CLASS Connection - April 2021
CLASS Advisory Board Panel Discussion About
The Future of Work
Join us on Friday, April 30, 2021, for the CLASS Future of Work event, a panel discussion with our CLASS Advisory Board. This online event will provide insight and advice about navigating the current job market during uncertain economic times. Moderators for the event include David Porges, Cal Poly Pomona Director of Corporate Relations and Daniela Avila, The Poly Post Editor.

Our Panelists:
  • Lizette Carbajal, Vice President of Community Relations for Telemundo 52
  • Jamaar Boyd, Senior Associate at Jones & Mayer
  • Ira Pemstein, Supervisory Archivist at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
  • Dr. Peter Yates, Retired Faculty of Music at Cal Poly Pomona
Dr. Jason Turcotte Awarded Faculty Advisor of the Year 2020/2021
"He has always been and continues to be a phenomenal adviser for our students. He goes above and beyond in helping students not just with their classes but also with their careers, especially this year, when many our journalism students struggle with taking skills-based classes virtually and with finding internships and jobs. He is also the faculty advisor for Poly Post and has spent countless hours with his student’s writers and editors to publish news that is relevant and valuable for the CPP community."
-Dr. Nell Horowitz, Chair and Associate Professor Communication Department 
In Memoriam Dr. Dennis Loo
Tribute written by Dr. Anthony Ocampo.
Dr. Dennis Loo, was born July 7,1951 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He passed away March 6, 2021 at La Jolla Scripps Memorial Hospital. Dennis began his career as a professor at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona in the Behavioral Studies Department During his tenure as a professor, he would pen groundbreaking books, including Impeach the President: The Case Against Bush and Cheney (2006) and Globalization and the Demolition of Society (2011). He was a passionate and rigorous instructor, having taught everything from Introduction to Sociology to Classical Theory to Political Sociology to Criminology. Dennis’s political activism transcended the page and the classroom.
CLASS Alumni Join Us for Professor for a Day
Our remote setting didn't stop our CLASS alumni from sharing their insights with our students. The event took place during the week of March 8 -12. Professor for a Day provides alumni with an opportunity to share their experiences regarding their career path and profession with our CLASS students. Students have a chance to interact with alumni and learn firsthand how their education applies in a professional setting. Thank you to all of our alumni who shared their experiences with us! 
Upcoming Events, Deadlines, and Information
Drive-in Commencement for Class of
2020 and 2021
Registration for the Class of 2020 and 2021 drive-in commencement ceremonies begins April 5 and close on April 26. All graduates will receive an email with RSVP instructions by April 5. There will be 20 in-person, drive-in ceremonies held at the Pomona Fairplex from May 20 - 23.
Never Before Scene... A Music Theatre Extravaganza live premiere on YouTube
Coming this weekend to a screen near you, the Department of Music presents “Never Before Scene.....A Music Theatre Extravaganza!” Click on the link buttons above to watch the live premiere on YouTube April 9th and 10th at 7:00PM. Don't miss out!
April 5: Registration for drive-in Commencement for C/O 2020 & 2021 begins
April 13: Future of Work Human & Civic Engagement - Register Online
April 13: Michi & Walter Weglyn Social Justice Webinar - Navigational Leadership & Climate Justice - Register Online
April 19: Fall 2021 general registration begins
April 26: Last day to register for the 2020/2021 Drive-In Commencement Ceremonies
April 30: CLASS Future of Work Discussion - Register Online
Our CLASS Faculty Experts
Dr. Claudia Garcia-Des Lauriers' New Book To Be Available Online Soon
Dr. Claudia Garcia-Des Lauriers is a collaborator and editor for the new book Landscape, Monuments, Arts, and Rituals Out of Eurasia. The book concerns proceedings of an international conference in Mexico, and Dr. Garcia-Des Lauriers has also contributed to two book chapters. The book will be available online soon! Check our social media for updates on its release.
Assistant professor of English, Dr. Kate Ozment, was interviewed for The Women's Print History Project podcast. The episode, "A Brief and Scandalous History of Delarivier Manley" discusses the18th century author’s scandal fiction. Listen to the full interview.
Dr. Alyssa Kermad Named as a Faculty Mentor Research STAR
“Rome wasn’t built in a day’ – research takes time and many, many steps. Conceptually speaking, research is asking and answering a question; methodically speaking, research is starting at point A, which after completion lets you move on to point B, point C, and so on and so forth. The process is exhilarating, and the end product is worth every step.” 
– Dr. Alyssa Kermad
Psychology Student Recognized for Undergraduate Research
Daniela has been part of two research programs on campus, McNair Scholars Program and Early Career Research Apprenticeship (ECRA). Daniela learned about McNair Scholars through Psi Chi and was able to apply and get accepted. Through the McNair program, Daniela conducted research with Dr. Viviane Seyranian and has been able to present her findings at both regional and national conferences. Daniela also joined ECRA through an opportunity from Psi Chi and worked under the mentorship of Dr. Gabriele Plickert. Both the Psi Chi and Hermanas Unidas clubs showed Daniela the importance of getting involved in campus programs and how meaningful the connections can be when you meet others on campus with similar experiences.

Read Daniela's profile and learn more about her journey at CPP.
Music Industry Studies Student Receives President's Innovation Award
Music Industries Studies student Justine Hawelu is among 33 recipients nation wide to receive the NAMM President's Innovation Award (PIA). The award allows individuals to participate in The NAMM Show's "Believe in Music" week in January. The event held a virtual interactive program, including a Q&A session with NAMM CEO Joe Lamond.

"I once heard from a movie that, “You’re not hardcore, unless you live hardcore.” and I am here to tell you that winning the 2021 President’s Innovation Award from NAMM is pretty hardcore. It’s truly an honor to be a recognized, amongst such a talented musical community, as a worthy recipient for this award. I am thankful to my Professors, Cal Poly Pomona, and NAMM for providing the space that young professionals need to thrive and develop.” - Justine Hawelu

Keep an eye out for our feature on Justine, coming soon!