As executive v.p. with Qualcomm, Steven Altman structures license agreements and joint ventures with Sony, Nokia and other giants in the telecommunications industry. At WD-40, CEO Garry Ridge has transitioned his company from a one-product to a seven-product business, increasing sales from $137 million to $230 million in four years.

Both San Diego business leaders will be honored April 3 at the USD Alumni Association’s 10th annual Author E. Hughes Career Achievement Awards.

The other honorees are Wayne Darbeau, v.p. and CAO for the San Diego Unified Port District; Connie Cintas, director of a teacher support and assessment program for a group of North County school districts and Cay Casey, a San Diego City Schools nurse who works with homebound and hearing-impaired youngsters.

“These alumni embody the spirit of USD’s commitment to excellence through their outstanding work in business, government and education,” says Jack Kelly, USD’s alumni relations director. “We’re very proud to honor them.”

Tickets for the black-tie gala at USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion are $150 or $1,250 for a table of 10. For information, call (619) 260-4819 or go to: http://alumni.sandiego.edu/hughesawards.