By Cal State LA News Service
Univision executive Luis Patiño urged Cal State LA’s Class of 2017 to “keep learning and always stay curious” in order to succeed in a business world rife with industry disruptions.
“Every single industry—old and new—will be disrupted and you need to be prepared for it,” said Patiño, who is senior vice president and general manager of Univision Local Media Los Angeles. “Nothing is guaranteed and nothing is forever.”
During his keynote address to graduates of the College of Business and Economics, Patiño underscored his shared background with the graduates. Patiño was raised in Eagle Rock. His parents were hardworking small business owners who expected their son to do great things. Patiño studied business administration and marketing management at Cal State LA and joined Univision in 1997.
Univision Communications Inc. is the leading media company serving Latinos in the U.S. Univision local media controls 128 local television and radio stations.
“My path forward was really a reflection of my past,” Patiño said, noting that he grew up watching Spanish-language television and listening to Spanish radio.
Over the next 20 years, Patiño rose in the company. He attributed his success to the support of his family, hard work, and his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty at work.
Today Patiño is responsible for the day-to-day management of Univision’s station operations, sales, news, marketing and promotions in Los Angeles.
But traditional media is facing change because younger generations don’t watch television or listen to the radio the way previous generations did, he said.
“I’ve always been interested in forward looking digital media, in developing a culture of innovation…in testing the boundaries of our abilities,” he told the graduates. “And now all of these attributes will be essential to redefining the future of Univision and my future as an executive. You have to keep learning. You don’t ever want to be disrupted out of a job.”
Cal State LA’s College of Business and Economics is home to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which hosts Entrepreneurship Week and the annual Fast Pitch Competition. The center helps Cal State LA start-ups and businesses get off the ground.
Business leaders who are graduates of Cal State LA include Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA Entertainment, members of the family that owns Gaviña Coffee, and members of the family that owns Porto’s Bakery.
Commencement 2017 began on Saturday and ends Monday evening. More than 4,700 students will receive their diplomas during nine ceremonies.
Photo: Luis Patiño, senior vice president and general manager of Univision Local Media Los Angeles, addresses the graduates during the Cal State LA Commencement ceremony for the College of Business and Economics. (Credit: Madeline Tondi/Cal State LA)
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Cal State LA is ranked number one in the nation based on the upward mobility of its students. Founded in 1947, Cal State LA is the premier public comprehensive university in the heart of Los Angeles and is dedicated to the mission of engagement, service, and the public good. The University serves more than 27,000 students and more than 247,000 distinguished alumni, who are as diverse as the region we serve. Led by an award-winning faculty, the University offers nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education and the humanities.
Cal State LA is home to the critically-acclaimed Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, Billie Jean King Sports Complex and the TV, Film and Media Center. For more information, visit www.CalStateLA.edu.