Baker Forum
The Baker Forum was established in 1999 on the occasion of two decades of service to Cal Poly by President Warren J. Baker and his wife, Carly, to further the dialogue on critical public policy issues facing the nation and higher education. The forum gives particular attention to the special social and economic roles and responsibilities of polytechnic and science and technology universities.
The health and prosperity of humanity in the 21st century depend upon our ability to sustain and increase the pace of scientific and technical innovation. Polytechnic and science and technology universities must lead the way in ensuring that these innovations are applied broadly to serve the interests of society and in preparing new generations of innovators and problem-solvers.
The biennial Baker Forum provides an opportunity for polytechnic and science and technology university presidents and industry leaders to come together in an issue-focused, highly interactive setting designed to promote international dialogue, highlight issues of critical importance and stimulate creative responses.
Past events have featured a range of dynamic speakers:
2026 Mustangs to the Moon and Back: An Evening with Cal Poly Alum and NASA Astronaut Victor Glover.
2023 The Impact of Learn by Doing: A Discussion with Cal Poly Honored Alumni Moderated by Third Year Biology Student and Frost Scholar Genesis Glover.
2018 Diversity as a Driver of Economic Development and Innovation featuring Kimberly McLaughlin-Smith followed by a panel discussion featuring students and faculty.
2016 Diversity in Higher Education: Creating a Diverse Workforce. Panel discussion moderated by William Swanson (Raytheon) and including Silvia Aguilar (Lam Research), Margaret Fortune (CSU and Fortune Schools), Blake Irving (GoDaddy.com) and Suzanne Vautrinot (US Air Force).
2013 The Future of STEM Education and the Importance of Educating Today’s Youth. Panel discussion moderated by William Swanson (Raytheon) and including Warren J. Baker (President Emeritus Cal Poly), Silvia Aguilar (Lam Research), Guillermo Fernández (U.S.‐Mexico Foundation for Science) and Susan Hackwood (California Council on Science and Technology).
2010 Exploring the Multiple Dimensions of Innovation: Implications for Polytechnic Universities featuring Walter Moos, Vice President Biosciences Division, SRI International.
2008 What Does it Mean to be a Polytechnic University in the 21st Century? featuring John P. Morgridge, Chairman Emeritus of the Board for Cisco Systems, Inc.
2006 Achieving Sustainable Solutions to the Global Energy and Environmental Challenge featuring David L. Goodstein, Vice Provost and Professor of Physics and Applied Physics, CA Institute of Technology.
2004 Expanding the Pathways to Science and Engineering Careers: Exploring the Multiple Roles that Industry and Higher Education Play in Support of K‐12 Science and Mathematics Education featuring John P. Morgridge, Chairman of the Board for Cisco Systems, Inc.
2002 The future of Polytechnic & Science and Technology Universities featuring Susan Hackwood, Executive Director for California Council on Science and Technology (inaugural Baker Forum).
2000 Tidal Wave II and the California Science and Technology Workforce Gap: Meeting the Challenge through Partnerships (precursor to Baker Forum).