Cultivate Spring 2023

FROM THE DEAN

After 25 years at Cal Poly, I have announced my plan to retire in December. It was not an easy decision to make, but one that I owe to my wife and family who have supported me throughout the years in every phase of my career.

My love of Cal Poly runs deep, having started here as a first-generation college student from Washington. While I didn’t know anyone at Cal Poly or the surrounding community, I was fortunate to enter the Animal Science Department where the wonderful faculty and staff made me feel welcomed and supported. Our amazing faculty and staff continue this tradition of support today. Attending Cal Poly changed my life, making me a better person, and for that I am sincerely grateful.

In this issue you’ll read about students traveling abroad to Learn by Doing while experiencing new cultures and making vital international connections throughout the world. From implementing safe water filtration systems in Fiji to learning about the forest conservation and sustainability at coffee plantations in Costa Rica, our students are embracing their educations and thinking globally.

I am extremely optimistic about the future success of the college. Our focus on sustaining life – food security, environmental sustainability and climate smart agriculture – while embracing one another’s ideas and cultural backgrounds will continue to provide the leaders that our future depends on. I joined Cal Poly from humble beginnings and leave with a humbled heart.

In gratitude,

ANDREW J. THULIN, DEAN

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences