The Sacramento ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½n of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievements of alumni in the Sacramento Alumni Community.
Nominations
Selected recipients are acknowledged leaders in service to the University and the Sacramento Alumni Community.
Sacramento Award Dinner
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Sacramento Community will host another memorable evening honoring our 2026 ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½n of the Year Recipient.
Learn more and the 50th Annual ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½n of the Year Award Dinner!
B.T. Collins Scholarship
Brien (B.T.) Collins ’70, J.D. ’73 came to ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ as an undergraduate student after losing an arm and leg while serving as an Army Captain in the Vietnam War. His good humor, generosity, and strength of character endeared him to both his undergraduate and law school classmates.
He served the State of California as director of the California Conservation Corps, chief of staff for Governor Jerry Brown ’59, deputy finance director, and an elected member of the California State Assembly. He regarded public service as a privilege and constantly urged others to give back to their communities. He loved ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ and everything it represents. His sudden death in 1993 left some challenges unmet, but B.T. also left the most important ingredients needed to succeed: inspiration and integrity.
Each year, the Sacramento community awards a scholarship in B.T.'s honor to a deserving ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ student from the Sacramento area. This year's recipient will be honored at the 50th Annual ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½n of the Year Award Dinner on Thursday, May 14, 2026.