The UC Davis Foundation is honoring Michael E. “Mike” Gilson ’73 with the 2026 Charles J. Soderquist Award.

Gilson has served as chair of the UC Davis Library Leadership Board since its founding in 2017. His leadership and personal giving have consistently propelled fundraising efforts and allowed the library to flourish.

The Soderquist Award is named after an esteemed alum and entrepreneur and recognizes individuals who, like him, have given back to the university through philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership.

On top of Gilson’s accomplished business career, he has dedicated significant time and resources to bolstering his alma mater. 

"Mike is a constant advocate for the library, and one whose enthusiasm for supporting students uplifts everything the library does,” University Librarian and Vice Provost of Digital Scholarship William Garrity said.

The Soderquist Award includes $10,000 that the recipient can grant to a university area of their choice. Gilson will donate the prize to the UC Davis Library’s Student Success Initiative, showing that his deep-rooted connection to the library continues to inspire him to give back.

The role of the library as a “third space” for UC Davis students to study and continue their learning is of particular importance to Gilson.

“When I was an undergrad, I lived in a very small bungalow that did not have room for a desk,” Gilson said, “so the library became my ‘hiding place.’”

Cross-campus impact

Beyond the library, Gilson has contributed to UC Davis in a multitude of ways.

He maintains heavy involvement within departments spanning several disciplines. Gilson sits on the College of Letters and Science Dean’s Advisory Council and the Philanthropic Advisory Committee of the UC Davis Foundation. He has also mentored many graduate students at the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 

And Gilson’s impact is not limited to the Davis campus: It is felt just as strongly at the UC Davis School of Medicine and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing.

“I was introduced to UC Davis Health in 2017,” said Gilson, “when my daughter was battling severe chronic neuropathy.”

From then on, Gilson’s support has been a constant. 

“To have a volunteer-leader and donor who is equally committed to advancing both the UC Davis School of Medicine and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing is rare enough,” School of Medicine Dean Susan Murin wrote in Gilson’s nomination. “It is even more remarkable that Mike’s generosity spans across both campuses, making an extraordinary impact.”

He has also assumed roles on the advisory boards of the Office of Wellness Education and the Center for Advancing Pain Relief, departments led by faculty who were crucial in the treatment of Gilson’s daughter.

“Mike is a one-of-a-kind ambassador and leader who has created a powerful model of volunteerism,” Distinguished Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Scott Fishman said.

Steadfast commitment to UC Davis

Gilson says giving back to UC Davis is simply returning a favor.

“When I arrived on campus as a 24-year-old undergrad veteran in August of 1971, not knowing a soul, I very quickly made friends,” he said. “It was clear that Davis was a very welcoming environment – and it remains so today.”

One of these friends was 2025 Soderquist Award winner Kevin Bacon, who can attest to Gilson’s Aggie pride.

“Mike is a true advocate of UC Davis,” Bacon said. “While he is certainly proud of his US Air Force service, his Wharton School MBA and his successful business career, aside from his family, I think he is most proud of his 50-plus-year connection to UC Davis.”

The unparalleled enthusiasm Gilson brings to each of his many volunteer positions does not go unnoticed.

“He shows up – consistently, wholeheartedly, and with purpose,” said Diane Zimmerman, a fellow member of the Library Leadership Board. “Whether he is mentoring students, attending university events, or championing new programs, Mike embodies the spirit of UC Davis.”

The current and continued success of many university programs have been boosted by Gilson’s generosity of spirit, time and support – embodying the core purpose of the Soderquist Award.

“Mike's enduring and genuine contributions will benefit UC Davis for years to come,” Garrity said.