John S. Chen

Honorary Degrees
 
 

John S. ChenJohn S. Chen

Chairman, CEO, President of Sybase Inc.

San José State University

John S. Chen is a dynamic contributor to international commerce and to California’s economy, promoting international understanding and mutually beneficial global relations.

Since 1998, Mr. Chen has served as chairman, chief executive officer and president of Silicon Valley-based Sybase Inc., one of the largest global enterprise software companies in the United States. He is recognized worldwide as an effective spokesperson and proponent of the Sybase mission.

Named Ernst and Young’s 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year in Northern California, Mr. Chen has contributed to the state’s economy by facilitating commerce between California and Asia. Sharing the commitment to international understanding and strong global relations, Mr. Chen served as vice chair and board member of the Committee of 100, a national, non-partisan group of Americans of Chinese descent. This group works to support the Chinese American community and to promote better relations between the United States and China.

Further, his involvement in the expansion of the American entertainment and banking industries in Asia has earned him seats on the boards of the Walt Disney Company and Wells Fargo.

Mr. Chen’s work is consistent with the California State University’s values of international understanding, cooperation throughout our interconnected world, and the CSU’s “working for California” mission. In fact, the California-Asia Business Council recently honored Mr. Chen with a New Silk Road Award for his leadership in enhancing active business relationships and building strong markets for American technology between the U.S. and China.

In recognition of his personal commitment to international relations and his significant impact on California’s economy, the Board of Trustees of The California State University and San José State University are pleased to confer upon John S. Chen the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.