Cleo Pollinger '25
Cleo Pollinger '25
Major: Economics and Information Systems and Business Analytics
Involvements: Resident Assistant, Igancio Companion Leader, De Colores Participant, NASPA Undergraduate Fellow, Intercultural Facilitator, Student Affairs Student Advisory Board Member
Awards: Program Scholars, Presidential Citation, Raymunde McKay, R.S.H.M. Award
As a double major in economics and information systems and business analytics from San Ramon, California, Cleo Pollinger ’25 has made a lasting impact at Loyola Marymount University. Not just through her academic achievements, but through the heart she brought to the halls of residence life and on campus.
Touring schools was different for Pollinger, graduating high school in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions. She was able to take part in the driving tours that LMU hosted, and she knew she could see herself on campus. “I could feel it,” reflected Pollinger. “I picked LMU because it felt right.” This was a pivotal moment and kicked off her desire to get involved on campus.
Serving as a resident advisor for the service-learning community, she quickly became a cornerstone of her community. “I help try to engage those residents in service and learn more about the local issues that are happening in L.A. That community has meant so much to me,” she shared, reflecting on her time supporting residents. Through late-night check-ins and creating inclusive programming, Pollinger helped build spaces where students could grow within service learning.
While she participated in many campus activities, it was the Resident Ministry and Student Housing events that left the biggest mark. “It's just like such a wide variety of people and advice or conversations. That's always really fun,” she said. “I try to make it to as many as possible.”
Her commitment to community also became the reason to push herself while at LMU. “I think people here actively express their gratitude for these places that shaped them. There's just a sense of care and compassion. Even during the hard times, you know someone has your back,” she said. That drive also shaped her academics, where she learned just as much in the classroom as outside of the classroom.
When asked to describe her LMU experience in one word, she chose curiosity. Why? “I didn't realize how much I didn't know about the world. I think it opens more questions for the future, which makes it more exciting,” Pollinger explains. She connects her LMU experience most closely with LMU’s commitment to committing to service and justice because “a lot of what I learned about through LMU, leads me to take action through service.”
Pollinger is preparing for what’s next and has accepted a fellowship through the Global Community Fellowship in Thailand where she will be a student mentor in student affairs. But before she goes, she has one final message for her mentors and leaders on the bluff: “You have meant so much to me and I know you’ll mean so much to other people too.”
Her journey may be moving off campus, but her impact on resident life, and the lives she touched within it, will continue to resonate in the halls she once called home.