Bob L. Mangrum

Honorary Degrees
 
 

Bob L. MangrumBob L. Mangrum

Businessman/Entrepreneur

California State University, San Marcos

Bob L. Mangrum can be described in many ways by many people - developer, businessman, leader, mentor, husband, father, athlete, coach, visionary, friend, and benefactor. CSU San Marcos has the good fortune to know Bob Mangrum as a visionary, friend and benefactor who has made an enormous difference in the growth and development of CSU San Marcos.

Mr. Mangrum was among the first 100 "Founders of the University," and has supported many university projects, including the campus clock and carillons, President's Circle, the annual University Ball, the athletic program and many educational programs. Most notably, Mr. Mangrum, an avid runner, provided the vision, leadership, and support to help build the new state-of-the-art track and field facility on campus. The facility, completed in 1999, has been named "The Mangrum Track and Soccer Field."

Mr. Mangrum is a successful businessman/entrepreneur. Upon moving with his wife and two children from northern California to Escondido in 1956, he launched a successful construction business, Mangrum Enterprises, which he personally operated until 1993. His road to success had a modest beginning in Oklahoma. Due to unfortunate family circumstances and the early death of his mother, Mr. Mangrum left home at age 16 to enlist in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Military service instilled in him the value of a full and satisfying education. Mr. Mangrum understands the challenges of competing in today's world without the benefit of a complete education. For this reason, he has worked in cooperation with the north San Diego business and civic community to provide others with access to educational opportunities.

Mr. Mangrum's assistance to numerous employees, children of employees, church members and local elementary and high school students has helped many individuals and families pursue their educational, athletic and business dreams. Mr. Mangrum has been a major contributor to the Escondido Boys and Girls Club, the California Center for the Arts Escondido, Rose Elementary School, San Pasqual High School, Escondido High School and Mt. Carmel High School.

Mr. Mangrum is widely respected for his discipline, integrity, intellect and passion for assisting others. In recognition of his many contributions to the community and to the promotion of higher education, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, San Marcos are proud to confer upon Bob L. Mangrum the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.