Bertha A. Fitzpatrick

Honorary Degrees
 
 

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California State University, Stanislaus​

Benjamin “Ed" Fitzpatrick, Jr. and Bertha A. Fitzpatrick shattered many barriers and ​achieved many firsts as Black business owners, community supporters and philanthropists. As owners of one of the most successful Black-owned car dealerships on the West Coast, the Fitzpatricks established a steadfast legacy advancing diversity in the automotive industry and promoting o​pportunities for minority and underrepresented populations.

The Fitzpatrick Dealership was the first to receive a Lexus franchise and the first Black-owned ​auto dealership in Oakland, California. The Fitzpatricks were also the first Black
couple to have a facility named in their honor at California State University, Stanislaus.
In addition, Mr. Fitzpatrick was the first African American to serve on the university's Foundation Board.

Their successes have not been achieved without challenge, including segregation and inequitable access to education. Their experiences and stories of perseverance reflect California State University, Stanislaus' values of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. With a majority of first-generation college students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, there is continued need to find champions like the Fitzpatricks who represent success in overcoming social and economic injustices.

Mr. Fitzpatrick has received numerous honors, including the Vision Award (National Association of Minority Auto Dealers), Dealer of the Year (California New Car Dealers Association), Quality Dealer of the Year (Time Magazine) and Small Business of the Year Award (Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce). For his numerous ​contributions to the American auto industry, he was honored with the David F. Mungenast, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award (American International Automobile Dealers), the Black Enterprise Dealer of the Year Award (Black Enterprise magazine) and the Lifetime Achievement Award (National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers). He was also inducted into The History Makers, the nation's largest audio and video collection of African American history, for his contribution to the automobile industry. The collection includes an oral history archived in the Library of Congress.

Finally, as sports fans with an equal passion for supporting education, the Ed and Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena at Stanislaus State was made possible because of their generosity. Their naming gift also provides scholarships for student-athletes. 

In recognition of their courage, generosity and impact, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Stanislaus are proud confer upon Bertha Fitzpatrick the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters and upon Benjamin “Ed" Fitzpatrick, Jr . the posthumous honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.