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Cal Poly Development

Mustang Athletic Fund

Meet the Coopers
 
On a crisp, San Luis Obispo autumn morning in 1989, Scott Cooper felt overwhelming pride as the homecoming crowd cheered the Mustangs' home victory against UC Davis. The stadium was packed, deafening cheers erupting from the stands, audible for miles. This is Scott's dearest memory of his tenure on the Cal Poly football team: simple, yet unforgettable.
 
Little did Scott know, he'd later be set up on a blind date with his now-wife, Laura, a Cal Poly Construction Management student. Together Laura and Scott, a graduate of the Orfalea School of Business, have grown together to support the Cal Poly Athletic Department today. The Coopers pride themselves on being a Mustang family, with both children, Tommy and Natalie, an alumnus and a soon-to-be graduate of Cal Poly.
 
"So much good in our lives has come from our association with Cal Poly Athletics. Continuing to give back to an athletics program that did so much for me is really important to us." 
-Scott Cooper

Coopers Donor

Giving Back
 
While he was an athlete at Cal Poly, Scott earned a scholarship that allowed him to continue playing during a financially difficult time for his parents. If not for this gift, he may have given up on his dream to earn a four-year degree like his grandfather, a first-generation college graduate.
 
Laura's grandfather, also a first-generation college graduate, worked tirelessly to provide a future for his three daughters, who he required to earn four-year degrees as well. Scott and Laura's family history of hard work and dedication to higher education inspires them to pay it forward today.
 
"What Scott and I have realized over time is that education is key. We understand how fortunate we are to have had the opportunity to receive an education from Cal Poly. Supporting Athletics is not just about creating a winning team, but it's much more about supporting students through a pivotal time in their growth. From the little ways we support, we can help these athletes succeed through their education." 
- Laura Cooper
 
Creating a Better Future
 
Continuing to support Cal Poly Athletics, no matter how small, can truly make an impact on a student who would not have otherwise received an education. Along with a specific degree, athletes learn time management, leadership and focus. The more individuals we give these opportunities to, the more intelligent, hard-working people we send into the workforce as doctors, lawyers, businesspeople and educators among other professions our society thrives upon.
 
"I am very proud that when I look at my roster of football teammates, there are so many successful, professional adults. By giving back, we are getting to witness something wonderful happening in an athlete's life and the bigger scope of creating a successful future. Considering everything I was given, it's the least I can do." 
-Scott Cooper

 

To make a donation to the Football Program, click on the link here. Or to learn more about sponsoring a student-athlete, contact Ashley Offermann, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development, at aofferma@calpoly.edu.