When Patrick Hanlon (Mechanical Engineering, '92) first set foot on Cal Poly’s campus, it just felt right. A mechanical engineering major from Redding, he was drawn to the university’s practical approach and the welcoming atmosphere. It was a smaller-town feel with big opportunities — just the place for a math-and-science enthusiast with entrepreneurial ambitions. 

“I did well in math and sciences,” Hanlon recalled. “It took one visit, and I knew it was the place for me.” 

One of the most formative parts of his time at Cal Poly was the Aero Hangar, where he and his peers poured their energy into building one of the university’s first SAE cars. There was a sense of camaraderie, with students from different backgrounds — like the professional welder-turned-student who stayed up all night to craft custom parts. This hands-on work shaped Hanlon’s mindset and prepared him to navigate the fast-moving challenges of the tech world.  

Graduating in 1992, Hanlon’s career took off at Seagate Technology, where he spent nearly a decade building his expertise while taking business classes at night. Earning his MBA from Santa Clara University allowed him to stay connected to the Silicon Valley community while broadening his perspective of strategic marketing and business development. 

Over the next two decades, he moved between established companies and startups, including Brocade Communications and SanDisk. His career ultimately led him to the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, where he joined Kinara Inc., a company using deep learning to deliver advanced computer vision for low-power, edge-based applications.

But Hanlon’s connection to Cal Poly never waned. When his son enrolled as a computer science major in 2017, Hanlon saw an opportunity to reengage. At a parents meeting, he introduced himself to Chris Lupo, who was then chair of the CSSE Department, and asked, “How can I help you?” That simple question led to GPU donations, new industry partnerships and a seat on the CSSE Industrial Advisory Board. 

Now, Hanlon is stepping into a larger leadership role as the incoming chair of the Noyce School of Applied Computing Industrial Advisory Board. His goal? To help Cal Poly become a leader in computing — an unassuming state university on California’s Central Coast that becomes an undeniable force in the tech world. 

“Industry connections can spawn big innovations,” Hanlon said. “And Cal Poly could spark new businesses and economic growth, not just for the region, but for the state and the country.”

As part of Poly Gives, Cal Poly’s annual fundraising drive, Hanlon is matching donations up to $25,000 to support Earn by Doing: Computing Tutors, Techs and TAs program. He believes in giving students the chance to gain real-world experience through paid positions — roles that not only teach essential skills but also foster a stronger grasp of the material through peer teaching and practical engagement. 

“Cal Poly students are ready from Day One. And when they're working in the lab or teaching their peers, they learn that content better,” he said. “Plus, for those who need it, it’s a form of financial aid. Everyone is learning from each other.” 

For Hanlon, Poly Gives is about more than just raising funds; it’s about showcasing the value of Cal Poly. He knows firsthand the power of a Learn by Doing education, and he’s committed to helping the next generation of engineers and computer scientists build their own paths to success. 

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