Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Names Thomas Fessler (JD '83) as Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law is proud to announce that legal executive Thomas Fessler has been selected as its 2026 Distinguished Alumnus honoree.
Recognized for his leadership in corporate and regulatory law, this award marks the beginning of his appointment as a mentor for the graduating class of 2026. Throughout the academic year, Fessler will participate in a variety of engagements with the class members to cultivate meaningful relationships, allowing him to connect with students on a more personal level ahead of his address at the Caruso School of Law commencement on May 21, 2026. In addition to this recognition, Fessler was acknowledged as an honoree of 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 40 years and served for more than 15 years as the chief legal officer and general counsel of VSP Global, a $10 billion plus healthcare organization based in Sacramento, California. Prior to his tenure with VSP Global, Fessler served in senior general counsel positions with Mellon Bank and Dover Corporation. He brought his unique domestic and international legal and business background to his many years of service on the boards of Buck, Heinzmann GmBH companies, and VSP Global and its subsidiaries, including Marchon Eyewear. Fessler also served as chair and trustee of the National Elevator Industry pension and health plans. Throughout his legal career, he has supported Pepperdine University as a member of the George Pepperdine Society and the law school and Straus Institute advisory boards. Fessler received an athletic scholarship from Marquette University where he graduated with a double major magna cum laude in 1980 and earned a JD from Pepperdine School of Law in 1983.
"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."
For more news and information on upcoming events, visit the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law website.