Cal Poly Unveils Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Success Center
In an exciting announcement on Friday, Cal Poly revealed the plans for the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Success Center, a groundbreaking facility designed to enhance career and personal development resources for students. Named in honor of philanthropists and entrepreneurs Lynda and Stewart Resnick, the center is made possible by their generous $20 million lead gift towards its construction.
The Resnicks, co-founders of The Wonderful Company, have a long-standing commitment to supporting quality education, with previous historic donations to institutions such as Caltech, UC Davis, and Fresno State. Their philanthropic efforts in California’s Central Valley have focused on initiatives in education, community engagement, and health and wellness.
The 25,000 square-foot Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Success Center will feature a professional development center for career services, programs tailored to support Cal Poly’s growing population of first-generation students, and cultural centers promoting student diversity and belonging.
Lynda and Stewart Resnick expressed their dedication to Cal Poly’s educational environment, stating, “This program will ensure first-generation students have access to the resources, collaboration, and learning tools to empower them to build successful lives and careers, making meaningful contributions to the world.”
The new center will provide increased space for student advisors, triple the amount of office and professional recruiting space for Career Services, and enhanced support for the Student Diversity and Belonging cultural centers.
Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong emphasized the importance of the center in helping students prepare for successful careers, stating, “By engaging students early and often, the center will instill a culture of career readiness – helping to further elevate the value of a Cal Poly degree.”
The Resnicks have been longstanding supporters of student success at Cal Poly through their College Success Scholar Program, providing scholarships and support to students from the Central Valley. Keith Humphrey, Cal Poly’s vice president for student affairs, highlighted the impact of the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Success Center, stating, “Cal Poly is creating the conditions for students to amplify their success within this transformational new facility at the core of campus.”
The unveiling of the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Success Center marks a significant milestone in Cal Poly’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for student development and success. It stands as a testament to the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and opportunities for all students.