San Diego State University

Dianne Bashor, born and raised in Los Angeles, is a passionate philanthropist actively involved with dozens of charitable and civic causes throughout Southern California. While attending UCLA, she became fascinated with the retail and fashion industry, which led her to become a buyer at Bullocks Wilshire in Beverly Hills. She met her future husband, James Bashor, on a blind date. They married shortly after and relocated to San Diego. As a young couple, they developed real estate projects throughout San Diego and Riverside counties through Cal West Apartments which she still owns today. Ms. Bashor lost her husband in 2018 after 48 years of marriage.

As chairwoman of Cal West Apartments, a holding company for more than 20 corporations in California and Kansas, Ms. Bashor oversees all operations. She is especially proud of bringing a focus to green energies in all her companies. From construction to farming, she believes more can be done to help ensure a sustainable environment.

. Ms. Bashor is dedicated to the community, providing support and enrichment for all ages. Some of her most recent beneficiaries include the University of Southern California, San Diego State University, San Diego County Parks Department, San Diego Zoo, Boy Scouts of America, San Diego Symphony, Las Patronas, several military charities and the local Father Joe’s Village. In recognition of her generosity, San Diego State University will name the field at the new Aztec Stadium Bashor Field.

In recognition of her successful business and civic accomplishments, her selfless service to others and her passionate and heartfelt generosity to numerous worthy charitable and community organizations, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and San Diego State University are proud to confer upon Dianne Bashor the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.