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Distinguished Alumni Awards Sac State Alumni Association

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Distinguished Alumni Awards

Meet our 2025 DAA Honorees

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Lifetime  Achievement Award

Kinzie Murphy, MS ’87 (Speech Pathology and Audiology)
Retired from Sutter Memorial Hospital

Mahmud Sharif ’84 (Mechanical Engineering)
Owner, Sharif Financial Corporation

Distinguished Service Award

Ronald K. Fong ’83 (Psychology)
President & CEO, California Grocers Association

Art Pimentel ’02, MA ’10 (Social Science/Higher Education Leadership)
President, Folsom Lake College

Peter L. Tateishi ’02 (Government)
Chief Executive Officer, Associated General Contractors of California

Shelley R. Wetton ’94, MA ’98 (English)
SVP/Chief Marketing Officer, Five Star Bank

Lori D. Wilson ’02 (Accounting)
California Assemblywoman, Dist. 11

Honorary Alumnus Award

Brandon Gonzales
Owner, Flawless Boxing

DAA Event Information

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Harper Alumni Center | Sacramento State

Join us as we honor exceptional alumni for professional achievement and contributions to the community. Honorees represent the University's values in action. The event starts with a reception followed by dinner and the awards presentation.

Tickets now on sale

Sponsorship Opportunities

You're invited to sponsor the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards program! This event represents the coming together of influence and achievement to celebrate these amazing Sacramento State community members! It's an extraordinary showcase of Sacramento State’s impact beyond the borders of its campus.
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 event, please contact Jennifer Barber (jbarber@csus.edu).

View Sponsorship opportunities

About the Awards

Each year since 1972, the Sacramento State Alumni Association honors accomplished alumni and friends through the Distinguished Alumni Awards (DAA). The Order of the Hornet Award was presented from 1972-1985. In 1987, the awards became known as the Distinguished Service Awards, periodically giving Order of the Hornet (*) designation to selected recipients.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Given to alumni for exceptional career achievements, exceptional contributions to the campus and community, and for setting high standards of excellence in their personal and professional lives.

Distinguished Service Award

Given in recognition of professional achievements and community service. Nominees must have achieved prominence in their chosen field and brought distinction to the University and/or their community through their accomplishments.

Honorary Alumni Awards

Given to friends of the University who have demonstrated a close affinity to the campus and who have rendered exceptional support and leadership to the University or Association.

Rising Star Award

Given to a recent graduate of Sacramento State who has made outstanding contributions professionally, to the community or to Sacramento State.

Nominations

Nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards are now closed. As you think of alumni that you would like to see honored with an award, please make note and come back to this page in early 2026.

Please contact Jennifer Barber at jbarber@csus.edu with any questions.

NOTE: Current Alumni Association Board Directors, Chapter Leaders or others in key Association leadership positions are not eligible for consideration during their active term.