The women’s basketball team has returned to the national stage and is on the cusp of winning the west region championship. On Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m., the 23rd-ranked Broncos host Grand Canyon University in Kellogg Gym. The winner will advance to the Elite Eight Championships in St. Joseph, Missouri.
“Our opponent has a great following and they have been packing the stands,” President Ortiz says in his weekly message. “I hope that you will join Betty and me so that we can all show our Bronco pride and cheer on this great group of young women.”
Reyana Colson, who has received numerous honors this year including being named to the Capital One NCAA Division II Academic All-American Team, has also excelled in the classroom, the president says.
The federal Pell Grant program, which provides much-needed assistance to students who might otherwise not be able to attend college, could face steep cuts, the president says, commenting on his recent visit to Washington, D.C. This would be very bad news for the more than 8,000 Cal Poly Pomona students who rely on the grant.
“Every CSU president and the chancellor, as well as leaders from private colleges across the country, are strongly advocating on behalf of these students,” Ortiz says. “If you have the opportunity, please don’t hesitate to speak out on their behalf to your representatives in Congress.”
Partners in Education, known as PIE, is a lifeline for student teachers who are completing their clinical practice, which used to be known as student teaching. PIE recently awarded 17 scholarships of $5,000 apiece to help the future teachers defray their living expenses.
One of the year’s signature events, the Southern California Tasting & Auction, will take place on Sunday, May 1. Dozens of restaurants as well as beverage partners will share their specialties – truly an adventure of tastes, sights, and sounds. Through March 27, those who wish to buy two or more tickets may do so at the special price of $75. For more information, visit http://www.polytaste.com
The recent tragedy in Japan serves as a grim reminder how quickly life can change in an instant. The president reminds the university community that Southern California sits in a major fault zone. “When you are watching the struggles of the Japanese people, please ask yourself if you are prepared to live without power, gas or water for an extended period of time,” Ortiz says. “Everyone should have an emergency plan and supplies that includes water, food, a rechargeable flashlight, a first aid kit and a rechargeable radio to keep up with news and information.” He also urged everyone in the university community to visit Bronco Direct to make sure that phone numbers are current, especially the mobile number.
“Our campus tests have shown that cell phone and text messages will reach you faster than any other service,” he says. “As I have often said, this system’s sole purpose is to keep you safe, so please update your data today.”
To read the entire video message, download a transcript at http://polycentric.cpp.edu/news_stories/presmessage031411.pdf