President's Message

In my nearly two years at Cal Poly Pomona, I have met with hundreds, if not thousands, of people — students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, friends and community members. I have visited classrooms and residence halls, churches and community groups, local schools and businesses.

Soraya M. Coley

What I heard inspires and motivates me.

Most people spoke about their passion and commitment to this university. Many told stories of their personal success and challenges.

I’ve heard our alumni recall their college years, both the fun adventures with friends and the stressful moments during finals. In meeting with employers, they speak highly of our graduates’ ability to adapt, collaborate and solve problems. Our donors have affirmed their commitment to students and education and, often, remembered how one caring faculty member opened the door to new possibilities and gave them confidence in their abilities.

Your support is essential as we move forward to become the preeminent metro-urban polytechnic university with a global reach and the epicenter for creativity, discovery and innovation.

This fall, our leadership team introduced a theme that summarizes who we are and what we do: One Goal/One Team: Student Success!

Student success is measured not only in our graduation rates, but in what has long been a hallmark of this distinguished university: preparing students for a lifetime of success in the workplace and inspiring engagement in their communities. As a public university, our mission extends beyond the campus boundaries, and we aim to instill in our students the principles of innovation, collaboration, opportunity, community engagement and philanthropy.

I am deeply grateful for the gifts you have provided to Cal Poly Pomona. You understand — perhaps have even experienced — how one person can make a difference in the lives of our students.

In that very spirit of giving and support, my husband Ron and I are humbled to join you this year as supporters of student success, establishing the Ron and Soraya Coley Endowment Fund for the benefit of our students, faculty and staff.

I am proud to be a member of the Cal Poly Pomona community. Thank you for your continued and generous support.


Soraya M. Coley

President