Latest News
HVAC&R concentration Update
This year marks a major milestone: 20 years of the Mechanical Engineering HVAC&R Concentration as well as the 20th Annual Cal Poly HVAC&R Fundraiser!
We kicked off our celebration with the Women in ME/ASHRAE Dinner on October 9, where more than 60 students joined industry professionals and faculty for an evening of networking and inspiration. The event fostered meaningful connections, highlighted diverse career paths in HVAC&R, and encouraged students to prepare for the transition from school to professional life.
The excitement continued with our HVAC&R Industry Showcase on Friday, October 10, which saw record-breaking student attendance! Over 300 students connected with representatives from 35+ companies across the HVAC&R industry. The Showcase remains one of the most valuable opportunities for students to explore career options, find internships and full-time positions, and learn firsthand about the HVAC&R industry.
Our 20th Anniversary Dinner Celebration honored our sponsors and supporters who helped raise $150,000 for the Cal Poly HVAC&R Program—funds that will sustain our tradition of excellence in undergraduate HVAC&R education. During the evening, Steffen presented the rich history of HVAC&R education at Cal Poly, tracing its roots back to 1936, when the first Air Conditioning Industries courses and technical certificates were established. More historic pictures can be found in our Cal Poly HVAC&R Through the Years Photo Gallery. He also shared a look ahead at several exciting milestones:
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2027 – 90 years of the A/C Club at Cal Poly
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2030 – 90 years of HVAC&R Engineering and 70 years of the Cal Poly ASHRAE Student Branch
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2036 – 100 years of HVAC&R education at Cal Poly
The weekend concluded with a day of sunshine and fun, as alumni, faculty, and students enjoyed golfing, wine tasting, and mountain biking in true Cal Poly spirit.
Looking ahead, our ASHRAE Student Club Fall Field Trip will include attending the San Jose ASHRAE Chapter Student Night, along with a visit to local HVAC&R company and job site—offering students valuable industry exposure.
As we enter the new year, we are excited to launch the Net-Zero Design Competition 2026 and host our first Cal Poly HVAC&R Conference in collaboration with NASRC on April 17, 2026: Student Experience & Career Networking – The Future of Cooling: From Everyday Life to Global Impact.
Stay tuned and check our Events tab regularly for updates on these and other upcoming opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate with the Cal Poly HVAC&R community.
- Steffen Peuker,
- Professor, HVAC&R Director and IAB Liaison
- 805-756-1353
- speuker@calpoly.edu
Project Spotlight
Senior Design - ASHRAE Student Design Competition
Students were tasked to present the methods and decisions that went into selecting an HVAC system for a single-story laboratory facility in Cairo, Egypt. This 2,515 m2 (27,000 ft2) new construction contains a variety of rooms, including wet bench labs, dry bench computational labs, research support offices, a common area for circulation, a break room, and an atrium reception area. The owner specified building requirements including a budget, operating hours, and a space function analysis.
Upcoming Events
ASHRAE Winter Conference Recap Discussion
Join the Cal Poly ASHRAE Student Chapter for a recap discussion of the ASHRAE Winter Conference. Students who attended the conference will share their experiences networking with industry professionals and touring the Hoover Dam, as well as key takeaways from technical sessions. The discussion will highlight how these insights can be applied to coursework, internships, and future careers in HVAC&R. This event is open to all students interested in learning more about ASHRAE conferences and professional development opportunities.
Date: Thursday, February 5th
Location: 13-124 (HVAC&R lab)
Time: 11:10am
Networking with DMG Corporation Heating & Cooling
The Cal Poly ASHRAE Student Chapter welcomes Aidan Hays from DMG Corporation, a construction mechanical contractor based in Orange County, CA, for a networking and informational session. DMG Corporation specializes in top-tier HVAC equipment sales and partners with leading manufacturers to deliver engineered products tailored to client specifications. During the discussion, attendees will learn about DMG’s company culture, industry roles, and open opportunities for students interested in careers in HVAC&R. This event is open to all students looking to connect with industry professionals and explore potential career paths.
Date: Thursday, February 12th
Location: 13-124 (HVAC&R lab)
Time: 11:10am
