By Marya BarlowLaura McAvoy, a partner in the law firm of Musick Peeler and steadfast supporter of CSUCI since its earliest days, has been awarded the Robert J. Lagomarsino Award.
The award, named after the former congressman and state senator whose leadership played a vital role in establishing CSUCI, is one of the University’s highest honors. It is presented each year to an individual or an organization that has contributed to and supported CSUCI. McAvoy received the award during the 21st Annual President’s Dinner held at the campus on October 28.
“Having known Bob Lagomarsino and his commitment to bringing a four-year public university to Ventura County and having been involved with the whole concept of the university before it came to fruition, it’s a tremendous honor and I’m delighted,” McAvoy said.
McAvoy focuses at Musick Peeler in the areas of business formation and operation, real estate, estate planning, and general business law in a wide variety of industries.
McAvoy, a Camarillo resident, is well-known for creating a legacy over many decades of service and support for nonprofit organizations throughout Ventura County. She was a founding member of CSUCI’s President’s Advisory Board and served for many years on the University’s Foundation Board. She is a former Chair of the Board of the United Way of Ventura County, a founder of Ventura County Community Foundation, and has held or holds volunteer leadership roles for organizations including the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, St. John’s Healthcare Foundation, Livingston Memorial Foundation, and Interface Children & Family Services, among others.
“Laura is a selfless advocate for community-based nonprofits and has freely shared her time, considerable talents, and treasure with organizations in the areas of education, health care, youth and community services,” said President Richard Yao. “From her initial advocacy and support of CSUCI and ongoing commitment to it, Laura continues to advance higher education in Ventura County.”
McAvoy grew up in Ventura County, graduated from college and law school at UCLA, and returned home to practice law. As the movement to build a public, four-year university in Ventura County gained traction in the 1980s and early 90s, McAvoy became a leading advocate.
“I’m a big believer in education and the role it plays in creating a better democracy,” she said. “It makes everybody in the community healthier, wealthier, and wiser. There were many people in our community who could not leave the area to go to college like I did. Ventura County was the largest county in the state that didn’t have a four-year public university, and I couldn’t sit on the sidelines; I had to get involved and help make it happen. Along the way I met so many wonderful people and it has been a joy to share the adventure with so many.”
As CSUCI, in its 21st year, celebrates over 27,000 alumni, McAvoy says she’s proud to be a part of its continuing growth.
“I’ve always believed there’s a compact between the community and CSUCI,” she said.
“From the beginning, the community was a major player in making this University possible. We have an ongoing commitment to support the University and the University has an ongoing commitment to listen to the community’s needs.”