Nicholas J. Coussoulis
Coussoulis Development Company
California State University, San Bernardino
Mr. Nicholas J. Coussoulis is chairman of Coussoulis Development Corporation, and an active participant in the life of the Inland Empire, as well as a significant supporter of California State University, San Bernardino.
Mr. Coussoulis first contributed toward scholarships for underrepresented students, for whom he has a sustained passion. Later, he supported scholarships for student athletes. That role led him in the 1990s to make the lead gift toward building a university arena that would house athletics and other events. He simply asked that the structure be named in honor of his parents, James and Aerianthi Coussoulis. "The greatest achievement a son can attain is to have the opportunity to publicly honor his mother and father," Mr. Coussoulis said at the dedication ceremony.
Coussoulis Arena serves as the home court for the Coyote women's championship volleyball team, the six-time conference champion men's basketball team, and the women's basketball team. Each June and December, it is the site of the university’s graduation ceremonies. Until recently the largest indoor venue in both San Bernardino and Riverside counties, the arena is viewed as one of the best in all of NCAA Division II sports.
In 1975, Mr. Coussoulis earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography and social sciences at CSU San Bernardino. In all, seven members of his extended family have received degrees or credentials from the university, including his daughter, Angela.
For many years, Mr. Coussoulis has led in sponsoring the annual Dave Stockton Coyote Classic charity golf tournament that raises scholarship funds for student-athletes. His efforts brought professional golfer Dave Stockton to lend his name to the event. In honor of his outstanding contributions, Mr. Coussoulis received the Arrowhead Distinguished Executive Award from the university and its College of Business and Public Administration.
Mr. Coussoulis and his wife, Tina, have been true friends to Cal State San Bernardino. He has been a member of the university advisory board and a lifetime member of the CSUSB Alumni Association.
In 1986, he received the university’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, and in 2005 his family was given the Legacy Award from the CSUSB Alumni Association. In the larger region, Mr. Coussoulis has become legendary for the residential homes and planned communities he has developed. He also partnered to build the renowned Eagle Glen Golf Course, while preserving an environmentally sensitive nature preserve. His Coussoulis Development Corporation and Joseph Nicholas Homes have provided elegant and affordable housing and employment for thousands of workers.
In recognition of his many accomplishments and extensive contributions to the community, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, San Bernardino are proud to confer upon Nicholas J. Coussoulis the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.