header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
November 23
1931 - Fall Roundup held at Hoot Gibson's Saugus Rodeo [story]
Hoot Gibson's 1931 Saugus Rodeo


California State University, Northridge will confer honorary doctorates on four alumni, all respected leaders in their fields, at the university’s commencement ceremonies next month.

Receiving honorary doctorates of humane letters will be Andrew Anagnost, president and CEO of Autodesk Inc., a leader in design and make software; Debra Farar, California State University Trustee Emerita and former senior policy advisor; David Nazarian, CEO and founder of the private investment firm Nimes Capital; and Robert Taylor, president and CEO of the private equity firm Centinela Capital Partners.

“Andrew Anagnost, Debra Farar, David Nazarian and Robert Taylor are outstanding leaders in their careers and in their communities and we are so proud to call them Matadors, ,” said CSUN President Erika D. Beck. “Each is passionate about uplifting those around them and making the world a better place for future generations. Individually and collectively, they embody CSUN’s deeply rooted values of justice, equity and inclusion, and it is our great privilege to recognize their extraordinary achievements with honorary degrees.”

Anagnost and Taylor, both graduates of CSUN’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, will receive their honorary doctorates during the joint ceremony for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Science and Mathematics scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, May 17.

Anagnost earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from CSUN in 1987 and both his master’s degree in engineering science and doctorate in aeronautical engineering and computer science from Stanford University. A global innovator and thought leader in technology solutions, Anagnost is a champion of diversity in STEM education and for creating opportunities for students to discover and achieve their highest aspirations.

Anagnost advocates for equitable learning opportunities, enabling human potential, and advancing knowledge that serves the public good, including through his leadership of Autodesk, a multinational software corporation committed to advancing a more sustainable, resilient and equitable world. Anagnost has given back to CSUN, both personally and through Autodesk, and was recognized in 2019 with the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2023, under his leadership, Autodesk donated funds to support the construction of the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center, which will accommodate design, research, fabrication, mentorship, and whole-family outreach STEM programming.

Taylor, graduated from CSUN in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and was recognized with CSUN’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016 for his long-standing contributions to the university.  He earned an MBA and law degree from Stanford University and has co-founded two private equity and financial services firms, including Centinela Capital Partners, LLC, where he currently serves as president and chief executive officer. He is also a managing partner in 3.5.7.11, a holding company that creates wealth by building high-performing and inclusive businesses through corporate partnerships, relationships with leaders, deep operating experience and values-based culture.

Taylor played an instrumental role in the RebuildLA initiative following the 1992 Los Angeles riots and became a local and national leader in the Urban League, whose mission is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. He currently serves as chair of the CSUN Foundation Board.

Farar will receive her honorary doctorate during the commencement ceremony for the Michael D. Eisner College of Education and select departments from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 18.

Farrar earned her bachelor’s degree in English and her master’s degree in education from CSUN and her doctorate in education from Pepperdine University. An inspirational leader and mentor, Farar has devoted her career to transforming lives through service and an unwavering commitment to social justice and quality education for California students. She has served as an elementary school teacher and as senior education policy advisor for then-Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis. Appointed by Governor Davis to the CSU Board of Trustees in 1999, Trustee Emerita Farar was the longest-serving trustee in recent CSU history, serving as chair of the CSU Board for two years.

Farrar has also served as a board member of the Association of Governing Boards, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, the CSU Channel Islands Site Authority and CSUN’s performing arts center. Her post professional appointments include board membership on the Funds for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, the Grant Advisory Committee of the California Student Aid Commission and the “College Making It Happen” committee of the California Intersegmental Coordinating Committee.

Nazarian will receive his honorary doctorate during the commencement ceremony for the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 20.

After immigrating from Iran in 1979, Nazarian earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from CSUN and his MBA from the University of Southern California. A visionary and prolific investor in numerous fields, including the early telecommunications and renewable energy industries, aerospace, real estate and hospitality, Nazarian currently serves as chief executive officer and founder of Nimes Capital.

Nazarian has said he that an investment in students is an investment in our collective future. His transformational gift to CSUN in 2014 was recognized with the naming of the college that bears his name, the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, and reflects his deep and enduring commitment to enhancing entrepreneurship and international programming, providing professional development and career assistance to students and elevating the success of women in business. He also contributes his time and many talents to CSUN as a thought partner and mentor to CSUN students, faculty and staff.

Additionally, Nazarian is further immersed in the greater Los Angeles community through his support of numerous nonprofit and educational institutions He has served on the Board of Directors of the UCLA Foundation; the Investment Committee and Board of Governors of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; the USC Marshall School of Business Board of Leaders; LACMA’s Collector’s Committee; The Hammer Museum Circle and the Young Presidents Organization. He is also the founder of the Youth Leadership Program at Sinai Temple.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


HIGHER EDUCATION LINKS
LOCAL COLLEGE HEADLINES
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024
Registration is underway for the College of the Canyons winter 2025 session, which boasts more than 300 class sections.
Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024
Art, in whatever the medium, can communicate so much. It can inspire imagination, exude peace and calm, or tell the world the stories of a community and a culture or connect on an extremely personal level.
Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024
Every day for decades, NASA satellites have been collecting data about oceans and continents around the world.
Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024
Music possesses power. It brings people together, stirs emotions and has ability to heal in the form of music therapy. 
Thursday, Nov 14, 2024
College of the Canyons will host a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Speaker Series on Friday, Nov. 22 in an effort to engage, inform and inspire students interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1931 - Fall Roundup held at Hoot Gibson's Saugus Rodeo [story]
Hoot Gibson's 1931 Saugus Rodeo
The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Awards + Installation event on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Hyatt Regency.
Jan. 31: SCV Chamber Awards + Installation Early Bird Tickets
The Valley Industry Assoction will host a Cocktails & Conversation event with Cameron Smyth on Thursday, Dec. 12, 5:30=7:30 p.m. at Margarita’s Mexican Grill, 23320 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355.
Dec. 12: Cocktails & Conversation with Cameron Smyth
Following an extensive search, the Governing Board of the William S. Hart Union High School District has unanimously selected current Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Vierra as the new Hart District Superintendent, filling the vacancy created when Mike Kuhlman resigned effective June 30.
Hart Board Selects Current Interim Superintendent to Fill Vacancy
"Christmas Carol: The True Meaning of Christmas" will be performed on stage at the Canyon Theatre Guild on weekends beginning Friday, Nov. 29 thru Monday, Dec. 23 at 24242 Main St., Newhall, CA 91321.
Nov. 29: ‘Christmas Carol, The True Meaning of Christmas’
The California Air Resources Board has approved a $34.94 million incentives funding plan that will continue support ongoing efforts to increase access to medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks, buses and equipment, with a focus on small businesses.
CARB Incentive Plan Focuses on Fleets for Small Businesses
Preparing to decorate for the holidays? If you come across broken string lights that are no longer usable, instead of tossing in the trash you can now drop them off for recycling at one of the SAFE collection centers
Recycle Broken Holiday Lights at SAFE Collection Centers
The nonprofit Raising the Curtain Foundation will host a fundraising event, "Holidayland" with mid-century pop culture expert Charles Phoenix, on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m.
Dec. 8: ‘Charles Phoenix Holidayland’ at Newhall Family Theatre
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 26, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Nov. 26: City Council Meets to Discuss Contracts, Open Space Naming
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley will present its holiday boutique fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Nov. 23: ACS Relay for Life SCV Holiday Boutique
California State Parks Office of Historic Preservation has announced it will begin accepting applications for the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program at 8 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2025.
State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program Launch
1843 - Rancho Castec (Lebec-Tejon area) granted to French immigrant Jose Covarrubias [story]
Rancho Castec diseno map
Due to construction and weather delays, the closure of the exercise staircase at Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, will be extended through Nov. 28.
Central Park Exercise Staircase Closure Extended Thru Nov. 28
Santa Clarita Ballet's 30th anniversary production of "The Nutcracker" will perform, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Dec. 14-15: Santa Clarita Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Registration is underway for the College of the Canyons winter 2025 session, which boasts more than 300 class sections.
COC Winter 2025 Registration Underway
Christmas came early for The Master's University Men's Basketball Head Coach Kelvin Starr.
TMU Men’s Basketball Knocks Off No. 2, Starr Sees 300th Win
Theatre in a Week and Off Book Theatre is back with its holiday one act comedy "Holiday Hijinx" Friday, Dec. 13- Sunday, Dec. 15 at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall.
Dec. 13-15: ‘Holiday Hijinx’ Presented by Theatre in a Week, Off Book Theatre
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale presents its Silver Bell Jubilee concert Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. at Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Dec. 8:  Santa Clarita Master Chorale Presents Silver Bell Jubilee
The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s one of the most magical times of the year.
Mayor Cameron Smyth | Experience Holiday Cheer on the Tracks
Celebrate this special time of year with the 29th annual Winter Magic Lighted Boat Parade and holiday event Saturday, Dec. 7 at Castaic Lake, Lower Lagoon.
Dec. 7: The 29th Annual Winter Magic Lighted Boat Parade
1967 - Local voters approve formation of community college and elect COC's first five-member board - Dr. William G. Bonelli Jr., Bruce Fortine, Sheila Dyer, Peter Huntsinger, Edward Muhl [story]
COC board
You can make a difference in a child or teen’s life this holiday season through the Boys and Girls Club of the Santa Clarita Valley. You can volunteer at a club holiday event, host a toy drive, sponsor a club family or make a donation.
Hope for the Holidays with Boys & Girls Club of SCV
Art, in whatever the medium, can communicate so much. It can inspire imagination, exude peace and calm, or tell the world the stories of a community and a culture or connect on an extremely personal level.
Kalli Arte Collective to be CSUN’s First Orndorff Artist-in-Residence
The city of Santa Clarita invites community members to attend the unveiling of the newest inductees to the Walk of Western Stars.
Nov. 23: New Honorees Inducted into Walk of Western Stars
SCVNews.com