Visit Newport Beach president, CEO to receive alumni award

Cal State Fullerton plans to honor the president and CEO of Visit Newport Beach Inc. with the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award at an April 30 ceremony.

Gary Sherwin, who graduated from Fullerton in 1984 with a degree in communications, will be recognized for his achievements at the Vision and Visionaries 2011 Distinguished Alumni and Honorary Alumni Awards gala at the Anaheim Marriott hotel.

“The university has given so much to me,” Sherwin said. “I am humbled that they even want to recognize me for this honor.”

It was a college professor who first encouraged Sherwin to consider the travel industry as a career option. Now, more than 25 years later, Sherwin has served as past chairman of the board of the California Travel Assn. and is vice chairman of the Orange County Tourism Council, according to a press release.

Sherwin is also an adjunct faculty member at Fullerton. He teaches a senior-level travel and tourism course.

“I’ve had a long association with the university, certainly from when I was a student, and I’ve continued to contribute after,” Sherwin said. “…the reason I do it is because I feel particularly passionate that a quality, affordable education be available to everyone.”

—Sarah Peters