John C. Harris, CEO of Harris Farms. Image via harrisranch.com

Fresno State will recognize a rancher and journalist for achievements in their fields.

John C. Harris, CEO of Harris Farms, and journalist Janis “Jan” Yanehiro, will be awarded honorary doctorates at the college’s 108th commencement this Saturday, according to a press release.

The California State University system and Fresno State award doctorate degrees in recognition of excellence and extraordinary achievement for men and women whose lives and achievements serve as an example of the CSU’s aspirations for its student body.

“John Harris’ extraordinary accomplishments in agriculture and Janis Yanehiro’s path-breaking achievements in journalism exemplify the heights of leadership and service to which our graduates have an opportunity to reach,” Fresno State President Joseph Castro said. “These two recipients have had a significant impact on the Central Valley, California and beyond.”

Yanehiro will be the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, and Harris will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science degree.

Harris graduated from UC Davis in 1965, where he received a degree in agricultural production. The Harris Farms Group includes Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division and Harris Fresh.

Harris is considered to be one of the more influential farmers in the region, the release stated.

The Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division has raised several California-bred champions, including California Chrome, winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

Yanehiro, who was born and raised in Hawaii, graduated from Fresno State in 1970 with a degree in journalism. She was one of the original co-hosts for “Evening Magazine”, a pioneering nightly program on KPIX TV in San Francisco, from 1976 to 1991.

Yanehiro has received multiple Emmys and other awards for her work and was inducted into the Academy of Television and Radio Hall of Fame in New York City. Yanehiro is one of the first native-born Asian-American female journalists in the United States.

Yanehiro is the author of three books and is also the president of Jan Yanehiro, Inc..

Fresno State’s 108th commencement ceremony will be on May 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Save Mart Center.