A Legacy Showcasing Cal Poly
Open House has its origins as "Farmers' Picnic" which was the first open house event on campus. On May 24, 1904 about 200 visitors came to tour new buildings, watch Ag shows, and eat BBQ. In 1913, Farmers' Picnic attracted 3,000 people and in 1933 the administration made plans to create "A Country Fair on a College Campus." They named it Poly Royal.
On March 31, 1933 Cal Poly had its first ever Poly Royal event. There was a parade, livestock judging, agriculture shows, horticulture exhibits and, of course, the enjoyment of a BBQ in Poly Grove. The day ended with a Poly Royal Dance in Crandall Gym. Poly Royal grew to be one of the main events on the campus social calendar and truly embodied the learn-by-doing philosophy that Cal Poly represents.
At the 2nd Annual Poly Royal event parents, alumni, prospective students, and community visitors were welcomed to join in the celebration. In 1944, Poly Royal was downsized to a one-day event. Poly Royal also had annual themes and a guest of honor each year. Soon, the selection of the Poly Royal Queen became a much-anticipated event. Large crowds formed to watch the parade and see the new queen.
In 1990, an unruly crowd of 1,000 people vandalized several stores and residences. Arrests were made and damages repaired, but Poly Royal was in jeopardy. For the next four years Cal Poly had no Poly Royal event.
In 1994 Open House was born with approval from President Warren Baker. Open House is a culmination of Farmers’ Picnic, Poly Royal, some new events, and the addition of Admitted Students' Preview Day to provide a showcase weekend for the University. Newly admitted students, their supporters, parents, current students, faculty, alumni, friends, and community members are invited to come experience all that Cal Poly offers.
Open House Past and Present
Take a look at some highlights from Open House past and present! For more, see our Cal Poly Orientation Open House History album on Flickr here.
Past Open House Posters & Themes
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| 1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
| A Foundation for the Future |
Avenues of Innovation...Roads to Discovery |
Imagination, Exploration, Celebration
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Co-Chairs
Deidre Flynn
Louie Brown
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Co-Chairs
Creighton Oyler
Duane Banderob
Louie Brown
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Co-Chairs
Creighton Oyler
Duane Banderob
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| 1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
| Beyond Your Wildest Dreams |
Poly Classic |
Breaking New Ground |
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Chairs
Cindy Entzi
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Co-Chairs
Jenny Justus
Ryan Averill
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Co-Chairs
Joel Shirbroun
Samantha Halderman
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| 2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
| The Power of Poly |
Open House Presents Poly Royal |
Passport to Poly |
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Co-Chairs
Barbi Borgonovi
Mandy Claud
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Co-Chairs
Barbi Borgonovi
Nicole Wilson
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Co-Chairs
Carina Yamaguchi
Kristen Salinas
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Designer
Reagan Reynolds
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| 2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
| Treasuring Royal Traditions |
Spotlight: Cal Poly |
Oceans of Opportunity |
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Co-Chairs
Carina Yamaguchi
Julie McHuron
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Co-Chairs
Casey Cortopassi
Robert Stornetta
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Co-Chairs
Rachel Barr
Robert Stornetta
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Designer
Stephanie Chu
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Designer
Jessica Greenwalt
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| 2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| Cal Poly:Choice of Champions |
Explore Cal Poly: Begin Your Adventure |
Destination: Cal Poly! |
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Co-Chairs
Carl Payne
Shannon Austin
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Co-Chairs
Allison O'Leary
Ashley Evans
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Co-Chairs
Allison O'Leary
Elizabeth Sullivan
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Designer
Brandon Collins
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Designer
David Wong
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Designer
Kim Claytor
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| 2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
| Design Your Future |
To Cal Poly and Beyond! |
Polywood |
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Co-Chairs
Kayla Demonte
Sydney Hollingsworth
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Co-Chairs
Kelsey Hayes
Matt Justus
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Chair
Travis Potter
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Designer
Donna Clark
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Designer
Jeannie Nguyen
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Designer
Alex Carter
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| 2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
| Green and Gold Rush |
Celebrating 20 Years |
All That Glitters Green & Gold |
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Co-Chairs
Anna Consani
Christina George
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Co-Chairs
Alexis Pereda
Alyssa D'Amico
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Co-Chairs
Alexis Pereda
Chris Grieves
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Designer
Anna Castenholz
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Designer
Kate Johnson
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Designer
Casey Lovano
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| 2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
| This is the Mustang Nation |
Celebrating the Mustang Legacy |
24th Annual Open House |
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Co-Chairs
Ali Garrison
Lauren Heckendorn
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Co-Chairs
Delaney Nicholas
Marcus Pereira
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Co-Chairs
Brian Moore
Rebecca Villalobos
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Designer
Patricia Lee
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Designer
Jillian Ray
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Designer
Mary Johnson
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| 2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
| Celebrating 25 Years |
26th Annual |
27th Annual |
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Co-Chairs
Becs Phan
Gabby Pajo
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Co-Chairs
Halie Swanson
Lauren Hamilton
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Co-Chairs
Alisha Solis
Amber Sylvester
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Designer
Gabby Pajo
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Designer
Cody Capella
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Designer
Cody Capella
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