By Kim Lamb Gregory
A philanthropist who has championed CSUCI from the beginning, as well as an alumna who is making change for those with disabilities — both received honorary doctorates at the 2025 CSUCI commencement ceremonies held on May 17.
Philanthropist Linda Dullam, a dedicated CSUCI supporter since its inception, received a Doctor of Humane Letters at the 9 a.m. commencement ceremony. Class of 2016 alumna Dani Anderson, Ventura County’s first Disability Access Manager, received her Doctor of Humane Letters at the 2 p.m. ceremony, making her the first CSUCI alumna ever to receive an honorary doctorate.
President Yao penned nomination letters to the Chancellor’s Office with high praise for both recipients.
“Mrs. Dullam’s contributions extend beyond CSUCI to numerous organizations that enrich the cultural and social fabric of Ventura County,” President Yao wrote. “Her deep ties to the region and longstanding philanthropic efforts highlight her commitment to making a positive impact.”
Dullam has been a familiar face on the campus for more than 23 years. As an original member of the CSUCI Foundation Board, she was instrumental in the launch of the President’s Dinner — which she usually chairs — the most significant fundraising event for the University, as well as the President’s Circle, which is a stewardship program of donors who annually donate $1,000 or more. Dullam’s philanthropic efforts also spearheaded the fundraising effort to rename University Hall to Richard R. Rush Hall, honoring the founding president of the University.
Dullam’s advocacy for higher education in the region is well-known and has earned her numerous honors, including the Robert J. Lagomarsino Award in 2006. A courtyard adjacent to the John Spoor Broome Library was re-christened the Dullam Courtyard in 2021 to honor her late husband John, and their vigorous and unwavering support for CSUCI.
As a 2016 Communication alumna, Danielle “Dani” Anderson has never been at a loss for words – until President Yao contacted her with the news about the honorary doctorate.
“When I found out I would be getting this honor, I was speechless. I’m never speechless,” Anderson said.
Born and raised in Thousand Oaks, Anderson has lived with a rare form of muscular dystrophy that had her using a wheelchair after sixth grade. When she attended CSUCI, her specialty was disability culture and communication, which has served her well as Ventura County’s first-ever Disability Access Manager, a position she has held since 2022.
“Dani’s focus on enhancing the County’s architecture, public transportation, digital infrastructure, emergency services, and community programs aims to create a regional environment that is welcoming to all, President Yao wrote in Anderson’s nomination letter.
“With over 15 years of experience in the disability field, including roles in the state and federal governments, nonprofit arenas, and customer service, Dani has been recognized for her commitment to fostering inclusivity,” President Yao wrote.
Among her other accomplishments, Anderson was named Woman of the Year by California State Senator Hanna-Beth Jackson and Assemblymember Monique Limon in 2020.
If there’s one message Anderson hopes to get across, it’s that people with disabilities are not sad, needy, dependent or different.
“I’m not brave just because I’m ordering coffee at Starbucks,” she said. “We’re just trying to live the same boring life as everybody else.”