Commencement on Saturday provided a chance for students and faculty to reflect on the Class of 2010’s transformation from whip-smart, wide-eyed freshmen to motivated new professionals with hands-on experience, ready to do the work their first day on the job.

And in the midst of one of the toughest job markets since the Great Depression, this year's graduates are having success landing professional career positions.

"I’m not surprised that our students are enjoying success in their job hunting," said Robert Koob, Cal Poly provost. "Our students are known for being academically motivated and while they know theory, they also have experience with practical application. When you combine that with our learn-by-doing philosophy, you get resourceful professionals who are prepared to contribute from their first day on the job. Employers know that and appreciate that about Cal Poly graduates."

Cal Poly bid farewell to more than 3,000 members of the Class of 2010 over the weekend. Former United States ambassador and state assemblywoman Carol Hallett received a Presidential Medal of Honor at the morning ceremony and delivered the keynote address to agriculture, liberal arts and science and mathematics grads.

Gary Bloom, a noted Silicon Valley techology leader, honored alumnus and Cal Poly Foundation Board Member, received an honorary doctorate of humane letters and delivered the keynote address at the afternoon ceremony for business, engineering and architecture and design grads. The university saw about 30,000 visitors for the commencement ceremonies.

The students themselves attribute much of their success to Cal Poly’s learn-by-doing philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on education.

They also give credit to Cal Poly’s focus on STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math), which are in high demand in the job market. As well, students cite the close interaction with faculty and the university’s emphasis on collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that develop real-life, real-world skills.

Below are just a few of the graduates of the Class of 2010. Read about where they are headed.

Meghan Keane
Orfalea College of Business
B.S., Business Administration

San Jose native Meghan Keane is one of a hand-selected few who will start at Apple in the Financial Development Program, a two-year rotational leadership Keane at Orfalea College of Businessprogram that provides a global perspective of the company’s operations and broad base of experience for key new hires.

Brian Parker
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
B.S., Construction Management

Brian will head home to San Diego to work as a field engineer for Sundt, prepared to be a productive member of the team his first day on the job. 

Allison Holmgren
College of Engineering
B.S., Industrial engineering
M.S., Engineering with a specialization in
Biomedical Engineering

Allison will begin work as a consultant with PRTM, a worldwide consulting group specializing in supply chain management, and product and service development.