By Sabriel Zapata, April 21, 2026
Ninety-two-year-old Richard Mercado comes three times a week to mix, knead and stretch dough for Cal Poly Pomona’s pizza restaurant, The Patio by Innovation Brew Works.
Mercado is often regarded by coworkers as “the oldest person in college.”
“I don’t ever want to be idle,” Mercado said. “As long as I am able to work, I will work.”
Mercado said he was not a stranger to hard work, as he worked a variety of physically demanding jobs throughout his life starting with pay at 45 cents an hour.
Then, after five decades, he retired.
A slower pace of life as a retiree did not suit him, and his retirement has not lasted long. Mercado said.
In 2004, Mercado, wanting to work again, asked his sister-in-law if Kellogg West had any positions available. Then, a supervisor placed him at the Round Table Pizza previously located in the Bronco Student Center, which is now The Patio. Over two decades later, he still works on campus.
“Don’t do something for money, do it because you love it, and do a good job,” Mercado said.
Even though four times his juniors, Mercado’s coworkers praised work ethics and kindness.
Architecture student and coworker Kimberly M. De La Rosa said she appreciates Mercado for his hard work and kindness.
“Richard is cool, kind and an awesome coworker,” De La Rosa said. “He also loves to share stories and loves to talk about the Green Bay Packers.”
“Richard is a bright soul,” Kaculo said. “He is a very knowledgeable man, a human library of knowledge, he loves to share about his life experiences.
