California State University, San Bernardino announced today that William M. Stevenson will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) at its Spring Commencement ceremonies, scheduled for May 15-16.

Stevenson is an alumnus, business professional and dedicated supporter of Cal State San Bernardino. He brings with him more than 30 years of experience in commercial banking and small business lending. Before retiring in 2018 from Community Bank in Pasadena as the first vice president and manager of Small Business Lending, he held leadership roles including credit officer, relationship manager, branch manager, team leader and chief lending officer. His career reflects steady professional achievement and a commitment to mentoring business owners and entrepreneurs.

In addition to his banking career, Stevenson has served as an adjunct professor of finance at Cal State San Bernardino, the University of La Verne, UC Riverside, and Shenandoah University. He is also the founder and president of Full Speed Ahead, a financial literacy company that helps individuals and small- to mid-sized business owners build practical financial and management skills. As the author of “Good Company,” “Smart Company,” “Jump Start,” and other financial literacy presentations, he has helped high school students as well as coached and mentored countless entrepreneurs in sound financial decision-making.

An active supporter of Cal State San Bernardino, he has served on the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation Board since 2012, becoming board chair in 2022 after serving as vice chair, and contributing to the Executive, Investment and Audit committees. He has also served as president of the CSUSB Alumni Association Board and as a member of the Jack H. Brown College Advisory Board.

“Receiving an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from California State University, San Bernardino is a tremendous honor,” said Stevenson. “CSUSB changed my life, shaped my careers in business, finance and education, and I will always be proud to call myself an alumnus.  I have had the privilege to meet and work with the finest people who all believe in the goals of CSUSB; to provide the best education and prepare our students to lead and grow this region. I will never be able to fully repay all that CSUSB has meant to me, but it has been a privilege to give back to an institution that invests so strongly in its students and has such a positive impact on our region. I am deeply grateful to be recognized by my alma mater and proud to support its mission of opportunity, mentorship and community impact.”

“Conferring an honorary doctorate upon Mr. Stevenson, in recognition of his profound impact and dedicated service to California, will be a great honor for CSUSB this May,” said university President Tomas D. Morales. “His business and entrepreneurial skills have supported the region over decades, and his dedication to his alma mater is second to none.”

Stevenson earned his B.A. in business and marketing in 1984 from CSUSB and an MBA in finance from the University of La Verne. In 2024, he was inducted into the CSUSB Alumni Hall of Fame as the inaugural recipient of the Coyote Spirit Award.