Matador excellence was on full display this commencement season — especially with this year’s Honorary Degree recipients. Four honorary doctorates were awarded at three of the university’s seven commencement ceremonies. All four recipients are CSUN alumni, have built successful careers and have given back to the CSU system and CSUN. Read on for highlights from their speeches and view the accompanying photos.
“I finally get to graduate!” Andrew Anagnost ’87 (Engineering) exclaimed as he broke into a jubilant dance, after receiving his honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the commencement ceremony for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and College of Science and Mathematics on May 17. Anagnost said it was a sweet moment, since he missed his own undergraduate commencement at CSUN, 37 years ago. He advised this year’s graduates to reflect on their significant accomplishments.
“I want you to realize in your heart that you are one of the heroes of your story,” Anagnost said. “And while you’re going to encounter many challenges after today, you are also going to see clear skies and meet many, many people that become the heroes in the story of your life. But today, this day, you are the hero of your life.”
Anagnost is the CEO of Autodesk, a leader in design and make software. Under Anagnost’s leadership, Autodesk donated $5 million to CSUN in 2023 for the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center, which is currently under construction on campus. He was honored with the CSUN Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019.
“I am humbled and thrilled to be here and honored as part of the commencement ceremony for what history will no doubt recognize as one of the most resilient, most resourceful, grittiest cohorts to ever grace the college experience,” said Robert Taylor ’82 (Engineering). He addressed the graduates at the same ceremony on May 17. Taylor congratulated the students for persevering in science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses — especially those who began their higher education during the global pandemic.
“You will lead, some of you formally, some of you by the brilliance of your ideas and your work. All of you, by the power of your example,” Taylor said.
Taylor is the president and CEO of the private equity firm Centinela Capital Partners. He is also chair of the CSUN Foundation Board. He received CSUN’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016.
“Let these three words sink in: You made it.” So said CSU Trustee Emerita Debra Farar ’75 (English), M.A. ’87 (Early Childhood Education) after receiving her honorary doctorate at the Michael D. Eisner College of Education ceremony on May 18.
“I sincerely believe you who are graduating tonight may be the ones to make a difference in the world,” Farar said. “You just need to listen, learn, be brave and never stop trying.”
In addition to her work as a CSU Trustee, Farar also served as a senior advisor on education policy in the office of then-Lt. Gov. Gray Davis.
“Don’t be afraid to fail and take calculated risk,” said David Nazarian ’82 (Business Administration) after receiving his honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the ceremony for the College of Business and Economics that bears his name.
“I have a mantra that I keep repeating at work and with family, that is: ‘Yes, I can,'” Nazarian said. “So, whenever you think things are challenging, remember today and say, ‘Yes, I can!'”
Nazarian, CEO and founder of Nimes Capital, is also known for his philanthropy to a variety of organizations. In 2014, he led a $25 million dollar fundraising drive for CSUN’s business college, which was named in his honor.
