12.18.23

Gene and Yolanda Camarena receive honorary doctorates

As 1,000+ Shocker students gathered to receive their diplomas at the fall 2023 commencement ceremony, they were joined by two Shockers who have created an incredible legacy of support for Shocker Nation, Gene and Yolanda Camarena.

Gene and Yolanda are truly accomplished in their professional fields, but what sets them apart as members of the Wichita State community is the work they are doing to provide both the financial and instrumental support for students to succeed. Their creation of the Adelante Scholarship Program in 2020 has made a profound difference in the lives of many, and they set a standard of excellence in guiding the scholarship cohort through the challenges of higher education.

As the 2023 recipients of honorary doctorates from Wichita State University, they presented the commencement address, and Yolanda delivered words of encouragement compelling students to remember that life is not lived alone and it’s critical to find and listen to the voices of those who believe in you and your potential.

Within their own careers, they credit and thank many individuals for being their own champions and believing in them throughout their journeys. Gene is currently the president and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Inc., which includes Pizza Hut restaurants, Marriott Hotels, banking, and real estate development, and was recognized as one of the top 150 largest Hispanic owned businesses in the U.S. Yolanda is a passionate advocate for social justice and equity in education, previously working as the associate director of graduate programs at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and currently serving on several community and higher education boards.

“Never would I have imagined as a first-gen Latina, who finished in five and a half years and changed my major three times, that I would be standing here receiving this honor,” said Yolanda. “But here I am, and I am only here because of the many people who supported me, who challenged me and saw my potential as a leader, and who never let me stay down for too long when I would fall.”

The Camarena’s many accomplishments and passion for student success make them outstanding examples of Wichita State’s mission and values. “Honorary degrees are conferred only upon persons of notable intellectual, scholarly, professional or creative achievement, or service to humanity, consistent with the endeavors of Wichita State University,” said President Rick Muma at the commencement ceremony. “Gene and Yolanda Camarena embody these qualities and more.”