2026-27 President's Scholars

Diego Herrera

Dr. Andrew G. Chong President’s Scholar 2026-27

Major: Architecture

College of Environmental Design

Activities: Co-President, CPP National Organization of Minority Architecture Students; Student Representative, Southern California National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA); Architecture Training Camps; Design Apprentice, HMC Architects; 3D Printin

Diego Herrera’s interest in architecture began in a high school course that introduced him to the Architecture, Construction and Engineering Mentorship Program. As a mentee, he became involved with SoCal NOMA and began learning the foundational concepts of architecture. When he arrived at Cal Poly Pomona and stepped into the architecture studio, he was inspired by the creativity, effort and innovation of the students around him. Diego served as co-president of CPP’s National Organization of Minority Architecture Students and now represents students with the Southern California chapter of NOMA. He also contributes to architecture training camps, where he enjoys teaching others about the field. Diego works as a design apprentice at HMC Architects, assisting with the development of healthcare-related projects. His sense of purpose shapes the care and quality he brings to design. Outside of architecture, Diego enjoys 3D printing, making cosplay pieces, video games and swing dancing. He hopes to become a licensed architect, potentially start his own firm and use architecture to help others thrive.