Cal State Fullerton Awards Honorary Degree to Disney Legend

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Graduates celebrate their achievements during the CSUF commencement ceremony.

News Summary

Cal State Fullerton will honor Martha Blanding with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during its commencement ceremony on May 21, 2025. Blanding, a CSUF alumna and Disney Legend, is recognized for her groundbreaking contributions at Disneyland. She will also serve as the commencement speaker for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Blanding became Disneyland’s first Black full-time tour guide and made significant strides for diversity at Disney during her five-decade career.

Fullerton, California – Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) will honor Disney Legend Martha Blanding by awarding her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the commencement ceremony on May 21, 2025. This ceremony is scheduled to commence at 8 a.m. at Titan Stadium and is part of a larger set of 12 graduation events occurring from May 19 to May 22.

Martha Blanding, an alumnus of CSUF and a best-selling author, will also serve as the commencement speaker for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. With an impressive five-decade career at Disneyland Resort, Blanding is recognized for her groundbreaking contributions and significant achievements within the Disney community, especially from 1971 until her retirement in 2022.

One of Blanding’s most noteworthy accomplishments includes becoming Disneyland’s first Black full-time tour guide and VIP hostess in 1971. This pioneering role marked a significant milestone not only for Blanding but for diversity at Disney. In addition, she holds the distinction of being the first Black employee to retire after 50 years of service at The Walt Disney Company, emphasizing her longstanding commitment and impact on the organization.

In 2024, Blanding was designated as an official Disney Legend by The Walt Disney Company, an accolade acknowledging her contributions to the theme park and hospitality industries. Her memoir, “Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through the Happiest Place on Earth,”, co-written with Tim O’Day, narrates her inspirational journey, detailing how she navigated through the cultural changes at Disney while overcoming personal and professional challenges.

Blanding’s career highlights include hosting numerous celebrities such as Diana Ross, Elton John, Cher, and Cary Grant while serving as a VIP hostess. She was also the first Black woman to work in management at Disneyland, initially starting her career as an associate buyer. Eventually, she became the first Black female merchandise buyer at Disneyland and across all Disney Parks.

In her role, Blanding was instrumental in producing events that featured prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Julie Andrews, James Earl Jones, Kurt Russell, and Walt Disney Imagineers. Alongside her professional endeavors, she co-founded PULSE, a resource group designed to support Black Disneyland cast members during a period when diversity within corporate environments was limited.

CSUF President Ronald S. Rochon praised Blanding as a trailblazer and an example of perseverance and ambition, embodying the spirit of determination that inspires current students and graduates alike. Blanding’s roots trace back to South Central Los Angeles, where she graduated from John C. Fremont High School before embarking on her academic journey at CSUF.

Interestingly, Blanding’s career with Disney began while she was still attending CSUF, as the park conducted recruitment sessions directly on campus. She expressed her gratitude to the university for this recognition, fondly recalling her experiences at CSUF that helped launch her remarkable career at Disney.

Cal State Fullerton, located in Orange County, is the largest university in the California State University system, an institution known for its commitment to fostering educational excellence and producing impactful graduates.