Longtime CSU Channel Islands Foundation board member Bill Kearney will receive an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at the university’s May 16 commencement ceremony.

Kearney has shepherded hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations from CSUCI sponsors. He and his wife, Eloise, also contributed to the building of the campus’ Central Mall fountain and he helped the university obtain the Robert J. Lagomarsino Archives, a statement said.

“Bill is a humble man and does not seek grand recognition or attention,” president Richard Rush said in the statement. “Rather, Bill finds satisfaction in knowing his service is benefiting those most in need.”

Kearney is a senior vice president of wealth management for Merrill Lynch in Oxnard. He has been an advocate for CSUCI for years and joined its President’s Circle of donors in 1999. He has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2003.

Skating on thicker ice

The Greater Santa Barbara Ice Skating Association, informally known as the “Boyz of Santa Barbara,” has presented a $200,000 gift to the Ice in Paradise skating arena being developed in Goleta.

The grant will support adult hockey programs at the new facility, which is expected to open in September. The fundraising campaign is ongoing and donations can be made at www.iceinparadise.org.

Food share goes mobile

Food Share has taken the wraps off its new mobile pantry called Food Share and Friends. The mobile effort is a partnership between Food Share, the Port of Hueneme and Wells Fargo.

The vehicle will deliver healthy foods as well as provide health screenings, financial literacy programs and employment training to people who live in what is know as “food deserts,” areas that are lacking in access to supermarkets or otherwise underserved.

Needy communities were identified through research by the CSUCI Institute for Social Business.

Big boost for youth mentors

The newest Big Brothers Big Sisters operation in the Tri-Counties is located at 517 13th St. in Paso Robles. The facility was opened in part through a grant from Must! Charities that will total $253,000 over four years.

A press release from the organization said there are 46 at-risk youth from northern San Luis Obispo County who are waiting for a mentor. Youth mentoring is one of the more high-profile activities of the Big Brothers Big Sisters effort.

A league of their own

The Junior League of Santa Barbara is hosting its 7th annual Spring Gala on April 11th at the Coral Casino in Montecito.

The program is presented by Tiffany & Co., and the organization’s Woman of the Year will be announced.

The finalists are Michele Schnieder, Beverly Schwartzberg and Nancy Sheldon.