Cal Poly

On February 1, 1979, after 39 years at Cal Poly, President Kennedy retired. During his twelve years as president, Cal Poly experienced a great deal of growth.

• Enrollment doubled from 7,000 to nearly 16,000;
• major campus landmarks were constructed, including the University Union, the Sierra Madre and Yosemite dormitories, Science North, and the Clyde P. Fisher Building;
• and Cal Poly grew to a nationally recognized university.

Greatest contribution

Looking back on his time as president, Kennedy stated: "If somebody were to say, what was your greatest contribution at Cal Poly, I would say a transition from the kind of administration style that it was, into the kind of administrative style they can live with for all time."

Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to read and view our tribute to Cal Poly President Emeritus Robert E. Kennedy.

Interested in learning more? We have links to more resources about his life and career.