2024 Sacramento State Winter Commencement Program - Flipbook - Page 18
california state university, sacramento
president’s medal for distinguished service
vivian “vicki” pleau
Alumna of Sacramento State, Philanthropist, Advocate
Vivian “Vicki” Pleau was a fierce advocate for those who called
Sacramento home. Born in Minnesota to Lyle Moore, a Canadian
soldier, and Maggie O’Neil, a war bride from Scotland, her family
relocated to Bakersfield, California, when she was a child. After
spending her early years in Fresno, Mrs. Pleau’s family moved to
Sacramento while she was a teenager. She graduated from El Camino
High School in 1964 and upon her graduation enrolled at Sacramento
State. There she became a proud member of the Delta Gamma Alpha
Psi sorority, an organization designed to uplift and encourage young
women to strive for their goals and achieve their dreams.
In 1966 she met the love of her life, Steve Pleau, when they were
both students at Sacramento State. They were married in January
1968, the same year she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree
in Sociology. Mrs. Pleau and Steve raised their two children, son
Geoff Pleau and daughter Stacey Carter, in Fair Oaks, where they
formed lifelong friendships in a close-knit community. Mrs. Pleau’s
passion for her family showed in the values she instilled, including a
sense of belonging, inclusivity, and excellence. Mrs. Pleau not only
embodied what it means to be a Hornet, but she instilled it in others
through her generosity, compassion, and persistent dedication to supporting those around her. Involvement
in the community was a core value exhibited by Mrs. Pleau throughout her life, and she supported numerous
organizations with her time and resources including the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento, Junior
Achievement of Sacramento, Sacramento State Athletics, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, the Del
Paso Foundation, and First Tee of Sacramento.
Mrs. Pleau, who died in June 2023, provided unwavering support to Steve in growing the Future Automotive
Group, from the opening of his first dealership in Roseville in 1981 to the 14th one last spring. She was
proud of Steve for expanding the organization to the largest privately owned automotive group in Northern
California. Steve said many times this would not have been possible without her support and counsel.
With her commitment to supporting those around her including her devoted husband, children, and
grandchildren, it is no surprise that Mrs. Pleau was unwavering in her support for advancing society.
18
