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Honorary Degree Recipients 2026
Anh Phoong
2026 Recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Attorney, Founder and CEO, Phoong Law
Anh Phoong’s journey exemplifies the values, ideals, and aspirations of the California State University system. As the daughter of refugee parents, she embodies resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence—qualities that resonate with the diverse experiences of CSU students. Her trajectory from Sacramento State student to accomplished attorney and business leader reflects the transformative power of higher education and the CSU’s mission to empower individuals to uplift their families and communities.
By establishing Phoong Law, she not only built a thriving woman-owned legal practice, but she also ensured that underrepresented and marginalized communities across California have access to justice. She has leveraged her professional platform to advocate for fairness, equity, and dignity—principles aligned with the CSU’s vision of fostering inclusive excellence and social mobility.
Beyond her legal victories, her active involvement in charitable causes and her dedication to cultural communities highlight her commitment to the common good. Over the last several years, she has donated to more than 100 nonprofit organizations, schools, and community programs. She has supported organizations such as Gigi’s Playhouse for children with Down syndrome, the Sacramento Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. She previously served on the board of My Sister’s House, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. While she stepped down to focus on raising her young children, her commitment to women’s empowerment and community advocacy continues to shape her service.
Her focus on issues related to education has resulted in powerful changes to institutional structures and individual student lives. She is working with Sac State’s CARE Center to support students with urgent needs, she has established a scholarship fund at Lincoln Law School to reduce the financial burden of legal education, and she regularly mentors aspiring attorneys.
Through her philanthropy, advocacy, mentorship, and institutional support, she has shown tremendous generosity and care for our community. Anh Phoong exemplifies meritorious and outstanding service to the State of California, the California State University, and humanity at large. She personifies the CSU’s highest aspirations for its diverse student population. Her dedication to these causes and values make her a most meritorious recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the CSU and Sacramento State.
Garry Maisel
2026 Recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (LHD)
CEO Emeritus of Western Health
Garry Maisel's commitment to the community is evident in his every action as Chief Executive Officer of Western Health Advantage (WHA). As the founding CEO, he grew the company into a leading nonprofit health plan serving over 130,000 people across Northern California, with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion. His focus on accessibility, community partnerships, and equity aligns with the CSU's mission to serve the public good and enhance the lives of diverse communities.
Maisel’s civic engagement is remarkable. He believes in leveraging his expertise and experience to support various non-profit organizations and community causes. Maisel is currently an active community board member for organizations including the Greater Sacramento Area Economic Council (Past Board Chair); WEAVE—Women Escaping a Violent Environment (Past Board Chair); the Sacramento Region Community Foundation (Board Chair); the Crocker Art Museum (Board Chair); and Meristem—Serving Neurodiverse Young Adults.
His impact on Sacramento State has been transformative. As Co-chair of the University Foundation’s “On the Rise” campaign, Maisel helped the university surpass its $229 million fundraising goal ahead of schedule, boosting resources for student success, academics, and campus innovation. He played a key role in securing a $1 million gift from WHA to establish the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. His dedication is also demonstrated by a $100,000 personal donation and a $1 million estate gift to support future students.
Maisel holds a degree in finance and economics from Sacramento State and has accumulated over 34 years of experience in healthcare plus 10 years in the banking and finance industry, including time as the Chief Financial Officer for a regional community bank. Maisel has received numerous awards, including the 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Award from UCP Sacramento; the 2019 Exemplary Leader Award from the American Leadership Forum—Sacramento Mountain Valley Chapter; the Sacramento Metro Chamber 2023 Sacramentan of the Year Award; and the 2017 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service from Sacramento State. Each award recognizes the significant impact Maisel has had on Sacramento State and the broader community.
Maisel is a testament to the lasting effects of a Sacramento State education, showing how professional excellence is best when paired with civic responsibility. For these reasons and more, Garry Maisel is a most deserving candidate for an honorary doctorate from the CSU and Sacramento State.
Elizabeth G. Hill
2026 Recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Legislative Analyst, Retired, State of California
Elizabeth Hill commenced a career in state government in 1976, joining California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) as a program analyst. Following specializations in various policy areas, she became the first woman to be appointed California Legislative Analyst by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee in 1986.
As Legislative Analyst, she served as a nonpartisan fiscal advisor to both houses of the California Legislature and oversaw the preparation of annual fiscal and policy analyses of the State of California’s more than $100 billion budget. In addition, she was responsible for the LAO’s preparation of impartial analyses for all initiatives and constitutional measures qualifying for the ballot in 25 statewide elections.
During her career, Hill was an active member of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA); the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, serving a term as Vice President; and the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA). She served on the editorial board of the Public Administration Review, and she was president of the western region of the National Association of Legislative Fiscal Officers. In 1997, she was recognized as a “Public Official of the Year” by Governing Magazine and was a 2005 recipient of the National Public Service Award from ASPA and NAPA.
When Hill retired in 2008, she was praised by legislators from both sides of the aisle for her integrity, for speaking truth to power, and for being courageous through the toughest times. In retirement, she has devoted her time to issues of public policy, especially concerning health care and higher education. She was a founding council member of California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy (a well-respected policy advocacy organization) and has served as its chair for several years.
Hill earned a bachelor’s degree, with honors, in Human Biology from Stanford University, a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and she was a Fulbright Scholar in Stockholm, Sweden. Her lifelong dedication to public service and her continued efforts on behalf of higher education make Elizabeth Hill an incredibly deserving recipient of this honor.