The Times Are Changing
As AI expands, Orfalea faculty are preparing students for a technological revolution at the workplace.
Dean’s Message 2026
Greetings from the Orfalea College of Business.
The stories in this issue of Orfalea Magazine reflect our collegewide strategic goals, which will ultimately enhance the value of our degrees.
California Impact
From Concept to Craft
ITP capstone students turn classroom learning into real-world manufacturing.
Reducing the Plastic Load
A Cal Poly startup’s laundry detergent dispensers help cut down on plastic container use.
New Summer Skillset
The expanding Summer Undergraduate Research Program provides students research skills while working with faculty mentors.
Thought Leadership
Preparing for an AI World
Cal Poly’s first AI faculty fellow discusses the evolving workplace and how we can prepare for it.
Lessons from the Mayor
San Luis Obispo Mayor Erica A. Stewart shares her leadership experiences as a business lecturer.
If You Build It . . .
California needs to target home construction for specific careers to address housing shortage, finance professor says.
Diving Into Her Work
Accounting Professor Kim Westermann is the second Orfalea faculty member in two years recognized as a Distinguished Teacher.
Student Success
A Model Student
Alara Wiefling is a professional model and photographer, who used her skills to promote a gym ware startup.
A Barrel of Fun
A business major enters the rodeo with her trusty sidekick.
Goal Oriented
Spencer Zhang, who recently led Cal Poly’s accounting club, says sports helped prepare him for a business career.
Learn by Going
A unique new study abroad program at Cal Poly allows freshmen to study in Spain.
Alumni
Pursuing Her Passions
From a semester at sea, vintage racing events in France and studying biological data at Yale, Anaïs Lohier is diversifying life experiences.
A Case of Excellence
Former juvenile detention volunteer and Academic Excellence winner Gabrielle Gutierrez is now studying at Harvard Law School.
A Serious Man
Elijah Shanks, classical musician and search and rescue volunteer, goes the extra mile to stand out in upscale estate market.
Empowering Career-Ready Leaders Through Learn by Doing