Singelyn Graduate School of Business Hosts Hooding Ceremony
The Singelyn Graduate School of Business (SGSB) celebrated the Class of 2026 with a hooding and celebration ceremony on Friday, May 8, at the Kellogg House on the Cal Poly Pomona campus.
After double alumnus Alex Berberian performed the national anthem, Dean Sandeep Krishnamurthy and David Singelyn (’84) welcomed attendees and opened the ceremony. Krishnamurthy reflected on the meaning of the graduate hooding tradition, describing it as a cherished academic milestone among distinguished business schools and a symbol of SGSB’s belief in its graduates’ ability to lead, create impact and contribute meaningfully to organizations, communities and the broader economy.
Singelyn offered graduates “3 + 1” pieces of encouragement as they prepared to step into the next stage of their professional journeys. He reminded students that “the answer to the question is always yes,” encouraging them to seek solutions and strategies rather than focus on obstacles. He also emphasized that accomplished leaders succeed by trusting and empowering their teams, that clear, concise and persuasive communication is essential to creating change, and that lifelong learning — along with staying connected to classmates — keeps knowledge fresh and can continue to shape careers decades later.
Robert Barrios (CIS, '99), chief information officer at E. & J. Gallo Winery, delivered the keynote. Barrios encouraged graduates to embrace curiosity, judgment and foundational knowledge as they navigate a rapidly changing business landscape. He shared that passion sustains curiosity, curiosity builds critical thinking, and critical thinking strengthens judgment, qualities that help leaders move forward even in unfamiliar environments.
“This is your moment, and it is one of the most consequential in human history,” Barrios told graduates as he spoke about their role in shaping the Age of Artificial Intelligence. “You are not a passenger in this moment — you are at the controls. Bring everything you are to it.”
His message also challenged graduates to bring their whole selves to their work and to recognize their role in shaping how machine learning and human capability can work together to meet the needs of the moment.
The ceremony also recognized outstanding achievements across the SGSB community, with Faculty of the Year and Student of the Year honors highlighting excellence in teaching, scholarship and leadership.
SGSB Student of the Year Award (2025-2026)
Program, Recipient
2026 SGSB Faculty of the Year
Program, Recipient