The W.K. Kellogg Legacy
The story of Kellogg West is more than history, it’s a living commitment to lifelong learning. From a generous gift of land and horses to a nationally recognized center for professional development, this space has always served one purpose: to grow people. Today, Kellogg West remains a vital extension of W.K. Kellogg’s mission—empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and turning knowledge into action.
1925
The Winter Estate
W.K. Kellogg, the cereal magnate, purchases 377 acres in Pomona, California, where he builds his winter home, now known as the Kellogg House. This sprawling estate would become the foundation for innovation and education as the future site of Cal Poly Pomona.
1926
Arabian Horse Ranch Established
Kellogg establishes his famous W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Ranch on the property, importing the finest Arabian horses from around the world. It becomes a popular destination for 1920s Hollywood stars to visit rare Arabian horses while Kellogg’s horses appeared in several films. The ranch became so popular that a show was established on Sundays in order to better showcase the Arabian horses.
1930
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Kellogg establishes the W.K. Kellogg Foundation with the mission "to help people help themselves through the practical application of knowledge and resources to improve their quality of life and that of future generations." This foundation would become instrumental in supporting education initiatives.
1939
Gift to California
In an extraordinary act of philanthropy, W.K. Kellogg deeds his entire 813-acre Pomona estate, including the mansion and horse ranch, to the State of California. His vision: to create an educational institution that would serve the agricultural needs of Southern California.
1938-1956
Kellogg-Voorhis Campus
The property becomes the Kellogg-Voorhis campus, serving as a branch of the University of California system focused on agricultural education. Students live and learn on the former horse ranch, with Kellogg's mansion serving as administrative offices and student housing.
1956
Birth of Cal Poly Pomona
The Kellogg-Voorhis campus is transferred to the California State University system and becomes California State Polytechnic College, Pomona (now Cal Poly Pomona). The institution continues Kellogg's vision of practical, hands-on education with a focus on agriculture, engineering, and applied sciences.
1971
Kellogg West Conference Center
The Kellogg West Conference Center and Hotel opens on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, built with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This state-of-the-art facility provides conference services, continuing education programs, and hospitality training for students while honoring Kellogg's commitment to lifelong learning.
1993
Kellogg House Pomona
W.K. Kellogg's original 1925 mansion is restored and reopened as the Kellogg House Pomona, an elegant restaurant and event venue. The historic home, with its original furnishings and architectural details, serves as a living museum of Kellogg's legacy while providing hands-on hospitality management experience for Cal Poly students.
Present Day
Living Legacy
Today, Cal Poly Pomona thrives on the land that W.K. Kellogg generously donated, serving over 25,000 students. The Kellogg West Conference Center and Kellogg House Pomona continue to embody his vision of practical education, providing real-world learning experiences while preserving the rich history of one of America's great philanthropists.