Cal Poly Pomona Celebrates Global Connections During International Education Week 2026
Cal Poly Pomona celebrated International Education Week (IEW) from October 12-16, with five days of activities highlighting global learning, cultural exchange and the international community that enriches campus life. Launched in 2000 as a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education, IEW recognizes the value of international education and exchange.
Global Campus, a division of College of Professional and Global Education, hosted the week’s events, which brought students, faculty, staff and scholars together to share experiences and build connections across cultures.
The week opened Oct. 12, with a welcome ceremony for the new international students and scholars at the Bronco Student Center’s Ursa Minor. Lisa Xue, assistant vice president for Global Campus and senior international officer, opened the gathering, which featured global cuisines and remarks from President Vanya Quiñones.
Quiñones emphasized that international education goes beyond studying or traveling abroad. Connecting the message to Cal Poly Pomona’s “Become by Doing” philosophy, she recognized the knowledge and experiences international students and scholars bring to classrooms, research and campus life. She also praised the Global Campus team for supporting more than 800 international students and scholars and encouraged the campus community to create a welcoming environment where everyone can learn and feel like they belong.
The ceremony also featured recognized Candy Tan, senior program manager at the Global Education Institute, as the winner of CPP International Education Outstanding Staff Award. International student Anmar Abdulmajeed, visiting scholar Lucy Zhai and outstanding international alumnus Ye Feng, founder and CEO of Thunder International Group, shared personal reflections. International students, scholars and staff presented cultural gifts to President Quiñones while wearing traditional outfits from their home countries
On the second day of the event, Centerpointe joined the festivities with an international costume display in its main dining hall. Featuring traditional attire from six countries, the display offered the campus community a colorful introduction to different cultural traditions.
The Study Abroad Fair and Language Cafe was held at University Park on Oct. 14, giving CPP community an opportunity to participate in global exchanges and explore international education opportunities. The event opened with a Taiko drum performance by the Japanese Student Association, Vendors answered questions about study abroad programs. Attendees also had the chance to learn a few words in a new language.
Dozens of faculty, staff and students gathered at the International Center Oct. 15 for the Faculty and Scholar Roundtable. Facilitated by Arthur Wang, associate director of international program operations, the event encouraged conversation and the exchange of ideas. Participants divided into five small groups, each exploring a discussion topic before sharing key takeaways with the larger gathering. The program concluded with open networking, giving participants additional time to connect and consider opportunities for collaboration.
The week concluded Oct. 16, with Taste of International Culture at the International Center. About 50 members of the CPP community, including international students, faculty and staff, came together over food from around the world. Lisa Xue opened the program, followed by welcome remarks from Alison Baski, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and Jonathan Grady, senior associate vice president for community and belonging.
Baski welcomed international students and thanked faculty and staff for helping them adjust, feel supported and succeed at Cal Poly Pomona. She noted that students’ experiences and perspectives enrich learning for everyone and that the ability to listen and collaborate across cultures is essential in an interconnected world. She also highlighted how sharing food can start conversations about family, history and traditions—and help turn new connections into lasting friendships.
Grady emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in creating a welcoming and supportive campus community. He encouraged students, faculty and staff to embrace different perspectives, learn from one another and celebrate diversity as an opportunity for personal growth and stronger connections. He also highlighted Cal Poly Pomona’s commitment to fostering a culture of care and encouraged the community to participate in the Bronco Experience Questionnaire to help improve the university experience for everyone.
The closing celebration also featured a presentation by the Global Campus team, student presentations on international cultures and a Kahoot game led by the International Student Club.
Together, the week’s events showcased Cal Poly Pomona’s commitment to making global learning welcoming, engaging and accessible—and showed how everyday conversations can bring the campus community closer together.
