Family Matters
Dionna Odom Glover (left), Bailey College Dean Emeritus Phil Bailey, Genesis Glover and Victor Glover Jr. at Cal Poly Commencement in June 2025. Photo by Joe Johnston
Three accomplished Bailey College students know well how much family matters. Read their inspirational and moving stories about how they were inspired and moved by their parents' stories.
Genesis Glover working in a Frost Center lab as part of her research
work. Photo by Todd Peterson
Genesis Glover
Her Mustang Mom and Dad are a Positive Role Model Duo
By Angelina Benyamin Rodriguez
Genesis Glover grew up surrounded by Mustang pride. Her parents met as students at Cal Poly three decades ago, and they visited campus as a family during her youth. Her father, Victor Glover (General Engineering, ‘99), went on to become a world-renowned astronaut.
Genesis earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in June in what turned out to be a celebratory event of the accomplishments of her parents as well. Also at June commencement, Victor received an honorary Doctor of Science degree in engineering and Genesis’ mother,
Dionna Odom Glover, was awarded her bachelor’s degree in child development, completing the Cal Poly education she started in the 1990s.
Genesis thrived at Cal Poly, becoming a Frost Research Scholar. She studied protein composition of Weddell seals that inhabit Antarctica. She served as a leader in the Black Student Union and earned the university's MLK Legacy Award. Genesis now plans on becoming a physician.
Genesis (right) with her sister and Cal Poly architecture student
Maya Glover. Photo by Alexis Kovacevic
“I knew I wanted to be a doctor from a young age,” Genesis said. “It started off as a fascination with the human body. I was very active, and I would often break bones when I was younger. Just being in the ER or the hospital setting,
I was captivated.”
Two of her younger sisters, Maya (architecture) and Joia (general engineering), are current Cal Poly students. Genesis is proud of her last name and Mustang family legacy: “It encourages me to be better and do better because I know what people are capable of, because I do have my parents as models.”
Luke Hansen kayaks in Morro Bay as part of Cal Poly's Adaptive
Paddling Program. Photo by Joe Johnston
Luke Hansen
His Tragic Loss Became His Journey's Inspiration
By Jay Thompson
Inspired by his late mother who operated a chiropractic practice for 26 years, Luke Hansen plans to follow in her footsteps. Hansen matriculated at the UC San Diego School of Medicine this fall.
Hansen’s mother, Laura Millis-Hansen, tragically passed away after a battle with leukemia in 2021, the same year he graduated from high school in Arroyo Grande, CA.
“Growing up, I saw the impact she had,” he said. “Losing her and losing that inspiration really shook my foundation. I was able to prepare myself to begin Cal Poly in fall 2021, and then I just slowly started to integrate myself with my passions for healthcare, and I saw there’s a greater need for medicine. I’m very interested in family medicine, primary care, and I know without a doubt that I want to come back to San Luis Obispo County, because we have such a critical need for it.”
Emma Mason (right) outlines key muscle structures onto Hansen's
neck during a meeting of the Creative Anatomy Club.
Photo by Joe Johnston
Hansen, who earned his bachelor’s in kinesiology in June, participated in the Adapted Paddling Program, which connects kinesiology students with disabled community members to provide kayaking opportunities. Hansen, whose little brother has Down syndrome, is an advocate for removing stigmas and establishing equity in sports.
Hansen also found a welcoming environment across the campus, allowing him to feel safe expressing his LGBTQ+ identity.
Hansen added: “I credit my success to the incredible opportunities at Cal Poly that have prepared me academically and personally on my journey to becoming a physician.”
Jeff Wilson near the Baker Center. Photo by Nick Wilson
Jeff Wilson
His Single Mom's Perseverance Motivates His Pre-Med Path
By Nick Wilson
Fourth-year biological sciences major Jeff Wilson describes his mother as a survivor, a mentor and an inspiration.
His mother, Katrina Wilson, managed single parenthood as the sole provider for five children while pursuing her own college education. She went on to roles as an elementary school teacher, a district administrator, and now a principal in K-12 education in the Bakersfield area.
“Her educational motivations were rooted in the freedom that it could provide her,” Wilson said. “She sought an escape from her relationship with my father, and she wanted to ensure that my siblings and I all had the necessities and the opportunity to live productive lives.”
Wilson with his mother Katrina. Courtesy photo
Wilson, a Frost Research Scholar, has conducted studies related to HIV and the development of diagnostics for metabolic disorders. He values faculty mentorship and opportunities to use highly technical machinery.
Additionally, Wilson has volunteered to address needs in overdose prevention and sexual violence prevention in Greek life and served as a resident assistant on campus.
His mother’s influence continues to motivate him to make a difference and pursue his goal of becoming a doctor.
“My mom has been living with perseverance,” Wilson said. “She wasn't a single-step success story. She’s been taking it one day at a time, working toward her goals. I realize that I don’t have to be an instant success story.”
