Fall 2009
Welcome back ~~~~~ welcome back, welcome back, welcome ba-a-ck. Oh, how I sometimes reminisce for those sweet mid-1970’s and their fun-loving sitcoms and theme songs. Yes, for those of you who recall, Welcome Back, Kotter was based upon a witty high school teacher who returns to his alma mater to teach a group of remedial wise guys known as the "Sweathogs." Kotter had attended those same remedial classes when he was a student at Buchanan High and was, in fact, a founding member of the Sweathogs. Kotter came to realize that his influence just might help these kids survive beyond high school (Wikipedia 7-09).
As the fictional Kotter gave it his all to help make a difference in the educational lives of his Sweathog misfits, we high school and college counselors and student services personnel are often called upon to generate hope and give positive reinforcement to our current generation of college bound, higher education-seeking students. As the pain of the economic downturn hits the ranks of academic counseling programs statewide through reductions in staffing, we now, more than ever, need each other’s support and encouragement. Without question, in our current economically unstable and budget-tight environment, the college recruitment and admissions are already undergoing a reformation. You probably have already seen the effects of this in a low number of confirmations to your college fairs. We are certain that the traditional recruitment methods will undergo a transformation. What it will look like in the near future is not entirely known. However, we can expect technology to play a larger role within our public-supported universities in California. Although the approach may change as we become more creative, the commitment to reach a highly qualified, diverse prospective student pool, will, as always, be our first priority at Cal Poly.
As we head back to our classrooms and offices for this new school year, we want you to know that our commitment to your students is as strong as ever. Please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions and Recruitment Office for any assistance you may need.
Let’s stay in touch!
The Cal Poly Admissions Staff
New Faces
Cal
Poly has welcomed two new head coaches to campus for the 2009-2010
school year. Coach Tim Walsh will serve as the head football coach
while Joe Callero takes the reins as the men’s basketball coach.
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Tim Walsh, Cal Poly |
Joe Callero, Cal Poly Head Basketball Coach |
Coach Tim Walsh has compiled a 117-82 record in 18
seasons as a college head coach, including four years at Sonoma State
(27-14 from 1989-92) and 14 more seasons at Portland State (90-68 from
1993-2006). He guided Sonoma State to the Northern California Athletic
Conference title in 1991 (ending UC Davis’s streak of 20 consecutive
conference titles), a pair of NCAA Division II playoff berths while at
Sonoma State and four more postseason berths while at Portland State.
He began his coaching career at his high school alma mater, Serra,
spending four years (1977-80) as an assistant coach. Tim had this to
say about his experience so far at Cal Poly: “Location, location,
location, you can’t beat it here in San Luis Obispo. A downtown
that is happening, including the Thursday market year round, shopping,
and a safe environment for all to enjoy. Add to that, the
beautiful Pacific Ocean and the cities of Pismo Beach and Avila
Beach…don’t miss it.” When asked his thoughts concerning the reputation
of Cal Poly, Coach Walsh responded, “Well, Cal Poly offers arguably
the best education, in an environment that is competitive to be admitted
as well as competitive in the classroom. The hands-on education
and the college environment atmosphere make Cal Poly a unique
educational experience.”
***
Coach Joe Callero successfully revitalized college basketball
programs during his last two head coaching assignments, and was asked to do
the same as he was named head coach of the Cal Poly program on April 3,
2009. Callero served as head coach at Seattle University the previous
eight years, leading the Redhawks to a 117-105 record, including a 21-8
mark this past season, the school’s first year of transition back to
the Division I level. Callero served as the head basketball coach and
guidance counselor at Sumner High School from 1992-95. He led Sumner to
its first winning season in six years. A graduate of Central Washington
University, Callero helped guide the Wildcats to NAIA national
tournament appearances during his two seasons at the university, and
received his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1986. Coach Callero has
talked about his excitement for this opportunity: not just the
opportunity from an athletics perspective, but the opportunity to be a
part of a great university. “With my background as a guidance
counselor, I know about the importance of atmosphere on a campus. I’ve
been fortunate to find a community that is large enough to offer a
variety of quality programs yet has the intimacy and personalized
attention that allows our students to be successful,” says Coach Callero.
***
For more info about Cal Poly athletics, visit the official Mustang Athletics website www.gopoly.com
Article contribution by: Terrance Harris, Cal Poly Admissions Officer
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Save the Date! College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Fall Preview - October 16, 2009
The Future of Agriculture is YOU
At
Cal Poly's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
"Only the Best" is no idle boast. View info and details at this link - Ag Fall Preview.