National University to Honor Philanthropists Malin Burnham and Thomas Denny Sanford With Honorary Degrees

San Diego, Calif. -  June 6, 2014 - National University, California’s second-largest private, nonprofit university, announced today that renowned philanthropists Malin Burnham and Thomas Denny Sanford will be granted honorary doctorate degrees during Commencement activities on June 11. The achievements of the two, who have dedicated their vision, vast resources and time to nonprofit causes in San Diego and beyond, reflect the university’s own mission to serve the public good.

National University President and Chancellor Dr. Michael R. Cunningham will be joined by San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer during Commencement for the granting of the doctorate degrees. Mayor Faulconer will also issue a proclamation recognizing Mr. Burnham and Mr. Sanford for their long-standing contributions and involvement in the San Diego community.

“Thomas Denny Sanford and Malin Burnham have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving the public good, and these honorary degrees recognize their achievements and contributions as philanthropists and entrepreneurial leaders,” said Dr. Cunningham. “Their passionate involvement in nonprofit organizations and causes ranging from health to education demonstrate the infinite possibilities for each of us and our graduates to effect positive change in our communities.”

Both Mr. Sanford and Mr. Burnham have made significant contributions to San Diego organizations and causes, including collaborating on shared causes such as the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in San Diego. Earlier this year, Mr. Sanford provided an inaugural gift for the creation of the Sanford Education Center at National University. The mission of the Center is to effect positive change through the development of nonprofit leaders and teachers by offering inspirational and impactful programs that meet 21st century global needs.

Approximately 1,900 graduates of National University are expected to attend the Commencement ceremonies at the San Diego Convention Center, representing more than 2,800 qualified graduates who completed their programs online or at National University campuses throughout the Southern California region and Nevada.

 About National University

Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. With 30,000 students and more than 140,000 alumni, National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students. Five schools and one college – the College of Letters and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the School of Education; the School of Engineering, Technology and Media; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies – offer 133 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teacher credentials. Programs are offered at campus locations in California and Nevada, and are also available online. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California. To learn more, visit www.nu.edu