Every student has a unique story.
Student Affairs believes that authentic storytelling is the most impactful way to understand our students and the work we do to support them. From creating the next great startup company, to students exploring their identities and everything in between, every Cal Poly student has a unique story to tell. See Cal Poly through their eyes in our Student Stories section.
Spring 2019
Cal Poly's Educational Opportunity Program counselors bring a personal mission to their work as they help first-generation, low-income students find community and opportunities for success. Read more ...
Spring 2019
Lori Waters' passion for disability rights isn't just professional – it's personal. It's also led her to Cal Poly's Disability Resource Center, where she works daily to create equity for the students she serves. Read more ...
Winter 2019
Veterans Success Center Coordinator Kari Leslie understands the challenges veterans and students from military families face when they arrive at Cal Poly. After all, she's been in their shoes before. Read more ...
Winter 2019
As Lead Coordinator for the Center for Leadership, Heather Domonoske brings plenty of know-how and passion for developing the untapped leadership potential in Cal Poly students. Read more ...
Winter 2019
As Assistant Director of Cal Poly Student Clubs and Organizations, Chip Neuenschwander plays a key role in fostering engaging experiences and meaningful communities for thousands of Cal Poly students. Read more ...
Winter 2019
Cal Poly's Disability Resource Center is much more than just a service for the students with disabilities. For them, it's a source of support that emphasizes collaboration and equity. Read more ...
Winter 2019
Renowned professor, philosopher, author and activist Cornel West captivated hundreds of campus community members at two separate events on Jan. 16 at Cal Poly. Read more ...
Winter 2019
For some Cal Poly students, the Black Academic Excellence Center (BAEC) plays a much larger role than its name implies. Learn how the center is helping students build community and succeed academically while serving as a home away from home. Read more...
Fall 2018
In this Cal Poly Magazine feature, head baseball coach Larry Lee talks about the legacy of winning baseball that he shares with his father, Cal Poly Hall of Famer Tom Lee. Read more...
Fall 2018
Cal Poly Magazine introduces readers to a group of women who meet weekly to explore a common bond – their passion for rock climbing. Read more...
Summer 2018
Cal Poly's diversity officers reflect on the racially charged events that impacted the campus in Spring 2018, and share the university's steps to create a more inclusive environment. Read more...
Spring 2018
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Jamie Patton shares his thoughts with Cal Poly Magazine on the racially charged incidents that led to student protests and calls for action in Spring 2018.
Read more...
Spring 2018
Faced with an uncertain future because of their status, three undocumented Cal Poly students share their hopes and fears with Cal Poly Magazine, and how places like the Dream Center help them achieve their goals. Read more...
Spring 2018
What's in a name? A lot – especially when it comes to Cal Poly's newest first-year housing community, yakʔitʸutʸu. Learn more about the culture and heritage behind the name in this Cal Poly Magazine feature. Read more...
Spring 2018
Cal Poly's Chinese Student Association (CSA), a student-run social heritage club, gives Cal Poly Magazine a glimpse into their traditional Chinese New Year festivities. Read more...
Spring 2018
Cal Poly Magazine recaps the grand opening of Doerr Family Field, the $4.8 million state-of-the-art synthetic turf football practice facility funded by the Doerr family and other donors. Read more...
Spring 2018
In this Cal Poly Magazine feature, twins Dynn and Lynn Leaupepe recall their decision to attend Cal Poly together and reflect on playing for the Women's Basketball program. Read more...
Winter 2018
Learn more about Katherine Zevallos Pastor's goals as Cal Poly's first Dream Center Coordinator and what motivates her to support undocumented students and their allies. Read more...
Our Editorial Staff
Diego Abeloos
Educational Communications Specialist, Student Affairs
Diego joined the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs in February 2017 and has worked at Cal Poly since 2015.
Prior to Cal Poly, Diego spent a decade as a newspaper and magazine editor and reporter in the Bay Area, covering crime, politics, business, real estate and sports. He believes storytelling is a powerful medium to bridge differences, find common ground and reach a place of greater understanding, compassion and acceptance.
Diego lives in Atascadero with his wife, Vanessa, and their two children, Wyatt and Lavender.
Danica Liang
Fifth-year, Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies
As someone who grew up with her nose stuck in a book, Danica is endlessly fascinated by stories and the individuals behind them. She believes that everyone has a story worth sharing.
Danica is excited to be a part of the Student Affairs editorial team and enjoys working on stories about campus life from the student’s perspective. In the future, Danica hopes to combine her interest in storytelling with technology, creating interactive visualizations and narratives that raise awareness of issues she is most passionate about -- the intersections of race, gender, culture, science, and technology.
Jarod Urrutia
Fourth-year, Journalism
Jarod is a fourth-year journalism major with minors in political science, media arts, society and technology and science and risk communication. As an aspiring journalist, he hopes to move to the bay area after Cal Poly so that he can fulfill his dream to work for a news organization like the San Francisco Chronicle.
Jarod grew up immersed in everything internet: flash games, message boards, copypastas, animations and memes. He believes authenticity in content creation is the key to success, and hopes to foster new ways to connect communities and educate Americans through emerging forms of online media.
