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Cal Poly Partners

History

Black and white historical photo of a large dining hall with rows of wooden tables and chairs set for a meal, likely from a mid-20th century institutional setting.

Celebrating 85 Years of Partnership

Since 1941, Cal Poly Partners has proudly supported Cal Poly’s mission and students. Our partnership began during World War II, when the California Polytechnic Foundation—our original name—established a naval flight school to help keep California Polytechnic School open during a critical time. Since then, our relationship with the university has grown and evolved, expanding in scope and impact. Today, we continue this legacy by providing high-quality services that support the educational mission and complement the instructional program—strengthening Cal Poly for generations to come.

1940s

Cal Poly President Julian McPhee creates the California Polytechnic Foundation as a way to keep surplus earnings on campus to support the university. Shortly thereafter, the foundation leases out Cal Poly land to operate a naval flight school, keeping the school open during World War II. The foundation also assumes responsibility for the Cafeteria-Dormitory fund and opens cafeteria number one. Meal tickets were $33 per month.

Historic black and white photo of World War II-era flight school cadets in uniform posing in front of a military aircraft.
Students standing in line at a 1960s-era university dining hall with stainless steel food stations and menu boards overhead.

1960s

University Dining Room, Building 19, is completed and the foundation takes operating control of the El Corral bookstore, now known as the Mustang Shop. Later in the decade, the foundation assumes fiscal administration of the student-run printing operation, University Graphic Services, as well as provided funds and loan guarantees for union construction.

1970s

The university formally starts fundraising and the foundation provides staff to support Cal Poly’s first annual giving campaign. To ensure that the funds are well maintained for future use, the foundation enlists professional investment guidance.

Campus store employee in the 1970s sitting by a register with snacks and a scale on the counter.
Black and white photo of students outside a campus building during ASI elections in the 1980s, with a 'VOTE' sign visible.

1980s

The foundation creates the Sponsored Programs office to oversee awards and restricted gifts, administering almost $1 million in grants.

1990s

Al Smith, the owner of Orchard Supply Hardware, bequeathed his 3,200 acres in Santa Cruz County known as Swanton Pacific Ranch and another 600-acre parcel to the foundation for the benefit of the College of Agriculture. During this decade, Cal Poly Downtown opens, selling Cal Poly branded merchandise to alumni and students.

Cal Poly rancher standing by a truck in front of a herd of cattle in an open field, smiling in overalls.
Black and white image of Cal Poly Technology Park in the early 2000s with signage for various companies and parked cars.

2000s

The Cal Poly Foundation becomes the Cal Poly Corporation. The Cal Poly Foundation becomes a separate philanthropic nonprofit auxiliary and takes over fundraising and gift management. The corporation assumes management of the Technology Park, an on-campus facility for tech businesses, particularly firms engaged in applied research and development.

2010s

With corporation support, the SLO Hothouse and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship lease office space downtown. Conference and Event Planning becomes an operation of the corporation. And the corporation accepts the Bartleson Ranch and Conservatory donation, a 450-acre avocado and lemon ranch in southern San Luis Obispo County valued at $11.3 million – one of the largest private land donations in the university’s history.

Students collaborating inside a modern open-plan campus office space at Cal Poly, surrounded by whiteboards and workstations.
Evening view of the modern Cal Poly dining complex with illuminated windows, hillside backdrop, and students walking outside.

2020s

The corporation completes one of the largest capital projects in its history, with the construction of the LEED Gold Certified Vista Grande Dining Complex. The Board of Directors approves the largest single donation in the corporation’s history with a $5 million contribution to the construction of the William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation. Work is completed on 1901 Marketplace. The renovated dining facility opens capping off a $100 million investment in new and upgraded facilities to improve the student experience. Cal Poly Corporation changes its name to Cal Poly Partners, to better align with its mission.