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Newbury Park resident and community activist Hank Lacayo will be honored with the California Lutheran University Exemplar Medallion during commencement services May 14.

The Exemplar Medallion is given to citizens whose lives reflect the university's mission to "educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice."

Lacayo has dedicated most of his life to labor rights and activism within disadvantaged communities and has had a key part in supporting rights movements in the U.S.

He marched with Martin Luther King Jr. on Washington, worked with Cesar Chavez to support farmworker rights, and has met most U.S. presidents in the past 40 years.

"I think I've met them all from Harry Truman on," Lacayo said, although he met Truman when he was out of office.

Lacayo's career includes more than 50 years dedicated to the United Auto Workers, where he directed the national political and legislative department.

Although retired from the labor movement, Lacayo continues his work as president of the Congress of California Seniors. He also serves and advises on various boards and groups, including the Ventura County Community Foundation, the Ventura County American Red Cross, United Way and the Wellness Community.

Lacayo will be introduced during commencement by Herb Gooch, professor of political science and director of the graduate program of public policy and administration at CLU.

Gooch said Lacayo's long career in labor rights and activism has commanded respect even from people who object to his causes. Lacayo will serve as an ideal example to students as they begin their futures, he said.

"Across the political divide, almost everybody sees him as an extremely respected figure, even if the people absolutely don't agree with him," Gooch said. "For students, he's an example for committing himself so well to so many good causes."

Reached at home, Lacayo said he was somewhat overwhelmed by the award but was looking forward to speaking before graduating students.

"When you're noticed, I guess it does give you a little more enthusiasm to keep going," he said.

Lacayo, a seasoned public speaker, said this would be a significant event for him.

"This one here is a little different," he said. "It's young people who are graduating with degrees and looking to the future."

Lacayo wants to share with students his own role models and influences such as Eleanor Roosevelt, whom he said inspired social consciousness.

"She was very socially committed and dedicated to helping those who needed help," he said.

The commencement ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. May 14 in CLU's Mount Clef Stadium.