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.
Winter 2020
Learn how Samuel Byrd utilizes their experiences as an educator, activist, psychotherapist and interfaith chaplain to lead LGBTQ+ initiatives for Cal Poly's Cross Cultural Centers. Read more ...
Winter 2020
Like some students, U.S. Navy veteran and electrical engineering major Jacob Salazar found himself struggling to afford basic living needs, until he turned to a familiar source of support for students – Cal Poly Cares. Read more ...
Fall 2019
Brayon Rodriguez struggled to find a place to live during his final quarter, until he reached out to Cal Poly Cares, a program that supports students facing financial emergencies. Read more ...
Fall 2019
The California State University's systemwide Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) originally established its roots in 1968 at Cal Poly. Half of a century later, the program continues to excel at impacting and supporting the students it serves. Read more ...
Fall 2019
Cal Poly's Center for Service in Action is more than just a program that connects students with volunteer opportunities – it's a place that helps build community through a common purpose. Read more ...
Fall 2019
Ethny Stewart's role is so much more than it implies. Sure, she's the Director of Cal Poly's TRIO Achievers, but she's also a valuable resource, caring mentor, and above all else, a passionate advocate and supporter for the students in her program. Read more ...
Fall 2019
With the Fall 2019 quarter descending upon Cal Poly, Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Humphrey offers some valuable advice for all incoming first-year Mustangs. Read More ...
Summer 2019
For local high school students, Cal Poly's annual Summer Academy program provides a first-hand Learn by Doing experience – and a glimpse into life as a college student. Read More ...
Summer 2019
Ever wondered what it's like to be a Cal Poly student-athlete for a day? In this Cal Poly Magazine feature, fifth-year senior Devin Stanback, starting forward for the Cal Poly Women's Basketball team, takes readers through her typical midweek game day schedule. Read more ...
Spring 2019
Cal Poly Career Services recently launched Career Connections, a new online networking platform that connects students to an entire community of alumni mentors eager to help the next wave of Mustangs succeed. Read more ...
Spring 2019
First-year students living in Cal Poly's newest housing facility are gaining a Learn by Doing experience like no other, in a university community like no other. Read more ...
Spring 2019
Cal Poly and its community partners recently implemented a new platform that aims to put the power of reporting sexual assault squarely into the hands of survivors. Read more ...
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...
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.
Jarod Urrutia
Fifth-year, Journalism
Jarod is a fifth-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.
Contributing writers: Danica Liang, Cynthia Lambert
