By Kim Lamb Gregory
A philanthropist who has championed 海角社区CI from the beginning, as well as an alumna who is making change for those with disabilities 鈥 both received honorary doctorates at the 2025 海角社区CI commencement ceremonies held on May 17.
Philanthropist Linda Dullam, a dedicated 海角社区CI supporter since its inception, received a Doctor of Humane Letters at the 9 a.m. commencement ceremony. Class of 2016 alumna Dani Anderson, Ventura County鈥檚 first Disability Access Manager, received her Doctor of Humane Letters at the 2 p.m. ceremony, making her the first 海角社区CI alumna ever to receive an honorary doctorate.
President Yao penned nomination letters to the Chancellor鈥檚 Office with high praise for both recipients.
鈥淢rs. Dullam鈥檚 contributions extend beyond 海角社区CI to numerous organizations that enrich the cultural and social fabric of Ventura County,鈥 President Yao wrote. 鈥淗er deep ties to the region and longstanding philanthropic efforts highlight her commitment to making a positive impact.鈥
Dullam has been a familiar face on the campus for more than 23 years. As an original member of the 海角社区CI Foundation Board, she was instrumental in the launch of the President鈥檚 Dinner 鈥 which she usually chairs 鈥 the most significant fundraising event for the University, as well as the President鈥檚 Circle, which is a stewardship program of donors who annually donate $1,000 or more. Dullam鈥檚 philanthropic efforts also spearheaded the fundraising effort to rename University Hall to Richard R. Rush Hall, honoring the founding president of the University.
Dullam鈥檚 advocacy for higher education in the region is well-known and has earned her numerous honors, including the Robert J. Lagomarsino Award in 2006. A courtyard adjacent to the John Spoor Broome Library was re-christened the Dullam Courtyard in 2021 to honor her late husband John, and their vigorous and unwavering support for 海角社区CI.
As a 2016 Communication alumna, Danielle 鈥淒ani鈥 Anderson has never been at a loss for words 鈥 until President Yao contacted her with the news about the honorary doctorate.
鈥淲hen I found out I would be getting this honor, I was speechless. I鈥檓 never speechless,鈥 Anderson said.
Born and raised in Thousand Oaks, Anderson has lived with a rare form of muscular dystrophy that had her using a wheelchair after sixth grade. When she attended 海角社区CI, her specialty was disability culture and communication, which has served her well as Ventura County鈥檚 first-ever Disability Access Manager, a position she has held since 2022.
鈥淒ani鈥檚 focus on enhancing the County鈥檚 architecture, public transportation, digital infrastructure, emergency services, and community programs aims to create a regional environment that is welcoming to all, President Yao wrote in Anderson鈥檚 nomination letter.
鈥淲ith over 15 years of experience in the disability field, including roles in the state and federal governments, nonprofit arenas, and customer service, Dani has been recognized for her commitment to fostering inclusivity,鈥 President Yao wrote.
Among her other accomplishments, Anderson was named Woman of the Year by California State Senator Hanna-Beth Jackson and Assemblymember Monique Limon in 2020.
If there鈥檚 one message Anderson hopes to get across, it鈥檚 that people with disabilities are not sad, needy, dependent or different.
鈥淚鈥檓 not brave just because I鈥檓 ordering coffee at Starbucks,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e just trying to live the same boring life as everybody else.鈥