His name is on the new airport terminal. He brought to Kern County more than $700 million for road improvements. And he pulled together a $40 million authorization for the Valley Fever Vaccine Project.

For these reasons and more, Cal State Bakersfield President Horace Mitchell will present to former Congressman Bill Thomas the doctorate of humane letters, the university said.

“I am honored and humbled by this recognition,” Thomas said. “It is especially appreciated because it is being give by people at home who have known me for a long time.”

The honorary degree will be presented at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences commencement ceremony, 7:15 a.m. June 7.

Thomas was a political science teacher at Bakersfield College and elected to the California State Assembly in 1974. He represented the 22nd Congressional District from 1979 to 2007.

Others who have received the honorary degree include veterinarian and legislator Walter Stiern and auto dealer Jim Burke.