Twenty Cal Poly students were recognized for their awards and other accomplishments by state lawmakers on the floors of the California Assembly and Senate in Sacramento on Feb. 13.
University President Jeffrey D. Armstrong accompanied the students to both legislative chambers, saying in an advance press release. “These fine young men and women from all six of our colleges will be future leaders in their respective fields.”
Students also met with the Office of Gov. Jerry Brown and with representatives from each of their respective Senate and Assembly districts.
Each had distinguished themselves, “as an individual or on a team that has received a national industry award or on other high-profile events, including the Tournament of Roses Parade.”
Jose Alvarez, a 27-year-old Marine veteran, is the closest to a local in the group, from Santa Maria. The Cal Poly agribusiness senior will graduate in June. He plans to pursue a master’s degree and become an academic counselor.
“I am truly humbled by this opportunity,” he said. “I feel that this is the result of the hard work and passion that I have shown over the past four years at Cal Poly and at Allan Hancock College. Being able to meet state officials who can impact California on a greater scale and who are willing to take time out of their day to hear about the work of Cal Poly students is an honor.”
Alvarez was runner-up in the business pitch contest at the national Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences annual conference held last spring in Jacksonville, Fla.
He transferred to Cal Poly in 2015 from Hancock College in Santa Maria, where he received associate degrees in math and agricultural business and management. He also served five years of active duty, including three tours in the Marines and in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve.
– Photos courtesy of Cal Poly Communications
