General News – CAFES News

Annual Tomato Sale

More than 100 different types of tomato plants will be available at Cal Poly’s annual Tomato Spectacular plant sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 and again during Cal Poly’s Open House on Saturday, April 12 at the Horticulture Unit near the Poly Plant Shop.

Brandywine, Kellogg’s Breakfast, Vintage Wine, and a selection of cherry tomato plants, including Nature’s Bites, are some of the unique cultivars that will be available during the student-run event, one of several hands-on opportunities offered by Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. A catalogue of available varieties will be made available on March 26 at polyplantshop.com.

Faculty News

Faculty and Staff Hike to Cerro Romauldo

Saturday, May 24 at 8:30 a.m., faculty and staff can partake in a scenic hike to the peak of Cerro Romauldo, on the site of Camp San Luis Obispo. There is a maximum of three guests per registrant, and an overall capacity of 50 hikers. Please complete the RSVP form by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 20.

Arrival & Security Procedures

Arrival Window: Plan to arrive between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. If you arrive at the Camp SLO main gate after 8:30 a.m., you will not be permitted entry. LTC Mark Swiney will be stationed at the gate but will depart promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Enhanced Security Measures: All drivers must present the following at the gate:

Driver’s license
Vehicle registration (current)
Proof of insurance (current)
Vehicle Registration: Ensure you arrive in a vehicle whose license plate matches the one provided on your RSVP form.

Trail Conditions & Considerations

The first 1.25 miles are moderate.
The next 0.75 miles become more challenging, with some steep areas.
The final 0.25 miles are difficult, requiring climbing over large rocks to reach the peak.
Those with mobility concerns or small children are cautioned to hike only the first 1.25 miles. But, enthusiastic children and dogs did hike the entire trail in 2024 without issue.

General News

Bryant Low Soil Analysis Lab Dedicated

The Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department hosted a ceremony to name the Bryant Low Soil Analysis Lab in the Baker Center for Science and Mathematics. Low (Biology, ’58) designated his bequest to support faculty soil science research, and several faculty, students, and representatives of his estate attended to learn more about the impact of his gift.

General News

Brian Horgan Named as New Dean of the College

Brian Horgan has been named dean of Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), effective July 1, 2025.

Horgan, who currently serves as a professor and associate dean for faculty affairs and development in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU), brings a wealth of experience and innovative leadership to the role. His past positions include chair of the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences at MSU, as well as several leadership roles in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota (UMN), including interim head and extension program leader.

“Dr. Horgan’s alignment with Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy and his forward-thinking leadership uniquely position him to guide CAFES into its next chapter of excellence,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, Cal Poly’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “His expertise will enhance the college’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability, ensuring that it continues to make a lasting impact on California and beyond.”

Progress Underway at Two New Centers for Learning

Exciting progress is underway at both the Charles and Claire Jacobson Animal Health Center and the Plant Sciences Complex. The framework for the Animal Health Center is officially up. This multi-use complex will feature flexible spaces for teaching, research, and clinical training, including labs and a surgery suite. A covered outdoor space for animal examinations and a mobile ambulatory unit will provide exposure to livestock practices, inspiring students to pursue careers in animal care.

The concrete foundation recently was poured at the Plant Sciences Complex, with the steel structure coming soon. The 6-acre Plant Sciences Complex that will feature a new teaching and laboratory building, state-of-the-art research and production greenhouses, an ancillary produce packing and cooling facility and a farm store for food retail operations. Phase one is the George Wurzel Plant Sciences Building. This will be the teaching and research hub of the complex, bringing together multiple complementary disciplines under one roof to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

General News

Staff and Faculty Housing Opportunity

Cal Poly Partners recently acquired 120 housing units in the newly constructed Harvest Lofts located within the San Luis Ranch master-planned community.

The units, located near Laguna Lake, off Madonna Road, are now available for rent to faculty and staff to provide a reliable, hassle-free housing solution for new and current Cal Poly employees.

Available units include:

407 square foot studio with a bath with a deck
436 square foot one bedroom, one bath with a deck
403-407 square foot one bedroom, one bath with a deck
514-516 square foot, one bedroom, one bath with a deck

For more information, contact Patty Martin, Community Manager at 805-752-1082 or by email at harvestlofts@cirrusami.com.

General News

Summer Springboard Courses for High School Students

The College of Liberal Arts is offering summer springboard courses for high school aged youth this summer, giving students the opportunity to explore new interests, enhance their academic skills and get a head start on their college journey.

The courses cover a broad spectrum of subjects, from the humanities and social sciences to graphic communication and journalism. All courses have excursions to businesses/experiences in the San Luis Obispo community to further enhance Learn by Doing.

There is an informational Webinar on Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m.

An exclusive commuterdiscount for all Cal Poly faculty and staff is being offered. When you apply, add the code CPSTAFF for a 50% discount.

For more information and to register, please visit the program info sheet or contact Marissa Floyd, program director, at 619-202-4114.

Events

Horticulture Greenhouse Complex Dedication

Please join the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences to celebrate the dedication of the Howard C. Brown Horticulture Greenhouse Complex at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 21 at the Cal Poly Environmental Horticulture Science Unit, Bldg. 48.

The enhanced 18,000-square-foot ornamental horticulture facility is being named in honor of Dean Emeritus Howard Brown (Ornamental Horticulture, ’43). Brown served at Cal Poly for more than 40 years, growing the ornamental horticulture program exponentially.

Alumnus and longtime dean’s advisory council member, Charles Walton (Ornamental Horticulture, ’66), donated more than $1 million to update and modernize the complex, asking that it be named in Brown’s honor.

“Howard Brown was a bigger-than-life individual. I cannot imagine anyone else’s name that should be on the building than his,” said Walton. “There are few times in life that you can do something for someone who has meant so much to you, and this is that opportunity.”

General News

Mustang Made: Students Craft Products for the Holiday Season

Every year, students from across the college and beyond work to create a variety of products that customers can enjoy. They grow, produce and sell a variety of food items, plants, wine and flowers that make the perfect holiday gift.

From delectable chocolates, jams and sauces to holiday cheese boxes and Cal Poly wines, many of the student-made products are now available to purchase online for your gift-giving convenience.

Students are involved in every step, getting exposure to research and development standards and learning essential manufacturing practices, total quality assurance, food safety and sanitation principles, and leadership, sales and marketing skills — helping prepare them for the work they will do once they graduate.

Share your Cal Poly pride and support student success this holiday season by ordering today.

Faculty News

New Grants Analyst

Lauren Young joined the college as a grant analyst in November. Young is working fully remote. Research related questions, including queries about ARI and McIntire-Stennis grants, can be directed to her by email at lyoung23@calpoly.edu or by phone at 805-858-0807. Sue Tonik is assisting Young during the transition. You can reach Tonik at stonik@calpoly.edu.

Category: <span>General News</span>