Cal Poly Rodeo Program Receives Largest Donation in the Program’s History
Mark Milano, a cattle rancher and retired oil industry executive, is enraptured by the western way of life. It is on the back of a horse, riding in pastoral ranchland, that he feels the most alive.
He and his wife, Jessie, have long been pillars of support in the communities they own land, extending the opportunity for others to experience the environment that they have grown to love.
“Our love of ranching is tied to the deep respect for the people and the communities whose livelihoods are tied to agriculture, ranching and the western way of life,” said Milano. “We have the deepest of admiration for them.”
The couple’s generosity now extends to Cal Poly.
At this year’s 76th annual Poly Royal Rodeo, Mark and Jessie Milano expressed their intent to establish a $1 million endowment to benefit the Cal Poly Rodeo Team in perpetuity. The money will be provide scholarships to student athletes for their performance both in and out of the arena.
“The Milano’s gift has taken our program from offering just a few students some financial assistance, to offering several students a significant level of support,” said Ben Londo, the university’s rodeo coach.
The gift will increase the program’s scholarship offerings to $80,000 in 2016-2017, up from $16,000 awarded in 2015-2016.
Milano said he admires Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy and the rodeo program’s reverence of the western way of life.
“I feel humbled to even be in their presence,” said Milano. “Rodeo life is not all glory — it is a culmination of hard work, getting your hands dirty and dedication. To take on all of those responsibilities on top of a demanding scholastic program is just incredible.”
Milano said he found his own connection with western heritage late in life, when what was once a weekend retreat became a way of life.
“Western heritage embodies all of the best American traditions and principles,” said Milano. “We see the Cal Poly Rodeo program preparing students for healthy, productive lives. We wanted to support that by helping to provide a means to worthy students who might otherwise not be able to attend.”
The Milano Family Rodeo Scholarship will be awarded to Cal Poly rodeo students based on their overall contributions to the program. Leadership, academic performance, athletic contribution, financial need, teamwork and camaraderie will all be considered.
“This program is built on the principals of building better individuals.” said Londo. “Thus, the scholarship program is built to encourage and reward those qualities.”
Macy Cox, a third-year agricultural business major from Arbuckle, Calif. said that the rodeo program was a large part of why she chose to attend Cal Poly.
“The entire rodeo team is thankful of the Milano family for their support of our sport,” said Cox. “This will truly benefit future classes. The program just keeps getting better and better; I am pretty excited to see what it will be like in five to 10 years.”
Under Londo’s guidance, the rodeo program has grown to 64 students, up from just 24 when he started coaching three years ago.
Londo said the program’s success is built on the students’ wholehearted dedication and the support it receives from supporters like the Milano family.
“Mark and Jessie are truly amazing people with a genuine passion for helping,” said Londo. They have made a huge impact on this program, and more importantly, on our students. Their gift will allow us to continue to build on the legacy that the Cal Poly Rodeo program is known for.”