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Honorary Degree Recipients 2026
Ayad Al-Qazzaz
2026 Recipient of the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service
Professor Emeritus of Sociology
Ayad Al-Qazzaz is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Sacramento State. After receiving his degrees from the University of Baghdad and the University of California, Berkeley, Al-Qazzaz joined the Sacramento State faculty in 1969 and retired in 2025, making him the longest serving member of the faculty in the history of the university. In the Department of Sociology, he taught courses on Oil and Conflict in Middle East, Middle East Societies and Cultures, Sociology of the Family, and Political Sociology, to name just a few. While at Sacramento State, Al-Qazzaz organized several conferences and lectures for the campus on the Middle East, Arab, and Muslim world.
Al-Qazzaz served as an associate editor of Pacific Sociological Review and was on the advisory board of the Journal of Military and Political Sociology. He is the author of two books, a booklet, and over 40 articles in both domestic and international journals. His most recent work includes articles about Arab and Islamic representation in sociology textbooks. He has lectured widely throughout the United States, Middle East, and England, and he has appeared numerous times on local and national media for his expert commentary on topics including events in the Middle East and North Africa, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and the occupation of Iraq.
The Ayad Al-Qazzaz Endowment at Sacramento State is a testament to Al-Qazzaz’s exceptional commitment to philanthropy. The Endowment supports academic excellence and promotes cultural understanding in many ways, including the creation of scholarships and cash awards for outstanding Sociology and SSIS students; the sponsoring of speakers, ceremonies, conferences, and the Ibn Khaldoun essay contest; and the placement of benches, tables, and chairs in various campus locations where members of the Sacramento State community can gather and learn from each other. Al-Qazzaz’s generosity makes countless other activities and events around the region possible.
Al-Qazzaz is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from CAIR California (2018), the Arab American community of Sacramento (2022), and the Sacramento State SWANA Center (2025). His dedication to our campus and our community makes him more than deserving of the Sacramento State President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.
Anh Phoong
2026 Recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Anh Phoong, Esq.
Anh Phoong 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.
Garry Maisel
2026 Recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (LHD)
Garry Maisel, Chief Executive Officer of Western Health Advantage
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)
Retired, California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office
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.