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Amador and Rosalie Bustos
The influence of Spanish-language radio mogul Amador Bustos and his wife Rosalie reaches far beyond the airwaves.
 The Bustoses—among the most prominent Hispanic couples in Sacramento—are devoted philanthropists. Their efforts are felt throughout the area artistically, culturally and educationally.
At Sacramento State, they contributed to the Joe and Isabel Serna Center. And they are members of the President’s Circle, providing President Alexander Gonzalez with insight on the area’s emerging issues.
Amador Bustos is thankful he can give back to the University. “We have received the benefit of several employees who were graduates of Sac State,” says Bustos, who—during the rise of his first broadcast company—admired and worked with the late mayor and professor Joe Serna.
Amador Bustos, listed by Hispanic Business in 2005 as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the country, made his fortune by expanding Spanish-language broadcasting. He began in the industry by selling advertising for a San Jose radio station while Spanishlanguage radio was just beginning to emerge. In 1992, he started Z-Spanish Media in Cameron Park with one radio station, 92.1 FM. In only eight years, Z-Spanish Media grew to include 32 stations. Bustos sold Z-Spanish in August 2000 for reportedly more than $450 million. He now owns Bustos Media LLC made up of 25 radio stations and two television stations in 10 markets.
In 1996, the couple established the Bustos/ Lopez Family Fund that awards $5,000 scholarships to Hispanic high school seniors each year. So far they have helped 50 students attend college.
“I feel like I am one of their cheerleaders,” says Rosalie Bustos, who takes a personal interest in each student and corresponds with them every semester. “These kids are so intelligent. They just need the financial assistance to get where they are going.”
She is also the vice president of the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California.
Amador Bustos sits on the boards of Broadcast Music, Inc. and American River Bank, and is a member of the Investment Committee of Hispania Capital Partners, a Chicago-based investment fund.
He credits his own personal work ethic for his success. “Don’t be pushy. Be ‘pully,’” he advises students. “Pull work toward you, do not push it away. Pull people to you instead of pushing them away.”
President's Circle
The President’s Circle was established in 2004 to recognize some of Sac State’s most generous annual donors. This essential group of benefactors—composed of alumni, friends, faculty, staff and business and community leaders—provides critical private support to the University in fulfilling its mission to students and the community.
President‘s Circle gifts promote access, quality and excellence in education and support special projects, programs and events that involve alumni and friends in the life of the campus. In addition, members provide advice and assistance for President Alexander Gonzalez in achieving short- and longterm goals for Sac State, playing a pivotal role in bringing the University closer to the community and integrating it in effective ways with the Sacramento Region.
Individuals may become members of the President’s Circle with a minimum annual gift of $1,500 to the President’s Circle Fund. Corporate memberships start at $2,500.
For information on how to join this group of supporters, contact Jody Policar, director of Annual Giving Programs, at (916) 278-4168. |
