Chancellor Henry T. Yang H ’01 and Mrs. Dilling Yang H ’01

Awarded in recognition of their outstanding and enduring impact on UC Santa Barbara. Chancellor Yang’s remarkable 31-year tenure as Chancellor is unparalleled in its vision, dedication, and transformative leadership. Under his guidance, UC Santa Barbara has risen to global prominence as a world-class institution, achieving new heights in academic excellence, research innovation, and campus sustainability.

Mrs. Yang’s generosity, grace, and steadfast support have enriched the campus community in immeasurable ways. From her personal engagement with students and alumni, to her tireless advocacy for campus programs. Mrs. Yang’s contributions have left an indelible mark on countless lives.

Together, they have exemplified what it means to serve a university with love, dedication, and unwavering purpose.

Janet Garufis, Chairman & CEO, Montecito Bank & Trust

Awarded for remarkable leadership as Chairman and CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust. Janet Garufis has been a beacon of excellence, fostering innovation, integrity, and community engagement. Under her guidance, Montecito Bank & Trust has become synonymous with philanthropy and social responsibility, consistently supporting local initiatives and organizations that enrich lives across the region.

Janet Garufis’ unwavering commitment to empowering others is evident in her ongoing support for education, the arts, and community development. As a steadfast advocate for UC Santa Barbara, her contributions have elevated our university’s mission and values.

Lisa (Boggess ’85, M.A. ’89) Przekop

Awarded for decades of commitment to UCSB, particularly through her visionary leadership and transformative work in founding the UCSB Guardian Scholars program, which has made a profound impact. Through the Guardian Scholars program, Lisa created an invaluable support system for high-risk students who have come through the foster care system, empowering them to thrive academically and personally. Not only did she establish this life-changing initiative, but also served as a steadfast advisor and advocate for its students, embodying the very essence of service and compassion.

Lisa Przekop’s enduring contributions to UCSB’s mission and to the lives of countless students reflect an extraordinary legacy of care, leadership, and dedication.

Francesco Mancia ’80

Awarded for incredible dedication to UCSB and the UC system over the past three decades demonstrating commitment to higher education, alumni engagement, and student success.

Francesco’s leadership on the UC Santa Barbara Alumni Association Board of Directors and instrumental role as a founding member of the Department of Communication Alumni Council, have continually enriched our Gaucho community. His impact extends far beyond our campus through service as past president of the Alumni Associations of the University of California (AAUC), representing 1.4 million UC alumni, and as a regent emeritus of the University of California.

Francesco’s ongoing contributions as trustee of the UC Santa Barbara Foundation, and member of the Fiat Lux Alliance demonstrate his unwavering dedication to advancing the mission of UC Santa Barbara and the entire UC system.

Dr. James Rogers, M.A. ’12, Ph.D. ’14

Awarded in recognition of his exceptional achievements and the significant impact in his field. After earning a Ph.D. in Materials from UC Santa Barbara, James Rogers founded Apeel Sciences. His innovative work in developing plant-derived technologies to extend the shelf life of produce has not only advanced materials science but also addressed critical issues in global food sustainability. James’ leadership and dedication exemplify the spirit of UC Santa Barbara.