This winter we put out a call asking for your stories, and almost immediately, I was completely overwhelmed with the responses we received. Hundreds of you wrote in sharing stories from your lives since leaving Cal Poly: business ventures you’ve launched, achievements you’ve reached, challenges you’ve overcome.

We’re going to start sharing some of those stories with the Cal Poly community over the coming issues. But for now, I just want to say — you’re pretty impressive. Intimidating, even. A sampling of some of those stories includes leaders in renewable energy, technology innovators, documentary photographers, owners of massively successful restaurants, and people who are building revolutionary bridges.

As this issue comes out, a new class of Mustangs is preparing to march down the aisle in Spanos Stadium  for Spring Commencement. A new generation of Cal Poly grads is about to start careers and walk in the footsteps of those who came before them.

If you’re one of those alumni leading the way, I want to thank you for your example. And if you’re sitting in Spanos waiting for them to call your name, I want to welcome you to a future full of potential. A Cal Poly education isn’t easy, and you’ve accomplished so much already just by getting this far. Now get out there and show us what you can really do.