Making the Impossible Possible
A Message from the President
In preparing this year's Annual Report of Giving,
it quickly became apparent that the progress we
have seen at this university has been nothing short
of phenomenal considering the harsh budgetary
constraints we have faced. Just 10 years ago, state
funding covered about 80 percent of the cost to
educate our future workforce. Today, it has dropped to
half. Despite the steep funding declines, we've managed
to provide an exceptional learning experience for
our students, expand research, and partner with the
community on issues that are critical to California. That
ability to make the impossible possible is a testament
to people like you. Our donors, alumni, faculty and staff
have shown deep commitment and creativity in finding
ways to support our educational mission.
In this report, we highlight 10 examples of people who have risen to the challenges we face and opted to find solutions. They have supported deserving students, served the underserved in our communities, propelled emerging industries, and added to research and learning opportunities. The common thread in these stories is that Cal Poly Pomona has served as the conduit in making these achievements possible.
We are passionate about the role that higher education can play in individuals' lives and in the greater community. Our belief that the community shares in our passion inspired us to launch a $150 million comprehensive fundraising campaign. Our supporters helped us reach the $100 million milestone in March, just 18 months after the public launch of the campaign. In the following pages, you will see that the support you have provided to Cal Poly Pomona has been invested well and will surely reap dividends. Thank you for your confidence in Cal Poly Pomona and the power of the higher education.
J. Michael Ortiz
President, Cal Poly Pomona
president@csupomona.edu
(909) 869-2290