Distinguished Alumni Honoree Luanne Rotticci, Class of 1987, for Sustaining Student Success Through Community Impact

For Luanne Rotticci, education has been both a personal milestone and a shared responsibility—one that extends into sustained service and long-term community impact.

After beginning her studies at UC Davis, she stepped away to focus on raising her family before later returning to complete her degree at Cal State East Bay. That decision—to come back and finish what she started—shaped how she understands opportunity: something that can be reclaimed and extended to others.

At Cal State East Bay, she pursued a course of study that combined business, kinesiology, and nutrition—reflecting her interest in health, wellbeing, and practical application. It was a path grounded in understanding how people build sustainable lives and what support systems make that possible.

For more than 35 years, Luanne has been involved in community-based organizations focused on health and basic needs, including the Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto and the San Mateo County Hospital Foundation. Through this work, she has supported efforts that provide essential services to individuals and families facing economic hardship.

Her connection to Cal State East Bay deepened through her efforts to support students facing financial barriers. After learning that some students were leaving close to graduation due to financial hardship, she partnered with alumna Liza Jane MacNaughton to co-found the Save Our Students (SOS) Scholarship.

The program provides emergency financial support to students at risk of not completing their degrees. Since its founding, it has supported nearly 200 students—meeting them at critical moments and helping them continue forward.

“Students have already done the hard work,” Luanne says. “Sometimes they just need someone to step in and help them cross the finish line.”

Her contributions to the university include more than $600,000 in lifetime giving, helping to sustain and grow support for students over time while engaging others in the effort.

As she is recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award, Luanne Rotticci’s legacy is reflected in the students who are able to continue their education—and in the network of support that grows around them.