Commencement
Victor Glover Accepts Honorary Degree — and Celebrates Family Graduations
This year, Cal Poly Commencement was a joyful family affair for astronaut and Navy Capt. Victor Glover (General Engineering, ‘99).
The alumnus, who accepted an honorary Doctor of Science degree at the College of Engineering ceremony on June 15, celebrated his wife Dionna, a child development major, and eldest daughter and biological sciences major Genesis as they walked across the stage at the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics ceremony the day before.
Plant Conservatory
Reborn Corpse Flower Blooms on Campus
A few days after Commencement, Cal Poly Plant Conservatory Curator Gage Willey was watering plants in the lowland rainforest section when he noticed a two-foot-tall spadix shooting out of one of the pots: a telltale sign of an upcoming corpse flower bloom.
“Usually, we get about three weeks of warning, but this one snuck up on me,” Willey said. A little over a week later, Sneaky was in full bloom and receiving a steady stream of visitors. And even more special: Sneaky is the first of its kind to bloom in the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory.
Architecture
Students Work With Storied Firm to Dream Up Skyscraper Designs
When it comes to creativity at Cal Poly, the sky is the limit — literally. This winter and spring quarter, 22 students from the Architecture and Architectural Engineering Departments collaborated with storied architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) — which has designed buildings including the Willis Tower in Chicago, One World Trade Center in New York City and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai — to create original designs for a skyscraper in San Francisco.
Students in the studio, led by professors Thomas Fowler and Kevin Dong, worked with SOM partners Leo Chow and Mark Sarkisian.
Cal Poly Racing
Baja Team Picks Up Trophies in National Competitions
Following months of preparation and successful competitions in Arizona and Maryland, Cal Poly Racing’s Baja team had to make space for a few more trophies — along with its award-winning off-road vehicle — in the shop.
For 53 seasons, students with Cal Poly Racing have designed, built and raced a single-seat vehicle — known as a Baja car — capable of conquering rough terrain and endurance trials. Students race the car at Baja SAE competitions sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Facilities Management and Development
California Boulevard To Reopen in Early August
Work on the Water Reclamation Facility that has closed California Boulevard is expected to end early next month, and the road is expected to reopen Aug. 8. California Boulevard is closed between Highland Drive and Campus Way to allow for underground work.
Detours have been put in place to lessen the impact of this closure. Part of the Cal Poly Master Plan, this on-campus Water Reclamation Facility will allow the campus to continue to grow sustainably by conserving potable water and diverting treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation.
For ADA accommodations and all other questions, please email facilities@calpoly.edu.
Kennedy Library Transformation
Summer Study Spaces Available
While Kennedy Library remains closed for summer, designated campus study spaces are available for individual use through Sept. 5, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (excluding holidays). The library’s temporary location at Crandall Gym is now closed in preparation for the move back into the library. If you have library-related questions or need help, please visit the library’s FAQ page. The University Union resumed its regular operations, and Hub24 will continue on the first and second floors of the library when it opens. Kennedy Library is scheduled to reopen Sept. 15.
Students with Dependents
Register for California Student Parent Summit Sept. 9-10
Join the Students with Dependents program for the California Student Parent Summit 2025, Sept. 9-10 at Cal Poly. This summit brings together parenting students, advocates, and campus staff to connect and share best practices.
Cal Poly and regional faculty/staff can register at the early bird rate of $55 through July 11. Student parents attend for free — please share with parenting students you know! Enjoy hands-on sessions, words from special guest speaker Stephanie Land, and a family-friendly atmosphere with on-site childcare.
Employee and Organization Development
Principles of Supervision
Ready to grow your leadership skills and make a positive impact? Employee and Organization Development (EOD) invites you to the Principles of Supervision workshop series—an engaging, practical program designed to help you boost employee performance, spark engagement and support retention. Gain essential tools to lead with confidence by joining 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays, July 17 through Aug. 28. Invest in your professional growth — and at no cost.
To register, email learnandgrow@calpoly.edu and confirm your commitment to attend each session. Learn about future offerings by joining our Express Interest list, shared between EOD and Systemwide Learning Development.
Join the Express Interest List
Wellbeing Webinar
Times of Uncertainty
Discover how to grow through change, support others, and thrive in today’s “new normal.” University Personnel and Empathia Life Matters invite you to this empowering session on July 17 at 11 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to build resilience and well-being in uncertain times. Please contact benefits@calpoly.edu or 805-756-2236, option 2, with any questions.
A Culture of Service
Inspiring Positive Connections Workshop
Looking to create more meaningful, empowering interactions at work? Join CSU’s Got Talent on July 16 from 10 -11:30 a.m., for “A Culture of Service: Inspiring Positive Connections Campuswide,” featuring guest panelists from across the CSU.
This engaging session will explore how empathy, active listening, and practical customer service strategies can elevate your workplace culture and drive excellence across every level.
Extended, Professional and Continuing Education
The Art of Sausage Making
Extended, Professional and Continuing Education presents Introduction to Sausage Making on Saturday, Aug. 16 — a hands-on workshop perfect for home cooks, foodies and hunters alike. From grinding and seasoning to stuffing and storing, you’ll learn step by step how to craft delicious sausages at home.
Led by expert instructor Jacob Dilger, this one-day course includes all supplies for a course fee of $175 — and you’ll even take your product home. Held at the J and G Family Meat Processing Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space is limited, so register early to reserve your spot!