Sonoma State President Ruben Arminan Retiring After School Year

Sonoma State University president Ruben Arminana said Monday he will retire at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.

Arminana served 24 years as president, the longest seated president in the California State University system.

He made the announcement during SSU’s annual convocation on campus.

“It has been a privilege to have stewarded Sonoma State University for these years,” Arminana said. “I believe with the assistance and leadership of many of you here and some who have previously retired, SSU has been transformed and is a jewel not only in the California State University but in higher education.”

During his tenure, SSU launched the Wine Business Institute program that focuses on the business side of the region’s lucrative wine industry, the Engineering Science program geared to the needs of the telecom industry, the Environmental Studies and Planning Department reknowned for the faculty’s expertise in sustainable and alternative energies and the Executive MBA program for highly-skilled employed executives.

During Arminana’s tenure the campus expanded to include the Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center, the Environmental Technology Center, Student Center, Recreation Center and Darwin Hall science building opened.

Residential housing doubled at the university, previously known as a commuter or re-entry campus, to accommodate 3,100 students, and the Donald and Maureen Green Music Center and the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall opened

in 2012 providing a new focus on the performing arts.“President Arminana has left an indelible mark on the campus and greater community,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White. “His focus on respect, civility collaboration -- coupled with his unwavering commitment to students -- has fostered an intimate caring culture at Sonoma State where the entire campus community works together to create a positive learning experience for all students,” White said.

The CSU Board of Trustees will begin a national search for a new SSU campus president in the coming months.

--Bay City News Service, photo courtesy of Sonoma State University