As a K-12 chemistry teacher in the Bay Area, Mark Kent (Chemistry, ’76) loves to watch a child’s eyes light up when they finally grasp a challenging concept.

His joy for chemistry education inspired him to leave a legacy that will support learning at Cal Poly long into the future.

Mark and his wife, Marley, established a planned legacy gift that will one day bequeath part of their estate to establish a named endowed professorship in the Cal Poly Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

“This is something that I thought about for a long time,” Mr. Kent said. “It was always at the back of my mind and just in the last five or six years that I started thinking ‘It's time to actually see if this can be a reality.’”

After arriving at Cal Poly in 1974 as a transfer student with a natural talent for understanding fundamental chemistry principles, even practicing by visualizing molecular models in his head, Mark developed a keen interest in laboratory work and the Learn by Doing model allowed him hands-on opportunities to cultivate his skills that would shape his future career.

It definitely feels like the right thing to do. I hope I'm setting an example for other alumni to do this kind of thing.

— Mark Kent (Chemistry, ’76)

After graduating, Mark continued his education in graduate school and went on to work as an industrial chemist for 24 years, even creating his own biotechnology patent during his successful career as a scientist. Twelve years ago, during a period of transition in his professional life, he decided to become a K-12 chemistry teacher (currently serving students in grades 8-12). He champions the power of inspiring the next generation.

“It definitely feels like the right thing to do,” Mr. Kent said regarding his legacy gift to Cal Poly. “I hope I'm setting an example for other alumni to do this kind of thing.”

Marley and Mark Kent don’t have children and decided mutually to give to causes they support, leading to Mark’s outreach to Cal Poly to set up their planned gift.

“He just felt better about everything that he was doing,” Marley said of their decision. “He has always wanted to support Cal Poly education, and I’m so glad he made the choice to do so.”

To consider a legacy gift, contact Bailey College Assistant Dean of Advancement and External Relations Morgen Marshall (mnmarsha@calpoly.edu).  

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