(UPDATE: Stan State sets Celebration of Life Ceremony for Dr. Marvalene Hughes — see below)

(FEB. 11, 2026) — A local memorial service for Dr. Marvalene Hughes, President-emerita of California State University, Stanislaus who died Jan. 3 at the age of 88, is in the planning stages for March.  

Dr. Hughes, who served as Stan State representative on the CVHEC Board of Directors during her presidential tenure from 1994 to 2005, was the University’s eighth and longest-serving president.

A visionary leader and historic figure in Stanislaus Stateʼs history, President-emerita Hughes was the campusʼ first woman and first African American president. She guided Stan State through a period of remarkable growth and transformation that strengthened its academic foundation and expanded access and opportunity for students throughout the Central Valley, said CVHEC Executive Director Benjamín Durán who served on the search committee that recommended her for the CSUS presidency.  

“Dr. Hughes’ impact on higher education was felt not just in the region, but throughout the state and nation. She took Stan State to another level,” Durán said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marvalene’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Current Stanislaus State President and CVHEC board member Britt Rios-Ellis said “President Emerita Hughes’ leadership and vision helped shape the beloved university we proudly serve today. 

“Her commitment to public higher education, access and student success reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and are entrusted with carrying that legacy forward for future generations. It is a profound honor to lead in her footsteps, and I will be forever grateful for the strong legacy she built at Stanislaus State.” 

Dr. Rosalee Rush, Stanislaus State vice president of Strategic Communications & Marketing, said a  memorial service is being planned for March to coincide with the Student Leadership Conference, an event that President Emerita Hughes supported and helped shape in its early years. 

Services were held for Dr. Hughes Jan. 24 in Eutaw, Alabama.   

(UPDATE MAR 15, 2026):  Stan State sets Celebration of Life Ceremony for Dr. Marvalene Hughes A lantern-lighting Celebration of Life Ceremony for the late Dr. Marvalene Hughes, president-emerita of California State University, Stanislaus, will be held from 4 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 25. Dr. Hughes, who represented Stan State on the CVHEC Board of Directors during her presidential tenure from 1994 to 2005, died Jan. 3. Stanislaus State invites community members to honor the impact of President-emerita Hughes and her leadership at the Marvalene Hughes Reflecting Pond on campus, said Dr. Rosalee Rush, vice president of Strategic Communications & Marketing. The University’s eighth and longest-serving president, Dr. Hughes also was the first woman and first African American to serve as CEO of the Modesto based CSU campus.