2025 CSUS Spring Commencement0513-ADAFinal - Flipbook - Page 14
california state university, sacramento
HONOR ARY DOCTOR OF HUM ANE LETTERS (LHD)
PAUL LAU
CEO AND GENERAL MANAGER, SACRAMENTO MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT
Paul Lau is an exceptional leader whose accomplishments and
commitments to education, sustainability, diversity, equity, and
inclusion have benefited the Sacramento Region and have had
significant impacts nationally and internationally.
Mr. Lau is the CEO and General Manager of the Sacramento
Municipal Utility District (SMUD). His distinguished 42-year career
with SMUD began as a student intern while he was attending
Sacramento State. Under his leadership, SMUD became a pioneer in
clean energy initiatives, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
This ambitious goal reflects Mr. Lau’s dedication to environmental
stewardship, a value that resonates deeply with Sacramento
State’s mission. He has driven innovative projects, including smart
grid technology and large-scale renewable energy projects, and
has supported educational programs through scholarships and
workforce partnerships, particularly benefiting students from
underserved populations.
Mr. Lau also is active in international energy issues, serving as a
delegate with the United States Energy Association and contributing
to electrification and demand-side management in countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Jordan. He
holds leadership positions in several organizations, including the Smart Electric Power Alliance, the Balancing
Authority of Northern California, and the American Public Power Association. Locally, he serves on the boards
of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council and Valley Vision, and he is a past chair of the Sacramento Asian
Pacific Chamber of Commerce.
A Chinese immigrant who came to the United States in middle school speaking very little English, Lau’s
personal journey is a testament to his resilience and commitment to helping others. After graduating from
Sacramento State with a degree in electrical engineering, he continued to give back to his alma mater
by creating and maintaining internship and workforce development programs targeting diverse student
populations, providing hands-on experience in clean energy technology and engineering. These programs
help bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world career preparation, especially for students from
underrepresented backgrounds. He also promotes STEM education among K-12 students in underserved
communities, creating a pipeline of diverse students prepared to succeed in the CSU system.
Paul Lau’s life and achievements embody the transformative potential of the California State University’s
mission. Through his visionary leadership, deep community engagement, and unwavering commitment
to sustainability and education, he has become a powerful example of how individual passion can create
meaningful, lasting change for society.
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