California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona or CPP), located in Pomona, California, has produced a remarkable array of notable alumni who exemplify the polytechnic emphasis on hands-on learning and practical innovation. As the largest polytechnic university in the California State University system, CPP's graduates have achieved success across diverse fields, contributing to its reputation as the #1 polytechnic for diversity and economic mobility. These famous graduates of Cal Poly Pomona highlight the institution's impact on professional trajectories, offering inspiration for students, faculty, staff, parents, and job seekers eyeing opportunities in higher education.
The importance of CPP's alumni network cannot be overstated. It provides mentorship, career connections, and real-world examples of how the university's learn-by-doing philosophy translates to tangible achievements. For instance, the university recognizes outstanding contributions through its Distinguished Alumni Awards, now in its 61st year, honoring one alumnus per college plus a lifetime achievement recipient, as seen in the 2023 celebration of nine honorees for professional excellence, community service, and loyalty to CPP. Sources like the official Cal Poly Pomona Distinguished Alumni page and Wikipedia's list document dozens of influencers, with EduRank identifying 48 prominent figures sorted by popularity.
Categories span entertainment figures, sports figures, politics, influential leaders, and business successes, though no Nobel laureates or confirmed billionaires are highlighted in verified records. Unique aspects include CPP's evolution from the 1938 Voorhis campus and 1949 Kellogg ranch expansion, fostering agriculture, engineering, and hospitality leaders who drive economic mobility. Implications for you? Attending CPP connects you to this legacy, boosting employability in Pomona and beyond—check higher ed jobs or rate my professor reviews for CPP faculty to gauge the academic environment. Explore specific sports figures, politics, or entertainment figures for detailed impacts. Parents and job seekers will appreciate how alumni stories underscore ROI, with networks aiding transitions to roles in California academic jobs.
This overview reveals CPP's role in nurturing trailblazers, encouraging you to leverage resources like the Alumni Association for networking while pursuing scholarships or higher ed career advice.
Cal Poly Pomona notable alumni (CPP) showcase the power of hands-on, polytechnic education through their remarkable achievements, turning classroom projects into real-world triumphs. Known for its "Learn by Doing" motto, CPP has produced famous graduates who excel in practical fields like engineering, agriculture, and business, proving that this public university in Pomona, California, fosters innovators ready to tackle global challenges.
Consider the entertaining stories of CPP alumni breaking barriers in sports-figures, where graduates have coached winning teams and competed at elite levels, inspiring current Broncos with tales of grit and strategy. In politics, influential leaders from Cal Poly Pomona have shaped policies, drawing on their rigorous training to navigate complex issues. Business stands out too, with millionaires-and-billionaires emerging from programs in information systems and accounting—think David Singelyn ('84), a distinguished alumnus whose success exemplifies CPP's impact on economic mobility, as the university ranks #1 polytechnic for diversity and mobility.
Entertainment-figures add flair, with voices and talents from CPP gracing screens and stages, while breakthroughs in research highlight alumni driving advancements. The university's Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrate those delivering outstanding professional achievements and community service, including 27 honorary doctorates since 1969. EduRank spotlights 48 prominent figures, underscoring CPP's legacy.
For job seekers eyeing CPP's network, explore higher ed jobs nearby or academic jobs in Pomona. Students can get faculty insights via Rate My Professor for Cal Poly Pomona courses. Check sports figures and millionaires for motivation—CPP grads prove polytechnic paths lead to stardom. Whether chasing scholarships or career advice at higher ed career advice, these stories entertain and empower.
From Voorhis School origins to today's 27,000+ acre campus with Kellogg's horse ranch legacy, CPP alumni embody resilience, fueling Pomona's vibrant scene. Dive deeper into Rate My Professor reviews or scholarships to join this legacy.
Exploring Cal Poly Pomona notable alumni reveals a powerhouse of talent from this top polytechnic university in Pomona, California. Known for its learn-by-doing philosophy, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP) has produced influential leaders, innovators, and achievers across key fields. Our star ratings evaluate alumni impact based on verified data from official sources like the university's Distinguished Alumni page and comprehensive lists on Wikipedia and EduRank, highlighting 48+ prominent graduates. These ratings inspire prospective students, faculty, and job seekers by showcasing real-world success stories and offering actionable advice to emulate them.
These ratings motivate by showing CPP's ROI in economic mobility—ranked #1 for diversity per its site. For job seekers, connect with alumni networks; students, prioritize experiential learning for similar success. No Nobel laureates yet, but steady rises in influence. Tailor your CPP journey: audit classes via professor ratings, seek scholarships, and aim high like these notable alumni from Cal Poly Pomona.
Cal Poly Pomona Broncos alumni athletes have excelled in NCAA Division II competitions across sports like football, baseball, track and field, basketball, and more, securing 14 national championships and producing professionals in MLB and NFL as well as Olympians. Categories: Athletes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Zorn | NFL Quarterback | Physical Education | 1975 | Pioneering NFL quarterback who spent nine seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, earning Pro Bowl honors, and later served as head coach for the Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions. |
| Niki Bracken | Olympic Pole Vaulter | unknown | American track and field athlete who won a silver medal in pole vault at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was inducted into the Cal Poly Pomona Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024. | |
| Dave Hajek | MLB First Baseman | unknown | Major League Baseball player who appeared in 74 games for the California Angels and Colorado Rockies between 1992 and 1995. | |
| Mark Wiley | MLB Pitcher | unknown | The first Cal Poly Pomona alumnus to reach Major League Baseball, pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in 1970. | |
| Justin Ellerbee | Pole Vaulter | unknown | NCAA Division II national champion pole vaulter who set the school record at 17 feet 6.5 inches. | |
| Ariel Marsh | Basketball Player | unknown | Member of Cal Poly Pomona's 1,000-point club and a standout starter for the Broncos women's basketball team. | |
| John Bacarro | NFL Player | unknown | Professional football defensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers in the late 1960s. | |
| Jim Ferguson | MLB Catcher | unknown | Major League Baseball catcher who played from 1938 to 1949 for teams including the Philadelphia Athletics. |
Cal Poly Pomona alumni have achieved remarkable financial success as entrepreneurs and investors, driving innovation in telecommunications, capital management, and related fields while exemplifying the university's emphasis on practical, hands-on business education. These wealthy graduates highlight the institution's role in fostering leaders who create substantial economic impact through their ventures.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Nazarian | Founder and Chairman of Omninet Capital Partners | Business Administration | 1981 | Iranian-American billionaire businessman who founded Omninet Capital Partners and Cimeron Networks, amassing a fortune through investments in technology and communications. |
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