Cal Poly Rose Float is a joint effort between Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo universities to enter a student-built float in the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association’s Rose Parade.  Both Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are the two designated Polytechnic universities within the 23-campus California State University System (the largest four-year public university system in the U.S.).   

Since 1949, Cal Poly Rose Float has continuously designed, built, financed, and decorated the float-entry in the annual Parade. Over the last 72 years, Cal Poly Rose Float has been awarded a total of 60 awards/trophies (about 83% of all participating years).  

More importantly, Cal Poly Rose Float has been a tremendous leader in the introduction of new technology to the Parade.  This includes the first use of: hydraulics for animation in 1968, computer-controlled animation in 1978, fiber optics in 1982, animated decorations in 2014, and color-changing floral effect in 2017.  

This program is one of the longest consecutive running self-built entries in the parade, as well as the only "student self-built" float designed and constructed entirely by students year-round on two campuses. They compete against professional float builders who manufacture entries for sponsors, many of them with development budgets approaching $1 million. This tradition continues today and marks the partnership between the two campuses. 

Cal Poly Rose Float

The San Luis Obispo office focuses on supporting engineering and operations in hydraulic systems and project management.

San Luis Obispo

Philippe Napaa

This department focuses on managing and executing construction projects and coordinating operational tasks.

Construction Operations

This department oversees and coordinates all operational activities to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in processes.

Operations Management

This department oversees the strategic direction and management of design initiatives within the organization.

Design Leadership

This department oversees and coordinates construction projects, ensuring efficiency and safety throughout the building process.

Construction Management

This department focuses on the design and development of mechanical and electronic systems.

Engineering Department

This department focuses on planning and executing decorative elements for events.

Cal Poly Rose Float

Org chart

Teams

Construction Operations

Operations Management

Design Leadership

Construction Management

Engineering Department

Event Decorations

Offices

Cal Poly Rose Float

Org chart

Teams

Construction Operations

Operations Management

Design Leadership

Construction Management

Engineering Department

Event Decorations

Offices

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