Letter from Dean Wendt - Winter 2023

I’m thrilled to announce the release of the CSM Winter Newsletter featuring new college initiatives and academic programs helping prepare our students to make important contributions on campus and far beyond.

This issue highlights how the College of Science and Mathematics offers students top-notch instruction while also providing authentic research and community-based work, enabling our students with the opportunity to have meaningful  impact in the world.

 You will learn about Cal Poly’s Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience, led by mathematics Professor Erin Pearse, and the various ways that our students and faculty work toward improving environmental sustainability. Climate change is a global problem touching all our lives and it demands the development of future climate leaders, which this Initiative is doing.

The new CSM Innovation program, led by chemistry Professor Erik Sapper, fosters a culture of entrepreneurship for CSM students showing them how to connect their ideas, research and innovation with market potential and industry need.

 New academic programs recently launched by our School of Education, Mathematics and Statistics Departments will further contribute to the readiness of our students to take on new endeavors after graduation.             

And speaking of new endeavors, I had the wonderful opportunity to take the inaugural voyage aboard the Ocean Victory, which landed in Vancouver, British Columbia. For me, this was a celebration of our college’s internship partnership with American Queen Voyages cruise line and their exploration of Alaska’s natural history and cultures.  American Queen Voyages founder and CEO John Waggoner (B.S., Biological Sciences, ’79; MBA,’89) has welcomed our students aboard as interns on their expedition team. Mr. Waggoner and his wife Claudette have generously established a new Cal Poly expedition and naturalist program to help prepare our students to gain access to this vibrant industry.

As we continue to realize our vision for CSM, please consider how you can impact our students. Connections with alumni, parents and supporters are helping us serve our students and provide them with the best environment for learning and growth. Enjoy reading and thank you for all you do for the college.

Sincerely,

Dean Wendt,

Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics