College Awards Recipients Named

An apparel merchandising and management professor, an animal and veterinary science professor, a nutrition and food science staffer, and two food science and technology students are this year’s recipients for the Huntley College of Agriculture annual awards.

Jiangning Che, an associate professor of apparel merchandising and management, is this year’s recipient of the Mack H. Kennington Advisor of the Year Award, which is given to the advisor who does the best quality work in advising students on academics and their career plans.

Che received specific praise for his willingness to go the extra mile to help students.

“Dr. Che took the time to go over each question or concern I had and was not happy until all of my issues were addressed, and a plan of action was in place. He is the type of person who truly enjoys solving problems and takes his work very seriously,” one student wrote. “He is an individual with high integrity and it shows through his advising meetings and follow-ups.”

On one occasion, a student with a hearing disability needed extra help, another person wrote.

“Dr. Che kindly spent a lot more times to help her within and outside the advising hours. There were two occasions where the student needed help for her class planning/schedule, but there was no translator around. Dr. Che ‘talked’ with the student using a whiteboard,” the observer wrote. “Such an effort takes much longer time to advise the student, but he enjoys helping the student as he wants to see her succeed in the department and further in her career.”

Cord Brundage, an assistant professor of animal and veterinary science, is this year’s Teacher of the Year, which is given annually to the faculty member who demonstrates exceptional teaching ability.

The criteria for evaluating nominees include caring, the ability to manage the learning process, subject matter competence, zeal for teaching, effort given to planning, scholarly writings and other contributions, development of new curriculum or other teaching materials, professional development activities that increase effectiveness, or peer consulting.

“During his lectures in the grad program he makes all material comprehensible and clear for each student to be able to complete. If there is ever something the students do not understand Dr. Brundage is more than happy to help and make them understand it better,” one student wrote.

“Dr. Brundage is very passionate about his job, and it is evident by the way he shows his dedication to his students and all his work. Every time I have had the opportunity to be a student in his class his lectures are completely structured and organized, his exams are based on everything he teaches, and his teaching style is phenomenal,” the student added.

Prior to this, Brundage was the 2018 Advisor of the Year.

Rubria Wilson, the administrative coordinator for the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, is the Staff of the Year Award recipient. The award is given to a staff member in the college who demonstrates caring, good communication skills, initiative, the ability to assist with the learning process, zeal for assisting faculty, students, or staff effort given to planning, contributions to a department, the college or university, professional development that leads to improved job performance.

“I have personally seen Rubria interact with students and faculty and she always has a smile on her face. She never displays any signs of stress and is competent in handling all work-related responsibilities,” one person wrote. “She is a genuine person that truly cares about her impact in the department. With each person who requests assistance, she always ensures that she has properly answered any questions and is very thorough in conveying the needed information.”

Another department employee praised Wilson for her diligence and assistance to faculty, staff and students. Wilson makes the department office feel like home, they said.

The John E. Andrews Student Leader of the Year Award is given each year to an undergraduate and graduate student for scholarship, service, and contributions to others, including fellow students, their departments, the food and agricultural industry, and community.

Nominees must have been enrolled at Cal Poly Pomona for at least a year (sophomore through graduate standing) and be full-time students. 

Viral Shukla, a senior food science and technology student, was named the John E. Andrews Undergraduate Student Leader of the Year.

Several people nominated Shukla, praising his leadership abilities with the Bronco Pep Band, president of the Cal Poly Pomona chapter of Phi Tau Sigma Honors Society for Food Science and Technology, and as captain of the Food Science College Bowl team

He also has served as a student representative on the Dean’s Advisory Council and the Pacific Southwest Area Representative for the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association, where part of his responsibility was to organize the regional College Bowl competition for the seven participating universities.

“This is a significant undertaking, requiring Viral to arrange for the participation and travel of moderators and a judge, guest speakers, event facilities, food, and lodging,” one person wrote.

In addition, Shukla was a member of the Cal Poly Pomona team that won the American Society of Baking’s product development competition on March 1 in Chicago, beating out teams from the University of Florida and Purdue University.  

Franciela Garcia, a graduate student in food science and technology, was chosen as the John E. Andrews Graduate Student Leader of the Year.

Garcia was praised for her leadership in the food science labs, the College Bowl Team, and the Food Science Association.

“She serves as the lab manager, providing guidance to all students that use the lab through presentations, emails and by simply being present and kind when needed,” one person wrote.

“She has been a wonderful support to her fellow students by guiding them through projects and class work. She is very hard working and always produces excellent work, as well as inspiring her fellow students to do better,” another person wrote.

All the award recipients are traditionally recognized at the Huntley College of Agriculture’s commencement, and the Advisor of the Year. In addition, the university president has typically held a reception honoring the advisors of the year from each college.

However, the 2020 commencement ceremony and many other events were postponed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

In addition to the recognition, Che, Brundage, and Wilson will receive a small monetary stipend.