Retired principal calls honorary doctorate ‘an affirmation of my legacy’

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Retired principal Cynthia Terry ‘70 never expected to thrive in a classroom.  

A self-described “late bloomer” — the third of seven children in a high-achieving family — she was deeply unsure of her direction after high school. It was only when she arrived at Cal State Long Beach that something shifted.  

“I became the student I thought I would never be,” she said. “It was just like the stars were in alignment, and I rose to the top.” 

Next week, Terry will return to her alma mater — not as a student or teacher, but as the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the College of Education. 

“This is by far the most heartfelt, sincere confirmation and affirmation of the work that I just loved,” Terry said. “It is just such an affirmation of my legacy, of what I want to be known for.” 

Terry’s connection to The Beach runs deep. A transfer student from Long Beach City College, she earned her bachelor’s in English Literature in 1970 and her teaching credential a year later. She credits the university with instilling the focus and clarity that had previously eluded her. After years of uncertainty, she had a clear vision: She wanted to work in education. 

“Without Cal State Long Beach, I never would have flourished in my career. Never,” she said. “It was the identification of my North Star.” 

Her fondest memory of the university, she said, isn’t tied to a single event, but to a profound personal transformation. The library became her sanctuary, and her professors saw potential in her before she saw it in herself.  

The Beach is where she first embraced “the art of learning for learning’s sake,” she said. “That journey allowed me to tap into the gift of being a lifelong learner.” 

After a 38-year career with the Long Beach Unified School District, she retired as principal of Cabrillo High School and became a certified educational leadership coach with the Los Angeles Office of Education. 

Since then, she has held leadership roles in nonprofits across Long Beach and advocates for children and families facing tough challenges. She is deeply involved in the community and gives back to CSULB by mentoring future teachers and funding scholarships for the next generation.  

Terry’s dedication has earned her countless service awards and widespread admiration. Still, the honorary doctorate feels different, she said — not just a recognition of her achievements, but a reflection of the passion that has guided her for decades. 

“This one really, really brought me to my knees,” she said, “because it was my life's work. It is my life's work.”