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California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

When Ruth I. Singelyn arrived at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona as an undergraduate, she broke ground in two ways. She was a first-generation college student pursuing a career in technology, an uncommon field for women at the time.

Graduating in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, Ms. Singelyn went on to have a successful career with IBM. After pausing her career to raise her three children, she earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from California Lutheran University and worked as a marriage and family therapist.

Along with her husband, David P. Singelyn, who also graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1984 with bachelor’s degrees in accounting and computer information systems, she has consistently contributed to student success through her philanthropy and service.

In 2022, the Singelyns donated $12.5 million to fund the expansion of the university’s graduate business program, now named the Singelyn Graduate School of Business in the College of Business Administration. They had previously donated to the college in 2017 to establish the Singelyn Center for Innovative Analytics, a visual analytics lab that supports graduate business programs.

The Singelyns’ service also extends to the larger community. They serve as mentors, support their church and promote youth programs that promote lifelong learning. Ms. Singelyn received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Cal Poly Pomona in 2019 and continues to give back to her alma mater to advance student success.

In recognition of her philanthropy and ongoing service to Cal Poly Pomona, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona are proud to confer upon Ruth I. Singelyn the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.