2010 Distinguished Alumni

Cal Poly Pomona has honored nine outstanding graduates with the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor given by the Alumni Association. Now in its 50th year, the awards program recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary professional achievement, community involvement and service to the university.

Representing each college in the university and athletics, the 2009 recipients were celebrated at the Distinguished Alumni Awards banquet on April 30. In addition, their names will be added to a perpetual plaque on the first floor of Building 1. Read more...

Grant Boosts Cell Biology Research
Professor Junjun Liu, biological sciences department, has received a $409,200 grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences for his cancer-related research. The three-year grant helps Liu study a regulatory mechanism mediated by polo-like kinase, which controls progression of cell cycle. The enzyme indirectly regulates the modification of chromatin, which is a key mechanism in stem cell differentiation and the formation of tumors. Escalated levels of the enzyme have been found to cause cancer and other diseases. Read more...

Business Alumni Connect Through INSIDE TRACK
Like many people in this economy, Rodney Dor, ’06, computer information systems, found himself without a job despite expertise in information technology and years of leadership experience. In fall 2009, Dor was laid off and searching for a job that could support his growing family that included a wife, two children and a newborn on the way. Read more...

CSU Plays Major Role in Economy, Study Finds
The major benefits of the 23 California State University campuses are felt by communities throughout the state, and a recent report shows just how much of an economic, technological, social and environmental impact the CSU makes statewide.The report, "Working for California: The Impact of the California State University System," underscores that the dynamic, knowledge-based economy that California enjoys can be directly tied to the investment in world-class public higher education. Read more...

To keep up with Cal Poly Pomona news and events, visit PolyCentric.

“For backyard-farmer companies, business is bountiful” – Los Angeles Times (May 3)
Todd Lininger, regenerative studies, started a company that turns backyards into suburban farms. Read more...

“Naval officer earns honors in her hometown” – Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (April 27)
Navy Lt. j.g. Jennifer Franco, ’00, political science, of Rancho Cucamonga was recently named a Woman of Distinction by Assemblyman Bill Emmerson. Franco is serving a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan. Read more...

“Cal Poly Pomona graduate wins 2010 Cavin Family Traveling Fellowship” – Archinect (April 15)
Garrett van Leeuwen, ’09, architecture, will use the $10,000 prize to explore sustainable building strategies in Japan and China. Read more...

Alumni Association Annual Golf Tournament
Join the Alumni Association for a round of golf at the annual Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association Golf Tournament. Help recognize outstanding student leaders and provide scholarships to deserving students in this time of great need. This year’s golf tournament will be held at private golf course South Hills Country Club in West Covina on Sept. 27. Shotgun starts at 8 a.m. For more information, visit www.csupomona.edu/alumni/events/golf2010.

Are You an Alumni Parent of a 2010 Graduate?
The Alumni Association would like to celebrate your graduate’s accomplishment by giving them $10 off the $35 annual alumni association membership and a free DVD of the commencement ceremony. Keep them connected, involved and informed about their alma mater. For more information on how to join a growing alumni family, click here.

Become an Alumni Mentor Today!
Join hundreds of alumni mentors who are making a difference in students' lives by sharing their knowledge and expertise. This e-mentoring program allows students to receive practical career advice. Students can search for mentors by major, occupation or special interest. Click here to sign up now.

Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association on LinkedIn
Join the official Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association Group and get linked to a network of more than 15,000 alumni. To become a member of this growing network, click here.

Alumni Email Account For Life Now Available
You've asked, we've listened! In an effort to better serve our alumni, the Office of Alumni Affairs updated the Alumni Email For Life Forwarding System.  You now have access to a totally free Cal Poly Pomona Email Account hosted by Microsoft. You will receive 25 GB of secure online storage and free access to Microsoft’s new online Office Web Apps. Register today!

Looking for past issues of Poly @lumni? You can access them by visiting our archives at www.csupomona.edu/alumni/polyalumni_archives.html.