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| President Bob Suzuki and Paul Anka share a laugh during the 2003 Founders' Celebration at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry on Feb. 9. |
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| Susan Dowler of Fairplex, and husband Jim Burke, dean of The Collins School of Hospitality Management, speak with university benefactor Jim Collins at Founders' Celebration 2003. |
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| President Suzuki and wife Agnes accept a gift honoring their tenure at Cal Poly Pomona during the celebration. |
“Founders? Celebration 2003: A Notable Night” was an evening that honored educational legacy and featured an entertainment legend, while raising funds that allow Cal Poly Pomona to continue to provide academic excellence.
A sellout crowd of 506 attended the celebration on Feb. 9 in the Majestic Ballroom of the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry.
Internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Paul Anka put on a memorable 1-hour performance that evoked laughter and tears; Anka's show featured such songs as ?Diana,? ?Put Your Head on My Shoulder,? and ?You Are My Destiny.? He engaged the crowd as he danced through the aisles, stopping with guests to take pictures and inviting them to sing along into his microphone. Anka wrote and sang a special Cal Poly Pomona version of his hit ?My Way? that brought the audience to its feet. To watch a video clip, visit https://video.cpp.edu/rfreemont/ calpolysong-245.asx.
Following the performance, President Bob H. Suzuki presented a proclamation to Anka for his contributions to the music industry and announced the university?s newly endowed Paul Anka Music Scholarship.
Anka?s performance was not the only memorable highlight of an event dedicated to celebrating the university?s traditions and funding its educational mission. This marked President Suzuki?s final Founders? Celebration. He and wife Agnes were given special recognition, including a 4-minute video tribute highlighting their efforts and accomplishments at Cal Poly Pomona.
Founders? Celebration is Cal Poly Pomona?s annual event to raise funds for student scholarships and academic enhancement. While figures are still being totaled, it is estimated that over $245,000 was raised at this year?s event. More than $65,000 was raised from the voice auction, which included a fabulous array of items such as dinner for six with the Suzukis at Campanile Restaurant, prepared by Cal Poly Pomona alumnus and renowned chef Mark Peel (?90); a night for 12 at the Staples Center for a Kings hockey game in the Sempra Energy luxury box; and an all-new TH!NK neighbor, a zero-emissions battery electric vehicle from Ford.
Well-known local television personality Stephanie Edwards served as this year?s master of ceremonies.