregoire has been dedicated to philanthropy. He has supported youth athletic leagues, cancer support organizations, the LAPD's community youth outreach program and community art programs. At Cal Poly Pomona, he has generously supported numerous initiatives in the College of Business Administration, including being the lead donor of the building campaign.

"Our alumni are extraordinary. They are transforming almost every industry and making a difference in our communities. Their achievements, vision and philanthropy inspire us all," said Frances Teves, interim vice president for University Advancement. "Not only are they leaders in their field, but they are also role models for our students and blazing a path for others to follow. We are so proud of their success and honored to call them Broncos."

The Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala was held on Oct. 21 at Pacific Palms in the City of Industry. This year's honorees are:

Lifetime Achievement Award
Ronald Gregoire
'71, accounting
Retired - Former New Car Dealer, Cerritos Ford, Lincoln, Isuzu, Subaru/Suzuki, Dodge and Infiniti

Mike Beckage
'87, engineering technology
Chief Technology Officer, Diversified Technology Systems, Inc.

Pamela Conrad
'06, master's in landscape architecture
Founder, Climate Positive Design

Mercedes Gutierrez
'15, doctorate in educational leadership
Vice President/Assistant Superintendent Human Resources

Matthew Kou
'06, hospitality management
Principal, Green Door Hospitality

Michael Mellano
'61, horticulture
Retired, Mellano & Company

Al Tarkington
'64, business administration
Retired - Partner, Grice, Lund, and Tarkington, C.P.A.'s

Karen Vaughn
'80, mathematics; '82 master's in mathematics
Lecturer Emerita, Cal Poly Pomona

Sean Yu
'99, political science; management and human resources
Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management

Visit the Alumni Affairs website for bios and videos on each awardee.

Matthew Kou receives the Distinguished Alumnus of Collins College of Hospitality Management from Dean Margie Jones at the 61st annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Awards at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry October 21, 2023. Karen Vaughn receives the Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Science from Dean Alison Baski at the 61st annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Awards at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry October 21, 2023. Sean Yu receives the Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences from Dean Camille Johnson at the 61st annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Awards at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry October 21, 2023. Pamela Conrad receives the Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Environmental Design from Dean Mary Anne Akers at the 61st annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Awards at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry October 21, 2023. Michael Beckage receives the Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Engineering from Dean Andrew Ketsdever at the 61st annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Awards at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry October 21, 2023. Mercedes Gutierrez receives the Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Education from Dean Jenelle Pitt-Parker at the 61st annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Awards at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry October 21, 2023. Al Tarkington receives the Distinguished Alumnus award from the College of Business Administration from Dean Sandeep Krishnamurthy at the 61st annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Awards at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry October 21, 2023. Michael Mellano receives the Distinguished Alumnus award from the College of Agriculture from Dean Martin Sancho-Madriz at the 61st annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Awards at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry October 21, 2023.