Ellen O. Tauscher
Public Servant/Civic Leader
California State University, East Bay
The Honorable Ellen O. Tauscher has been an influential business, civic and government leader whose distinguished contributions have enriched California State University, East Bay, the broader East Bay region, California, the nation and the world.
Ms. Tauscher was the first member of her family to attend college, earning a bachelor of science degree in Early Childhood Education from Seton Hall University in 1972. At the age of 25, she was one of the first and youngest women to hold a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, eventually working on Wall Street for 14 years. In 1980, she created the Tauscher Foundation which provided funding to California and Texas schools to purchase computer equipment for primary school children. After moving to California, she founded The Childcare Registry, Inc., a national research service to help parents verify the background of childcare workers.
Representing the 10th Congressional District, Ms. Tauscher was elected to the United States House of Representatives and took office in 1996. At that time, one of her top priorities was to represent the interests of the families in her district in an independent and moderate manner. During her 13-year tenure, Congresswoman Tauscher sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills, many of which were directed towards education, health and welfare, and human rights. Her voting record also reflects her support in these areas and she was re-elected an additional six terms. In 2009, she resigned her seat to take her appointed position as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security in President Obama's administration. Currently, she serves as the United States Special Envoy for Strategic Stability and Missile Defense.
In early 2009 California State University, East Bay became the proud recipient of Ms. Tauscher's congressional papers. They are now archived and the materials are available to university researchers as well as citizens throughout the region.
In recognition of her support of education and her civic, business and professional accomplishments, the Board of Trustees of The California State University and California State University, East Bay are proud to confer upon the Honorable Ellen O. Tauscher the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.