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Dear CLASS Community,
December always brings a particular kind of energy—the completion of final projects, the anticipation of winter break, and for many of us, the chance to finally exhale. This year, that exhale feels especially earned.
2025 has asked a lot of all of us. For our students, it's meant navigating an increasingly complex world while pursuing your education. For our faculty and staff, it's meant finding new ways to support student success amid shifting challenges. For our alumni and supporters, it's meant staying connected to a university adapting to rapid change in higher education.
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What continues to inspire me most is how this community responds. Students show up with determination and purpose. Faculty create learning experiences that transform lives. Staff solve problems with creativity and care. Alumni return to mentor and guide. Donors invest in possibilities. This is what makes CLASS special—not what we do individually, but what we build together.
Every day in our college, students discover their voices, develop critical thinking skills, and gain the confidence to shape their futures. They become journalists holding power accountable, teachers inspiring the next generation, psychologists supporting mental health, artists enriching our culture, and leaders addressing society's most pressing challenges. When you support CLASS—through your time, expertise, or generosity—you're investing in that transformation.
As we head into 2026, we'll continue facing challenges and seizing opportunities. But we'll do it as we always have: together, with purpose, and with unwavering commitment to student success.
Thank you for being part of this community and for everything you contribute to our shared mission.
Wishing you a hopeful new year,
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Camille Johnson, PhD
Dean, College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
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Monica Lee "ML" Copeland
Director of
Development
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Liana Ip
Assistant
to the Deans
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Jonathan Kwok
Communications Specialist
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We're excited to welcome three new staff: Jonathan Kwok, who joined us on October 13 as our new Communications Specialist, Liana Ip, who joined CLASS on October 27 as our new Assistant to the Deans, and Monica Lee “ML” Copeland, who joined us December 8 as our new Director of Development.
Monica “ML” Copeland – Director of Development
ML comes to us from College of the Canyons Foundation and brings over 25 years of experience in business management, marketing communications, and fund development. She holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and History and African Studies.
Liana Ip – Assistant to the Deans
Liana previously served as the Coordinator in the College of Business Administration in the International Business and Marketing, and Management and Human Resource departments supporting over 80 faculty members across three departments. She holds a B.A. in Media Studies from University of California, Berkeley. She is currently pursuing her MBA at CPP.
Jonathan Kwok – Communications Specialist
Jonathan comes to us from Cal Poly Pomona's Philanthropic Foundation and holds a Master of Arts in Communication Management from University of Southern California and dual bachelor's degrees in Communications and Graphic Design from Cal State Fullerton.
Please join us in welcoming Monica, Liana, and Jonathan to the CLASS team!
| | CPP Jazz Band Honors the Legacy of Les Hooper | | |
We celebrated the generous gift of the renowned composer, Les Hooper, who donated more than 150 original big band scores and arrangements to the Cal Poly Pomona Music Department Library. This donation enriches our jazz resources and ensures Hooper’s legacy lives on through future generations of musicians. The CPP Jazz Band honored this contribution with a special concert, Honoring the Music & Legacy of Les Hooper, on November 13, 2025.
Photo by Alan Hernandez-Simon
| | | GIS Day returned on November 19, for its third year—bringing together students, faculty, and community members to celebrate how GIS connects everyone, everywhere, anytime! Hosted by the Geography and Anthropology Department, this cross-campus collaborative event featured an inspiring keynote from ESRI and exciting hands-on activities that gave participants from both CPP and the Lynwood School District a chance to experience GIS tools in action. | | | |
On November 20, Communication Department students successfully coordinated and hosted COM DAY, an event that attracted over 300 students and featured two engaging panels with industry professionals and CPP alumni. The day provided students with valuable opportunities to network, gain insight into the communication field, and showcase our college’s excellence while inspiring our students to pursue their own professional aspirations beyond the classroom.
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Guided by our strategic initiatives to empower and elevate our faculty and staff, we launched this year’s Four Fridays series in August and gathered for our second session on October 17. At the Lyle Center, faculty and staff came together to share insights, exchange ideas, and engage in thoughtful discussions about inclusion and accessibility through interactive activities. We're grateful to our colleagues who led these sessions, all focused on building stronger, more inclusive learning environments.
We look forward to convening again for our spring Four Fridays sessions on January 30 and March 6.
| | Thank You for Your Support | | | | |
From November 1–December 2, the
College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences participated in Bronco LaunchPad, a
campus-wide crowdfunding effort. Thanks to our supporters' and donors' generosity, our students are better equipped to pursue innovative work that positively impacts our campus and community.
- CLASS Strategic Initiative Campaign
- CLASS Undergraduate Research Campaign
- Cap and Gown Program
- Composition Student Recitals
- Data Science and AI Club
- Model OAS
- Model United Nations
- Music Department; Music Industry Studies
- The Poly Post
- Weglyn Endowed Chair for Multicultural Studies
| | Highlighting CLASS Success | | |
We’re excited to introduce the CLASS Showcase, now live on our website. Our students and faculty produce remarkable creative, academic, and literary work that extends well beyond the classroom.This showcase is a growing collection celebrating the talent and dedication that define our CLASS community, and we look forward to expanding it in the semesters ahead.
We invite you to explore the showcase and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our students and faculty.
| | CLASS is proud to announce Cal Poly Pomona's 2025-2026 President’s Scholars: Michael Anthony Miser (Political Science), Elliot Cyra Summers (Psychology), Sara Severova (Music), Jayani Bullock (TESOL), Sara Barisi (Sociology), Ku Uipo Kalipi (Psychology), Mona Hassanzadeh (English), and Mairany Anaya (Public Administration). President’s scholars not only excel in the classroom but also volunteer their time in the community at places such as animal shelters, schools, libraries, churches, and theaters. | | |
Communication students and CLASS interns Chazz Escobedo and Joanne Chung wrote a feature story highlighting Hispanic alumni turned faculty for CPP's LatinX Heritage Month Spotlight series.
The Poly Post editors and staff won 27 California Journalism Awards from the California News Publishers Association for coverage of CPP's rebranding campaign, SoCal wildfires, and Election 2024.
Economics department coordinator Stephanie Gonzalez was admitted to the BS in Economics Program as a CPP transfer student, beginning January 2026.
Economics major Kristen Gutierrez, President of the Economics Club, earned a fully paid scholarship to the Summit@Booth program at the University of Chicago and was part of the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) team that won first place at the CFA Orange County SMIF Competition at PIMCO with her presentation on the U.S. Economic Outlook for 2026.
Philosophy minor Angela Trujillo published her poetry book Brutal Lover, a compilation exploring themes of solitude, love, and heartache.
Political Science major and international student Cesar Saavedra Sanchez was featured on EdSource California Student Journalism Corps discussing immigration policy struggles.
Veteran and Political Science major Michael Miser has emerged as a dedicated mentor and campus advocate supporting fellow veterans, guiding Renaissance Scholars, and helping former foster youth build confidence and community. With plans to pursue a future in policy and law, he hopes to continue championing access, equity, and opportunity for underserved populations.
Political Science major Vivian Martinez placed fifth in the women's individual 6k course, helping CPP's Women's Cross Country team place first overall at the Cougar Challenge Declarations.
Elliot Cyra Summers, a senior majoring in Psychology, and Raquel Moreno, a graduate student in Rhetoric and Composition, have been named Sally Casanova Scholars and will participate in the CSU Pre-Doctoral Program. Summers is the first CPP student to receive the Health Professional Track Award.
Sociology major Vanessa Perez was featured in the Los Angeles Times for her activism work that contributed to the passage of AB 847, allowing police oversight officials access to confidential law enforcement personnel records. Her story and contributions to the passed bill are also featured in The Poly Post along with insight with sociology professor Dr. Hanink.
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Dalia Puentes, Concert Specialist and Publicist for the Music Department, was recognized in the Employee Express for her creativity, warmth, and professionalism in managing departmental performances and publicity efforts.
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Lydia Dolan, Assistant to the Associate Dean, was spotlighted in the Employee Express for ensuring operations run smoothly through leadership and collaboration.
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Maria Anzaldo, CLASS Student Success Center Retention and Graduation Specialist, was selected to serve as Staff Representative on the upcoming Presidential Search Committee.
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Ocena Corbin, Administrative Analyst for Psychology, was recognized by Psi Chi for her immense work helping students with classes, supporting faculty and staff, and organizing departmental events.
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Communication Dr. Lauren Furey's study on Barbie's presidential campaign and millennial moms was published in #Barbie and Social Media: Digital Discourses and Mattel's Celebrity Doll.
English and Modern Languages Dr. Claudia Salazar Jimenez delivered her keynote "The invisible borders of fiction: Feminism, Rebellion and Counternarratives" at the Ohio Latin Americanist Conference.
English and Modern Languages Dr. Karen Tellez-Chaires published a chapter on relational listening in Community Listening: Stories, Hauntings, Possibilities.
History Dr. Fang Yu Hu’s interviewed with Li-Ping Chen on an episode for the New Books Network podcast featuring her published book Good Wife, Wise Mother.
History Dr. Zuoyue Wang interviewed 107-year-old U.S.-educated Chinese professor Wu Dachang about rebuilding China's education system.
Music Dr. Janine Riveire will present "Timing is Everything! Strategies for Rhythm Development" at the American String Teachers Association's National Conference in Feb. 2026.
Philosophy Dr. Alex Madva co-authored Somebody Should Do Something (MIT Press), exploring how individual and structural change must work together to address racism, climate crisis, and inequality.
Political Science Dr. Jarred Cuéllar outlined the purpose of Prop 50 and co-authored a study featured in Politico California Playbook on Latino voter power in California House races.
Pyschology Dr. Jeffrey Mio served as guest-editor of The Review of General Psychology and is currently president of APA Division 1, the Society for General Psychology and Interdisciplinary Inquiry.
Sociology Dr. Anajana Narayan published a new book, Theory Reimagined: Voices of Sociologists from Around the World.
Sociology Dr. Jack Fong published three new works on democracy during the pandemic, globalization and pandemic management, and Bangkok's cannabis cafés.
Sociology Dr. Peter Hanink co-authored a study in the Journal of Experimental Sociology examining how protest portrayals affect public support for police reform.
Theatre Professor Sayda Trujillo authored a piece with Madeline Sayet on "Decolonial Collaboration through Voice Work" featured in Howlround Theatre Commons.
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Communication professor Dr. Denisse Vasquez-Guevara and her work were featured in CPP News for LatinX Heritage Month highlighting similarities she notices between her students back home in Ecuador and students here at Cal Poly Pomona.
Geography and Anthropology professor Dr. James J.A. Blair authored an op-ed about lithium extraction threats to local communities, fragile ecosystems, and sacred tribal land and was featured in Calexico Chronicle, CalMatters, and The Los Angeles Post.The CalMatters story was republished by Times of San Diego, The Business Journal (Fresno), Maven's Notebook, and PBS SoCal.
Philosophy professor Dr. Alex Madva was interviewed on the Mark Thompson Show and the Good Men Project to discuss his new book, "Somebody Should Do Something." An excerpt from his book was also featured by the Association for MBAs and the Business Graduates Association with insights from Latin American feminism and a string of successes for the "Green Tide." Madva also spoke earlier this month at Book Passage in San Francisco and to the "Philosophers for a Brighter World" working group at Stanford University. He and his co-authors were interviewed about the book on “Mornings with Zerlina” on SiriusXM Progress: Progressive Talk Radio, as well as on KPFA 94.1 and Sociology Group. Additionally, Dr. Madva was featured on Hello Houston podcast and Fox32 Chicago to discuss his op-ed in The New York Times, “Why the Texas Democrats' Walkout Worked.”
| | Theatre adjunct professor Paulo Lima's art exhibit "Dreams and Revelations" was displayed at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery at Allan Hancock College. It showcases his work across four mediums – sculpture, painting, wire installation and mixed media – all of it being inspired by his
Brazilian heritage. | | | CPP alumnus and Trumpeter, Peter Gutierrez (Music '23), performed in the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band's, "Latin, Latin" concert on Oct. 20 at the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium at Chaffey High School. | | | |
History alumnus Jose Castro, PhD student in Chicano Studies at UCLA, published an article in Perspectives on undocumented immigrant struggles and ICE enforcement.
Music alumna Simone Ledward-Boseman (`14), a recording artist a.k.a. sahn, released her new song “same old me” this past November.
Philosophy alumna Shermin Pourmehdi ('20) was accepted into Northern Ohio Pettit School of Law.
Political Science alum Chris Freeland ('96) was appointed as adjunct professor for the MPA program at CSU San Bernardino while serving as City Manager of Indian Wells. Freeland previously served as City Manager of West Covina and was featured in Public CEO discussing “Trackdown Management's Picking up the Pieces.”
Sociology alumna Corissa Hernandez ('04) was featured on NBCLA and KCAL News for her Eastside Heart and Hustle Summit empowering small-business owners in Boyle Heights.
Theatre alum Anthony Solorzano ('13), Los Angeles Times journalist, debuted "Worst Zine Ever: Pomona Through the Lens of Springfield," merging essays, humor and satire.
| | Professor for a Day 2025-2026 | |
Cal Poly Pomona’s Alumni Professor for a Day (PFAD) Program brings Broncos back into the classroom to share their career journeys, lead a lecture, or offer guidance on life after graduation. Students gain real-world insight, while alumni and faculty have the chance to connect, collaborate, and enrich the learning experience together.
For anyone unfamiliar with PFAD, our college will be hosting an information session via Zoom to go over event details and answer questions on January 27 at 6:00 PM. We invite our alumni and faculty to participate and help inspire the next generation of Broncos.
For more information and questions, please contact CLASS External Relations Associate, Noelle McKinn, at ncmcmkinn@cpp.edu.
| Learn. Do. Become. Give Back.
| Your experience in the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences prepared you to engage the world with curiosity, creativity, and courage. Consider supporting the next generation of CLASS students through your time, expertise, or financial contribution. | | CLASS Kudos & Newsletters | We want to celebrate your achievements and highlight your incredible work! Fill out a short form to share your recent accomplishments, and you could be featured in our next newsletter! You can also check out our past kudos and newsletters on our CLASS news page. | | Connect with CLASS on social media! | | | | |
