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California State University, Long Beach

Said Hilal is president and CEO of Applied Medical. Founded in 1987, Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company utilizing innovation in design, development and processes to enhance clinical outcomes while reducing the cost of healthcare. 

Mr. Hilal has worked in the medical arena since 1979, when he joined American Hospital Supply Corporation. During his tenure at American Hospital, he served in market development, as vice president of Business Development, vice president of Research Development and as General Manager.  He proudly views Applied Medical as a unique organization with a team-oriented culture and a passion for making a meaningful, positive difference in healthcare. Today, Applied Medical is a $600 million global company with 4,100 team members, serving customers in 80 countries.

Mr. Hilal is an alumnus and longtime supporter of the College of Engineering. He holds a master's and bachelor's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Long Beach as well as an MBA from the University of Southern California. He received Cal State Long Beach's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1996. While a humble leader, he will always take an opportunity to loudly boost the Beach and its highly trained students both to his company and his colleagues in the industry. Mr. Hilal is known for his support of internships and preferential hiring of Cal State Long Beach graduates. His efforts have also been recognized through the CSU's “Made in the CSU" program.

Mr. Hilal serves on the 49er Foundation Board of Directors, the development committee and on the College of Engineering Dean's Advisory Council. He has supported the College of Engineering with a multi-million-dollar commitment in support of student success in the College. He has been a keynote speaker at the College's Distinguished Lecture, “U.S. Manufacturing: Technologies for Recapturing Global Advancement."  He has hosted the Beach Engineering Student Success Team for interactive applied hands-on tours of his manufacturing facility in an attempt to close the opportunity gap. His commitment to the field of engineering and training the future engineers is second to none.

In recognition of his many outstanding accomplishments and ongoing dedication to supporting the next generation of diversely talented engineering practitioners and leaders, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Long Beach are proud to confer upon Said Hilal the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.