Sonoma State University President Ruben Armiñana was awarded the Murray Legacy Leadership Award by the North Bay Leadership Council (NBLC) on Oct. 23 at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Santa Rosa.

The North Bay Leadership Council consists of leaders from all kinds of industries such as Sam Beldona, dean of Dominican University, Steve Falk, CEO of Sonoma Investments, and Tom Forster of Skywalker Properties.

Armiñana was chosen for the award because of his accomplishments during his tenure as president of Sonoma State.

He also is being recognized by the council for bringing more diversity to the campus throughout his presidency.

Armiñana has been a leader in growing diversity on campus through his formation and support of the President’s Diversity Council and working to bring more qualified Latino students from Sonoma County to the university.

“He has also doubled the number of residential villages with a third of students living on campus, and oversaw the renovation of Darwin and Salazar Halls and International Hall,” said a representative of the North Bay Leadership Council.

The Murray Legacy Leadership award was given for the first time to Cynthia Murray, president and CEO of the North Bay Leadership Council. Armiñana holds the award honor for its second year of existence.

Murray is happy that the award went to Arminana. “This award is to honor a record of leadership that is significant and spans decades.” said Murray.

Armiñana is showed appreciation when asked about the council’s recognition. “It was wonderful to be so kindly recognized and the award is shared first with my spouse, Marne Olson, and with the executive staff that I have the privilege to work with,” said Armiñana.

Armiñana also confirmed that with his retirement at the end of the school year the next Sonoma State President will take his place in the North Bay Leadership Council Board and will be able to forge their own success in the council.