Jimmy Wayne Receives Doctorate of Fine Arts from Cal State University San Marcos

California State University San Marcos Bestows Doctor of Fine Arts Degree
Upon Jimmy Wayne In Recognition of His Contribution to Society,
Dedication to Supporting Foster Youth

San Marcos, Calif. — On Saturday, May 19, 2018, speaker, recording artist, New York Times best-selling author and child advocate, Jimmy Wayne, received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from California State University San Marcos during its College of Education, Health and Human Services commencement ceremony.

CSUSM President, Karen Haynes, said, “California State University San Marcos is proud to confer upon Jimmy Wayne a Doctor of Fine Arts. Jimmy’s work and advocacy on behalf of foster youth embodies the ideals of our University. CSUSM serves more former foster youth per capita than any university in the nation through ACE Scholars Services, and Jimmy’s own story of perseverance and overcoming challenges in foster care is an inspiration for our students. We are grateful for his friendship and ongoing support of our students.”

“I first learned about California State University San Marcos’ ACE program when I spoke and performed at CSUSM in 2017 as part of the 10-year anniversary celebration for the ACE Scholars Services,” said the newly titled, Dr. Wayne.

“After spending time with several ACE students during my visit last year, I witnessed first-hand how CSUSM is changing lives. I’m both humbled and honored to be recognized as part of its family.”

The CSUSM Honorary Degree Committee — an advisory committee appointed by the president to represent the University community — considers nominations for an honorary degree. Any CSUSM student, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater community, may suggest potential honorary degree recipients to the committee.

Nominees must be distinguished in their respective fields, and the eminence of persons nominated must be widely recognized. The CSU Board of Trustees makes the final determination and awards the degrees in the categories it considers most appropriate.

Jimmy Wayne has devoted countless hours to helping foster youth. It is a topic that resonates with Jimmy, who has detailed his own experiences in foster care through his songs and writing.

The award-winning country music artist, whose songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care, was abandoned by his father and raised by a troubled mother before entering foster care. It was an encounter with Beatrice and Russell Costner that created the pillars of his final foster family. The Costners gave him a place to live and have a job, and he used his time with them to renew his commitment to completing his education and pursuing and catching his dream of writing, recording and performing his music professionally.

Jimmy’s hit songs include “I Love You This Much,” “Do You Believe Me Now” and “Paper Angels,” which became a book and made-for-TV movie. His New York Times best-seller, Walk to Beautiful: The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way, chronicles his harrowing story and efforts to make a difference.

Jimmy’s work on behalf of foster youth includes lobbying for the extension of foster care to age 21 in every state in the U. S., advocacy through keynote speaking around the world on the plight of children in foster care, and his seven-month, 1,700 mile walk halfway across America (2010) to raise awareness for the 30,000 children a year who age out of foster care into homelessness.

To keep up with Jimmy’s work as a child advocate and artist, please follow him here: