Salvador Hernández never imagined he’d be called “doctor.”
A farmworker who left school behind in Michoacán, Mexico, to support his family, Salvador spent decades working in the fields of California — determined that his children would have the education he never did. Now, at age 80, he can hardly believe that he is receiving an honorary doctorate from Stanislaus State.
“I never thought I’d get to this point — to get a doctorate without really doing anything,” he said in Spanish, as his son translated.
But to José Hernández — a former NASA astronaut and the first migrant farmworker to soar into space — there’s no question his father deserves it.
“Maybe he didn’t go to college and maybe he didn’t contribute in that way,” José said. “But he did something much more amazing. He sacrificed his life to give the next generation a chance. That’s what real success looks like.”
On Tuesday, May 27, and Wednesday, May 28, José and Salvador Hernández will each receive honorary doctorates — the highest recognition the California State University and Stanislaus State bestows — during Stanislaus State’s 65th Annual Commencement. It marks only the second time in CSU history that a father and son will be honored together, and the first time Latino recipients have received the distinction at Stan State.
José will be awarded the honorary Doctor of Science on Tuesday, May 27, during the College of Science ceremony. A day later, he will help confer the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to his father, Salvador, during the ceremony for the College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Both events will take place at 8 a.m. in the University Amphitheater and will be livestreamed.
“We are thrilled to honor Salvador and José Hernández — an incredible father and son whose journeys reflect the lived experiences of so many of our students and their families,” said Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis. “Growing up in Stockton, José worked alongside his parents in the fields of the Central Valley, where Salvador’s unyielding support and belief in his son’s dreams paved the way for him to reach unimaginable heights — literally and figuratively.
“Their path — from the fields to business leadership and to the stars — is a testament to resilience, determination and the power of education. José represents his ancestors’ wildest dreams, proving that with perseverance and opportunity, and fueled by family, anything is possible. As we celebrate Stan State’s 65th Commencement, we are proud to recognize the Hernándezes’ everlasting commitment to supporting others, opening doors and inspiring generations to come.
The Hernándezes’ story, which began in the fields of the Central Valley and has become a legacy of sacrifice and opportunity, resonates with many Warrior families.
For the Hernández family, a significant moment came when one of José’s teachers urged his parents to settle in Stockton so their son could have the academic stability to reach his potential. They took the advice, and it proved to be life changing.
With a strong foundation at home and a clear sense of purpose, Jose — who didn’t begin learning English until age 12 due to the demands of migrant farm work — pursued degrees in electrical and computer engineering. He helped develop a digital mammography imaging system and was eventually selected as a NASA astronaut after applying 11 times. In 2009, he flew as a mission specialist aboard Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128, where he was responsible for operating the robotic arm and managing onboard computer systems.
Now a STEM advocate, author and entrepreneur, José often credits his success to his father’s receta — a personal recipe for achievement built on vision, preparation and perseverance. He also acknowledges the vital role played by his mother, Julia Hernández, who encouraged education as the family’s top priority, and his wife, Adela, who supported him through years of training and public service.
The Hernández story reached global audiences with the release of “A Million Miles Away” in 2023, a biopic starring Michael Peña that chronicled José’s journey from the agricultural fields of California to outer space.
“I tell students all the time, ‘it’s OK to dream big, as long as you’re willing to work hard,’” José Hernandez said. “That’s the part my dad gave me. There’s no substitute for effort.”
Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis said the Hernández family story represents the lived experiences of many Warrior families — especially first-generation students whose success is built on those who came before them.
“We are thrilled to honor Salvador and José Hernández — an incredible father and son whose journeys reflect the lived experiences of so many of our students and their families,” Rios-Ellis said. “Their path — from the fields to business leadership and to the stars — is a testament to resilience, determination and the power of education.”
While José has previously received honorary degrees, this is the first time he will do so alongside his father. That, he said, is what makes this moment special.
“It’s not a validation of my accomplishments,” José said. “It’s a validation of what my father did — of the opportunity he created for us through his sacrifice. He didn’t pay for tuition, but he gave so much more.”
Though he describes himself as shy and not especially comfortable speaking in public, Salvador said he’s proud to share this milestone with his son and proud of what it represents.
“I still can’t believe it,” he said. “Even 10 seconds on that stage will be enough. I’m just happy to be part of it.”
His message to graduates and their families will be simple and heartfelt: Education is everything.
“It was always the most important thing,” he said. “Number one.”
José said one of the most meaningful parts of this recognition is knowing that his father’s words and example have resonated beyond their family.
“To know that his words impacted someone else — not just us — that made him really proud,” José said. “He gave us the recipe. Now we get to show people what it can do.”
