​​Jennifer A. Webley

Philanthropist/Humanitarian

Sonoma State University

John W. and Jennifer A. Webley are tremendous supporters of Sonoma State University, having contributed to the growth and high quality of the university for many years. With a donation of $2 million from their family foundation, the Webleys were among the first to contribute to the Donald and Maureen Green Music Center construction. The couple now serves on the Green Music Center Advisory Board, and continues to advocate strongly for the center.

As a Bay Area local, Jennifer Webley has served as a humanitarian in her community for years, co-chairing the Council on Aging Capital Campaign, and serving on the Board of the Santa Rosa Symphony and the Sonoma County Mental Health Board. She is currently continuing her education at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC).

In June of 2009, when the "Bridging the Doyle Campaign" was launched to restore a scholarship program benefiting 2,000 incoming SRJC students, Mrs. Webley pledged to match each donation, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 on behalf of the Webley Family. Her generosity encouraged other members of the community to donate as well.

John Webley began his career in his native Cape Town, South Africa, at the Department of Telecommunications as a network systems engineer after having received both his bachelor and master's degrees in electronic engineering from Stellenbosch University. He moved to the United States in 1985 and co-founded Advanced Fibre Communications, known today as one of the leading independent telecommunications suppliers. He went on to found Turin Networks, an optical networking company.

Mr. Webley is currently CEO and Director at PAX Streamline, a product development firm specializing in energy efficiency. He was recently appointed to the Sonoma County Economic Development Board. Very successful in the world of entrepreneurship, Mr. Webley has contributed a great deal of knowledge and experience to Sonoma State's School of Science and Technology. He volunteers his time as a guest lecturer, and mentor for numerous students. In 2004, the School of Business and Economics presented him with the North Bay Lifetime Entrepreneur (NOBLE) Award.

In recognition of her community involvement, generosity, and dedication to education and the arts, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and Sonoma State University proudly confer upon Jennifer A. Webley the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.