San Franciscan John H. Jacobs, an influential figure in the city's economic development and a long-time friend of the University, has been selected to receive the SFSU President's Medal during commencement exercises on May 25.

Jacobs has led both the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research (SPUR) Association and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. He was executive director of SPUR from 1966 to 1981, leading the organization's deep involvement with city planning issues, while also guiding SPUR's expansion into new policy areas such as city management and finance.

Jacobs has been a member of the SFSU Foundation Board since 1989. The SFSU Foundation is a non-profit organization separate from the University that exists to promote and assist the University's educational mission.

Jacobs became chairman of the Foundation's board of directors in June 2001. Under his leadership, the Foundation completed the $48 million Village at Centennial Square project that created 190 units of two and three bedroom apartments for students. In addition, the project includes 12,000 square feet of commercial space and a 50,000-square-foot student affairs complex. Jacobs was also instrumental in helping the Foundation purchase housing units from the Parkmerced Apartments (now called the Villas) to address the critical need for affordable housing for faculty and staff.

The President's Medal honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the University and the city of San Francisco that will have long-lasting and widespread benefits for SFSU students and faculty.

For more on Jacobs and the SFSU President's Medal, see the press release.