Charlie Zhang, longtime Cal State Fullerton supporter and founder of Pick Up Stix, was inducted into the Orange County Hall of Fame Dec. 10.
Zhang, who is widely known throughout Orange County for his philanthropic contributions to educational institutions and the arts, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from CSUF in 2023. He currently serves on the board of directors for the university’s Giles-O’Malley Center for Leadership and has been a key supporter of the Landmark Hall project, a new 20,000-square-foot building that will serve as a hub for leadership studies in Orange County.
“The impact of Charlie’s impressive philanthropic efforts can be seen all throughout Orange County, especially at Cal State Fullerton and among our business students,” said Sri Sundaram, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “His own humble beginnings help him understand the unique challenges of our students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. He has deep compassion for our students, encourages them to work hard and wants them to be part of solutions that make us a better society.
“Charlie’s contributions to CSUF will continue to have a profound impact on generations to come.”
In addition to supporting the Center for Leadership, Zhang volunteers his time in the Executive in Residence program and provides support for the Business Honors Program. During his commencement speech to the Class of 2023, Zhang encouraged graduates to pursue their passions and to “never, ever give up.”
“I was 24 when I first came to the U.S. speaking no English, but I came here with hopes and dreams,” Zhang shared. “I knew that this land was able to give me the opportunity to fulfill my American dream. Now, it is my turn to help others fulfill their own hopes and dreams.”
The 2024 OC Hall of Fame inductees also include 37th President of the United States Richard Nixon, actress Michelle Pfeiffer, Carl’s Jr. founder Carl Karcher, Orangewood Children’s Home and Samaritan Boy’s Center founder William Steiner, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos founders Wing Lam and the Lee family, renowned guitar designer Leo Fender, veterans advocates Ed Paul and Nick Berardino, and civil rights activist Sylvia Mendez.
The OC Hall of Fame was created by the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2023 to recognize individuals for achievements in civics, business, philanthropy, sports, music, arts and entertainment. Each year, the board creates a Hall of Fame Ad Hoc Committee to select its inductees.