The Bronco Student Center (BSC, Bldg. 35) came alive with creative energy this month as Associated Students, Incorporated (ASI) hosted the first-ever Bronco Spotlight event. The showcase celebrated the diverse talents and cultures across Cal Poly Pomona’s (CPP) campus, giving students the opportunity to step out from behind the textbooks and embrace their artistic sides. The atmosphere radiated creative energy from the moment you stepped through the Ursa Major doors.
Throughout the night, there were live performances from various students, artists, and groups. Erick Gonzalez, a fifth-year Urban and Regional Planning major, kicked off the student performances and got the crowd energized with his guitar skills. “I wanted to start with a song that could pump up the audience, but also be something that I know and love,” he explained about his opening number.
As attendees explored the event, many student clubs had booths set up to raise awareness about their organizations. The CPP Book Club’s table was stocked with books from previous reading selections and collages from recent club activities. “We prepared by trying to highlight the things we do and show the diversity of events we offer students,” said Lauren Wong, the club’s president, and a third-year Visual Communication Design major.
Micaela Garcia, the club’s secretary and second-year Civil Engineering student, echoed those sentiments, “This seemed like a cool opportunity to put our club out there and meet new people for next semester.”
At the center of Bronco Spotlight was a marketplace featuring an array of vendors. This marketplace allowed small businesses to shine. Among the most popular booths were racks of vintage secondhand clothing curated by student entrepreneurs.
Attendees also gravitated toward a booth hosted by ASI’s very own Harleen Garcha, a third-year Marketing and Finance student. Garcha represented her family’s company Bollywood Music and Gifts, displaying beautiful Indian jewelry, aromatic incense, and other South Asian goods. “I hope with this event people will learn more about Indian culture and also learn more about my company and maybe even come to our locations in Artesia,” she said.
The evening’s final act featured the Zapateando Del Corazon Club taking the stage for a lively Folklórico dance performance—their first in front of a live audience. “I’m really excited to showcase my culture,” beamed Natalie Cano, a first-year Computer Information Systems major in the club. “It means a lot that I’m able to come here to my college campus and share that with other students.” The student group dazzled the audience dressed in traditional outfits. The choreography was executed with effortless precision.
Bronco Spotlight allowed creative minds to run free. The stage provided a canvas for performers to boldly express themselves through music, dance, and other outlets. Clubs proudly represented their passions through informative tabling and interactive displays. For vendors, the marketplace was a platform to display their merchandise and companies.
Most importantly, Bronco Spotlight united CPP’s diverse population. A multitude of cultures, identities, and perspectives shined together in this event. Students left feeling inspired and eager to see their fellow creatives take the spotlight again soon.
What was your favorite part of Bronco Spotlight? Let us know your experience on our social media and keep up to date on more upcoming events @ASICPP on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok!
