Richard K. Davis
Businessman/Philanthropist
California State University, Fullerton
Richard K. Davis, chairman, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank, is a titan in the business and philanthropic community whose contributions have enriched the California State University, the state of California and the nation.
As an alumnus of California State University, Fullerton, he has served the university in immeasurable ways. He and wife, Terri, contributed generously to the building campaign to help create a world-class home for the university's Mihaylo College of Business and Economics.
Through his advocacy, U.S. Bank has contributed significant time, talent and resources to the university and provided instrumental support for the CSUF Economic Outlook and Forecasts. As a Professor for a Day, he has provided our students a rare opportunity to meet an influential leader in the banking industry and learn about his academic and leadership journey.
In recognition of his exemplary contributions to his alma mater, the university presented him with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008, the highest university honor bestowed upon alumni of Cal State Fullerton.
As chief executive officer of U.S. Bancorp since December 2006 and president since 2004, he helms a company with more than $361 billion in total assets and businesses across the United States, Canada and Europe.
He began his banking career as a teller at age 18, working his way through college to earn his bachelor's degree in business administration at Cal State Fullerton in 1983, before completing banking school programs at the University of Washington and Cornell University. For more than 36 years, he has been an influential force in the banking industry. His leadership and prudent approach to financial management garnered national and international praise for U.S. Bancorp.
His business and financial acumen is only one dimension of Mr. Davis' notable achievements. He is a committed civic and philanthropic leader serving on the boards of countless organizations. In recognition of his public service, he received the President's Lifetime Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush in 2007.
In recognition of his extraordinary professional accomplishments, commitment to the
university and higher education, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Fullerton are proud to confer upon Richard K. Davis the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.