In his first video update of the spring quarter, President Ortiz addresses a fatal bus accident in Northern California, reminds the campus community of an upcoming safety alert test, and talks about “solar-powered sea slugs.”

Assistance is available for Cal Poly Pomona students and employees who were affected by the accident last Thursday that killed 10 people, including high school students and staff who were on their way to visit Humboldt State University, Ortiz said. Students can call Counseling and Psychological Services, while employees can use the new CPP Life Matters service.

Although we can’t predict when a crisis may occur, we can prepare for one, Ortiz said. The university will have its quarterly test of the Safety Alert System at 10 a.m. this Thursday. The system provides emergency notifications to students, faculty and staff through phone calls, emails, text messages and computer notifications.

Biology Professor Angel Valdes received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to continue his research into sea slugs that have the ability to use photosynthesis like a plant. Some species produce anti-cancer compounds, while others are being used to control the growth of invasive algae.

In other news:

• Nearly 700 faculty and staff have contributed to the Campaign for Cal Poly Pomona. They were recognized during a special morning program last week.
• This year’s Southern California Tasting & Auction is sold out. A record-breaking crowd of 1,300 guests will enjoy the region’s best food, wine and beer.
• The Career Center is seeking donations of new or gently used professional attire, such as suits and dresses, for its Clothes Closet event on April 24. The center also will host workshops on jumpstarting careers on April 15 and 16.
• President Ortiz praised the women’s basketball team for reaching the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Tournament. The Bronco baseball team is ranked seventh nationally, and the track and field team has four athletes ranked in the top 10 nationally.
• Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, who is an alumna and current scholar-in-residence, will speak in the Library during U-hour on Tuesday about her experiences growing up in La Puente and how career took her to Washington, D.C.

To read the entire video message, download a PDF of the transcript.