Henry G. Cisneros

Businessman/Former Mayor & US Housing Secretary

California State University, Dominguez Hills

Henry G. Cisneros is a longtime national advocate for educational achievement, equality and opportunity. Elected four times as Mayor of San Antonio, Mr. Cisneros became known for his work in transforming San Antonio businesses and neighborhoods. In his role as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Clinton, he oversaw federal housing and economic development programs that reduced the incidence of homelessness, revitalized communities and expanded the rate of home ownership. He has continued that work as Executive Chairman of CityView, an urban real estate investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles. His contributions in public service and in private industry have allowed many people to achieve the American dream of home ownership and economic mobility.

Mr. Cisneros has authored and edited several books and served as President and Chief Operating Officer for the Spanish-language network Univision from 1997-2000. He received his bachelor and master's degrees from Texas A&M University, an additional master's degree from Harvard University, and a Doctor of Public Administration from George Washington University.

He has a long history of public service, including president of the National League of Cities; chair of the National Civic League; deputy chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; and board member of the Rockefeller Foundation, Broad Foundation, Capital One Community Renewal Fund, University of Notre Dame Trustees, Regents of the Texas A&M University System and National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Honors bestowed on Mr. Cisneros include Outstanding Mayor, awarded by City and State Magazine in 1986; Hispanic Man of the Year awarded by Vista Magazine in 1991; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Medallion of Excellence for Leadership in 2002; National Hispanic Hero Award from the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute in 2007; the 2007 Cesar Chavez Award from the American Association for Affirmative Action; and the Hubert H. Humphrey Award from the American Political Science Association in 2008.

In recognition of the extraordinary contributions he has made to the country and his commitment to opportunity for all, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Dominguez Hills are proud to confer upon Henry G. Cisneros the degree of Doctor of Laws.