There was a time when Annette Bening walked across the SFSU campus without having to worry about the paparazzi. The summer issue of SFSU Magazine, now available on campus and online, takes readers back to those days. In the cover story Bening traces her path from an SFSU student in the late 1970s to star of the silver screen.

The three-time Academy Award nominee reveals the impact SFSU faculty members had on her acting career. "I feel grateful that I had a chance to learn from veteran professionals," she told SFSU Magazine. In turn, her former instructors and classmates share their memories of the hard-working student who seemed destined for success.

Bening wasn't the only SFSU graduate walking the red carpet on Oscar night this past spring. In "The Runaway Success of 'Ryan'" readers will learn more about alumna Marcy Page, the co-producer of "Ryan," this year's Oscar winner for best animated short film. The film takes viewers inside the head of a renowned animator -- literally and figuratively.

The magazine also reveals how SFSU plans to spend the largest alumni gift in its history: $10 million. In addition to this landmark gift from Manny and Neda Mashouf, alumni George and Judy Marcus have stepped forward with a multimillion dollar gift to establish a thriving new arts center at SFSU.

Another feature, "The Food Network," goes behind the scenes of the San Francisco Food Bank where alumnus Paul Ash works to feed some 50,000 hungry San Franciscans every day. The executive director recalls that he sharpened his business skills at State.

Other magazine highlights: follow student Brittany Huntington underneath Tomales Bay; learn about Jeff Snipes, a professor working to reform the police force of an entire Caribbean nation; meteorology Professor Jan Null focuses on child car safety as the summer months heat up; The New York Times editorial editor Gail Collins stops by campus to talk women's history; robots invade; and a new certificate in guide dog mobility comes to State.

The magazine's online survey takes just a few minutes to complete and responses will be taken into consideration as the staff plans future issues.

The SFSU Magazine Web site also includes an easy way to request a back issue, update an address, and send a class note or letter to the editor. And while supplies last, all letter writers will receive a free poster of alumnus Dale Perkins's "City by the Bridge" watercolor painting.

Since its launch in 2000, SFSU Magazine has won three awards of excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Higher Education.

-- Adrianne Bee