California State University, Northridge
Andrew Anagnost is president, chief executive officer and board member of Autodesk, a technology and software development company. He earned his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering at California State University, Northridge in 1987 and went on to earn his master’s in engineering science and doctorate in aeronautical engineering from Stanford University. Dr. Anagnost worked as a National Research Council postdoctoral fellow at NASA’s Ames Research Center and held positions at Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Co. and EXA Corp. before joining Autodesk in 1997.
He is deeply engaged in expanding access to the transformative power of higher education and helping students discover opportunities to achieve their highest aspirations. In 2019, Dr. Anagnost was the first to donate funds, through Autodesk, for a feasibility study to create a “center of possibilities” at CSUN, with a vision to increase access to STEM education and career pathways, particularly for students of color, women and others who have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields. In 2023, the CSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the new facility the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center in recognition of Dr. Anagnost’s contribution to launching the life-changing opportunities the center will facilitate for CSUN students for generations to come.
In addition to Autodesk’s initial investment in CSUN, Dr. Anagnost has led the company to deepen its impact through internships for students, invitations to faculty to participate in industry conferences and subsequent donations to support the center’s construction. Through his visionary leadership, which has positively influenced organizations across the globe, his pivotal role in stewarding Autodesk’s support and his own investment in his alma mater, Dr. Anagnost’s personal and corporate commitment to CSUN will not only benefit hundreds of thousands of students, but also will set an inspiring example of leadership in service of a brighter and more equitable future for all.
In recognition of his deep and enduring commitment to increasing access to the transformative power of a CSUN education, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and the California State University, Northridge are proud to confer upon Dr. Andrew Anagnost the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.