California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

Dan Phillips grew up in the small town of Bridgeville in rural Humboldt County and has become a leading innovator and entrepreneur in the technology industry. He earned a degree at the College of the Redwoods and bachelor’s degrees in accounting and computer science at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and would start his first business with a Cal Poly Humboldt professor.

After graduation, Mr. Phillips moved to the Bay Area and worked at several successful technology companies, eventually serving as chief operations officer at TiVO. From there, he became the chief technology officer at Hulu, where he was responsible for technology and content as the second-highest-ranking member of the company. He is now the executive vice president and chief technology officer at Chamberlain Group, a design and engineering company.

Throughout his career, Mr. Phillips has committed himself to supporting the aspirations of students at Cal Poly Humboldt—and throughout the North Coast—by generously sharing his knowledge, expertise and resources. His efforts include serving as the chair of Cal Poly Humboldt’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Boldly Rising. He has been a highly visible ambassador for the university in inspiring others to give. Together with his wife, Cindy, he has donated more than $1 million for scholarships to support Cal Poly Humboldt students from the Eel River Valley.

Along with fellow alumnus and donor John Ballard, Mr. Phillips co-founded Lost Coast Ventures, a nonprofit angel venture fund that provides seed money to aspiring entrepreneurs at both Cal Poly Humboldt and the College of the Redwoods. Profits are reinvested or given to benefit both institutions. Lost Coast Ventures is yet another avenue through which Mr. Phillips donates countless hours mentoring students, faculty and others who are developing business concepts.

An inspiring example of a leader who has given back to his community, Mr. Phillips’ humility and positivity galvanize those around him, and his efforts on behalf of Cal Poly Humboldt and students of the North Coast will be felt for decades to come.

In recognition of his dedication and service to the students of Humboldt County and the North Coast, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt are proud to confer upon Dan Phillips the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.