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Matsui Awarded Honorary Doctorate
 This year’s spring commencement ceremonies honored a friend of both the University and the Sacramento Region. The late Congressman Robert Matsui was recognized with an honorary doctorate from the California State University system on May 20 and his widow, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, accepted the award. At the same time, she received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.
Robert Matsui spent 26 years representing the Sacramento area until his death in January 2005.
He was widely recognized for his decency and civility as a member of Congress. He was also known for his understanding of complex national issues including social security, trade and healthcare. In 1988, he helped guide the landmark Civil Liberties Act of 1988 through Congress. The act led to a formal apology and compensation from the U.S. government to the Americans of Japanese ancestry who had been interned during World War II.
As a member of Congress, Matsui advocated for funds to expand Sacramento’s light rail system, build a new federal courthouse and improve flood protection. In one of his last acts as congressman, he secured $550,000 in federal appropriations for the planned Science and Space Center at Sac State, a figure that has now grown to $1.5 million through the efforts of his wife, Doris. |
