Esther Wachtell

Honorary Degrees
 
 

Ca​lifornia State University Channel Islands​

Esther Wachtell is an agent of change, a true visionary and leader who seeks every opportunity to give back and serve her community. Her career in organizational leadership and philanthropy spans decades, earning her wide regard as a master of her craft.

Ms. Wachtell is the founder and retired president of The Wachtell Group, a fundraising company that specializes in large-scale fundraising efforts. Previously, she served as president of the Music Center of Los Angeles. Her fundraising accomplishments make her a formidable force in the world of philanthropy. She led the development campaign for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles raising $1 billion, the largest amount ever raised for a children's hospital in the nation. In addition, she raised $4 million to rebuild the Libbey Bowl in Ojai and $7.5 million for the Museum of Ventura County after both venues had suffered from years of declining investment.

Mrs. Wachtell's partnership with California State University Channel Islands is strong and longstanding. She was one of the first individuals to give of her time, talent and treasure when the university was still in its planning phase in the late 1990s. In 2017, she became a member of the board of directors of the CSUCI Foundation and quickly rose to a position of board leadership, setting a strong example for others to follow. Ms. Wachtell graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree from Connecticut College and earned a master of arts degree from Cornell University.

In recognition of her extraordinary philanthropic leadership in support of education, culture, children and community, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University Channel Islands are proud to confer upon Esther Wachtell the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.