Lauded: Sacramento State University President Alexander Gonzales shakes hands with Sleep Train’s Dale Carlsen. Photo courtesy of Sacramento State University.
Dale Carlsen, founder and chief executive officer of Sacramento, Calif.-based mattress retailer Sleep Train, has been awarded an honorary doctorate in the humanities from his alma mater Sacramento State University. Carlsen was recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to foster children. The Sacramento native founded Sleep Train in 1985, one year after graduating from Sacramento State. He has grown the retailer from a single store to an employee-owned, multibranded company with more than 280 stores and nearly 1,500 employees. The Sleep Train Foster Kids program has collected thousands of items for foster children, including shoes, clothes and school supplies, and has raised more than $2 million in cash.
“Our honorary doctorate degree recognizes significant achievements and meritorious and outstanding service to humanity,” said Alexander Gonzalez, university president. “Dale’s amazing story of success reflects the highest ideals of a Sacramento State education. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to helping others, including his support of foster youth, are inspiring future students and making lives better in our communities.”
