Class Notes
Joel McGinley
Mechanical Engineering, 1980
After working on spacecraft at JPL, including the Hubble telescope and the Galileo probe to Jupiter, I worked on ground handling of NASA satellites and ISS components at KSC, and was awarded a "Silver Snoopy" from NASA for noticing some incorrect bolts on a new work platform at a Shuttle pad. Now retired, I live on Merritt Island, FL and help with a STEM program at a local Warbird museum and as a judge for science/engineering fairs, etc.
After working on spacecraft at JPL, including the Hubble telescope and the Galileo probe to Jupiter, I worked on ground handling of NASA satellites and ISS components at KSC, and was awarded a "Silver Snoopy" from NASA for noticing some incorrect bolts on a new work platform at a Shuttle pad. Now retired, I live on Merritt Island, FL and help with a STEM program at a local Warbird museum and as a judge for science/engineering fairs, etc.
Kenneth Tong
Business Administration, 1984
I entered the Cal Poly Pomona MBA program in 1976 not knowing a thing about computer or programming. It was the intro class in IT that got me eventually hired as a programmer trainee at So Cal Edison (SCE) in 1979. Twenty years later I was the chief architect and developer of all of SCE’s customer bills system. In 1999, I left SCE and started my own IT consulting firm, providing software development services to produce billing products for PG&E, So Cal Gas, San Diego gas and electric - in short, all the biggest public utilities in the state. In addition, I had served large utility and banking clients for over 15 locations worldwide in my 40 years of IT career. Along the way, I was under contract with IBM, HP and BoA to provide in person consulting services, allowing me to reach my goal of entering a comfortable retirement phase in 2019. In 2014, Cal Poly Pomona invited me to be professor for a day at the business school. It was my way to pay back and give thanks to all that I have been given. Today, as I pay my SCE and gas bill, I see my own handy work that affects millions throughout the decades. What a reward to a 70-yr-old retired alumnus who picked up that life-changing skill at the night school in Cal Poly Pomona so long ago!
I entered the Cal Poly Pomona MBA program in 1976 not knowing a thing about computer or programming. It was the intro class in IT that got me eventually hired as a programmer trainee at So Cal Edison (SCE) in 1979. Twenty years later I was the chief architect and developer of all of SCE’s customer bills system. In 1999, I left SCE and started my own IT consulting firm, providing software development services to produce billing products for PG&E, So Cal Gas, San Diego gas and electric - in short, all the biggest public utilities in the state. In addition, I had served large utility and banking clients for over 15 locations worldwide in my 40 years of IT career. Along the way, I was under contract with IBM, HP and BoA to provide in person consulting services, allowing me to reach my goal of entering a comfortable retirement phase in 2019. In 2014, Cal Poly Pomona invited me to be professor for a day at the business school. It was my way to pay back and give thanks to all that I have been given. Today, as I pay my SCE and gas bill, I see my own handy work that affects millions throughout the decades. What a reward to a 70-yr-old retired alumnus who picked up that life-changing skill at the night school in Cal Poly Pomona so long ago!
Lupe Ruiz
Management and Human Resources, 2005
I was born to immigrant parents and am the first in my family to graduate from college. I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2005 with a bachelor’s in Management and Human Resources. I started her career at Kaiser Permanente after graduating, while starting my own business. I eventually received Masters in Business Administration and have focused my energy on successfully growing my own business. I enjoy giving back to my community by being a board member of the CPP Latin Alumni Network, an ambassador of the National Latina Women Association-Inland Empire, and most recently, a board member of the Just Us 4 Youth organization.
I was born to immigrant parents and am the first in my family to graduate from college. I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2005 with a bachelor’s in Management and Human Resources. I started her career at Kaiser Permanente after graduating, while starting my own business. I eventually received Masters in Business Administration and have focused my energy on successfully growing my own business. I enjoy giving back to my community by being a board member of the CPP Latin Alumni Network, an ambassador of the National Latina Women Association-Inland Empire, and most recently, a board member of the Just Us 4 Youth organization.
John Burt
Behavioral Science, 1984
I'm a proud alumnus from the Class of 1984. I had the privilege to be back on campus earlier this year as a "Professor for a Day". What a great experience it was to share my story with students and hopefully inspire a few to keep learning, growing and aspiring to be the best version of themselves.
I'm a proud alumnus from the Class of 1984. I had the privilege to be back on campus earlier this year as a "Professor for a Day". What a great experience it was to share my story with students and hopefully inspire a few to keep learning, growing and aspiring to be the best version of themselves.
Marie Royce
Human Resources & Sm Bus Mgmt, 1984
When I finished my role as Assistant Secretary of State, Educational and Cultural Affairs I launched Marie Royce, LLC. USC recruited me as a Board Advisor for their Center for Public Diplomacy. And, I serve as a Board Advisor to Cognito Health, and Petrocas Energy. I support various non-profits.
When I finished my role as Assistant Secretary of State, Educational and Cultural Affairs I launched Marie Royce, LLC. USC recruited me as a Board Advisor for their Center for Public Diplomacy. And, I serve as a Board Advisor to Cognito Health, and Petrocas Energy. I support various non-profits.
Gene Tiong
Civil Engineering, 1982
Organized the 1982/1983 Reunion of the Cal Poly Pomona Chemical Engineers at the Ruby's Restaurant at the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach on September 10, 2022. We took many pictures and a video of this event. I was the Vice President of the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers at Cal Poly Pomona 1982.
Organized the 1982/1983 Reunion of the Cal Poly Pomona Chemical Engineers at the Ruby's Restaurant at the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach on September 10, 2022. We took many pictures and a video of this event. I was the Vice President of the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers at Cal Poly Pomona 1982.
Martha Vargas
Behavioral Science, 1980
Masters Degree in Counseling from Cal State Fullerton and also completed my teaching credential.
Masters Degree in Counseling from Cal State Fullerton and also completed my teaching credential.
Sid Robinson
Communication, 1982
After retiring as Associate Vice President for Public Affairs from California State University, San Bernardino, I started Robinson and Associates public relations and strategic communications. I've also been a lecturer in the Cal Poly Pomona communication department since 2019, while also teaching at Cal State San Bernardino and Citrus College. I served as a city council member in the City of Upland from 2016-2018.
After retiring as Associate Vice President for Public Affairs from California State University, San Bernardino, I started Robinson and Associates public relations and strategic communications. I've also been a lecturer in the Cal Poly Pomona communication department since 2019, while also teaching at Cal State San Bernardino and Citrus College. I served as a city council member in the City of Upland from 2016-2018.
Robert Sedillo
Finance, Real Estate, Law, 1989
I just had my first book published about a young girls feelings having cancer. www.amisodifferent.com
I just had my first book published about a young girls feelings having cancer. www.amisodifferent.com
David Salse
Biology, 1988
In 1988, I completed my studies at CPP and later established one of the most prominent chiropractic clinics in Southern California. Over the past three decades, my practice has helped improve the lives of thousands of individuals through natural alternative healthcare, and Salse Chiropractic Center, based in Monrovia, CA, remains dedicated to advancing community health via education.My success would not have been achievable without the top-notch education I received at Cal Poly, Pomona. Dr. Sperry, Dr. Troncale, Dr. Firstman, Dr. Hoyt, Dr. Mercer, and Dr. Stewart were among the standout educators who had a significant impact on me. My undergraduate studies prepared me to graduate with distinction from Southern California University of Health Sciences and embark on a fulfilling and lucrative healthcare career.My advice to all students is this: the journey to success is fraught with numerous obstacles, pitfalls, and detours. However, having a clear sense of purpose, mission, and aspiration will help you navigate through the challenges. Without a mapped-out direction for your life, it is impossible to move from point A to point B.
In 1988, I completed my studies at CPP and later established one of the most prominent chiropractic clinics in Southern California. Over the past three decades, my practice has helped improve the lives of thousands of individuals through natural alternative healthcare, and Salse Chiropractic Center, based in Monrovia, CA, remains dedicated to advancing community health via education.My success would not have been achievable without the top-notch education I received at Cal Poly, Pomona. Dr. Sperry, Dr. Troncale, Dr. Firstman, Dr. Hoyt, Dr. Mercer, and Dr. Stewart were among the standout educators who had a significant impact on me. My undergraduate studies prepared me to graduate with distinction from Southern California University of Health Sciences and embark on a fulfilling and lucrative healthcare career.My advice to all students is this: the journey to success is fraught with numerous obstacles, pitfalls, and detours. However, having a clear sense of purpose, mission, and aspiration will help you navigate through the challenges. Without a mapped-out direction for your life, it is impossible to move from point A to point B.
Dani Doueiri
International Agriculture, 1989
Thank you Cal Poly Pomona for the wonderful education you provided me. Although I graduated in 1989, I still come to CPP a few times a year to take a walk on the beautiful campus, visit the farm store, and eat at the Commons. Even my children have wonderful memories at CPP.
Thank you Cal Poly Pomona for the wonderful education you provided me. Although I graduated in 1989, I still come to CPP a few times a year to take a walk on the beautiful campus, visit the farm store, and eat at the Commons. Even my children have wonderful memories at CPP.
Jeff Lund
Computer Information Systems, 1985
Retired after 30 years in IT, working on IT systems that delivered vital health services to the indigent affected by HIV-for housing, case management, social services, hiv medications including PREP. I also assisted in developing grant applications to the Federal CDC and state health depts.
Retired after 30 years in IT, working on IT systems that delivered vital health services to the indigent affected by HIV-for housing, case management, social services, hiv medications including PREP. I also assisted in developing grant applications to the Federal CDC and state health depts.