​Darlene V. Shiley

President, The Shiley Foundation

San Diego State University

Darlene V. Shiley is a California State University alumna who believes strongly in giving back to her community. Currently president of The Shiley Foundation and fiduciary for all of the Shiley Family Trusts, she has a presence in the major universities in San Diego and beyond. She and her husband, Donald, a pioneer in the medical device field, have made significant leadership gifts to San Diego State University; the University of San Diego (USD); the University of California, San Diego (UCSD); and the University of Portland. Mrs. Shiley is the current chair of the USD Board, only the second woman to hold that position. She serves on the Salk Institute Board, the National Alzheimer’s Association Board, the Shiley Eye Center Advisory Board and Scripps Clinic Advisory Boards.

With her degree in theatre arts from San José State University, Mrs. Shiley performed in numerous plays, musicals and vocal groups in the years preceding her marriage, and now as an arts patron is committed to supporting institutions that train and feature talented individuals. She served on the City of San Diego’s founding Commission for Arts and Culture, The Board of the Old Globe, the New York-based National Corporate Theatre Fund, and the KPBS Community Advisory Board. The Shiley Theatre at USD is named in honor of her and Donald’s endowment of the Master of Fine Arts program.

Mrs. Shiley’s numerous honors include the 1992 San Diego Press Club Community Activist Headliners of the Year, the 1992 UCSD Distinguished Service Medal, KPBS’ first Woman of the Year award, Volunteer of the Year award from the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (now AFP), and Girl Scouts’ Coolest Woman of the Year. She and her husband were named AFP Philanthropists of the Year, and received USD’s Presidential Honors in 2000 and the UCSD Chancellor’s Medal for extraordinary contributions to education.

In recognition of her lifelong commitment to excellence in the arts, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and San Diego State University are proud to confer upon Darlene V. Shiley the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.