Longtime CSUSB Benefactors Receive Doctorate Degrees

SAN BERNARDINO >> California State University, San Bernardino awarded honorary doctorate degrees of humane letters to philanthropists Mark C. and Lori Edwards at the College of Natural Sciences’ June Commencement ceremony Saturday, June 18, at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario. The Edwards have opened their hearts and supported at-risk youth, specifically through CSUSB’s Renaissance Scholars Educational Opportunity Program. The program provides emancipated foster youth with educational experiences and a nurturing environment that can afford them the opportunity to obtain a college degree. “We are deeply honored and humbled to be so recognized,” said Mark Edwards. “Working with these students, as well as the leadership of the university, has been so rewarding. Both of us feel incredibly blessed.” The Edwards not only financially support the program, but also expose the students to a variety of enrichment activities. The couple established this endowment because their son was in foster care before Mark adopted him. They believe that most foster youth do not continue on to higher education because of the lack of a support network. Over the past nine years, the Edwards have donated funds, gifts-in-kind and cultural experiences for more than 60 foster youth served through the program. Honorary degrees are reserved for individuals who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary achievements. “I cannot think of a pair of people more deserving than Mark and Lori Edwards," said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales. "Their commitment to improving educational outcomes for our Renaissance Scholars is truly transformative and is making a difference in their lives every day. The Edwards' achievements demonstrate many of the core values of our community, and they represent the California State University system and Cal State San Bernardino with distinction.” Mark Edwards is currently vice president of the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation Board, where he has served since 2007. He is an AV Rated Attorney at the Law Office of Mirau, Edwards, Cannon, Lewin & Tooke in Redlands, where his practice focuses on business and employment law. Lori Edwards, who is a nurse, is the director of Nursing and Allied Health for Coconino Community College in Flagstaff, Arizona. Lori, a certified diabetes educator, has been active with the American Association of Diabetes Educators, where she regularly gives her time, talent and knowledge at community events that educate the public about diabetes. The Edwards are also strong supporters of their church through their generous gifts and time. In 2014, the couple were named Philanthropists of the Year by The Inland Empire Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Their extensive community involvement includes support for the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, Central City Lutheran Mission, Highland Senior Center, San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, Business Development Association of the Inland Empire, San Bernardino Leadership program, San Bernardino Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Business Association, San Bernardino YWCA, the Flagstaff Family Food Center, the City of San Bernardino Mayor’s Business Advisory Commission and the First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino. In addition, Mark chairs the Advocacy Committee of the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation Board, and regularly sponsors his own travel to Sacramento to advocate on behalf of the California State University system and CSUSB.