Cal Poly ROTC Cadets Lead the Nation

This summer, Cal Poly’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) earned national recognition for receiving the highest performance average at Advanced Camp 2025 in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  

The Mustang Battalion surpassed all 32 western ROTC programs and secured its place as the top performing unit nationwide. Advanced Camp’s rigorous 36‑day training program is designed to evaluate leadership, improve military proficiency, and enhance physical endurance under high‑stress conditions. 

Four of the six Cal Poly cadets set to commission this year earned the prestigious Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) recognition — an honor awarded to cadets who exemplify exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and physical fitness. These recognized cadets include Zachary Cook (political science), Isabel Hermann (journalism), Andrew Koenig (history) and Avery White (computer engineering). 

Cadet Gigi Travagline (construction management) earned the Top Female Army Fitness Award for her outstanding performance and dominance in physical performance events. 

“Our cadets embody Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing ethos,” said Lt. Col. Mark Swiney, noting how training provides cadets with the skills to lead in real-world simulations. 

State FFA Officers Visit and Tour Cal Poly 

The current California FFA Association State Officer Team recently visited Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences for a day of connection, leadership and Mustang pride.  

During their visit, the officers learned more about CAFES programs, enjoyed lunch with former state officers who are now proud Cal Poly students and toured the beautiful campus. They also met with Dean Brian Horgan and Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong to discuss the future of agriculture and the important role students play in shaping it.  

Performance Horse Sale

The 2025 Cal Poly Performance Horse Sale was held May 30-31 at the Oppenheimer Family Equine Center, drawing a crowd of over 200 attendees in support of the student-led program. A total of 23 horses — ranging from two to three-year-olds — were sold for an average of $15,000. The top-selling horse, a filly trained by student Josie Payne, brought in $37,000.

This year, 24 students participated in the program, each responsible for training and preparing their horse for sale as part of Cal Poly’s signature Learn by Doing approach. In total, the event raised over $400,000, with all proceeds supporting hands-on learning opportunities for current and future students in the Animal Science program.

World Cup Innovation Summit Hackathon

Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration majors Josephine Kelly, Lizzy Phillips, Brisa Bergfeld and Kelli Lawson won first place in the undergraduate national hackathon pitch competition at the 2025 World Cup Innovation Summit in Dallas/Frisco, Texas. The Experience Industry Management team developed innovative strategies to boost U.S. Soccer merchandise sales, presented their ideas to executives, and networked with top professionals from FC Dallas and U.S. Soccer to Plug & Play Ventures and the Dallas Cowboys. They were coached by Professors Brian Greenwood and Kevin Lin.

CAFES Grads: Let’s Celebrate!

Commencement is just around the corner! Are you a graduating senior from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences? Fill out this form for a chance to be featured on our social media!

As a reminder: Graduates, parents and supporters are invited to a collegewide commencement reception with brunch fare and a festive photo area immediately following the spring commencement ceremony. Celebrate your accomplishments with the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences faculty, staff and college leadership. It’s not too late to RSVP.

Student Leadership Awards

Students and clubs were recognized at the annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet on May 29. Several outstanding seniors, along with a few prestigious student awards, were honored. The small and large clubs of the year were also named. View photos from the night.

Louis H. and Stella Soares Outstanding Achievement Award: Andrew Angulo, third-year agricultural communication major

CAFES Ambassador’s Dean’s Award: Tatum Hilands, third-year agricultural communication major

Academic Excellence Award: Coco Rael, fourth-year nutrition major

Contributions to the Objectives and Public Image of the College: Anna Bibby, fourth-year agricultural business major

Contributions to the Objectives and Public Image of the University: Megan Dixon, fourth-year agricultural business major

Service to the Community: Ava Sabella, fourth-year environmental management and protection major with a wildlife biology concentration

Service to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Angeli Morales, fourth-year agricultural science major

Large Club of the Year: Agribusiness Management/National Agri-Marketing Association Club

Small Club of the Year: Young Cattlemen’s Association

Club Representative of the Year: Macy Lloyd

Club Member of the Year: Tatum Hilands

Spring Student Research Symposium Results

More than 90 posters were presented by undergraduate and graduate students at the annual Spring Student Research Symposium, held at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture. Hundreds of attendees learned about the significant findings of their peers while also enjoying light refreshments. 

Grad student poster winners: first place: Abraham Ahumada (Plant Sciences, ’24); second place: Ashlee Pike (Agricultural Communication, ’23); third place:  food science major Griffin Prough, who partnered with graduate student Jack Madden.

Undergrad student poster winners: first place: fourth-year animal science major Giana Hollingsworth; second place: fourth-year computer science majors Beck Schemenauer and Gavin Lynch (co-advised by Animal Science Assistant Professor Mohammed Abo-Ismail); third place: fourth-year bioresource and agricultural engineering majors Annali Lynch, Ethan Chea, Cory Kuntz, and Christopher Williams.

BRAE student elected ASI President

Third-year bioresource and agricultural engineering student Marc Cabeliza was elected as 2025-26 ASI president. Creating a sense of community, improving student safety and transportation are just some of the goals he has for his term. He also hopes to preserve Cal Poly’s green spaces and agricultural land from construction and development. Cabeliza currently serves as chair of the University Union Advisory Board.

In addition, agricultural communication majors Morgan Oliveira, Andrew Angulo, Garret Gomes and Bella Twiss were elected to represent CAFES on the ASI Board of Directors.