The Cal Poly Pomona logo symbolizes the community and strong interconnection of the university’s academic programs and departments. Its design conveys the idea of close collaboration between various academic fields, creating the image of a unified educational environment. Theory and practice intertwine to form a complex and remarkable pattern, representing students’ and faculty’s future discoveries and achievements.
This visual symbol reflects the essence of the learning process, where the harmonious blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills forms the foundation for innovation and progress. The logo emphasizes the university’s role as a place where education becomes a transformative process, creating new opportunities and scientific breakthroughs.
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Pomona began in 1938, when businessman Charles B. Wurzberger donated 813 acres in Pomona, California, for a new campus. It opened as a branch of the San Luis Obispo institution, with programs in agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry. Many early classes were held outdoors. World War II interrupted development when the US Army used the site for training.
In 1949, industrialist W. K. Kellogg donated another 813 acres, doubling the campus. The institution joined the California State University system in 1956 and received full accreditation as a four-year college in 1966. During the 1960s, academic buildings, residences, and sports facilities accompanied rising enrollment.
Architecture and environmental design expanded during the 1970s. Engineering and technology became major fields in the 1980s, supported by research and industry partnerships. New laboratories, computer centers, and libraries followed in the 1990s. During the 2000s, the university added programs in information technology, biotechnology, and sustainability, alongside student and faculty exchanges.
The campus marked its 75th anniversary in 2010 and changed from quarters to semesters in 2018. A $79 million student center opened in 2019. By 2023, its main fields included engineering, architecture, agriculture, business, technology, and design. The Cal Poly Pomona Broncos compete in NCAA Division II through the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
Meaning and History
What is Cal Poly Pomona?
This is a public university (California State Polytechnic University, Pomona) known for its experimental teaching methods. The campus, spanning 1,438 acres and part of a historic horse ranch, offers students a unique blend of modern urban amenities and a rural atmosphere. The university provides various majors, including engineering disciplines, agribusiness, hospitality management, and architecture. It stands out among other institutions with its extensive orchards and Arabian horse breeding program. Students benefit from small class sizes and numerous opportunities to participate in real-world projects and research under the guidance of faculty, enhancing their hands-on experience and interaction with the teaching staff.
Before 2018
The university emblem symbolizes half an archway divided into three segments, each resembling elements of the letters “CPP,” the initials of the institution’s name. These parts form a strong structure that emphasizes the university’s core principles.
At the center, sheltered under the arch, is a young plant, symbolizing the growth and development of a new generation of professionals. This image reflects the university’s commitment to nurturing future leaders by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career.
The university’s full name is below the image. The abbreviation “Cal Poly” stands for “California Polytechnic,” while “Pomona” indicates its location since 1956. The university is closely tied to this region, and its history is inseparable from the land on which it was founded.
The green emblem symbolizes life, highlighting the university’s deep connection to nature. This color refers to the institution’s past, which began on farmland and grew thanks to Pomona’s W.K. Kellogg Institute of Animal Husbandry. The campus is rich in greenery, with gardens and groves remaining an important part of the grounds. At the same time, the university continues to uphold its traditions, including the breeding of Arabian horses.
2018 – 2025
The Cal Poly Pomona logo is an octagonal faceted ring designed in a metal-like style. This symbol is an ornament; each of its eight facets represents one of the university’s eight colleges. This element highlights the importance of collaboration between various educational disciplines, which interact and complement one another.
One section of the ring is highlighted in green and yellow and transformed into an arrow pointing to the right, toward the university’s name. This forward motion symbolizes the university’s commitment to progress, innovation, and development in scientific and educational fields. The green arrow aligns with the word “Pomona” in the same shade, evoking the campus’s green spaces, its connection to nature, and its commitment to sustainability.
The faceted structure of the ring symbolizes the combination of theory, practice, and research, the three core principles the university takes pride in. The emblem conveys a sense of reliability and strength, reflecting the university’s strong standing in the academic community. The ring appears unbreakable, symbolizing the power of knowledge that students gain at Cal Poly Pomona.
The logo’s font is simple and modern, emphasizing the accessibility and innovation of the educational process. The combination of blue and green colors reflects nature and the drive toward constant progress.
2025 – today
The new logo of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, reflects its history and connection to the region. The central symbol is a stylized depiction of a tower, one of the campus’s most recognizable architectural features. It represents academic tradition and the university’s longstanding heritage. Next to it is a palm tree, referencing the local climate and natural surroundings, highlighting the campus’s unique atmosphere.
The font now features serifs, giving the inscription a more classic and academic appearance, in contrast to the previous sans-serif version. The color scheme remains green and gold, but the shades are now deeper and more saturated. A small weathervane with a horse atop the tower is a tribute to the university’s history, reminding us of its roots in agriculture and equine studies.




