The Feng family on the tennis courts during Class Day 2024 — the same courts where Matthew played for four years.
The Feng family celebrated Matthew and his doubles partner, Eshaan Lumba ’24, after their win at the Fall ITA Doubles. Also pictured is Matthew’s brother Luke PZ ’26, who is on the team.
The Pomona-Pitzer Men’s Tennis team, bonded by teamwork and dedication, huddles on the courts.
From the challenges of taking classes during a pandemic to the demands of balancing rigorous academics with intense tennis competitions, Mark Feng P’24 saw how Pomona College’s academic excellence and tight-knit community shaped his son Matthew’s character. For Feng, the decision to support Pomona was not only about helping his son succeed; it was also a way to give back to a community that played a pivotal role in Matthew’s development.
Now, even though Matthew graduated in 2024, the Feng family remains deeply connected to the College, volunteering and giving back to the Pomona Annual Fund to ensure that future generations of students can experience the same transformative journey that their son did.
While Pomona offered a perfect fit for Matthew — a gifted student-athlete with aspirations in medicine — he faced a few detours on his road to becoming a college graduate.
Like many students who started college in 2020, Matthew’s first year at Pomona was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The typical freshman experience of living in a residential hall and getting involved in campus life was upended by lockdowns and remote learning. Yet, even during those isolating times, Pomona found ways to foster meaningful connections for students.
“Pomona went above and beyond to create community, whether it was through virtual events or having Matthew’s older teammates come out to Arcadia to play tennis with him,” says Feng. “They made sure he felt supported, even from a distance.”
When in-person learning resumed Matthew’s sophomore year, Feng says the transformative power of Pomona’s unique environment was unmistakable. He appreciated the College’s ability to provide students the freedom to discover their own paths while ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive.
“Matthew grew not only in knowledge, but in character. That’s what I’m most proud of,” says Feng.
This growth was clearly reflected when Matthew was awarded the 2024 SCIAC Sportsman of the Year Award, an honor that recognized his ability to lift and inspire teammates on and off the court. To his father, the award wasn’t just another accolade — it was proof that Pomona’s values of character and community were integral to his son’s personal development.
Pomona’s commitment to building a supportive community extended far beyond campus. When Feng started volunteering with the Pomona-Pitzer Men’s Tennis program, he joined the team on a trip to Minnesota. Throughout a blizzard and sub-zero temperatures, Feng witnessed firsthand how the team took care of each other in those extreme conditions.
“I saw how much the coach and the players had each other’s backs,” says Feng. “They weren’t just focused on winning matches — they were committed to creating a lasting bond.”
As Feng continued volunteering his time with the tennis team, the expense of these experiences became increasingly evident. The costs associated with travel, equipment and even simple things like snacks for players add up quickly. This realization led him to a deeper understanding of how the Pomona Annual Fund provides essential support for the athletics program.
“Whether it’s covering the costs of a trip or ensuring that students have everything they need, it’s evident that every gift makes a difference,” Feng says.
“We’ve all benefited from people who helped us along the way and now it’s our turn to give that same support to all those who walk through Pomona’s Gates,” Feng says. “Even though Matthew is no longer a Pomona student, he’s still part of the Sagehen family — and we are too.”
Gifts to the Pomona Annual Fund help students like Matthew flourish in Pomona’s academic and extracurricular programs, including Sagehen Athletics. Visit our website or call 909-607-6096 to make a gift today.