Biological Sciences Professor Named Fulbright U.S. Scholar Alumni Ambassador
Biological sciences Professor Nishi Rajakaruna has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Alumni Ambassador for 2024-26. The program is administered by the Institute of International Education in collaboration with the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Ambassadors serve as official program representatives and assist with outreach alongside campus scholar liaisons. Rajakaruna has received two Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards, the first to his homeland Sri Lanka (2016-17) and another to South Africa (2022-23). Rajakaruna remains a strong advocate and welcomes colleagues interested in exploring this unique opportunity to connect with him about its impact and his experiences. “I’m excited to help galvanize interest in the program and look forward to the new possibilities for international collaboration this could bring to Cal Poly.” Faculty interested in the program are invited to apply by Sept.16.
Read more about the announcement
Celebrating Cindy Villa's Retirement and Lasting Impact
After nine remarkable years of service at Cal Poly and countless accomplishments, Cindy Villa will embark on her retirement March 31. Throughout her tenure, Villa has spearheaded significant capital projects, including the renovation of 1901 Marketplace and Vista Grande, as well as the construction of the Frost Center for Research and Innovation and the Center for Wine and Viticulture. She has been a trailblazer within the CSU system, leading efforts at Cal Poly to establish the Department of Emergency Management, and Audit and Consulting Services. Read more about these efforts.
As campus leadership embarks on a nationwide search to fill Villa's role, Stan Nosek, a retired UC Davis vice chancellor, will serve in the interim. To celebrate Villa’s amazing contribution at Cal Poly, a retirement celebration in the PAC Main Lobby is scheduled for Friday, March 29, from 3:30-5 p.m.
RSVP for the March 29 retirement celebration
Save Money with New Faculty and Staff Dining Memberships
Campus Dining’s new Faculty and Staff Dining Membership program offers members multiple benefits. For $350, members receive an additional $50 Dining Dollars and exclusive access to the Penny Pick-Me-Up program at Julian’s, where members can get coffee for just a penny on Wednesdays through June 11. Sign up today and receive a 10% discount on all 1901 Marketplace purchases through March 31. Additional campus partner benefits include 20% off tickets to all Cal Poly Arts shows, Buy-One-Get-One tickets to select shows, 20% off products and goods from the Mustang Shop through June, as well as discounted event planning services with Conference and Events Planning staff. Dining Dollars roll over each quarter and do not expire. The earlier you enroll, the more you can save!
Raise a Glass with Cal Poly Magazine
The latest issue of Cal Poly Magazine takes readers inside the new JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture, an industry-backed space that gives Mustangs experience in every facet of the wine industry. Also in this edition, articles explore the brotherly bonds among members of the Cal Poly Wrestling team, an MBA student’s thrifted furniture business, an alumni startup helping expectant mothers and 25 years of the Adaptive Paddling Program. Find all these stories and more on the Cal Poly Magazine website or subscribe for free print copies of Cal Poly Magazine mailed right to your door.
Student Engagement Grant Program Offers Awards Up to $500
The Office of the President and Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs are offering one-time funding through the Student Engagement Grant program to promote student learning and engagement. The program offers up to $500 in one-time grants to student clubs, organizations and campus departments for activities that encourage critical thinking, appreciation of difference, free expression and engagement. Qualifying activities include guest speakers, programs and events. Registered students, faculty and staff can apply on behalf of a recognized student club, organization or campus department. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come basis. Questions? Contact vpsa@calpoly.edu or call ext. 6-1521.
eligibility requirements, funding criteria and application instructions
Kennedy Library Free Furniture Giveaway is March 15
The campus community is invited to a free furniture giveaway Friday, March 15, from noon to 2 p.m. in the C-7 parking lot. Come early as items from previous giveaways moved quickly. The event, at the North Perimeter Road and California Boulevard intersection, will feature items currently in the temporary study structures in lot C-7. These include outdoor chairs, tables and patio furniture. The event, announced by the Kennedy Library Transformation Team, is hosted in partnership with Cal Poly Green Campus to reduce landfill waste in support of campus sustainability and conservation initiatives. Attendees should plan accordingly and bring proper transportation and lift safely when moving items. Questions? Email the Facilities Management and Development Help Center (facilities-cbs@calpoly.edu).
Live the Joy — and Stress — of Decorating the 2024 Cal Poly Rose Float
In Cal Poly's latest video, watch students and volunteers apply 16,000 fresh flowers to the 2024 Cal Poly universities Rose Parade float in just 24 hours in preparation for judging and an appointment with half-million parade attendees as well as a worldwide audience of millions. Hear from student leaders as they bask in the joy of seeing a year's worth of work culminate in the award-winning "Shock n' Roll: Powering the Musical Current” masterpiece. The underwater entry was the schools’ 75th in the storied Pasadena classic. Find the new Rose Float video and other Learn by Doing experiences on display on the Cal Poly YouTube channel.
Watch the Cal Poly Rose Float Decoration video
2024 Gallery-Style Landscape Architecture Senior Show March 16
The Landscape Architecture Class of 2024 will present senior projects Saturday, March 16, at a gallery-style showcase at the Justin and J. Lohr Center for Wine and Viticulture (No. 156), Room 110. The campus community is invited to the event, set for 1-5 p.m., to support this talented group as members embark on the next phase of their careers. Refreshments will be provided, with a brief awards ceremony starting at 2 p.m. Free parking is available in the H-1 lot, just steps from the center.
Learn more about the capstone projects from landscape architecture seniors
CSU Seeks Nominations for Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Committees
The CSU is fully committed to implementing the spirit as well as the legal requirements of the Federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA), enacted to acknowledge the fundamental human right of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians to their ancestral human remains and cultural items. On behalf of the Native American Heritage Commission, the CSU is seeking applications for systemwide and campus committees focused on oversight and guidance to develop and implement systemwide and campus CalNAGPRA and federal NAGPRA compliance and policy development. Nominations are being accepted on an ongoing basis from members of the CSU and California tribes.
Learn more and submit a nomination
Spring Opportunities Offered by CTLT
The spring quarter lineup of professional development offerings for campus educators (faculty and staff) from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is available on the CTLT Workshops webpage. Workshops include:
- Artificial Intelligence Buffet.
- Assignment and Assessment Design to Promote Academic Integrity.
- Building Toward Equity.
- Creating Accessible Course Materials.
- Cultivating Connections: Integrating Indigenous Perspectives into Sustainability Curricu.
- Team Learning Basics.
The webpage includes additional information on Book Circles, stand-alone workshops and additional resources.
Visit the CTLT Workshops WebPage
Nominations Sought for Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy
Nominations are being accepted for the Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy, which celebrates visionary leaders who have forged critical partnerships to advance the mission of Cal Poly. Nominees may be current or former faculty members who have been instrumental in comprehensive development and fundraising efforts. The award recipient will be recognized at Fall Convocation. Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations by Monday, April 8. Questions? Email academicaffairs@calpoly.edu. Pictured is 2023 Awardee Federico Casassa, an associate professor in enology.
Learn more and find a nomination form
Virtual Sessions are Live
March Professional Development Courses 
Employee and Organization Development is offering March professional development courses through the Cross Campus Collaboration series. These live, virtual workshops are offered by Cal Poly and other CSU campuses. Each provides a unique opportunity for learning beyond campus borders in a convenient way for participants. Registration for the partial list of opportunities is on a first-come basis.
- Breath and Health, Tuesday, March 19; 2:30-3 p.m.
- The Performance Diagnostic Checklist: A simple tool to boost your team's success, Thursday, March 21; 1-2:30 p.m.
- Facilitating Challenging Conversations: Facilitation Basics, Friday, March 22; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- Navigating Challenging Conversations, Wednesday, March 27; 2-3 p.m.
- Generational Diversity, Thursday, March 28; 2-3 p.m.
- Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Friday, March 29; 8-8:30 a.m.
See all Cross Campus Collaboration Sessions
Division of Research to Host Intellectual Property and Patent Conversations March 18-19
Faculty are invited to meet with Division of Research Technology Transfer consultant Holly Meadows, of TreMonti Consulting, in person and on Zoom Monday and Tuesday, March 18-19. Faculty inventors can learn more about intellectual property and the patenting process by attending a virtual information session Tuesday, March 19, from 11:10 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Meadows will also host one-to-one consultations Monday, March 18, and Tuesday, March 19. Sign up to schedule an appointment. Regardless of immediate needs for technology transfer, join an in-person casual meet-and-greet Monday, March 18, from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Mathematics and Science Building (No. 38), Room 154. Questions? Email techtransfer@calpoly.edu or visit the Technology Transfer webpage.
ATTEND THE MARCH 19 ZOOM SESSION
Save the Date for Annual Service Awards: April 4 at PAC
State, Cal Poly Partners (Corporation) and ASI employees with milestone service anniversaries in 2023 will be honored at the Annual Service Awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in the Performing Arts Center Miossi Hall, followed by a reception in the Performing Arts Center Main Lobby. Appetizers will be served. View the program for a complete listing of awardees. All attendees are required to RSVP no later than Friday, March 22, to attend. There is no cost to attend the ceremony or reception. Questions? Email the Office of the President events team (presidentsevents@calpoly.edu).
RSVP for Annual Service Awards by March 22
Tim Strawn, executive director for collections strategy, access and systems for the Kennedy Library, has announced he will retire at the end of March. Strawn joined the library in 2010 as director of information resources and archives and provided oversight to Special Collections and Archives. He actively participated in national dialogue around publishing models and pricing and has been a leader in exploring these models within the CSU and beyond. Strawn was a founding editorial board member of the Journal of Map and Geography Libraries and a member of the Cambridge University Press and Wiley Publishing advisory boards. He has presented numerous talks and keynotes at the state and national level, including at the Library of Congress. In retirement, Strawn plans to travel to Europe and India and gaze at the Pacific from his favorite perch on the bluffs of Montana de Oro State Park. Strawn’s final day on campus will be Thursday, March 28. A retirement celebration is being planned for late May and details will be shared when finalized.
Celebration of Life Planned In Memory of Joseph Callenes-Sloan
Computer engineering Associate Professor Joseph Callenes-Sloan died peacefully at home in Alexandria, Virginia, of a heart disease Dec. 27. Faculty, staff and students are invited to a celebration of life in memory of him Saturday, April 6, from 2-4 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Labs (No. 7). An afternoon luncheon will be served in Callenes-Sloan’s honor immediately following.
Find Your Inner Tranquility Mondays and Wednesdays
In need of a little mental refresh, clarity and peace of mind during the work week? A meditation group at Cal Poly has the following offerings that can help:
- Meditation Mondays: noon-1 p.m. During these virtual sessions, different meditation practices will be explored, and each session will finish with silent reflection to help bring balance to the work week.
- Chi Kung on O’Neill Green: noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays. Explore this ancient energetic art that is often referred to as moving meditation specifically designed to help the practitioner with balance within the mind, body and soul.
For more information, or to be added to the email list, contact Brian Bryce at bbryce@calpoly.edu.
CSUBUY Trainings Available in This Month
In-person, virtual and hands-on training for CSUBUY begins March 13 for approvers, shoppers and requesters. CSUBUY is scheduled to launch March 26. The new system will bring automated workflow, approvals, requisitioning, purchase orders and accounts payable functionality with integration into the Common Financial System. The virtual sessions will be recorded and posted on the CSUBUY website. Sessions are scheduled:
- Approver and DOA Approver In-Person Training. March 13, 1-4 p.m., UU 220. RSVP required.
- Campus Customer (Shopper and Requester) In-Person Training. March 15, 8:15 a.m.-noon. UU 220. RSVP required.
- Approver and DOA Approver Virtual Training. March 19, 9 a.m.-noon. Signup requested.
- Campus Customer (Shopper and Requester) Virtual Training. March 21, 1-4:30 p.m. Signup requested.
ASI Craft Center Open House is March 14
The campus community is invited to an open house for the recently renovated ASI Craft Center in the UU. Stop by Thursday, March 14, from noon-2 p.m. to tour, learn about spring offerings, watch live craft demonstrations and enjoy free boba from Sequel Tea.
ASI Spring Programming
Ready. Set. Register! Secure a spot in some of ASI’s most popular programs! With heart-pumping fitness classes, action-packed intramural sports, adventurous outdoor trips and refreshing aquatics, ASI has something special for every faculty and staff member.
Youth Swim Programs to be Offered at Recreation Center
Learning to swim starts with ASI Aquatics! ASI Recreational Sports offers small, tailored Youth Swim lessons to children aged 4 to 16 of Cal Poly Recreation Center members. That’s not all, Parent and Me Swim classes are available to parents of children as young as 6 months.
Register now for spring offerings!
First Year Success Program Coaches Needed
The First Year Success Program (FSP) is looking for faculty, staff and graduate students from across campus who want to serve as academic coaches for first-time, first-year students who are on academic probation. FSP coaches support a small group of first-year students by facilitating growth-centered conversations, engaging in goal setting and skill development and exploring resources that students can use to help them move toward success in future quarters. FSP will host a virtual coaches training Friday, March 22, and then in-person workshops for students on April 8 and 9. FSP is looking for diverse campus community members that represent all areas of the university, so all levels of experience and background are welcome. Sign up or express interest by Wednesday, March 20. Questions? Email the First Year Success Program (fsp@calpoly.edu).
Sign up or express interest for the First Year Success Program
A&F Sustainability Team Wins State Award
The Facilities Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (EU&S) team recently won the Focus on Efficiency award at the 2023 California Higher Education Collaborative Conference for leveraging AmeriCorps and College Corps to further climate action on campus. The EU&S program used state funds to support climate resilience, K-12 education and local food systems. By establishing a College Corps program with 15 students and an AmeriCorps member, all volunteers, the EU&S team increased their work capacity without the need for additional funding. This allowed them to take on projects they would not have had the bandwidth or funding to otherwise do. Efforts accomplished include:
- “Shut the Sash” encouraging energy conservation through sash closure when hoods are not in use.
- “For Love of Water (FLOW)” encouraging water conservation in first-year residences.
- “Surplus and Lost and Found Item Recirculation” and “Graduation Gown Reuse Program,” provided opportunities for pickup and collection of items for reuse.
Nominate a Campus Sustainability Hero Today!
The fourth annual Cal Poly Sustainability Awards celebrate members of the campus community who have exhibited extraordinary commitment to sustainability initiatives and efforts on campus. The awards recognize individual members from the faculty, staff and student communities, as well as contributions from a recognized campus organization. Individual recipients receive a $500 award, and the recognized group receives a $1,000 sponsorship. Nominators and candidates will be invited to an April 19 luncheon ceremony attended by President Armstrong. Learn more and see a list of past winners. Nominations have been extended until Friday, March 15. Take a few minutes to nominate a student, staff or faculty member who is helping make Cal Poly and the world a more sustainable place. Nominators submitting multiple nominations must complete a new form for each candidate. Questions? Email Sustainability Coordinator Kylee Singh (klsingh@calpoly.edu).
Nominate a Sustainability Hero with this form
Ethnic Studies Hawai’i Program: 5 Weeks in Paradise
The Ethnic Studies in Hawai’i program is a five-week, eight-unit immersive academic experience in Honolulu this summer from July 28 to Aug. 31. Led by Ryan Buyco, assistant professor of ethnic studies, students will be challenged to rethink popular ideas about the Hawai’ian Islands through a consideration of how the colonial circumstances in Hawai’i shape the experiences of Native Hawaiians and the diverse communities who live there today. The program includes service-learning opportunities through the University of Hawaiʻi, field trips to learn about Native Hawaiian history and representation, Hula and Ori Tahiti dance workshops, and guest lectures by Hawaiʻi-based scholars. The required courses include ES 322, Asian Americans in Popular Culture and ES 340, Cultural Production and Ethnicity — Pacific Islander Studies. The program fulfills general education Upper Division C and D requirements. The deadline to apply is April 15.
Learn More about the Ethnic Studies in Hawai'i program
Alumni Baseball Day Returns March 17!
Alumni are invited to don the green and gold on a day of sports and socializing Sunday, March 17, at Baggett Stadium, where the Mustangs host the CSUN Matadors. First pitch is 1 p.m. Tickets are $33 and include access to Krukow's Klubhouse with unlimited beverages (nonalcoholic and/or beer and seltzer for guests 21 and over), hot dogs and snacks until the seventh inning. Registered guests can swing by the Cal Poly Alumni tent to learn about the Cal Poly Alumni Association, upcoming events in the San Luis Obispo area and pick up some Cal Poly swag.
Purchase tickets to Alumni Baseball Day
Volunteers Needed for Healthy Kids Lab Studies
The Healthy Kids Lab is seeking participants for two research studies on infant feeding and development. The studies are open to pregnant women and new mothers with infants younger than 6 months old. The iBaby Study is examining the relationship between technology use in families and infant development. Participants receive $460 if they complete the 18-month study. The Paced Bottle-Feeding Study aims to support families during breast- and bottle-feeding. Participants receive $140 if they complete the weeklong study. For more information, visit the Healthy Kids Lab website, call or text 805-242-6566 or email the Healthy Kids Lab team (healthykids@calpoly.edu).
Sleep Awareness Week Continues Through March 16
Research suggests that how much and when people sleep is related to mental and physical health. Too little or poor-quality sleep contributes to weight gain, increased stress, anxiety, depression, heart disease and a lowered-immune response. During sleep, the body and mind are restored through cell rejuvenation, memory consolidation, emotion processing and more. A healthy sleep practice helps emotion regulation, stress response and contributes to improved cognition. To cultivate better sleep, set a regular sleep schedule, spend time in daylight, exercise regularly, eat meals at consistent times, store electronic devices an hour before bed, and avoid heavy meals, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine before bedtime. For support getting a better night’s sleep or another issue, contact LifeMatters at 800-367-7474 or visit mylifematters.com and use “calpoly” to sign in. Questions? Email Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu).
Well-Being Workshop Offered in April
University Personnel – Employee Wellbeing has worked with Cal Poly’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, to offer synchronous well-being workshops. They include:
- Transition to Retirement, April 23 at 2 p.m. Retirement planning is more than financial planning. The emotional aspects of retirement are important to consider as well. Join this workshop to learn the phases of retirement, the importance of mentally preparing for retirement and how to ensure a rewarding retirement.
Questions? Email Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu).
April 10 is International Center’s Faculty-Staff Mixer
The International Center will host a faculty and staff mixer Wednesday, April 10, from 4-5:30 p.m., in the Oreggia Family Foundation Culinary Lab (Room 124) of the Frost Center (No. 181). Network with fellow international and internationally minded colleagues, and discover opportunities for global research, teaching internationally focused courses and expanding global perspectives of students. Sponsored by the International Advisory Council in collaboration with the Food Science and Nutrition Department and several colleges, the event will bring together faculty and staff who share a passion for global learning, research and engagement. Goals include:
- Building community among international colleagues.
- Connecting those involved in international programs and activities.
- Fostering collaboration on international projects and initiatives.
- Gaining awareness of international opportunities across campus.
- Supporting student global learning opportunities.
Unable to attend, but still want to connect? Add your information for future networking opportunities at the RSVP link below. Questions? Email the International Center (international@calpoly.edu).
RSVP to International Center’s Faculty-Staff Mixer
Campus Dining Celebrates the Women Behind the Food for National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month and Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, Campus Dining will feature stories about several of the countless women who make this organization so incredible, as well as their contribution to the foods and beverages served on campus each day. Each week Campus Dining will highlight a different employee in The Dish newsletter, documenting the women’s dedication to the craft, the far-reaching impact they have on this campus, as well as some of their favorite culinary creations. Subscribe to The Dish. The women will also be featured on the Campus Dining social media channels. “The campus community is lucky to have so many extraordinary women working behind the scenes to ensure that the nutritional needs of Cal Poly students and employees are always met,” said Campus Dining in a release, adding that it thanks them not only this month but every day of the year.
Campus Water Reclamation Facility Project Moves Forward
Cal Poly’s Water Reclamation Facility project has transitioned from the definition stage to the design phase. The CSU board of trustees certified the environmental impact report on Jan. 31. The project aims to address the primary constraint to campus growth: water availability. The WRF will be able to process a portion of campus wastewater, producing Title 22 water suitable for agricultural and sports field irrigation. Title 22 refers to state guidelines for how treated and recycled water is discharged and used. This dual usage of water, once potable for irrigation, underscores Cal Poly's commitment to resource efficiency and environmental stewardship. By generating irrigation water, the university will ensure a sustainable water supply and reduce costs associated with purchasing additional water and treating wastewater. The campus will continue to have a wastewater connection to the San Luis Obispo City sewer plant. Questions? Email the Facilities Help Center at facilities-cbs@calpoly.edu.
Learn more about Cal Poly’s WRF
Print and Copy Moves, Launches Notary/Passport Services
Cal Poly Print and Copy has temporarily moved its retail location from Crandall Gymnasium (No. 60) to to the Science Building (No. 52), Room D-24. Print and Copy was moved from its original home in Kennedy Library after the building closed for renovation. Cal Poly Print and Copy has printed over 8.5 million pages since 2020. It provides a variety of professional print and copy services, with large- and small-format printing available. Additionally, it will offer notary and passport photo services in spring quarter. Cal Poly Print and Copy is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours are subject to change.
Learn more about Cal Poly Print and Copy
New Program Launches for Donating and Sharing Lab Consumables
In collaboration with environmentally conscious staff and the Green Campus Team, Distribution Services has launched Lab Supply Exchange, a new program for sharing lab consumables such as pipette tips (for dispensing liquids), snap-top tubes (for preparing and storing samples) and more. The program also accepts donations of excess consumables to help employees across campus free up facility space while avoiding throwing away usable products and adding to the Cal Poly waste stream. All donated items must be unused. To donate or request items, fill out the form on the Distribution Services website, and the items will be picked up or delivered to your mailroom. Questions? Email to warehouse@calpoly.edu.
Find Forms Easily on Cal Poly Partners’ New Intranet Site
Alongside Cal Poly Partners’ name change came an updated website and a new Intranet site that houses all the internal forms, policies and how-tos that many in the campus community need to do their jobs. These forms are as easy to find as one, two, three.
- Visit cpslo.sharepoint.com/sites/cal-poly-partners and login with your Cal Poly name and password.
- Go to the search bar at the top of the page and type the name of your form.
- Click the small magnifying glass to the right.
Bonus: If you forget to bookmark the Intranet link, find it on the Cal Poly Partners’ website by clicking the Employee Portal tab. Questions? Email cppartnersmarcom@calpoly.edu.
A&F Launched Focus Forward Survey; Respondents Entered Into Prize Drawing
Administration and Finance has launched its annual Focus Forward survey, seeking feedback on division performance since 2023. Faculty, staff and students can share insight into their experiences with Facilities Management and Development, Public Safety, the Performing Arts Center, Strategic Business Services and University Financial Services, as well as every department within those areas. This information will help all departments strengthen service delivery and better understand customer needs. For each survey completed, respondents are entered into a prize drawing. Nearly 40 winners will be selected for prizes that include an Apple Watch Series 9, a MOMILLA Sunrise alarm clock with wireless charging and sound machine, a Fujifilm Instax Mini Smartphone Printer Bundle, a Bluetooth karaoke microphone, Cal Poly tumblers or one of 30 Amazon or Grubhub gift cards. The survey is open through March 22.
Learn more about the survey, prizes and a link to participate
Band and Orchestra Festival Finale Concert Set for March 15
The Cal Poly Band and Orchestra Festival Finale Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, in Harold Miossi Hall in the Performing Arts Center. The festival and concert are being produced in collaboration with the San Luis Obispo County Band Directors Association. The capstone for the festival’s events is a concert presented by Cal Poly’s Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble that will include performances of “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Grainger, a bouquet of six tunes from British folk singers he collected in the early 20th century; “Sunflower Studies,” a new work by Nicole Piunno, inspired by the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh; and “Bugs” by Roger Cichy, which depicts the unique personalities of five insects and arachnids. The concert will be conducted by Christopher J. Woodruff, Nicholas P. Waldron and student conductor Ari Maman. Questions? Visit the Music Department’s calendar website.
Purchase MARCH 15 Concert Tickets
Arab Music Ensemble to Perform Winter Concert March 16
The Arab Music Ensemble will give its winter concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, in Spanos Theatre. A highlight of the program is a suite of instrumental and vocal pieces celebrated across Arab society. A Romanian folk song and an Ottoman Turkish dance piece will also be performed, plus a song made famous by the Lebanese singer Fairuz, an arrangement of the second movement of Joaquín Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez.” Ensemble member Samuel Shalhoub will conduct the ensemble in his arrangement of the work. Acclaimed guest artists who will join the ensemble include Ishmael, on the qanun; Fathi Aljarrah, kamanja; and Faisal Zedan, percussion. Jenna Mitchell is the group’s dance director, and music Professor Ken Habib will direct the event that includes an original composition and arrangement. Questions? Visit the Music Department’s calendar website.
Purchase Tickets to March 16 Arab Music Ensemble Concert
Choirs to Present ‘Traditions’ Concert March 17
The choirs’ “Traditions” concert, at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 17, in the Performing Arts Center, will feature 100 alumni — graduates from the last 40 years — of Cal Poly’s choral program. The group will be co-directed by Professor Emeritus Thomas Davies and Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Studies Scott Glysson. Mark Fugate (Business Administration, ’85; MBA, ’99), was so impacted by his choral program experience that he and his wife, Stephanie, established the Thomas H. and Susan A. Davies Choir Endowment last year in honor of Davies and his wife, Susan, also an emeritus of faculty member and pianist who accompanied the choirs. The University Singers will open the concert. John Knutson is guest conductor of the group this quarter. The Chamber Choir and PolyPhonics will also perform, conducted by Glysson. Paul Woodring will accompany the choirs on piano. Questions? Visit the Music Department’s calendar website.
Purchase MARCH 17 ‘TRADITIONS’ CHORAL Concert Tickets
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Returns to PAC March 19
Grammy Award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform on Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. No group is more closely identified with African song than this vibrant nine-member South African vocal ensemble. Since 1987, when they were introduced to mainstream America with the release of Paul Simon’s groundbreaking “Graceland” album, these African troubadours have entertained the world with uplifting, polyrhythmic harmonies of their homeland. Winners of five Grammy Awards, the ensemble has had more Grammy nominations than any world music group in the history of recorded music. “Theirs is among the most distinctive and uplifting choral sounds around,” says NPR. This event, presented by Cal Poly Arts, has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Buy Tickets to Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Shen Yun Comes to the PAC March 26 and 27
The global phenomenon Shen Yun will perform at 7 p.m. March 26 and 27 in Harold Miossi Hall. The moment the curtain opens, audience members enter a wondrous dream. Shen Yun takes the audience on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes and patented interactive backdrops. Revisit a time when scholars and artists sought harmony with the Tao, or the “Way” of the universe, and when divine beings walked upon the earth to inspire humanity.
PURCHASE Tickets FOR Shen Yun
About Event Postings
Cal Poly Events is a new platform that shines a spotlight on high-profile special events at Cal Poly and throughout our community, focusing on the wide and diverse range of activities on and around campus. This site is designed to help our colleges, programs, departments and facilities promote exciting events that can be seen by a selected audience. It will update regularly and includes events happening in the next 30-45 days. It is not a calendar of all events, and it does not include student club events. Here are some links to help you navigate:
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Cal Poly Events Submissions
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To submit your event for consideration in Cal Poly Eventsevent-submission@calpoly.edu.
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University Events Calendar
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University Events Calendar is a Master Calendar that lists all events — such as performances, lectures, workshops and more.
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25Live: Space and Event Scheduling
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Use 25Live to help you schedule or book a venue for an upcoming on-campus event. Note that a minimum three-day lead time is required to process a request for use of space through the Office of the Registrar.
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Cal Poly Now
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Turn to Cal Poly Now for Student Affairs events, learning opportunities and more. Find the latest student-focused campus events from your favorite Student Affairs programs and services by through Cal Poly Now.