Cal Poly Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona
Name	California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Established	1938
Type	Public polytechnic university
Endowment	$142.8 million (2021)
President	Soraya M. Coley
Students	25,872 (Fall 2022)
City	Pomona
State	California
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 1,438 acres (5.82 km²)
Colors	Green and Gold
Nickname	Broncos
Affiliations	California State University, APLU, AASCU

Cal Poly Pomona. It is one of two polytechnic universities in the California State University system and is known for its "learn by doing" philosophy. The university's sprawling campus is situated on the historic W.K. Kellogg estate in Pomona, offering a unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience across a wide range of disciplines. With a strong emphasis on engineering, agriculture, architecture, and business, it serves as a major educational and economic driver for the Greater Los Angeles region and the Inland Empire.

History

The university's origins trace back to 1938 when a satellite campus of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo was established on the former winter ranch of cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg in Pomona. This site was donated by Kellogg to the state of California for educational purposes. The campus operated as the Cal Poly Voorhis Unit until 1966, when it separated from its parent institution and became an independent member of the California State University system. Key figures in its early development included Julian A. McPhee and Robert C. Kramer, who helped establish its polytechnic identity. The university has since grown significantly, adding numerous colleges and becoming a nationally recognized institution for its applied educational model.

Academics

The university is organized into eight distinct colleges: the College of Agriculture, College of Business Administration, College of Education and Integrative Studies, College of Engineering, College of Environmental Design, College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences, College of Science, and the Collins College of Hospitality Management. It is particularly renowned for its programs in engineering, agriculture, architecture, and hospitality management, consistently ranked among the best in the nation. The curriculum emphasizes a "learn by doing" approach, integrating laboratory work, project-based learning, and required senior projects. The university also hosts several specialized centers, including the W. Keith and Janet Kellogg Arabian Horse Center and the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies.

Campus

The 1,438-acre campus is located on the former W.K. Kellogg estate in the Pomona Valley, approximately 30 miles east of Los Angeles. Historic landmarks include the original Kellogg House and the Kellogg West Conference Center and Hotel. The campus features a mix of historic Spanish Revival architecture and modern facilities, such as the College of Environmental Design buildings and the state-of-the-art Student Services Building. Notable facilities include the Biodynamic Garden, the Engineering Laboratories, and the University Library. The campus is also home to the Southern California Botanic Garden and extensive agricultural lands used for teaching and research.

Student life

Student life is vibrant with over 300 student-run clubs and organizations, including academic societies, cultural groups like the Asian Pacific Islander Student Center, and chapters of national fraternities and sororities. Major annual events include the Week of Welcome, Bronco Fusion, and the Kellogg Arena rodeo. Student media is produced by The Poly Post newspaper and CPP Radio. A significant number of students live on campus in residence halls like the University Village and the Suitemate Community, while many others commute from across the Greater Los Angeles area. The Bronco Student Center serves as a central hub for activities and dining.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos, compete in NCAA Division II as members of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The Broncos have a strong tradition of success, particularly in men's basketball and women's volleyball, having won multiple national championships. Key facilities include the Kellogg Arena for volleyball and the Kellogg Gym for basketball. The university also fields teams in soccer, baseball, softball, cross country, and track and field. The athletic program emphasizes the student-athlete model, with many teams consistently achieving high academic performance ratings.

Notable alumni

The university's alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields such as politics, business, science, and entertainment. In government, notable figures include former United States Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa. Leaders in industry include John M. L. Gruenberg, former CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, and Ralph G. Neas, a prominent civil rights advocate. In the arts, alumni include Academy Award-winning sound editor Skip Lievsay and celebrated architect Michael Maltzan. The alumni network is actively engaged through the Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association.

Category:Universities and colleges in California Category:California State University Category:Educational institutions established in 1938