Winter 2025
Community Involvement
Celebrating Cal Poly’s Award-Winning Rose Float: “Nessie’s Lakeside Laugh”
Since 1949, Cal Poly students from San Luis Obispo and Pomona campuses have come together to build the only fully student-designed and student-constructed float in the Rose Parade. This year’s creation, “Nessie’s Lakeside Laugh,” made waves at the 2025 parade by winning the Leishman Public Spirit Award—a testament to the collaboration, passion, and artistic prowess of everyone involved.
We’ve been fortunate to partner with the Cal Poly Rose Float program for several years, and this year was no different. We donated pampas grass, Phoenix roebelenii, and Palmetto fans to help bring “Nessie’s Lakeside Laugh” to life. Seeing these natural elements integrated into the float’s design was both exciting and fulfilling—proof of how even the smallest details can make a big splash on parade day.
Meet the Team
The float was brought to fruition by an incredible group of students and volunteers. Leading the charge were Haly Kost, Anna Z. Wu, Aubrey Lynn Going, Joshua D’acquisto, Cary Khatab, and Ashley Simmons, each of whom dedicated countless hours to every stage of the design, construction, and floral detailing. Their teamwork and creativity were on full display as they transformed raw materials into a whimsical lakeside scene featuring Nessie and her animal friends.
Award-Winning Design
“Nessie’s Lakeside Laugh” perfectly embodied the 2025 Rose Parade theme of “Best Day Ever!” by showcasing a joyous celebration among puffins, beavers, a Highland cow, a Scottish terrier, and the star of the show—Nessie herself. The vibrant florals, including thousands of pink carnations and roses, were meticulously applied by hand just two days before the parade. The result? A visually stunning float that captured the hearts of judges and spectators alike, earning Cal Poly its 76th Rose Float entry recognition with the Leishman Public Spirit Award.
Continuing the Legacy
The Cal Poly Rose Float tradition stands as a shining example of the university’s “Learn by Doing” motto. Over 200 students gain hands-on experience every year, learning not just about floral design, but also about project management, engineering, and teamwork. This immersive approach has led to an impressive legacy of award-winning entries that merge innovation, artistry, and the spirit of collaboration.
Looking Ahead
We’re honored to have contributed to Cal Poly’s latest success story and can’t wait to see how next year’s float builds on this momentum. Until then, we’ll be cheering on these remarkable students and celebrating their dedication to creativity, sustainability, and community involvement—traits that continue to set the Cal Poly Rose Float program apart.
For more details and to view parade highlights:
Thank you to everyone involved for another year of unforgettable Rose Parade memories!
