Thank you for Giving
Your Commitment Inspires Our Students to Look Forward
Dear Bronco Family,
2020 is a year to remember for all the things that have happened, and all the things that did not happen. We’ve paused, we’ve pivoted, and we’ve adjusted, while asking ourselves, when will this phase will be over?
Some of us expanded our homes to encompass our academic and work life, blending in our personal and professional environments. Some of us also quietly navigated our own challenges within our own physical and mental spaces.
Through whatever this year will mean to us in years to come, we can say we made it through all 366 days of 2020, and you’ve shared some of those days with Cal Poly Pomona. And for that, thank you.
Thank you to our students for showing up and trusting that Cal Poly Pomona will help you achieve your goals. We believe in your success, and there is also a part of you that believes in a better future for you. Maybe that voice was quieter some days over others, but despite that, you are so strong for making it through a challenging year.
Thank you to our faculty and staff for learning new ways of doing your work and harnessing these resources. Your dedication to your work is an example of lifelong learning, and even though the workdays may have extended past 5 p.m., you are essential for our students to thrive.
Thank you to our alumni who have extended a virtual hand to students. Distance no longer became a challenge for you to “come back” to Cal Poly Pomona. Your expertise and mentorship assure our students that they can overcome their challenges knowing that someone was in their same position.
And finally, thank you to our community and partners who supported vital student success resources, including emergency grants, scholarships, stipends, and technology assistance that motivated them to complete their degree and move further in their careers. Your contributions show our students that their community is here for them to support their success.
We are proud to share just some of the 2020 stories highlighting our Bronco family.
Go Broncos!
Daniel E. Montplaisir
Vice President for University Advancement
“Thank you for your investment. Oftentimes you don’t know who your donation is going to and you don’t get to pick and choose, but there are a lot of students like myself who are coming to Cal Poly Pomona specifically for the resources and programs offered to students and families facing financial and personal challenges. Finance is a struggle for a lot of families and students in Pomona, and investing in a student at Cal Poly Pomona means a lot for someone who might be experiencing hardship and is having a tough time paying for their education.”
Alex Armendariz, Master’s student in Regenerative Science, President’s Scholar 2019-20
“I know what it is to struggle. It really did shape me into the person I am today. My heart is in helping students, people who are low income and underserved.”
Karla Cebrian, ’19, sociology
“Coming to California put me in the mindset of home and unfolded the process for me, and I got connected to some root things that I enjoyed. I feel like Cal Poly Pomona encapsulated my childhood and my studies in one, and it was perfect timing to come here.”
Aneika Solomon Garcia, Business Administration senior
“Disappointment wasn’t a good feeling. I told myself that if they could be patient with me and understanding, then I could change.”
Chris Yanez, ’15, psychology
“I was able to be successful professionally and academically in the United States for myself and also for my family. I hope that my achievements will make my parents proud.”
Sommarani Chan, ’17, food and nutrition, Master’s student in nutrition
“Like many of your professors, I’ve taught classes online many times before. What’s different this time is the circumstances. I don’t have weeks or months to read up on pedagogy and technology. I don’t have the opportunity to test out recording equipment and software. I don’t have the luxury of practice takes and retakes when a trash truck rolls by or the doorbell rings. No. Instead I have a few days, my laptop and my dining room table. And that means I’ll have to be more flexible.”
Peter Hanink, assistant professor of sociology and criminology
“When you can help someone feel at ease about the decisions they’re making – big decisions that can last a lifetime – and they trust you. There’s this bond of trust that’s created, and you can’t take it for granted because it doesn’t always happen. It’s an opportunity.”
DJ Norman, president of the College of Business Administration chapter of the Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association
