Office of the President
Honorary Degree and Presidential Medal Recipients Announced
Four distinguished alumni and supporters will be honored during 2026 Commencement:
- His Excellency Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, College of Engineering.
- William Frost, Honorary Doctor of Science, Bailey College of Science and Mathematics.
- Mike Krukow, Honorary Doctor of Science, Bailey College of Science and Mathematics.
- Charles (Chuck) L. Harrington, President’s Medal of Excellence.
CSU Trustees award honorary degrees to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in areas that benefit campuses, the state, nation, world and humanity. The Presidential Medal of Excellence is Cal Poly’s highest honor, reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary, lasting contributions to the university and society.
Project RattleCam
Researchers Help Install Third Rattlesnake Research Cam in Pennsylvania
A new platform has arrived to observe timber rattlesnakes in nature from the comfort of home thanks to a partnership between Cal Poly and Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Project RattleCam recently launched its third livestream installation at an undisclosed, remote location in Pennsylvania on May 18. The new channel, now live through early fall, operates 24/7, with night-vision cameras capable of capturing the activities of snakes and other creatures that enter the frame of the camera after dark, such as rodents and weasels. The community science project can be accessed free on YouTube as part of Project RattleCam.
Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Student Wins MARAD Administrator’s Challenge
Cadet Reid Burk, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering at Cal Poly Maritime Academy, was named the winner of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Administrator’s Challenge, a national contest inviting maritime students to propose ideas for advancing U.S. maritime strength and competitiveness. Burk’s selection was announced May 22 during MARAD’s National Maritime Day program at the U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C. The recognition highlights Burk’s achievement and the caliber of students at Cal Poly Maritime Academy.
Culture and Institutional Excellence (CIX)
BEACoN Undergraduate Research Symposium is June 10
The annual BEACoN Research Symposium is happening June 10 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Multi-Activity Center (Bldg. 43). BEACoN — which stands for Believe, Educate and Empower, Advocate, Collaborate, Nurture — is an undergraduate research mentorship program that provides underrepresented students with funded research opportunities under the support of a faculty mentor. The symposium will showcase more than 50 research projects conducted by student and faculty teams across the university and across academic disciplines. The event will start with brief remarks by Kelly Bennion, Beya Makekau and BEACoN research scholars. There’ll be a taco bar lunch from Efren’s.
Fulbright Specialist Program
Nishi Rajakaruna Receives Fulbright Specialist Award to Spain
Nishi Rajakaruna — coordinator of Cal Poly’s Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships and professor of plant biology — has received his second Fulbright Specialist Program award, following a previous award to South Africa in 2024. Through the program, Rajakaruna will collaborate with Professor Arantzazu L. Luzuriaga at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid on research examining native–nonnative plant interactions on serpentine and gypsum soils. Rajakaruna hopes the visit will create new opportunities for student and faculty exchange, collaborative research and sustained international partnerships between the two universities.
Learn More About the Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships
Commencement 2026
Volunteers Needed for Commencement
Employee volunteers are still needed to support Commencement on June 13 and 14, with the greatest need on Sunday, June 14. Faculty and staff volunteers help create a welcoming, memorable experience for graduates and their supporters by assisting with guest services, shuttles, accessibility support, stadium logistics and more. Every shift plays an important role in ensuring graduates can fully celebrate this achievement. Volunteers will receive a $50 Mustang Shop gift card for each completed shift, up to two shifts. Help make Commencement a success and sign up for a Sunday shift today.
Sign Up for a Commencement Shift
Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT)
Applications Invited for CTLT Faculty Fellow Positions
CTLT invites applications from tenured and tenure-track faculty for two faculty fellow positions for the 2026-27 academic year: faculty fellow for teaching innovation and student success and senior faculty fellow for faculty success and professional advancement. Faculty fellows collaborate with CTLT leadership to advance strategic initiatives and support faculty success across disciplines and career stages. Appointments include 4 WTUs per semester. Review of applications will begin June 17, and positions will remain open until filled.
Join in the Retirement Celebration
Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences
Please join the NRES department in celebrating the careers and contributions of Craig Stubler and Chris Surfleet at their retirement celebration from 3:30–6 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture (Building 156).
Craig Stubler
Soil science can be a dirty job — that has never stopped Craig Stubler from getting the work done. For nearly three decades, Stubler (Soil Science, ’96) served the soil science program with excellence as an instructional support technician. From daily lab set-up to research projects to hosting national competitions, no job was too big or too small. Stubler, who received the Outstanding Staff Award in 2014, models a commitment to service, student success and teamwork with collegiality and excellence. He retires this summer and plans to spend more time with family, traveling and enjoying various hobbies.
Post a Message, Photo or Video for Stubler
Chris Surfleet
Chris Surfleet (Forestry and Natural Resources, ’93) brought a breadth of knowledge and expertise when he returned to his alma mater as a professor of hydrology. For 14 years, Surfleet’s hard work, attention to detail and high standards in teaching has strengthened the watershed hydrology program. His dedication to students and Learn by Doing is evident through his pedagogy, research and years of spearheading the master’s program. Surfleet has been a model for service and leadership and his legacy will be carried into the future. He retires this quarter and plans to spend more time traveling, volunteering and sailing.
Student Development and Belonging
Juneteenth Symposium is Scheduled for June 11
The campus community is invited to attend the Cal Poly Juneteenth Symposium on June 11 at 8:30 a.m. in University Union (No. 65), Room 220. The symposium will feature updates on our campus Black Student Success Initiative and discussions focused on how we can collectively advance pathways to progress. In addition to our campus convening, we will join the systemwide virtual Juneteenth commemoration honoring history, reflection and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.
Associated Students, Inc.
'Family Fun Days’ are Back This Summer
Family Fun Days returns to the Cal Poly Recreation Center from June 15 to Aug. 18, offering summer fun for all ages every day of the week. Members may bring up to two adults and six children per visit to enjoy facilities and activities, including the leisure pool, sand volleyball, basketball, racquetball and more. The leisure pool opens daily at 11 a.m. Guests can purchase one-day or every-day passes for access throughout the summer. With activities for the whole family, Family Fun Days is the perfect way to stay active, connect with loved ones and make the Recreation Center part of your summer routine.
Music Department
Cal Poly Jazz Ensembles to Present ‘Sounds of Harmony’ Concert on June 5
The Spring Jazz Concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 5, in Spanos Theatre. The University Jazz Band’s set will include Don Menza’s blazing fast trumpet feature “Dizzyland,” Ryan Haines’ ballad “There’s a Letter from Home,” and Marshall Gilkes’ “4711 Special,” with solos by saxophonist Will Last, and trombonist Sam Stabinsky. The Jazz Combos will feature an original composition titled “Inevitable” by one of its members, Oscar Cervarich, plus Ray Barretto’s “Indestructible,” Duke Pearson’s “Jeannine” and more. Aaron Kline is the interim director of the University Jazz Band, and Dylan Johnson is the director of the Jazz Combos.
Learn More About the Jazz Concert
Music Department
Choirs and Symphony to Present Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Stravinsky’s ‘Symphony of Psalms’ on June 6
Cal Poly’s Symphony and Choirs will perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Igor Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, in the Performing Arts Center: Beethoven’s symphony is one of the most recognizable pieces of all time. Its use of vocal forces combined in a symphonic genre was a groundbreaking development in the history of music. Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms” represents the height of his neoclassical period. The Fresno City College City Singers will join the Cal Poly groups, making for a combined total of nearly 250 performers onstage.
Theatre and Dance Department
See the Student-Directed One Act Festival June 6–7
The Theatre and Dance Department Presents the “One Act Festival” June 6 and 7 in the Blackbox Theatre (Bldg. 45, Room 212) on campus. Join us for an afternoon of student-directed acts! Performances will be held at 1 and 4 p.m. as follows:
- Saturday, June 6: Group A 1 p.m. / Group B 4 p.m.
- Sunday, June 7: Group B 1 p.m. / Group A 4 p.m.
Tickets are $8 and available online.
Alumni Engagement
Celebrate the End of the Year at Alumni House
Alumni faculty and staff are invited to celebrate the end of the academic year at the Cal Poly Alumni House on Monday, June 8, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Grab a refreshment, relax on the patio with your fellow Mustangs, and reflect on all that you've accomplished. Tickets are $5 and include a catered buffet, wine, beer, non-alcoholic refreshments and a special gift. Registration is required.