May 7, 2026 - Chico State to Award Honorary Doctorate at Commencement

Dear Campus Community,

I am delighted to announce that California State University, Chico and the CSU Board of Trustees will award an honorary doctorate to an extraordinary, distinguished alumnus at this spring’s Commencement ceremonies. 

World-renowned civil engineer and humanitarian Dr. Hideki “Kit” Miyamoto (Civil Engineering, ’89) will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (LhD) on Friday, May 15. The degree will be conferred in recognition of his extraordinary professional achievement and lifelong commitment to safeguarding lives and strengthening communities worldwide.

As founder of Miyamoto International, he has led major recovery efforts worldwide in the aftermath of disasters ranging from earthquakes to armed conflicts, championing safer design, resilient construction, and effective rebuilding. His teams have responded to more than 100 crises across the globe and country, evaluating over 600,000 damaged buildings, and reconstructed more than 50,000 structures — helping communities recover, rebuild, and thrive.

Kit joins an illustrious list of just over 500 honorary degree recipients across the CSU, as the system recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence in areas that benefit CSU campuses, the state, nation, world, or humanity. Kit is Chico State’s 23rd honorary degree recipient in our 139-year history.

Read the story about Kit in Chico State Today to learn more about his incredible achievements and the impact he has had on people across the globe.

Please join me in celebrating him and the inspiration he has been for our students, faculty, and staff for nearly 40 years. 

Thank you,
Steve Perez 
President