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Honorary Degrees
California State University (CSU) honorary degree recipients have demonstrated excellence in areas that benefit humanity, CSU campuses, the state, the nation, and/or the world.
To understand the caliber of their impact, it is noteworthy that the first degree awarded was to then-President John F. Kennedy in June 1963 at San Diego State University.
Each recipient receives an honorary degree from CSU and Sacramento State. Nominees for 2025 have been selected and announced. Degrees will be conferred during the 2025 commencement ceremonies.
Read the CSU Board of Trustees Policy for Awarding Honorary Degrees for detailed information about the process.
Thomas L. Karlo, General Manager Emeritus, KPBS/SDSU
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (LHD), 2025
Tom Karlo is a visionary public media leader whose 40-year career advanced the mission of the California State University system. A San Diego State graduate, he transformed KPBS into one of the nation’s top public media stations and later came out of retirement to rescue Sacramento State’s Capital Public Radio from financial crisis. His leadership increased audience engagement, stabilized operations, and secured the station’s NPR affiliation. A first-generation college student and Emmy-winning cinematographer, Karlo’s legacy reflects a deep commitment to education, community, and the power of storytelling.
Paul Lau, CEO and General Manager, SMUD
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (LHD), 2025
Paul Lau is CEO and General Manager of SMUD, where he has led nationally recognized clean energy efforts and championed carbon neutrality by 2030. A Sacramento State graduate and former intern, Lau has dedicated more than four decades to environmental innovation, workforce development, and expanding access to STEM education. His leadership has shaped local, national, and international energy policy, while his personal journey as a Chinese immigrant fuels his commitment to equity and opportunity for underserved communities.
Randy Solorio, Gymnastics Head Coach (Ret.), Sacramento State
President's Medal for Distinguished Service, Awarded Posthumously, 2025
Randy Solorio was a beloved coach, educator, and performer who spent nearly 40 years shaping Sacramento State’s gymnastics program and student experience. He led the Hornets to multiple championships and earned national coaching honors. Also a dedicated faculty member, Solorio was known for his popular ballroom dance class and service on university boards. A former All-American gymnast, he brought his love of performance to both athletics and the arts. His warmth, spirit, and lasting contributions continue to inspire the Sacramento State community.
Previous recipients
Russ Buettner
Investigative Reporter, The New York Times
Doctor of Humane Letters (Litt.D.) 2024
Roger G.F. Fong
Sacramento County Assessor (Ret.) and Five Star Bank Founding Chairman of the Board
Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) 2024
Liz Igra
President, Central Valley Holocaust Educators’ Network
Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) 2023
Mathilde Mukantabana
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda
Doctor of Humane Letters 2023
Esteban Villa
Emeritus Professor of Art, Sacramento State and Founding Member, Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF)
Doctor of Fine Arts 2022
May O. Lee
Founding Director, Asian Resources, Inc.
Doctor of Humane Letters 2022
Lee Ritchey
Founder and President, Speeding Edge
Doctor of Science 2021
Kevin Michael Nagle
Chairman & CEO, Sac Soccer & Entertainment Holdings
Doctor of Humane Letters 2020
Lorenda T. Sanchez
Executive Director, California Indian Manpower Consortium, Inc.
Doctor of Humane Letters 2020
Marlene Marie von Friederichs-Fitzwater
Emeritus Faculty and Founder of the Health Communication Research Institute Inc.
Doctor of Humane Letters 2019
Hazel Witten Mahone
Emeritus Faculty, Author, and Advocate
Doctor of Humane Letters 2019
Alice A. Huffman
Political Activist
Doctor of Humane Letters 2018
Ruth M. Rippon
Distinguished Artist
Doctor of Fine Arts 2018
Ernest E. Tschannen
Philanthropist
Doctor of Humane Letters 2018
Cheryl Dell '82 (Communication Studies)
Former newspaper executive
Doctor of Humane Letters 2017
Ephraim Williams
Pastor
Doctor of Humane Letters 2017
Gregory Kondos '51, MA '57 (Art)
Artist
Doctor of Fine Arts 2016
David Lucchetti '67 (Physical Education), Credential '68
Business Leader
Doctor of Humane Letters 2016
Lester Holt
News anchor, NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC
Doctor of Humane Letters 2015
Joyce Raley Teel
Businesswoman
Doctor of Humane Letters 2015
Dale Carlsen '84 (Business Administration)
Doctor of Humane Letters 2013
Hugo Noe Morales Rosas
Doctor of Fine Arts 2011
Cruz Reynoso
Doctor of Laws 2012
Marcy Friedman
Doctor of Fine Arts 2010
Mario G. Obledo
Doctor of Laws 2010
Frederick Teichert '95 MBA
Doctor of Humane Letters 2009
Winnie Leung, MS '97 (Accountancy)
Doctor of Humane Letters 2007
Roger Valine '73 (Sociology)
Doctor of Humane Letters 2007
Robert T. Matsui
Doctor of Laws 2006
Hans J.A. Van Ginkel
Doctor of Letters 2003
Ingrid Moses
Doctor of Letters 2003
Phillip L. Isenberg '61 (Social Science)
Doctor of Letters 2002
Richard W. Riley
Doctor of Humane Letters 2001
Grantland Johnson '74 (Government)
Doctor of Humane Letters 2001
Dorothy Stevens Enomoto
Doctor of Humane Letters 2001
Steven Lee Yamshon '77 (Envrionmental Resources)
Doctor of Humane Letters 1999
Angelo K. Tsakopoulos '60 (History)
Doctor of Humane Letters 1998
Wayne Thiebaud '51, MA '53 (Art)
Doctor of Fine Arts 1998
Heitor Gurgulino de Souza
Doctor of Laws 1996
Sisbusiso M.E. Bengu
Doctor of Laws 1996
Federico Mayor
Doctor of Laws 1996
Anna Deavere Smith
Doctor of Fine Arts 1996
George Perle
Doctor of Fine Arts 1996
Lou Harrison
Doctor of Fine Arts 1993
Nathaniel S. Colley, Sr.
Doctor of Laws 1988
Albert S. Rodda
Doctor of Law
How to make a nomination
The nomination window opens in the fall of each year.
Criteria
Nominees for honorary degrees must demonstrate high moral character and be distinguished in their respective fields.
- To recognize inspirational character, excellence, and extraordinary achievement in significant areas of human endeavor that reflect the objectives and ideals of the California State University.
- To honor outstanding service to the California State University collectively or to individual campuses, the State of California, the United States, or to humanity at large.
- To recognize individuals whose lives, conduct, and significant achievements serve as examples of the California State University’s aspirations for its diverse student body.
- The honoree must be present at the appropriate California State University function to accept the degree, or in the case of the honoree’s severe illness, a family member must be present at the appropriate function to accept the degree.
- For posthumous degrees, a family member must agree to accept the degree at an appropriate California State University function.
Strong consideration is given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the region primarily served by California State University, Sacramento.
What to prepare for the nomination
- Your contact information (name, email, phone, and address required)
- The nominee’s contact information (name, organization, affiliation to Sacramento State, phone, and address required)
- Information about the nominee and their exemplary contributions
- Supporting documentation (pictures, articles, and other supporting evidence) is highly recommended to benefit the evaluation process. Letters of recommendation/support/endorsement are not needed.