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| From left to right, Ray Pereda, David Maldonado (?85, Urban Planning) Angels' Tim Salmon, Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day, David Wildes, Tien Shen (?95, Architecture). |
Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Tien-Shin Shen and David Maldonado have been to baseball games before, but nothing like the Angels vs. the Indians on July 17. The alumni and their colleagues Ray Pereda and David Wildes from KTGY Group, Inc. based in Irvine, got to hang out on the field where they met players, coaches and even a rock star during batting practice.
“We had a great time,” said Shen, who majored in Architecture and graduated in 1995. “We didn't know what to expect.”
KTGY Group, Inc. made a successful $6,000 bid for a VIP Los Angeles Angels auction package at the university's Founders' Celebration in March. The package came with a box suite and a chance to get on the field and meet the players.
Cal Poly Pomona's head baseball coach Mike Ashman, who pitches for the Angels during batting practices, introduced the four men to Angels Coach Mike Scioscia and Designated Hitter Tim Salmon. As another unexpected bonus, the men also met Green Day's lead singer Billy Joe Armstrong, who was there as Salmon's guest.
“I think it exceeded their wildest expectations,” said Cal Poly Pomona Athletic Director Brian Swanson.
KTGY Group, Inc. employs several Cal Poly Pomona graduates. The architecture and planning company employs about 300 people, the majority of whom graduated either from Cal Poly Pomona or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Shen said.
The company's bid at Founders' Celebration contributed to roughly $334,000 raised for student scholarships, enhanced technology and facilities, outreach programs, and faculty and student research.