Omel Nieves was not alone in his journey to becoming a distinguished trial attorney, civic leader, and champion of educational opportunity.
He credited his parents, teachers, mentors, boosters, and his 1983 national championship basketball team—among others—for providing inspiration and support.
Nieves told Cal State LA’s Class of 2026 not to shy away from accepting help from others. Just as important, he spurred the graduating students to pay it forward once they are able.
“When you make it—and you will—reach back,” he said. “Because somewhere out there right now is another student, another young person, another ‘diamond in the rough’ who just needs one opportunity. Be the person who gives it. Be the mentor. Be the encourager. Be the one who opens the door. Because success is not about what you achieve—it’s about what you make possible for others.”
Nieves shared the advice after Cal State LA and the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees conferred on him an honorary Doctor of Laws during the university’s 1 p.m. Commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, at the Shrine Auditorium.
The honorary degree recognized Nieves’ extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment to expanding access to education, and his enduring contributions to the betterment of his community and Cal State LA. Omel Nieves exemplifies the value of Cal State LA through his leadership, professional excellence, and longstanding commitment to community service and higher education,” CSU Trustee Larry Adamson said. “He has played a transformative role in advancing the institution’s mission and growth.”
Nieves is a senior shareholder at Hunt Ortmann Nieves Darling Mah Klein & Lozano, Inc., and has built a national reputation in complex litigation with clients across California’s construction, real estate, and business sectors.
He has guided Cal State LA’s philanthropic vision and growth for the past 12 years as president of the Board of Trustees of the California State University, Los Angeles Foundation. Under his guidance, the foundation’s endowment has nearly tripled from $25 million to $71 million, expanding scholarships, programs, and opportunities for generations of students.
“This is a wonderful honor,” said Nieves of the honorary degree. “It was something I was very surprised about, but the real gift was when I saw the students crossing the stage and getting their diplomas with their big smiles and knowing that I played a small part in it.”
Nieves has also served on the Foundation Board at California State University, Fresno, and was co-chair of the university’s first comprehensive capital campaign, which raised $217 million to support students, faculty, and campus growth. Outside of higher education, he has devoted decades to civic engagement, serving in leadership roles with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, local schools, and a nonprofit and public organizations, while providing pro bono legal services and mentorship to those in need.
Nieves was co-captain of the Fresno State basketball team that captured the National Invitation Tournament title in 1983. When his dream of playing professional basketball did not work out, a pair of Fresno State boosters guided him toward his career in law.
That experience stuck with Nieves.
“We live in a culture that celebrates independence—but success is rarely a solo act,” he said. “There is no such thing as a self-made person. Behind every achievement is a team, a community, a moment where someone reached out and said, ‘I see something in you.’ When that moment comes—say yes.”
Nieves also told the graduates the path to success will not always be smooth.
“Be strong enough to face adversity,” he said. “Because you will face it. Your plans won’t always go the way you expect. You’ll encounter setbacks, doubts, and moments when you question yourself. In those moments, remember where you came from. Remember the sacrifices that brought you here. Remember that resilience is not something you’re born with—it’s something you build. As we say in Spanish: Sí se puede. Yes, you can.”
Have a story to share?
Have a story worth sharing? Let us know what’s happening in your classroom, community, or career. We’d love to hear from you.
California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 260,000 distinguished alumni.
