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California State University, Stanislaus

Donna Martine Pierce has been an integral part of the California State University, Stanislaus community for more than 50 years, embodying the Warrior spirit through her unwavering dedication to the university. Originally from Atascadero, California, she arrived in Turlock in 1971 alongside her husband, the late Dr. Wayne Pierce, a professor of botany, and began her journey of service and commitment to the university. 

One of her most significant contributions to Stanislaus State and the larger community is the Trans-California Pathway, an on-campus outdoor arboretum of native California plants that had long been Dr. Pierce’s dream. He guided the project through its first two phases before his death in August 2008, and Mrs. Pierce has continued his vision, securing donations to turn that dream into a reality. The Pathway, which is used as an outdoor laboratory and source of material for biology classes, as well as an educational attraction for the university and the community, was named the Wayne and Donna Pierce Trans-California Pathway in 2023.

Mrs. Pierce actively raises funds for student scholarships. She played a pivotal role in the Next Chapter fundraising campaign to support and innovate the J. Burton Vasché Library, where a study room is named in her honor. A passionate sports enthusiast, Mrs. Pierce briefly coached softball at Stanislaus State and has been an enthusiastic supporter of the baseball and basketball teams, even serving as the basketball team’s clock-keeper for more than 25 years. She was inducted into the Warrior Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. 

In recognition of her passion for uplifting people and her unwavering commitment to supporting higher education, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Stanislaus are proud to confer upon Donna Martine Pierce the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.