Former University President Hugh O. LaBounty, who served in the role from 1977 to 1991 passed away on Nov. 7.
Current President Soraya M. Coley sent an email to Cal Poly Pomona’s students, staff and faculty last Friday announcing LaBounty’s passing.
Coley said in the email that LaBounty had extensive expertise and generous spirit.
“Shortly after I arrived at Cal Poly Pomona in 2015, Hugh reached out to me, graciously offering to be of assistance in any way possible,” Coley wrote.
LaBounty arrived at Cal Poly Pomona in 1953 and worked as an instructor of English and speech.
He rose through the ranks until he became university president.
In 1966, he spoke to student Sharon Sforzini Grant about his thoughts on the school’s future.
“I think Cal Poly in the long haul and even in the immediate future has a magnificent opportunity to develop a reputation in the sense of service students in the area is second to none in Southern California,” LaBounty said. “I think that faculty members and staff members and students are going to see a prestige built around this school in the next decades.”
Coley wrote that Cal Poly Pomona is honoring LaBounty’s achievements and contributions to the university.
“His love of this university was palpable and his insights always proved invaluable,” she wrote.
He will be dearly missed.
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