Dear San Francisco State University Graduate:

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to take your well-earned place in the biggest celebration this or any other university observes -- its annual commencement. This year's graduation is San Francisco State's 107th commencement ceremony.

Commencement will be held Saturday, May 24, beginning at noon in Cox Stadium. I hope that you will join us. This day, after all, is the University's tribute to you, our way of recognizing that you have joined the community of scholars who for a century have earned their degrees from this institution.

Participating with me in commencement will be many of the faculty members with whom you have studied, as well as our commencement speaker, our Alumnus of the Year, and other distinguished guests.

Some of you have been able to pursue your studies full time; others have reached this moment by a longer route, combining work and perhaps family responsibilities with your academic program. By individual paths you have achieved a major goal. You are, now and for all the years to come, one of ours -- a graduate of San Francisco State University.

Congratulations on your achievements, on work well done. I hope that you and those close to you will decide to join us for this serious yet joyful expression of the University's pride in its graduates, and I look forward to your participation in commencement on May 24.