Pepperdine Caruso School of Law announced on Mar. 9 that legal executive Thomas Fessler has been selected as its 2026 Distinguished Alumnus honoree.
The award recognizes Fessler’s leadership in corporate and regulatory law, and marks the start of his role as a mentor for the graduating class of 2026. Throughout the academic year, Fessler will engage with students to build relationships ahead of his address at the Caruso School of Law commencement on May 21, 2026. He was also previously honored in the Outstanding Alumni in Healthcare campaign in 2020.
“Thomas Fessler is a testament to the impact of values-driven leadership at the highest levels of industry,” said Paul L. Caron, Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean of the Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law. “As the former Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of VSP Global, he provided strategic guidance to a global healthcare organization through periods of significant growth and complexity, helping advance ethical corporate practices in service of the common good. His career reflects Pepperdine Caruso Law’s enduring commitment to strengthening its students for lives of great purpose, faithful service, and principled leadership. We are honored to recognize him as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award.”
Fessler has practiced law for nearly four decades and served more than fifteen years as chief legal officer and general counsel at VSP Global, a healthcare organization based in Sacramento, California. Before joining VSP Global, he held senior general counsel positions with Mellon Bank and Dover Corporation. He has also served on boards including Buck, Heinzmann GmBH companies, VSP Global subsidiaries such as Marchon Eyewear, and acted as chair and trustee for National Elevator Industry pension and health plans. In addition to his professional work, Fessler has supported Pepperdine University through advisory board roles.
“I am truly grateful to Pepperdine to be named a distinguished alumnus of our law school. This is indeed a special honor that represents the culmination of my legal and professional career and certainly reinforces my steadfast belief that whatever you do or pursue in life, you can make a real difference,” shared Fessler. “I remain proud to be a graduate of Pepperdine and especially now as I join prior distinguished law alumni who respectively are a testament to the values and mission of the Caruso School of Law and Pepperdine University.”
