Commencement - California State University, San Bernardino
Commencement - California State University, San Bernardino
Commencement - California State University, San Bernardino
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18<br />
CommenCement 2011<br />
Citation for Bruce d. varner<br />
honorary doCtor of Laws<br />
<strong>California</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>University</strong>, <strong>San</strong> <strong>Bernardino</strong><br />
<strong>Commencement</strong>, June 18, 2011<br />
Bruce D. Varner is the model of a community leader, volunteer and<br />
businessman. He's also been an enthusiastic supporter of higher<br />
education in the Inland Empire and throughout <strong>California</strong>. A highly<br />
respected attorney, community activist and philanthropist, Mr. Varner is<br />
committed to the mission of public universities and their role in providing<br />
higher education and other significant contributions to the community.<br />
He received his Bachelor of Arts from <strong>University</strong> of <strong>California</strong>, <strong>San</strong>ta<br />
Barbara and Juris Doctor from <strong>University</strong> of <strong>California</strong>, Hastings College<br />
of the Law.<br />
Mr. Varner has been a pivotal facet of the Cal <strong>State</strong> <strong>San</strong> <strong>Bernardino</strong><br />
family for many years, including membership on the CSUSB Foundation<br />
Board of Governors. Mr. Varner was one of the financial founders of<br />
the Coyote athletics program, helping to fund the development of the<br />
university’s athletic facilities, including Coussoulis Arena. He and his wife,<br />
Nancy, also established one of the original athletic scholarships at CSUSB<br />
in honor of his parents, Ann and Doyle Varner. Mr. Varner received the<br />
CSUSB Arrowhead Distinguished Executive Officer Award in 2004.<br />
Mr. Varner is a senior partner with the law firm Varner & Brandt LLP<br />
where he specializes in general business, corporate and transactional<br />
law. His support of higher education is also seen in his service as a regent<br />
of the <strong>University</strong> of <strong>California</strong> and a board member of the <strong>University</strong> of<br />
<strong>California</strong>, Riverside Foundation, and past commissioner of the <strong>California</strong><br />
Postsecondary Education Commission. In addition, he serves on the<br />
boards of directors for the <strong>State</strong>r Bros. companies, Super Rx Inc., Security<br />
Bank of <strong>California</strong>, Matich Corporation and the National Orange Show,<br />
and is a member of the Service Academy Review Board 41st Congressional<br />
District.<br />
As passionate community advocates, Bruce and Nancy Varner have been<br />
active leaders in the Inland Empire for many years, providing much-needed<br />
guidance and support to local non-profit organizations. They have been<br />
tireless advocates for K-12 and higher education, as well as other groups<br />
and causes that benefit the community. He has served as board member<br />
and chairman of the <strong>San</strong> <strong>Bernardino</strong> Economic Development Council, and<br />
is past president and board member of the <strong>San</strong> <strong>Bernardino</strong> Boys and Girls<br />
Club, <strong>San</strong> <strong>Bernardino</strong> Jaycees and Inland Empire Economic Partnership.<br />
In recognition of his many outstanding accomplishments and extensive<br />
contributions to the university and the community, the Board of Trustees<br />
of the <strong>California</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>University</strong> and <strong>California</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>University</strong>, <strong>San</strong><br />
<strong>Bernardino</strong> are proud to confer upon Bruce D. Varner the honorary degree<br />
of Doctor of Laws.