David Nazarian, a successful business leader and entrepreneur, is passionate about education as the key to the American dream, his own included. After immigrating from Iran in 1979, Nazarian became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and his MBA from the University of Southern California. A visionary and prolific investor in numerous fields, including the early telecommunications and renewable energy industries, aerospace, real estate and hospitality, Nazarian currently serves as chief executive officer and founder of Nimes Capital. Nazarian believes wholeheartedly that an investment in students is an investment in our collective future. His transformational gift to CSUN in 2014 was recognized with the naming of the college that bears his name, the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, and reflects his deep and enduring commitment to enhancing entrepreneurship and international programming, providing professional development and career assistance to students and elevating the success of women in business. He also contributes his time and many talents to CSUN as a thought partner and mentor to CSUN students, faculty and staff.