An honorary degree, which is conferred jointly by the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees and California State University Channel Islands (CI), is the highest honor the University can bestow. Such degrees are conferred upon individuals who are highly accomplished in their chosen fields and have consistently demonstrated exceptional moral character as well as intellectual and humane values that are consistent with CSU’s ideals.


  • Photo of Angela Timmons

    Angela Timmons
    Doctor of Humane Letters
    May 18, 2024

  • Photo of Vannessa Bechtel

    Vanessa Bechtel
    Doctor of Humane Letters
    May 18, 2024

  • Photo of Hannah Beth Jackson

    Hannah Beth Jackson
    Doctor of Humane Letters
    May 20, 2023

  • Photo of Carmen Ramirez

    Carmen Ramirez
    Doctor of Humane Letters
    May 20, 2023

  • Photo of Jeffrey T. Green

    Jeffrey T. Green
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 21, 2022

  • Photo of Peter J. Taylor

    Peter J. Taylor
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 22, 2022

  • Photo of Raudel Bañuelos

    Raudel Bañuelos
    Doctor of Humane Letters
    May 21, 2021

  • Photo of Irene Pinkard

    Irene Pinkard
    Doctor of Humane Letters
    May 21, 2021

  • Photo of Esther Wachtell

    Esther Wachtell
    Doctor of Humane Letters
    May 21, 2021

  • Photo of Sarita E. Brown

    Sarita E. Brown
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 18, 2019

  • Photo of Deborah A. Santiago

    Deborah A. Santiago
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 18, 2019

  • Photo of Laurence K. Gould

    Laurence K. Gould Jr
    Doctorate of Laws
    May 18, 2019

  • Photo of Janice Bryant Howroyd

    Janice Bryant Howroyd
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 18, 2019

  • Photo of Michele Marie Castillo

    Michele Marie Castillo
    Doctorate of Laws
    May 19, 2018

  • Photo of Mary Elizabeth Tipper Gore

    Mary Elizabeth “Tipper” Gore
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 19, 2018

  • Photo of Joe I. Mendoza

    Joe I. Mendoza
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 20, 2017

  • Photo of Mark Lisagor

    Mark Lisagor
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 21, 2016

  • Photo of Sara Miller McCune

    Sara Miller McCune
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 21, 2016

  • Photo of William Bill Kearney

    William "Bill" Kearney
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 16, 2015

  • Photo of Lou Cannon

    Lou Cannon
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 18, 2013

  • Photo of Henry L. Hank Lacayo

    Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 19, 2012

  • Photo of Kathy Marie Ireland

    Kathy Marie Ireland
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 19, 2012

  • Photo of Jack O Connell

    Jack O’Connell
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 21, 2011

  • Photo of Robert J. Lagomarsino

    Robert J. Lagomarsino
    Doctorate of Laws
    May 21, 2005

  • Photo of John Spoor Broome

    John Spoor Broome
    Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 21, 2005

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI)provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. CSUCI complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

CSUCI is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At CSUCI, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Back to Top ↑
©