Golden Grads Return to Cal Poly Humboldt

It’s commencement day in the Redwood Bowl, and one group stands out on the field in a sea of black mortar boards. Wearing their bright gold caps and gowns are the Golden Grads, Cal Poly Humboldt alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago.

During Lumberjack Weekend in October, Golden Grads are formally recognized, and in May, they return to be recognized and share words of wisdom to the graduating class during the ceremony. “It’s heartwarming to witness this gathering of alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago reuniting after all these years. These alumni share a unique bond of having once been Humboldt students; some even experienced historical events on campus. This allows them to reconnect with the University and each other. It’s really a special time,” says Stephanie Lane, executive director of Alumni Relations.

Having gained a plethora of knowledge and experiences throughout their lives, Golden Grads offer students invaluable, sincere, and often humorous advice. Their words serve as a reminder to students of what they can accomplish and how to aim for excellence after graduating.

“Whatever career you choose, put forth your best effort and enjoy it, but don’t let it define you or dominate your life. Keep your job, family, friends, and other aspects of your life in balance,” was some of the advice shared by Golden Grad Doralee Smith (‘70, Home Economics).

In 2021, Smith was honored with an induction as a Golden Grad, and she participated in commencement last year, where she connected with new graduates.

“After the ceremony ended, a student approached me and expressed how touched they were by my advice. Given the challenges of the current world, I felt that this advice was crucial for students entering the professional world,” Smith says. The Golden Grad program serves as an inspiration not just for graduates but also for the alumni who have moved on and away from the University. It provides them with an opportunity, big or small, to reconnect with Humboldt and stay connected to the community that helped shape who they are.

Jack McGurk (‘66, Biology) and his late wife, Diana McGurk (‘66, Home Economics), were inducted as Golden Grads in 2016.

Being a Golden Grad sparked a meaningful journey for McGurk back to his alma mater. Celebrating 50 years since graduation, McGurk reflected on his memories and the decades-long support he and his late wife shared for the University.

After his wife’s passing, McGurk joined the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation as a board member. He soon established the Diana M. McGurk Memorial Scholarship Endowment, supporting scholarships for Nursing students. He also established the Jack S. McGurk Marine Biology Scholarship to support Marine Biology students. McGurk emphasizes that reaching the moment of becoming a Golden Grad can serve as a bridge between past and present, offering alumni a chance to reconnect with their alma mater.

“As a Golden Grad, I feel connected to the University and proud of its achievements and growth. It allowed me to experience the University again 50 years after graduating. I hope the Golden Grad program will continue to grow to be a way for even more individuals to share in this excitement of reconnecting with Humboldt,” McGurk says.