For Paul Keitz (Chemistry, ‘83) and Diana Chung, supporting Cal Poly means more than making a gift; it also means investing in students.

“There is more than one way of giving at Cal Poly,” said Chung. “We hope to raise awareness that giving your time is just as important.”

As volunteer mentors in the Bailey Alumni Mentoring Students (BAMS) program, the two work closely with students to share career guidance and expand their understanding of opportunities in science. During this year’s Poly Gives, April 9-11, 2026, they are also contributing $5,000 to the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics’ Learn by Doing Fund as part of a larger unlocking challenge. Once the Learn by Doing Fund raises $20,000 in gifts, an additional $10,000 donation will be unlocked, thanks to Paul and Diana, as well as other generous Bailey College supporters.

The Bailey College Learn by Doing Fund supports an active, hands-on education by creating high-impact experiences that directly benefit student success. It funds student-led events, seminars and workshops, travel to professional conferences, scholarships and stipends for undergraduate research, study abroad opportunities and access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment.

The Bay Area couple are longtime supporters of Cal Poly. In addition to serving on the Bailey College Dean’s Leadership Council, they are also Cal Poly parents and regular donors. They built their careers in the biopharma and biotech industries, working in a variety of roles at both small and large companies, including Gilead Sciences, Roche and Genentech. Chung began her career as a bench scientist before moving into clinical development and later leadership roles, including Chief Development Officer. Keitz worked as a research scientist before transitioning into strategic planning and project management. They draw on their diverse career paths when mentoring students in BAMS.

“There are great careers for people who have a scientific background that go beyond being a bench scientist,” Keitz said. “Both of us have an interest in promoting these as parallel careers to those typically pursued by biologists or chemists, because there's no career ceilings. You can go as far as you want.”

After graduating from Cal Poly, Keitz earned his doctorate from Columbia University. He credits his Learn by Doing education with giving him a competitive edge.

“When you come out of Cal Poly, you know your stuff,” Keitz said. “And I was able to transition to graduate school seamlessly.”

The Cal Poly tradition continues in their family, as both their sons are Mustangs. Their oldest graduated in 2023 with a degree in electrical engineering and a minor in computer science. Their younger son is a statistics major with a minor in computer science and was recently accepted to a master's program in statistics.

The couple said they are happy to support Cal Poly — whether through time, talent or treasure — and hope their philanthropy will inspire their sons to follow in their footsteps someday.

“We hope the example we’re setting will encourage our children to give back at some point in their careers,” Chung said.

Poly Gives 2026 raised over $835,000 from 1120 donors, thanks in part to generous matching gifts like this one. Thanks to everyone who helped support Poly Gives this year!

 

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