HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS

For Cal State LA, 36 individuals have been recognized and honored for their exemplary contributions. The CSU Board of Trustees gave the degrees in the name of the California State University and California State University, Los Angeles.

Year Awarded

Doctor of Humane Letters
Kevin Xu
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the biotechnology company MEBO International Inc. and of Skingenix

Kevin Xu, a biotech industry leader and philanthropist, will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. He will also deliver the keynote address during the 9 a.m. ceremony on Tuesday, May 20. Xu is chief executive officer and chairman of the biotechnology company MEBO International Inc. and of Skingenix, a California-based organization working in the field of damaged organ regeneration. Xu was appointed by then President Biden as the Co-Chair of the Host Committee of APEC 2023 held in San Francisco. Xu also founded and is president of the National Rongxiang Xu Foundation.

Doctor of Fine Arts
Ken Jeong
Actor, comedian, producer, writer, and AAPI community advocate

Ken Jeong, an actor, comedian, producer, writer, and AAPI community advocate, will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts. He will also deliver the keynote address during the 5 p.m. ceremony on Tuesday, May 20.  Known for his scene-stealing abilities, Jeong has established himself as one of today’s top comedic stars. Jeong has created memorable roles in both TV and film, most notably The Hangover franchise, Community, and Crazy Rich Asians. He also created, wrote, executive produced, and starred in ABC’s Dr. Ken. Jeong can currently be seen as a panelist on the hit FOX TV series The Masked Singer, and as the host and executive producer of I Can See Your Voice.

Doctor of Fine Arts
Jo Koy
Actor, stand-up comedian

Jo Koy, one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts. He will also deliver the keynote address during the 1 p.m. ceremony on Wednesday, May 21. Koy has built a strong global following with his success in the international comedy scene and is known for his relatable humor inspired by his Filipino American upbringing. He consistently ranks among the top 10 highest-grossing comedians, selling out arenas like The Kia Forum, Madison Square Garden, and the Mall of Asia Arena. His hit Netflix specials—including Live From Brooklyn, Comin’ In Hot, and Jo Koy: In His Elements—have reached global audiences and earned critical acclaim.

Doctor of Humane Letters
George L. Pla
Founder, President, and CEO of Cordoba Corporation

HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS

Year Awarded

2025

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2011

2010

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2002

2000

1998

1997

1995

1990

1985

1982

1964