When thousands of Cal State Fullerton students celebrate their graduations on May 24, Charlie Zhang, a Southern California philanthropist, entrepreneur, and proud friend and supporter of the College of Business and Economics, will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters.  

The recognition is for Zhang’s contributions to the university, including serving on the board of the Giles-O’Malley Center for Leadership and kickstarting the center’s new building initiative, and mentorship in the college’s Executive in Residence program.  

Originally from Shanghai, China, Zhang immigrated to the U.S. as a young man. Despite only $20 to his name, through hard work and tenacity he started the Chinese food restaurant chain Pick Up Stix, a beverage bottling company, a real estate development company Zion Enterprises, and OC Music and Dance performing arts school.  

“In my conversations with Charlie, I quickly realized how much he feels indebted to this country for the opportunities it has provided him,” says Dean Sri Sundaram. 

“This sense of gratitude has inspired him to give so much to the community where he lives and support various causes that makes this a better home for all of us. You can see it through his involvement and generosity with Cal State Fullerton. It is the Charlie Zhangs of this world that inspires us all to be better people by giving back.” 

Read more about Zhang’s inspiring story in this CSUF News article.