California State University, Los Angeles, was honored at the 30th annual Eddy Awards on November 5 for its leadership in promoting inclusive economic development, workforce readiness, and innovation throughout the Los Angeles area. The accolade, presented by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), acknowledges institutions and individuals making significant contributions to regional prosperity.\n\nThis year’s Strategic Engagement Award was jointly awarded to Cal State LA and five other CSU campuses—Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, Cal State Northridge, and Cal Poly Pomona—for their collaborative efforts in advancing sustainable economic growth and educational alignment with industry demands.\n\nPresident Berenecea Johnson Eanes described the university as a transformative force, stating, “Cal State LA stands as a catalyst for transformation—driving inclusive growth, cultivating a skilled and diverse workforce, and igniting innovation that uplifts every community across the Los Angeles region.” She emphasized a shared vision of broadening access to opportunity, creativity, and economic advancement.\n\nThe recognition highlights Cal State LA’s role as a cornerstone of economic mobility. Through experiential learning initiatives and strategic partnerships with local industries, the university bridges academic training with real-world application, empowering students and strengthening the regional economy.\n\nThe ceremony, held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, brought together leaders from business, government, education, and civic organizations. Former NBA player Metta World Peace, who volunteers as a coach for the Golden Eagles women’s basketball team, presented the award to CSU Chancellor Mildred García. His involvement added personal significance, reflecting his ties to the campus community.\n\nChancellor García spoke about the CSU system’s dedication to expanding educational access, fostering innovation, and deepening community engagement across California. She was joined on stage by Eanes and the other five CSU presidents during the presentation.\n\nPorto’s Bakery and Cafe, a Southern California institution founded by Cal State LA alumni, received the 2025 Small Business Award for its entrepreneurial success and community contributions.\n\nAs the top-ranked public university in the U.S. for upward mobility, Cal State LA continues to transform lives through academic excellence and inclusive opportunity. The LAEDC, a nonprofit focused on equitable economic development, uses research, workforce development, and policy advocacy to support long-term growth in Los Angeles County.\n\n— news from Cal State LA Newsroom\n\n— News Original —\nCal State LA honored at 2025 Eddy Awards for leadership in regional economic development\nCal State LA was honored at the 30th annual Eddy Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 5, for its leadership in advancing inclusive economic growth, workforce development, and innovation across the Los Angeles region. n nPresented by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), the Eddy Awards celebrate individuals, organizations, and educational institutions that demonstrate exceptional contributions to positive economic development in the region. n nThis year’s Strategic Engagement Award recognized Cal State LA along with Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, Cal State Northridge, and Cal Poly Pomona for their shared commitment to excellence and innovative approaches to fostering sustainable prosperity. n n”Cal State LA stands as a catalyst for transformation—driving inclusive growth, cultivating a skilled and diverse workforce, and igniting innovation that uplifts every community across the Los Angeles region,” said President Berenecea Johnson Eanes. “Together, we are shaping a future where opportunity, creativity, and prosperity are shared by all.” n nCal State LA’s recognition underscores the university’s role as an anchor of economic mobility and community transformation. Through initiatives that link classroom learning with real-world experience and partnerships that align academic programs with industry needs, Cal State LA continues to empower students and strengthen the region. n nThe Eddy Awards brought together leaders from the region’s top business, government, education, and community organizations for an evening of celebration and collaboration. The event supports LAEDC’s mission to reinvent the regional economy and advance growth and prosperity for all. n nFormer NBA star Metta World Peace presented the Eddy Award to California State University (CSU) Chancellor Mildred García on behalf of the six CSU campuses during the ceremony at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. His participation was especially meaningful, given his connection to Cal State LA as a volunteer coach for the Golden Eagles women’s basketball team. n nChancellor García also delivered remarks during the evening program, highlighting the CSU system’s ongoing commitment to innovation, expanding access to higher education, and deepening community engagement across California. Eanes and the five other CSU presidents joined García on stage during the awards presentation. n nAdditionally, the LAEDC honored Porto’s Bakery and Cafe with the 2025 Small Business Award as part of the event. The beloved Southern California bakery, run by siblings Betty, Raul Jr., and Margarita Porto—all Cal State LA alumni—was recognized for its success and community impact. n nCal State LA is the premier public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Recognized as the No. 1 university in the nation for upward mobility, the university transforms the lives of its students and strengthens communities through academic excellence, community engagement, and inclusive opportunity. n nThe LAEDC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equitable economic growth in the Los Angeles region. It uses research to advance key industries, provide business assistance, collaborate with educational institutions to develop a robust workforce, and equip government officials with economic data to ensure the continued growth of L.A. County.
