On March 8, 1901, California Governor Henry Gage signed legislation establishing Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. This exciting announcement came after a group of local citizens led by journalist Myron Angel had been lobbying for a state school in San Luis Obispo since 1894. The idea of hosting a Founder's Day celebration stemmed from the desire to engage as many alumni as possible across all our Alumni communities in the United States; with the goal to commemorate this special day in Cal Poly's history. There were 17 Alumni communities that hosted gatherings across the United States on March 8, 2024. Our Alumni Engagement team worked with many volunteers to facilitate the planning, timing, marketing, pricing, food & beverage and all other details to pull off one night of celebrations across the Country. Learn what it took to collaborate with volunteers, other campus partners, Board of Directors and colleges to pull off this successful engagement event!

Explore the future of public relations as AI reshapes the way press releases are crafted and distributed. This session will cover the latest AI technologies that PR professionals can use to enhance their writing, personalize messaging, and increase the reach and effectiveness of their press releases. Gain insights into how AI can help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Learn how to create a dynamic and effective student ambassador program that energizes your community and drives success on Giving Day. In this session, discover how to empower students as brand advocates, equipping them with the skills to promote philanthropy and engage their community. You’ll learn strategies for executing impactful promotional activities, creating compelling marketing and social media content, and fostering meaningful connections with causes, alumni, students, and supporters. Join us to explore innovative ways to elevate your Giving Day through brand ambassadors and leave with actionable insights to boost participation and maximize your Giving Day’s impact!