Sociology Alumna Unites LA County Cities with Passion and Purpose

The childhood recollection remains seared in Jalonda Watson’s memory.

She can still see her well-dressed maternal grandmother headed down the streets of her Compton neighborhood in kitten heels delivering food to a family in need.

Watson’s late grandmother, Mary Jean Mathis, believed in grassroots community activism and the importance of filling in the gaps for organizations that she recognized couldn’t reach everybody. Watson (‘21, sociology, ‘23, master’s in public administration) not only inherited her grandmother’s penchant for dressing well, she also took to heart the importance of lending a helping hand.

Jungle Jumpstart” Earns Cal Poly Its First Rose Parade Sweepstakes Award

Cal Poly Universities’ Rose Float, “Jungle Jumpstart” won the 2026 Sweepstakes Award, the top award of the 137th Rose Parade, for the first time in Cal Poly history! The special honor is awarded to the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment. The process of designing and building the float takes nearly a year and involves constructing, adjusting and fine-tuning the mechanical, drive and animation systems; welding the structural supports and shaping the design elements; testing decorative material; and sheeting and foaming before the students can begin adding final design elements. “Jungle Jumpstart” marks the 77th Rose Float that Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students have designed and built since 1949. View past Rose Float entries and awards at www.rosefloat.org.

a presenter speaking to the crowd during the symposium

College of Science Alumni Lunch & Research Symposium

Science alumni are invited to our annual Science Alumni Lunch on Friday, April 24. This popular event includes the Science Student Research Symposium where you can see student research posters, interact with current students and learn about their exciting research. Save the date and RSVP Now!

Graduates celebrating during Commencement

Broncos in Love 2026

Did you and your partner meet at CPP? We’re collecting submissions for our February “Broncos in Love” spotlight on the Alumni website. Share your story and send photos to alumni@cpp.edu by Feb. 6.

Check Out These Inspiring Stories from Fellow Broncos

Visit our new and improved We Are CPP website to read Class Notes and stories of alumni success. We are very proud of your accomplishments and would love to hear about your professional, philanthropic or community-based achievements. Share your impact by submitting a Class Note. If you have news to share or want to nominate a Bronco who is doing amazing work, contact Alumni & External Relations at alumni@cpp.edu.

Connect. Mentor. Grow with the CPP Bronco Mentoring Network.

The CPP Bronco Mentoring Network, our career-mentoring and advice-sharing network, makes it easy for you to connect with others in the Cal Poly Pomona community. Our upgraded platform allows you to find or sign up to be a mentor, learn skills by completing pathway modules, watch video resources, find and post jobs, list your business in the business directory and more. Don’t wait. Join the Bronco Network today!

#1 Polytechnic University for Diversity and Economic Mobility - Cal Poly Pomona

Feb. 3
Contracts 101

Learn the basics of contracts, key terms, and how to protect yourself as you read basic contracts such as your first job offer, rental agreement, car lease and more!

Feb. 10
Etiquette Dinner
Come join us for an interactive and informative workshop where you'll learn all about the do's and don'ts of business dining. From proper table manners to networking tips, this workshop will help you navigate any professional dining situation with confidence.

Feb. 21

Alumni Gathering

Join us as Cal Poly Pomona's Black Alumni and Friends Chapter sponsors an alumni gathering at Kellogg House Pomona with keynote speaker Beverly Kuykendall, owner & chief strategy officer at Kuykendall & Associates.

Feb. 24

Financial Literacy IV: Mastering Debt & Maximizing Your Workplace Benefits

Learn how to master debt and maximize your workplace benefits at this exciting session. We will break down the fundamentals of debt, repayment strategies, and workplace benefits so you can make confident, informed money decisions.

Feb. 24

Mock Interview Workshop

Practice interviewing and get real-time feedback from professional alumni who conduct hiring in their current positions at this event hosted by the College of Business Alumni Chapter. Bring along your resume for on-the-spot feedback. If you have professional experience interviewing candidates and would like to provide on the spot feedback to students, please sign up by filling out this form.

Apr. 21

CPP Night with the Angels

Join fellow Broncos for a night of fun and networking when the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Angels at 6:38 pm. Make sure to join us at the Bronco Village starting at 5:08 pm when gates open!

“California JPIA welcomes new administrative assistant Melane Olmeda” — PublicCEO, 12/30

The California Joint Powers Insurance Authority has welcomed Melane Olmeda (‘23, political science) as its new administrative assistant, building on her path from local government work to communications roles at Cal Poly Pomona where she previously supported the Office of Government and External Relations as a student outreach assistant supporting tabling, newsletters and social media. The role expanded to include preparing one-pagers and conducting legislative research. “Communications taps into my creativity...transforming complex topics into clear, engaging content showed me the power of strong messaging and design,” she said.

“Charles Beard’s Micro Farm in Southeast San Diego” — Ocean Beach Rag, 12/30

Charles Beard, a former Cal Poly Pomona student, is transforming a vacant lot in Southeast San Diego into a thriving micro-farm that grows food for his family and neighbors while building community resilience and access to fresh produce. His project reflects a broader movement toward urban agriculture, soil regeneration, and locally rooted food systems in underserved neighborhoods.

“Bart Story, Longtime Entertainment Research Executive, Dies at 63” — The Hollywood Reporter, 12/23

Veteran entertainment research executive Bart Story (‘85, marketing management), known for his work with SAG-AFTRA, the Video Software Dealers Association and more than two decades at MarketCast, has died at age 63 from complications related to cancer. Over his long career, Story helped studios, networks and streamers better understand audiences and shape successful marketing strategies for major film and television campaigns.

We invite you to send comments or submit story ideas to PolyAlumni. For more information or to contact Alumni and External Relations, call (866) CPP-ALUM or email alumni@cpp.edu.

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