ADVERTISEMENTs
_page-0001.jpg)
Cal Poly Humboldt recognizes Anand Gopal as Distinguished Alumni
He was honored for his global leadership in climate policy, and clean energy innovation.
-
Bhavana P - Fri, 01, Aug 2025
- 16:14 EDT
- 26
Anand Gopal / Cal Poly Humboldt
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Humboldt has named Indian-American environmentalist Anand Gopal as a recipient of its 2025 Distinguished alumni award.
Gopal, who earned his M.S. in environmental systems from Cal Poly in 2003, is the founder and CEO of Elar Strategies, an organization that partners with nonprofits and foundations to promote equitable climate solutions while enhancing global livelihoods.
Also read: Birla Institute honors Indian-American alumni
With nearly two decades of experience, Gopal has held senior roles at Energy Innovation, where he led a 30-member climate policy team; the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, directing global clean power grantmaking; and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he oversaw international energy policy research.
In addition to his professional achievements, Gopal contributes to Forbes and serves on the boards of the International Council on Clean Transportation, the Good Food Institute, Veloz, and the Schatz Center at Humboldt.
“When I applied to the master's program at Cal Poly Humboldt my only degree was from a faraway university in India that may not have meant anything to someone reading my application. To receive the Distinguished Alumni award all these decades later means that I realized the potential that Lehman was able to see. It's an honor to be recognized by the university that changed my life more than any others,” Gopal said.
Originally from Chennai, India, Gopal holds a bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and earned his Ph.D. in energy and resources from the University of California, Berkeley.
Alongside Gopal, the other honorees are John Ballard, Karen Diemer, Rakin Hall, and Tory Starr. The Distinguished Alumni Award, given annually since 1960, recognizes graduates who embody excellence, innovation, and service.
Related
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpeg)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login