Commencement - California State University, San Bernardino

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