Cal Poly Alumnus Pilots Orion Spacecraft on Historic Moon Mission

President Jeffrey Armstrong celebrates Victor Glover's journey as a testament to Cal Poly's 'Learn by Doing' philosophy.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:59am

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A bold, abstract painting in soft earth tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise celestial spirals, conceptually representing the Orion spacecraft's journey around the moon.Cal Poly's pioneering spirit soars to new heights as one of its own pilots the Orion spacecraft on a historic lunar mission.San Luis Obispo Today

Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong expresses immense pride in alumnus Victor Glover, who is currently piloting the Orion spacecraft on a historic mission around the moon. Armstrong highlights how Glover's journey exemplifies Cal Poly's 'Learn by Doing' approach, where hands-on learning fuels ambition and determination. The university is celebrating Glover's accomplishments as he and his crew push the boundaries of human exploration, while also welcoming over 8,000 prospective students and their families to the campus for Open House.

Why it matters

Victor Glover's mission represents a significant milestone for Cal Poly, showcasing the university's ability to prepare students for the most ambitious endeavors. As a pilot on this lunar mission, Glover is carrying Cal Poly's educational philosophy beyond Earth, inspiring current and future students to pursue their own dreams of exploration and innovation.

The details

Victor Glover, a Cal Poly alumnus who graduated in 1999 with a degree in Engineering, is currently serving as a pilot on the Orion spacecraft's mission around the moon. This mission is pushing the boundaries of human exploration, with Glover and his crew enduring periods of no contact with Earth as they venture farther than any human has ever traveled. Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong is celebrating Glover's achievements as a testament to the university's 'Learn by Doing' approach, which has prepared countless students to become leaders in their fields.

  • Victor Glover and his crew are currently on their mission around the moon.
  • Cal Poly is hosting its annual Open House event this week, welcoming over 8,000 prospective students and their families to the campus.

The players

Victor Glover

A Cal Poly alumnus who graduated in 1999 with a degree in Engineering. He is currently serving as a pilot on the Orion spacecraft's mission around the moon, pushing the boundaries of human exploration.

Jeffrey Armstrong

The president of Cal Poly, who has expressed immense pride in Glover's achievements and how they exemplify the university's 'Learn by Doing' philosophy.

Cal Poly

A public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, known for its hands-on, project-based learning approach that has produced many successful alumni, including Victor Glover.

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What they’re saying

“Victor and his crew are sending a strong message to us and the world — one of peace, unity and supporting our fellow humans.”

— Jeffrey Armstrong, President, Cal Poly

“This week reminds us that at Cal Poly, we don't just imagine what's possible — we prepare people to achieve it.”

— Jeffrey Armstrong, President, Cal Poly

What’s next

As Victor Glover and his crew return to Earth, Cal Poly will host a live feed of the Orion capsule's descent at the iconic Poly Royal Rodeo, allowing the campus community and prospective students to witness this historic moment.

The takeaway

Victor Glover's journey to the moon as a Cal Poly alumnus demonstrates the university's ability to cultivate ambitious, determined leaders who are capable of pushing the boundaries of human exploration. This mission serves as a powerful reminder of Cal Poly's commitment to hands-on, experiential learning and its enduring impact on the lives of its students.