As the valedictorian for Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Science, criminology major Seth Ko credits his success not just on academics, but to the relationships and experiences that shaped him along the way.
Throughout his time in CLASS, Ko developed strong communication skills, learning how to connect with both peers and professors. For him, success wasn’t about mastering one technical skill, but about building meaningful relationships and engaging with the people around him.
Faculty mentorship played a major role in his journey. Through attending office hours and engaging in conversations outside of class, Ko became involved in research with professors like Dr. Philippe Duhart and Dr. Gabriele Plickert. His work with them included studying the sociological factors behind mass shootings and documenting locations of shootings in Pomona through photography.
Ko also took advantage of other campus opportunities outside his major. For example, a rhetorical theory course helped strengthen his reading and critical thinking skills, which he plans to carry with him as he pursues a career in law. Beyond academics, he was involved in the criminology club and judicial internship program, where he gained firsthand insight into the legal field.
For Ko, being part of CLASS is especially meaningful because of the community that supported him along the way.
“I’ve met some of the most wonderful people in CLASS... who’ve all invested in me,” he said.
He also credits his personal faith as an important part of his journey, helping guide his sense of purpose and direction both during college and beyond graduation.
Looking back, Ko described his college experience in one word: “formation.”
“It was a formative time for me as a person,” he said.
As he prepares for what comes next, Ko carries with him not only the skills he developed in the classroom, but also a strong sense of purpose shaped by his experiences at Cal Poly Pomona.
Learn more about Seth and his story in this featured .
The Julian A. McPhee Honor Award for Student Excellence is one of Cal Poly Pomona’s most distinguished recognitions, presented annually to a select group of graduating students. Named for the university’s founding president, the award honors students who excel academically and demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement and making a positive impact beyond the classroom.