By Kristine Pascual, March 11, 2025
Alumnus Lowell Overton ‘77 recalled a unique memory from his time at Cal Poly Pomona: watching Van Halen perform live for free during U-Hour at University Park.
One month shy of 16th annual Lowell Overton Symposium, Overton looks back on beloved memories he made at CPP 50 years ago. Originally a political science student at Mt. San Antonio College, Overton transferred to CPP and focused on taking psychology and sociology courses. In the 1970s, psychology and sociology were categorized into a single major called behavioral sciences, the major Overton changed to over his original at Mt. SAC, political science.
“I considered myself very fortunate to have been accepted at Cal Poly (Pomona),” Overton said. “I was getting A’s and B’s in psychology and sociology courses but getting C’s in political science ones. That’s what led me to behavioral sciences.”
Post graduation, Overton found a “stop-gap” job in real estate after a CPP buddy recommended it to him. He was eager to enter the field and bought various books about successful realtors and entrepreneurs. He found himself naturally succeeding in real estate and became a broker in two years. By 1992, Overton closed $35 million in residential income, averaging a sold house every other day. In 2008, Overton ranked No. 1 nationally in sales for Coldwell Affiliates and No. 10 in the world.
Recipient of the “Legend Award,” given by Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, the broker credited the foundation of his mass success to his major coursework at CPP.
Throughout his career, Overton frequently found himself using psychology methods and terms he learned in college. With his background in behavioral sciences, Overton is able to use certain psychological strategies to entice a client.
“I use the same procedures and things I learned at Cal Poly (Pomona) in the corporate world, and that’s what helped me be the No. 1 agent in the nation,” Overton said.
The alumnus continues to be well connected with the campus, serving as a board member for Cal Poly Pomona Foundation. Overton funded scholarships for students in the psychology and sociology departments, before he was approached about a symposium. The department wanted Overton to be involved in something more directly impactful on the students.
Named after himself, the Lowell Overton Undergraduate Research Symposium is for students to showcase their research projects through oral and poster presentations. Students majoring in psychology, sociology or criminology are encouraged to participate in the symposium, especially if planning to attend graduate school.
Jordan Johnson, a criminology student, was part of a research group last year that won the award for the best poster presentation. Johnson presented two topics at the 2024 symposium with an oral and poster presentation. Johnson thanks Overton’s symposium for helping her create a tight-knit circle of like-minded peers.
“The symposium was a lot of fun,” Johnson said. “You meet so many cool people; it’s such a good community to have with the upperclassmen guiding and encouraging you.”
Alumna Oona Iglesias studied the effectiveness of the McNair Scholars Program at CPP during last spring’s symposium under the guidance of assistant professor of the sociology department Peter Hanink, her mentor. Iglesias first learned of the symposium through flyers and encouragement from professors in the department.
“(Overton) is cool,” Iglesias said. “He gives a speech at the end, and it’s great that he’s donating so students get scholarships from participating. It’s a really great space to gain experience and network. It’s one of the best symposiums I’ve been to.”
Overton’s favorite part of the symposium is hearing and meeting the students who present their research projects. The alumnus is inspired by the creativity and level of work ethic the students have when they present their topics.
“The topics the students choose are so imaginary,” Overton said. “They never cease to amaze me. Year after year, the topics are unbelievably creative. I think the hardest part is choosing who wins. Every single one is a homerun.”
Overton has fond memories of the CPP campus including football games and student-run theater productions. As a student, Overton watched the CPP baseball team take home the NCAA Division II Championship with “legendary coach” John Scollinos.
“I liked going to the games,” Overton said. “We actually had football back then believe it or not. Back then we had a pretty good program, one of the guys who played when I was there ended up going pro — Jim Zorn.”
Apart from sporting events, Overton also enjoyed the arts community at CPP. He attended various student-run productions including plays and musicals, often impressed by how talented the performers were. He remembered the time an up and coming Van Halen came to CPP to perform and promote their weekend show at Walter Mitty’s, a bar in Pomona.
“Van Halen just signed a contract and hadn’t come out with a record yet,” Overton said. “After a 45-minute set, he and his buddies turned up at Walter Mitty’s. We knew they were special then, even though they hadn’t come out with a record yet.”
Van Halen performing in front of a college crowd is just one of many memories Overton reminisced about his time at CPP, but he takes more pride in graduating from CPP and funding several scholarships for the psychology and sociology departments. The 16th annual Lowell Overton Symposium will take place Friday, April 21st in Building 5 at 11:30 a.m.
Feature image courtesy of Cal Poly Pomona
