In a celebration long delayed by the pandemic, the UC Davis Foundation on Feb. 4 honored Sacramento business owner and philanthropist Rita Gibson ’82 as the 2020 winner of the university’s Charles J. Soderquist Award.

The award is given in recognition of philanthropy, volunteerism, leadership and an overall commitment to UC Davis, as exemplified by the award’s namesake, a UC Davis alumnus and entrepreneur.

Gibson is the owner and president of Rita Gibson Insurance & Investment Services Inc., focusing on business and retirement income planning — showing people how to be tax-efficient with retirement money.

In her personal life, she said, she prioritizes helping others as much as possible.

“As Americans, we are extraordinarily blessed with wealth and are very fortunate compared to most of the world,” Gibson said. “We can all give something. The simple act of giving any amount can make a huge difference.”

Since its founding, Gibson’s business has donated more than $350,000 and thousands of hours of volunteer time.

Her beneficiaries include UC Davis Children’s Hospital, where she serves as the chair of the Children’s Miracle Network Advisory Council, and the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art. She is a member of UC Davis Women & Philanthropy.

Her business affiliations include the Rotary Club of Sacramento; National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors; National Association of Health Underwriters; and the Million Dollar Round Table, or MDRT, an international organization of insurance and financial advisors. The MDRT Foundation awarded a grant honoring Gibson’s service to UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

She also supports the Crocker Art Museum; Sacramento’s Museum of Science and Curiosity, formerly known as the Powerhouse Science Center; the B Street Theatre; and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and Arcade Church.

Lifelong love of UC Davis

Gibson recalled fond memories from her childhood when her parents would bring her to Picnic Day.

“I love Davis and always knew I would attend UC Davis,” Gibson said. “It is just a fabulous place and I had many great experiences there.”

Gibson’s field of study was art history — which may not seem like a natural pipeline to a career in financial services — but she said her degree helped her think outside the box as a business owner and entrepreneur.

“I truly believe an education at UC Davis enables you to be flexible and adaptive enough to grow with the ever-evolving workforce,” she said. “It empowers people to have the ability to acquire new skills throughout their life.”

Highlighting philanthropy

The UC Davis Foundation is a nonprofit organization that enhances the excellence of UC Davis by highlighting the impacts of philanthropy and stewarding private donations to the university.

“Rita Gibson has been vital to the work happening at UC Davis and the UC Davis Children’s Hospital,” said Bruce West, chair of the UC Davis Foundation. “She is a shining example of how donors can make a difference in their community. We are very pleased to recognize her with the Charles J. Soderquist Award.”

The award comes with a $5,000 prize, which the recipient donates to a university program or field of his or her choice. Gibson chose to donate her prize to the Women & Philanthropy initiative, which unites women as leaders who inspire others to benefit lives.

“I believe it is important for women to be involved in philanthropy and promote a spirit of giving,” Gibson said. “Receiving this award is such an honor; I am truly touched and hope it sparks others to begin giving and reinvesting in their own communities.”

Trevor Stewart is a former senior staff writer for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.