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We are halfway through the spring semester and looking forward to celebrations of student research, scholarship awards, and celebrations of outstanding faculty. While the external environment is full of challenges, in the hallways of the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences we continue to serve students through engaging instruction and opportunities to tie classroom learning to the real-world, with faculty and staff who are dedicated, skilled, and focused on their own learning. If you are looking for a way to be part of good in the world, take a look at our Broncos Give campaign on April 16 and 17 and be a part of Cal Poly Pomona’s sustainable future.
Camille Johnson, PhD
Dean, College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
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Earlier this semester, we launched the CLASS Cares Drive to collect non-food items in support of the LA Food Bank’s fire relief efforts. Our goal was to provide essential items to those affected by the devastating fires, and thanks to the generosity of our CLASS community, we received an outpouring of donations to help those in need.
We are also deeply grateful to Sean Yu (’99, Political Science) and Christine Yu for their generous commitment to supporting Cal Poly Pomona’s wildfire relief efforts. They pledged a total of $50,000, with $25,000 designated for the Broncos Care Basic Needs Initiative and $25,000 for the Bronco Employee Relief Fund. Their donation was matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact and providing critical assistance to those affected. We sincerely thank Sean and Christine for their thoughtfulness and dedication to our community.
We are truly grateful to be part of such a compassionate and giving network. Thank you for your support and for showing up for Broncos in need!
| | Celebrating Excellence: 2025 José A. Gómez CLASS Excellence Awards | | |
The College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 José A. Gómez CLASS Faculty Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding faculty members who have made significant contributions to teaching, research, creative work, service, advising, and mentorship.
Dr. José A. Gómez, a proud Cal Poly Pomona alumnus and first-generation college graduate, established this award to honor faculty members who embody the values of CLASS and the broader California State University system. Now the Superintendent/President of Pasadena City College, Dr. Gómez credits his success to the mentorship and education he received at CPP, saying, “It’s an honor to recognize those who continue to inspire today’s students.”
Each awardee receives a $1,000 stipend in recognition of their exceptional dedication. We sincerely thank the selection committee—Jesse Portillo (TND), Dr. Tatiana Pumaccahua (PSY), and Dr. Mariusz Ozminkowski (COM)—for their thoughtful consideration of this year’s nominees.
Congratulations to our faculty honorees, and thank you to our CLASS community for fostering excellence!
| | Meet the 2025 José A. Gómez Faculty Excellence Award Recipients | | |
Dr. Janine Riveire
Professor
Music
With over two decades at CPP, Dr. Janine Riveire has expanded music education by championing inclusivity in the arts. She has been instrumental in welcoming non-major musicians to campus, believing, “Good citizens understand the role of the arts and humanities in a balanced life.” As an accomplished bassist and educator, she continues to inspire students through performance and scholarship.
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Dr. Lauren Furey
Associate Professor
Communication
Dr. Lauren Furey has been an integral part of CPP’s Multimedia Journalism program since 2016. Her expertise in media effects, political communication, and representation in news coverage has shaped the next generation of journalists. As an advisor to The Poly Post and Bronco Guide, she fosters student growth and confidence. Reflecting on her mentorship, she shared, “It is an honor and privilege to witness and help foster that growth and community.”
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Dr. Shayda Kafai
Associate Professor
Ethnic and Women’s Studies
A champion for disability justice and intersectional feminism, Dr. Shayda Kafai bridges academia and activism through her work, including her books Crip Kinship and Mad Scholars. She is dedicated to making learning accessible and inclusive, developing EWS’s first PolyX course focused on zine-making. “Learners contribute to two on-campus zine libraries and embody the principles of artivism,” she explains.
| | Introducing the CLASS Staff Excellence Award | | Building on this tradition of recognition, CLASS launched the José A. Gómez Staff Excellence Award to honor staff members who make a lasting impact. | | |
We’re excited to announce Stephanie Gonzalez as the inaugural recipient of the 2025 José A. Gómez CLASS Staff Excellence Award!
Since joining CLASS in 2021 as the Administrative Support Coordinator for the Departments of Economics and Philosophy, Stephanie has played a crucial role in supporting critical transitions and contributing to university-wide events like Commencement and Fall Preview Day.
Her exceptional organizational skills, teamwork, and dedication to student success have made a lasting impact on both colleagues and students. Her positive attitude and resourcefulness make her an invaluable member of the CLASS community.
Congratulations, Stephanie, and thank you for your outstanding contributions!
| | | Explore Refreshed CLASS Website | | | | |
We’re thrilled to unveil the refreshed College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences website, part of the exciting new “Become by Doing” campaign! The website features our updated branding, which reflects our commitment to diversity, excellence, and success.
We invite you to explore our new site to discover everything that makes CLASS and Cal Poly Pomona so special, from our distinguished programs to the inspiring stories of our students, faculty, and alumni. Join us in celebrating the future of CPP!
| | CPP Wind Ensemble Records at Legendary Hollywood Studio | | |
We are thrilled to share a historic milestone for the CPP Bands program! On March 14, 2025, the Cal Poly Pomona Wind Ensemble recorded at the legendary Newman Scoring Stage at 20th Century Fox Studios, one of Hollywood’s most iconic recording spaces.
This incredible opportunity placed our talented students in a professional environment where legendary film scores—such as Star Wars, Titanic, and Avatar—were recorded. The ensemble also performed E Ala Ē: Arise & Awaken by James David, a groundbreaking wind ensemble piece incorporating Native Hawaiian influences—the first of its kind.
This achievement exemplifies our commitment to hands-on, real-world experiences in music education. Join us in congratulating our CPP Wind Ensemble students on this outstanding accomplishment!
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From the Classroom to the Newsroom:
CPP Students Gain Media Experience
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Vanessa Fuentes (COM student) and Kurt Snibbe (Visual Journalist) during visit to
Southern Calfornia News Group
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This spring, the Communication Department partnered with Southern California News Group (SCNG) to launch a job shadowing program, giving 12 students hands-on newsroom experience. They shadowed reporters, designers, and social media managers, attending editorial meetings and covering live events.
“It gave me a realistic view of the industry,” said Gerardo Sanchez, who shadowed SCNG’s managing digital editor Toni Sciacqua.
The program, supported by CPP alumnus Daniel Tedford ('08, COM), will expand next year to include public relations and nonprofit careers.
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Dr. Sekani Robinson Receives Prestigious
Mellon Programs Fellowship
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We are excited to announce that Dr. Sekani Robinson has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Career Enhancement Fellowship for Junior Faculty by Mellon Programs! This six-month fellowship is awarded to a select group of applicants, and Dr. Robinson’s outstanding application stood out for its excellence, earning her the award without the need for an interview.
This recognition highlights Dr. Robinson’s exceptional contributions to her field and her commitment to advancing academic scholarship. We are proud of Dr. Robinson's achievements and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work. Congratulations, Dr. Robinson!
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Athletics Honors Outstanding CLASS Professors
On February 20, two exceptional CLASS faculty members were honored by CPP Athletics for their outstanding contributions to student success and celebrated at Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night!
Professor Jason Chang was recognized for his dedication to students and his impactful work in the Economics department. This well-deserved recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Mark Generous, Associate Professor in the department of communication, was nominated by Track & Field athletes La’Rico Tezeno and Aaliyah Mendoza as an Outstanding Professor. Dr. Generous’ teaching, motivation, and advising have made a lasting impact on students’ academic journeys.
Congratulations to both Prof. Chang and Dr. Generous! Thank you for your dedication to our students’ success!
| | CLASS Faculty Four Fridays | | |
This past year, Dean Johnson launched the CLASS Faculty Four Fridays program, offering faculty the chance to network, learn, and celebrate the diverse work happening within CLASS across four Fridays throughout the academic year.
In February, our colleagues came together to explore exciting topics, featuring a showcase by the Digital Humanities Consortium, a musical performance by CPP’s Brass Ensemble, and engaging panels on Podcasting and Book Publishing.
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CLASS Kudos
We want to celebrate your achievements and highlight your incredible work! Fill out a short form to share your recent accomplishments, and you could be featured in our next newsletter. Read our past Kudos on our website!
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Michael J. Bidart's Generous Gift to CLASS:
A Legacy Rooted in Gratitude
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Prominent attorney and Cal Poly Pomona alumnus Michael J. Bidart '72 and his wife, Jeanette, have donated $100,000 to the California Center for Ethics and Policy (CCEP) to establish the Bernard and Lucie Bidart CCEP Fellowship in honor of his parents. This gift reflects his gratitude for the education he received and his commitment to supporting students from underserved backgrounds.
A first-generation student, Bidart balanced his studies with service in the California Air National Guard during the Vietnam War. Inspired by professors like Dr. Sidney Blumner, he now hopes to pay it forward by helping students explore pressing ethical and policy issues.
Beyond his philanthropy, Bidart has had a distinguished legal career, securing a $120.5 million verdict against Aetna and earning recognition as a Super Lawyer for his work in healthcare and consumer rights litigation.
| | | Bidart encourages others to give back, believing that one good deed inspires another. His generosity will help Cal Poly Pomona continue to empower students and create lasting opportunities. | | Jess Taosuvanna (SVP Treasurer at Commercial Bank of California) teaching an Economics course | |
Every year, Professor for a Day brings CLASS alumni back to share their career journeys, mentor students, and even take over a class for a day. Since 1998, this program has given students a behind-the-scenes look at life after graduation, straight from those who have been in their shoes. From career advice to industry insights, our alumni make learning come to life in a whole new way.
A huge THANK YOU to the alumni who joined us last week! Your stories, wisdom, and enthusiasm made a lasting impact on our students. We loved having you back on campus!
Alumni, thank you for visiting! Check out the highlights from your visit by clicking the button below.
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Attorney Alumni Panel Inspires
Future Legal Professionals
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On Wednesday, March 19, our Alumni Attorney Panel brought successful graduates back to campus to share their journeys and insights into the legal field. Hosted by the CLASS PreLaw Pathways program and moderated by Peter Hanink, PhD, JD, the panel provided valuable advice on navigating law school and building a successful career in law.
A huge thank you to our incredible alumni panelists:
• Michael Bidart (’72, Economics)
• Jamaar Boyd-Weatherby (’00, Philosophy)
• Amy Oakden (’03, English)
• Raul Sabado (’00, Economics)
Their stories were a powerful reminder that no matter your background, a career in law is within reach. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success!
| | Make a Difference: Join the CPP Bronco Mentoring Network! | | | | |
Your experience can inspire the next generation of Broncos! By joining the CPP Bronco Mentoring Network, you can share your career insights and professional expertise with students and alumni—helping them gain the confidence to pursue their dreams.
This flexible, career-mentoring platform makes it easy to connect with others in the CPP community, fostering student success through guidance, advice, and industry connections.
Be a part of something meaningful—join today and help shape the future of fellow Broncos!
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The Justice Dialogues: What is left of Freedom? | April 10, 2025, 4pm
Please join us as we welcome Jamelle Bouie to CPP for a thought-provoking discussion on our current political moment. He will be joined by faculty advisor and mentor Dr. Aishwary Kumar, who will lead the conversation. This is a unique opportunity to engage with pressing political topics and gain insights from an esteemed journalist and scholar. The event will take place on Thurs, April 10, 2025, from 4 to 5:30 PM in the Ursa Minor room at the Bronco Student Center. All are welcome—we hope to see you there!
CLASS Pedagogy Workshop | April 16, 2025, 2:30pm
This pedagogical workshop explores archival research writing and autoethnography as genres that advance epistemological freedoms, rhetorical sovereignty, and emotions of belonging. By joining scholarship in student-centered composition and ethnic studies pedagogies, our primary goal is to locate opportunities for students to tap into themselves as living, shifting embodied archives with potential to generate valuable knowledge within academic classrooms and one’s community and home. Sign up today to join us in-person or online!
Bronco Bound Open House | April 12, 2025
Future Broncos, get ready to connect with faculty and current students at this year’s Bronco Bound event! This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome future Broncos and showcase all that CLASS has to offer.
Spring 2025 Commencement | May 18, 2025, 8am & 12pm
Save the date for this year’s commencement ceremonies! For frequently asked questions and details about the day, visit the commencement website!
Performing Arts at CPP
Come see CPP students in action via our music and theatre performances. Concerts and shows are available in Fall and Spring semesters. Access the Music and Theatre box offices for tickets below.
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Music Department
Spring 2025 Concert Season
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Don't miss musical performances from CPP student ensembles and faculty this Spring! Enjoy concerts featuring jazz, orchestra, mariachi, piano, musical theatre, and more!
Click the button below for more information.
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Theatre and New Dance
Spring 2025 Season
| Exciting Theatre and New Dance productions are coming to Cal Poly Pomona this Spring! Stay tuned for the official dates and prepare to be entertained by the skills and depth of our talented students. Click the button below to learn more about our Theatre and New Dance Department. | | The Digital Humanities Consortium | | | | |
Our Communication faculty and students are making waves in the Digital Humanities Consortium at Cal Poly Pomona!
We’re excited to announce that Dr. Lauren Furey (The Pink State Podcast) and Dr. Denisse Vasquez-Guevara (The Scicom Toolbox, YouTube Channel) have been selected as Faculty Fellows for 2024-2025 DHC. Their work focuses on public scholarship about women in politics and science communication tools for public engagement, drawing from their research and teaching.
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Katie Priest, a double major in Philosophy and Communication and audio editor for The Poly Post, has been selected as a Student Fellow for her exceptional podcasting work.
Additionally, Dr. Ivana Cvetkovic, Dr. Furey, and Dr. Vasquez-Guevara are proud members of the DHC faculty network, contributing their expertise to the growing digital humanities community at Cal Poly Pomona.
| | Your Ultimate Guide to Life at CPP | | |
The Bronco Guide magazine is your ultimate resource for life at Cal Poly Pomona. Created by CLASS students, for students, and produced by The Poly Post, this magazine is designed to help you navigate campus and the surrounding community.
This issue features a variety of stories to enhance your college experience, from discovering trendy local eateries to exploring campus resources and tips on connecting with peers. Don’t miss out on this essential guide to making the most of your time at CPP!
| | | Explore Books by CLASS Faculty | | | | |
Immerse yourself in knowledge and creativity with books authored by our esteemed faculty.
From groundbreaking research to thought-provoking stories, these works highlight the expertise and passions of our academic community.
Discover your next great read today!
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Save the Date:
Broncos Give - April 16-17!
Save the date, Broncos! Broncos Give is coming up on April 16-17, 2025! Get ready to make an impact by supporting CLASS fundraising campaigns. Your contribution can help shape the future of our community. Don’t miss out!
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Volunteer for CLASS Events
Looking for a way to give back? Join us for two exciting opportunities to support students and celebrate their achievements!
Bronco Bound Open House | April 12, 2025 – Welcome admitted and prospective students to CPP and share what makes CLASS special. Students sign up here to volunteer!!
Your support makes these events unforgettable—join us!
| | | Connect with CLASS on social media! | | | | |
