Sacramento State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
California State University, Sacramento, widely recognized as Sacramento State or Sac State, has a rich history of producing accomplished individuals across various fields. With an alumni base exceeding 290,000, the university has played a significant role in shaping leaders, innovators, and change-makers who have left their mark on Sacramento, California, the nation, and the world. This article explores the stories of some of Sac State's most notable alumni, highlighting their diverse achievements and contributions.
Arts and Entertainment Luminaries
Sacramento State boasts a remarkable array of alumni who have excelled in the arts and entertainment industries.
Tom Hanks, one of the most beloved and recognizable film stars worldwide, briefly attended Sac State after studying theater at Chabot College. Although he left to pursue an internship, his impact on cinema is undeniable, with numerous awards including two Academy Awards and seven Emmy Awards.
Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed director behind the groundbreaking film "Black Panther," majored in finance at Sac State while also playing football for the Hornets. His success as a filmmaker has earned him numerous accolades and cemented his place as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Lester Holt, the esteemed anchor of "NBC Nightly News" and "Dateline NBC," is another notable Sac State dropout. He left during his junior year to work at a San Francisco radio station but was later awarded an honorary doctorate from the university.
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Bobby McFerrin, the Grammy Award-winning musician known for his infectious hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy," initially planned to pursue a career in ministry before attending Sac State. His innovative vocal techniques and collaborations have made him a celebrated figure in the music world.
Bridget Marquardt, a television personality and podcast host, gained fame for her role in the reality TV series "The Girls Next Door." She graduated from Sac State with a degree in Public Relations.
Edward James Olmos, an accomplished actor and director, is known for his roles in "Miami Vice," "American Me," and "Battlestar Galactica." His portrayal of Jaime Escalante in "Stand and Deliver" earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Creed Bratton, best known for playing a fictionalized version of himself on the NBC sitcom "The Office," is also a musician and former member of the rock band The Grass Roots.
Carlos Alazraqui, a prolific voice actor, has lent his talents to numerous animated shows and commercials, including "Rocko's Modern Life," "The Fairly OddParents," and the Taco Bell chihuahua commercials.
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David So, a comedian, YouTuber, actor, and entrepreneur, has amassed a large following with his comedy videos on YouTube.
Mel Ramos, a figurative painter known for his depictions of female nudes, incorporated elements of realist and abstract art in his work.
Brent "Trayce" Sands, born and raised in Sacramento and #MadeAtSacState, created Impound Comics, a series based in Sacramento and all about the journey of "Anthony Impound Endsley," a struggling MMA fighter and single father who develops superpowers.
These individuals represent just a fraction of the talented alumni who have contributed to the arts and entertainment landscape.
Business and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Sacramento State has also fostered a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with many alumni achieving success in the business world.
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Dale Carlsen, founder of Sleep Train, the West Coast's largest mattress retailer, earned his degree in Business Administration from Sac State. His success in the industry led to the establishment of the Carlsen Center, a testament to his commitment to the university.
Beatriz Aurelio-Saguin, a 2016 Psychology graduate, co-founded Tuk Tuk Box, a subscription-based company delivering curated Southeast Asian food. Her involvement with the Full Circle Project at Sac State helped her connect with her heritage and inspired her entrepreneurial journey.
Payam Fardanesh, founder of Silk Road Soda and VP Sales & Innovation at Go Girl Energy Drink, overcame adversity after a drunk-driving accident to complete his accounting degree and pursue his passion for creating unique flavors.
Tony Gutierrez, CEO/Founder of Artic Fox Shaved Snow and Desserts, graduated from Sac State with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He and his wife co-founded the dessert shop to offer a healthy alternative for families.
Angelo Tsakopoulos, founder and owner of AKT Development, the largest real estate development firm in the Sacramento region, earned degrees in Government and Business Administration from Sac State.
Sandy Malaney, after graduating with a degree in business, accepted a sales position from Lanier Business Products and became a top producer in outside sales. Later she joined Checkpoint Systems, selling security systems to retail companies.
Pat McClain, a co-Founder and Senior Partner at Allworth Financial, a financial planning and investment advisory firm with over 11,000 clients nationwide.
Mark Otero, earned a B.S. in Computer Science and developed a successful social gaming company, Klicknation, that he eventually sold to video giant Electronic Arts. Subsequently, he became the managing partner and co-founder of Alice Capital.
Anthony Romano, CEO of CREtelligent, holds a business degree in management and economics from Sacramento State University.
Jim Holifield, became the Owner/CEO of Jim’s Good Food and Stiff Drinks, a new breed of American diner, in late 2019.
James Kimball, has been named as the Executive Vice President and Market President for the North Bay River City Bank branch
These alumni exemplify the diverse range of entrepreneurial paths that Sac State graduates have pursued, demonstrating the university's ability to cultivate innovation and business acumen.
Leaders in Public Service and Social Impact
Sacramento State has a long tradition of producing leaders who are dedicated to public service and making a positive impact on society.
Sister Libby Fernandez, a Sister of Mercy and graduate of Sac State's Masters in Social Work program, is the founder of Mercy Pedalers, an organization that serves the hungry and impoverished on the streets of Sacramento.
Michael Lynch, a graduate of Sac State's Masters in Public Policy Administration program, works with Improve Your Tomorrow, an organization dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of young men of color.
Paul Lau, CEO of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), graduated from Sac State with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Steven Cheung, is an American political advisor who has served as the White House Communications Director since January 20, 2025.
Janice Rogers Brown, served as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 2005 to 2017 and before that, Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court from 1996 to 2005.
Alyssa Nakken, is an American professional baseball coach for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). She is the first female full-time coach in MLB history, and the first to coach on the field during a major league game.
Elaine Welteroth, was named editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, making her the second person of African-American heritage in Condé Nast's 107-year history to hold such a title.
Adam T. Willoughby has been appointed assistant director for legislation and public affairs at the California Department of Aging.
Lindsey Goodwin is the vice president of public affairs at Randle Communications where she develops and leads statewide public affairs programs for critical issues such as healthcare, housing, finance, and transportation.
These alumni demonstrate the commitment of Sac State graduates to serving their communities and addressing critical social issues.
Contributions to Science, Technology, and Academia
Sacramento State alumni have also made significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, and academia.
Cate Dyer, founder of StemExpress, is passionate about accelerating research on disease and thus the pace of prevention and cure.
Sadie St. Lawrence is the Founder and CEO of Women in Data, the #1 Community for Women in AI and Tech.
Stephanie Kelton is an American heterodox economist and academic, and a leading proponent of modern monetary theory.
These are but a few examples of the many Sac State alumni who have excelled in their respective fields and made a lasting impact on the world.
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