California State University, San Luis Obispo
Charles Walton is the past owner, president and chief executive officer of Smithers-Oasis Co., an international producer and marketer of floral and horticultural products. He is currently a member of the Smithers-Oasis Co. Board of Directors. The company is best known for its OASIS brand water-absorbing floral foam, considered revolutionary in providing a fast, efficient and secure means of designing and handling flower arrangements. The product enjoys a global reputation, and is now produced and distributed from more than 20 locations throughout the world.
Mr. Walton received the floral industry's greatest honor in 2015 with induction into the Society of American Florists (SAF) Floriculture Hall of Fame. In addition, he contributed his time and energy to industry groups and causes, serving on a variety of SAF committees as well as on the American Floral Endowment's Board of Trustees in 2002. In 2007, he served as coordinator for the highly regarded Seeley Conference. He developed a series of presentations around the topic of lean manufacturing, something he successfully implemented at Smithers-Oasis.
Mr. Walton has served in leadership roles with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, The Kent State University Foundation, the Akron Art Museum and many other organizations. He has served on the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences’ Dean’s Advisory Council for more than 20 years and was named the college’s Honored Alumnus in 2015. Mr. Walton and his wife, April, have generously supported Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Learn by Doing mission with both financial and in-kind resources, ensuring that students are aware of, and have access to, the latest technologies and trends in the global horticulture industry including new greenhouses, equipment and products from Smithers-Oasis.
Mr. Walton often returns to campus, spending countless hours with faculty and students, and offering valuable insight into the horticulture industry helping students prepare to make a difference in their careers. He recently committed significant funding to the college’s Plant Sciences Complex. His dedication and impact on campus have been significant.
In recognition of his achievements and generous support of students, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo are proud to confer upon Charles Walton the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.