News & Events:  

BERNARD J. TYSON (BS 82, MBA 84)

Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Permanente

Bernard J. Tyson is the chairman and CEO of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., and Hospitals -- known as Kaiser Permanente -- one of America's leading integrated health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. With annual operating revenue of nearly $61 billion, Kaiser Permanente serves 10.6 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. In his more than 30 years with Kaiser Permanente, Mr. Tyson has successfully managed all major aspects of the organization, serving in roles from hospital administrator to division president to president and chief operating officer. In 2015, Modern Healthcare named him the third most influential leader in health care -- marking the second consecutive year he has been the top-ranked executive on this list. Mr. Tyson recently completed service as co-chair of the World Economic Forum Health Governors' Conference from 2013-2015 and chair of the Executive Leadership Council from 2012-2014. He is also on the board of the American Heart Association and serves on the AHA's CEO Roundtable. A San Francisco Bay Area native, Mr. Tyson earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Service Management and a Master of Business in Health Service Administration from Golden Gate University. He also earned a leadership certificate from Harvard University.

VELIA BUTZ

Former First Lady, Golden Gate University

Velia Butz was the "first lady" of Golden Gate University for more than 22 years, while her husband, Otto W. Butz, served as GGU's president. During President Emeritus Otto Butz's time in office, Mrs. Butz was a dedicated champion of the university. They were married for 41 years, residing in Sausalito since 1965. Since President Emeritus Butz's passing, she continues to support GGU.

Mrs. Butz was a pharmacist licensed to practice both in New Jersey and California. She obtained her degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Sciences, now known as the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, the oldest college of pharmacy in the United States.

Together with her husband, she wrote Voyage of Discovery: The History of Golden Gate University from 1970-1992. It tells the story of recognizing emerging needs of the public and Otto Butz's innovations in developing a plan for growth of GGU.

"Supporting GGU was not an activity that required deep contemplation or Livingston, California much hesitancy," said Mrs. Butz. "This institution provided its graduates with the means to successfully achieve their goals, and they should be encouraged to provide others with the means to do the same. According to my husband, Otto, the definition of a life well lived always included the concept of helping others."

ROSIE RIOS

43rd Treasurer of the United States

Rosie Rios has had a distinguished career in economic development and community revitalization. Ms. Rios joined the incoming Obama administration's Treasury-Federal Reserve transition team at the height of the financial crisis in 2008. Appointed and confirmed as the 43rd U.S. treasurer in 2009, she worked on the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. She is a native of the Bay Area and a graduate of Harvard University.

DR. DAVID J. FIKE

President, Golden Gate University

Dr. David Fike became the seventh president of Golden Gate University in 2015. He has a longtime interest and experience in economic development issues. During his nine-year tenure as president of Marygrove College, a century-old liberal arts institution in Detroit, he provided the strategic vision that recast its mission, committing to develop students' skills to lead in urban communities. As a Kellogg National Leadership Fellow, he investigated public/private partnerships for sustainable development strategies in America's inner cities.

ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD

Ghada Saliba-Malouf (JD 92)

Ghada Saliba-Malouf is Senior Vice President & Managing Counsel in the Law Department at Wells Fargo Bank. She leads a team of attorneys that provide legal counsel and advice to the Investment & Fiduciary Services business line. Previously, Ms. Saliba-Malouf served as the Executive Advisor of the Wells Fargo Middle East Team Member Network, was a member of the Wells Fargo Enterprise Diversity Council, and co-chaired the Law Department's inaugural Diversity Council. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Equal Rights Advocates (ERA) and was board chair for three years. Ms. Saliba-Malouf also serves on the Advisory Board of the Arab Film Festival organization. Previously, she served as a commissioner on the San Francisco Human Rights Commission for eight consecutive years. She was originally appointed by Mayor Frank Jordan in 1995 and re-appointed by Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. in 1996. She was Chair of the Commission from 1999-2003.

Ms. Saliba-Malouf received her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California at Berkeley and her JD from Golden Gate University.

She resides in San Mateo with her husband and daughter.

RISING STAR AWARD

Ebony Frelix (BS 05)

Ebony Frelix is the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement at Salesforce.org, where she manages programs and grants. At Salesforce.org, Ms. Frelix and her team are responsible for engaging more than 25,000 employees in community service opportunities, as well as administering millions of dollars in grants to improve communities around the world. Prior to joining Salesforce.org in 2014, Ms. Frelix spent five years working for Salesforce in various leadership positions in the technology division.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Victoria Azizova (BA 16)

Victoria Azizova was a recipient of the Shine Scholarship at Golden Gate University while completing her undergraduate studies. She is currently studying for her MBA, with a concentration in international business. She has been a working professional since emancipating herself at the age of 16 and currently serves as an administrative assistant for a real estate firm in San Francisco.

Ms. Azizova also volunteers at Glide Memorial Church and Sierra Forever Homes. In 2016, she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Management, with a concentration in international business.

VELIA BUTZ

Former First Lady, Golden Gate University

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ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD

Given to alumni whose professional accomplishments and contributions to the community are worthy of recognition.

Past Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Awardees:

AMICUS AWARD

Given to those whose efforts have resulted in significant contributions to the university's resources and, thereby, to its educational capabilities and services.

Past Amicus Awardees:

RISING STAR AWARD

Given to a recent graduate who exhibits extraordinary professional achievements and contributions to the community.

Past Rising Star Awardees:

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