A Cal Poly Pomona Tradition

December 31, 2020

Dear Cal Poly Pomona Community,

Happy New Year’s Eve! I hope that our annual winter break is finding you and your loved ones safe and well.

I’m writing to you on the eve of 2021 because this time of year holds special meaning for our university community. Usually on this day, scores of Broncos would be laboring furiously in a chilly warehouse in Pasadena in preparation for the annual zenith of one of our most cherished campus traditions — our annual entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade. The only student-designed and student-built float in an event that attracts nearly 40 million viewers worldwide, this partnership with our sister campus in San Luis Obispo is a truly unique facet of our one-of-a-kind university. Without a doubt, watching our entry come down Colorado Blvd. is one of our most collectively anticipated events of the year.

While this year’s parade was wisely canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, you can still enjoy a slice of the Tournament of Roses through a special broadcast airing tomorrow at 8 a.m. on a variety of networks. This reimagined celebration includes musical performances, special guests and a segment featuring our own Rose Float Program. You can find more details from our friends at the Tournament of Roses. In addition, proving how committed our students are to carrying on the Rose Float legacy, both campuses participated in a design competition earlier this month, making sure that creativity and innovation continue to be hallmarks of the program.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Cal Poly Pomona. As always, Ron and I send you our best during this holiday season and wish you good health and happiness in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D.
President