We have begun checking in with the second graduating class of our Exceptional Youth Scholars and are so impressed and proud of their college accomplishments. Please join us in applauding them and their remarkable achievements!
GSD: First off, please tell us what school you graduated from and what you majored in.
IVAN: Cal Poly Pomona Major: Industrial Engineering
GSD: Did you receive any kind of honors or recognition during your time at college? If so, what kind?
IVAN: Kellogg Honors College Student: Had the opportunity to be part of a community of high achieving students of all majors within our campus. In the KHC (Kellogg Honors College) I took honors courses, was actively involved in campus events as well as civic engagement, and conducted a final research (capstone project) related to my major.
Tau Bate – Tau Beta Pi (National Engineering Honor Society): I was invited to join our campus chapter of Tau Beta Pi. With this honor I was recognized as being in the top 10% of my engineering class.
Magna Cum Laude: Final Graduating GPA of 3.65 – 3.8
CPP College of Engineering Scholarship
Engineering Boeing Scholarship
GSD: Were you a part of any research initiatives or major projects? Please describe them:
IVAN: As part of my capstone project for the KHC I conducted research with a professor (advisor) for process improvement in the wire manufacturing industry. We were given the opportunity to work with a company and observe their operating procedures. We then, formulated a proposal for cost savings through reduction of scrap/rejects/rework, and set an appropriate EOQ (Economic Order Quantity) for the parts in their galvanizing department.
Another project I conducted for my senior project was with a group of three other fellow students and a professor(advisor) as well. This project consisted of working with a company in the food manufacturing business. We looked into possible improvements that could be performed for their imminent relocation of facilities. Some things we investigated were facility layout, manning/utilization of workers/line balancing, product demand, purchasing of more equipment to increase product production (economic analysis).
GSD: Now that you’ve completed your undergraduate studies, what’s next?
IVAN: I decided to go into the food manufacturing industry. I was hired on with Ventura Foods who manufacture various types of sauces, dressings, mayo, oils, shortening, and margarine for many different customers (grocery stores, restaurants). I am very fortunate to have this opportunity given everything that is happening at the time. I am one of five recently graduated college grads who are a part of a rotational program for Ventura Foods. In this program we are rotating throughout different departments shadowing personnel and working on projects with an end goal of having us ready to take on supervisor positions.
GSD: What did receiving the EYS award mean to you and what impact did it have on your college experience?
IVAN: Receiving the EYS award had a significant impact on my success in college. Having that financial support alleviated a lot of spending that would have to come out of my family’s pocket. Being a first-generation college student with my older brother already in college, my family was going through financial worries that we had not faced.
We did not have much knowledge of available resources. This award helped in my transition to Cal Poly Pomona. Feeling more financially stable allowed me to be more comfortable as a college student and focus on my academics. This was one of the things that set the foundation for my success as an engineering college student.
GSD: Have you continued to be involved in community service? If so, what kinds of community service activities have you been a part of?
IVAN: I was very involved in various civic engagement events throughout my four years in college. I participated in outreach events for high school, and middle school students to empower them to pursue careers in engineering. In our events we had guest speakers, engineering mini projects and competitions. I also volunteered at research conferences, our school’s homecoming event, and career fairs on our campus.
GSD: In light of graduating college during the COVID 19 pandemic, how were your final term and graduation affected? Have your future career plans been impacted?
IVAN: Having graduated during this pandemic, I feel as if we did not receive proper closure for this chapter of our lives (finishing college). I did not have a graduation or the chance to see fellow peers, friends, professors, and my campus during my last term. I do feel that we missed out, but we must make the most of what we have. I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity by Ventura Foods to be hired on and put my education into practice. My goal was to go into food manufacturing, so I am glad that my career plans were not impacted.
Ivan, thank you so much for sharing your college experience with us. It sounds like you did some fantastic work, both on and off campus, and made the most of your four years at Cal Poly Pomona. Though sadly your graduation was impacted by current circumstances, we are very happy to hear your job prospects were not.
All of us at The Foundation for Global Sports Development are honored to have played a small part in your journey and wish you much success as you embark on your engineering career. Please keep in touch!
