Cultivate Summer 2022

FROM THE DEAN

Summer is always a welcome time on campus, that allows us to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and lessons learned and build something even better for the upcoming academic year.

This past year, students returned to campus eager and ready to learn, paving the way for an incredible year of growth. Faculty seized the opportunity to further support the agricultural, food and environmental industries by submitting dozens of research and grant proposals, ultimately securing more than $20 million in funding that will directly provide student research and learning opportunities. It just furthers my belief that together, we are stronger. After a multi-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also re-instituted our Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), enabling students to work over the summer side-by-side with faculty to develop critical thinking skills.

In this issue, you’ll read stories about students doing hands-on research to aid future food security and about others cultivating impactful experiences to form a sense of community. You’ll also meet a group of alumni who have been friends for more than three decades – a true testament to the special experiences that tie us to Cal Poly. 

I hope that you all have had a chance to hug your family and friends this year. Thank you for always standing strong with us.

Warmest Regards,

ANDREW J. THULIN, DEAN

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences