Michele Gendreau to Speak at 2018 Commencement

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Board of Advisors chairperson and distinguished alumna Michele Gendreau has been selected to deliver the keynote address at The Collins College's Commencement ceremony on Friday, June 8.

As the director of food and beverage for the Disneyland Resort as part of its Experience Development &Integration team, Gendreau helps tell the Disney stories that delight people worldwide. She looks forward to sprinkling some magic on graduating seniors by sharing words or wisdom from her own story of success, which began as a Cal Poly Pomona student actively involved in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.

“What I have experienced during my time at Cal Poly Pomona and what I have learned since then makes me the person and the leader I am today,”says Gendreau. 

The alumna enjoys giving back to the university by providing guidance and advice to students. She is involved with the university as a board member for the Rose Float alumni chapter and supports The Collins College in her leadership role with the program and throughout her career.

“We are excited to have Michele speak at Commencement. She provides invaluable industry relevance to our program and really resonates with students because she was in their shoes once, ”says Dean Lea Dopson. 

Gendreau brings to the table more than 38 years of professional food & beverage industry experience in manager and director-level roles. Before joining The Walt Disney Company in 2006, she worked in university dining services for San Jose State University an USC.