Charles J. Soderquist Award Content

Alum Mike Gilson Wins 2026 Soderquist Award

Cody Kitaura — May 26, 2026 - 8:00am

The 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Foundation is honoring Michael E. “Mike” Gilson ’73 with the 2026 Charles J. Soderquist Award.

Gilson has served as chair of the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Library Leadership Board since its founding in 2017. His leadership and personal giving have consistently propelled fundraising efforts and allowed the library to flourish.

The Soderquist Award is named after an esteemed alum and entrepreneur and recognizes individuals who, like him, have given back to the university through philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership.

Alum Kevin Bacon Receives 2025 Charles J. Soderquist Award

Jose Antonio Vadi — May 20, 2025 - 10:39am

On May 1, the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Foundation presented Kevin Bacon ’72 with the 2025 Charles J. Soderquist Award at a celebratory luncheon.

Named in honor of the widely esteemed 51�ԹϺ�� Davis alum and entrepreneur who was dedicated to advancing the university, the award recognizes Aggies who demonstrate Soderquist’s legacy of exceptional philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership within the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis community.

Alum Gene Pendergast Honored with Soderquist Award

Cody Kitaura — June 04, 2024 - 12:19pm

On May 2, the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Foundation presented Gene Pendergast ’61 with the 2024 Charles J. Soderquist Award at a luncheon in his honor — an accolade fitting for someone who once served side-by-side on the board with Soderquist himself.

Named in honor of Charles J. Soderquist, a well-loved 51�ԹϺ�� Davis alum and entrepreneur, the award celebrates Aggies who embody Soderquist’s commitment to the development of the university. The foundation presents the award to individuals to recognize outstanding philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership within the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis community.

Alumni Bruce and Marie West Honored With Soderquist Award

Dave Jones — May 09, 2023 - 7:14pm

Bruce ’71, M.S. ’73 and Marie West, longtime donors, supporters and friends of 51�ԹϺ�� Davis, have been awarded the 2023 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Charles J. Soderquist Award.

2 Couples Honored With Soderquist Award

Cody Kitaura — May 10, 2022 - 8:00am

Carol and Gerry Parker and John and Lois Crowe, Ph.D. ’75 have been named the winners of 51�ԹϺ�� Davis’ 2022 Charles J. Soderquist Award, and were honored Friday (May 6) at the first in-person celebration of the award in three years.

51�ԹϺ�� Davis Foundation Honors Rita Gibson With Charles J. Soderquist Award

Dave Jones — February 15, 2022 - 12:43pm

In a celebration long delayed by the pandemic, the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Foundation on Feb. 4 honored Sacramento business owner and philanthropist Rita Gibson ’82 as the 2020 winner of the university’s Charles J. Soderquist Award.

The award is given in recognition of philanthropy, volunteerism, leadership and an overall commitment to 51�ԹϺ�� Davis, as exemplified by the award’s namesake, a 51�ԹϺ�� Davis alumnus and entrepreneur.

Foundation Presents Charles J. Soderquist Award

Dave Jones — May 07, 2019 - 12:05pm

The 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Foundation recently presented its 2019 Charles J. Soderquist Award to Stephen Boutin, a 1972 graduate of the School of Law. The award is given annually in recognition of philanthropy, volunteerism, leadership and an overall commitment to the university, and is named after the late foundation chair who exemplified all those traits.