SF State News {University Communications}

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Gifts for a Gator graduate

May 7, 2008 -- Nothing says "happy graduation" like a gift produced by SF State alumni or faculty. Those scratching their heads for gift ideas for new graduates need only peruse the books, DVDs and other items here to help remember the University. See previous graduation and holiday gift lists for more ideas.

Gator Bookshelf

Maybe not the best title for graduates, but "Failure," (Harcourt Trade 2007) the latest release from alum Philip Schultz, (B.A.'67) won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for poetry. Schultz studied Creative Writing at SF State and his newest volume speaks of grief, love, marriage, fear, fatherhood and depression. His first collection, "Like Wings" was nominated for the National Book Award and Schultz' work has appeared in numerous publications including The New Yorker and The Nation.

A photo of the jackets of "Failure." and "The Middle Place"

Alumna Anne Rice’s (M.A. '72) latest book, “Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana,” (Knopf Publishing Group, 2008)  a follow-up to “Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt” picks up at Christ’s last winter before his baptism in the Jordan River and ends with his miracles at the wedding at Cana.

Alumna Kelly Corrigan's (M.A. '97) memoir "The Middle Place" (Voice, 2008) looks at that area of life when parenthood and childhood overlap. Corrigan provides rich, detailed stories that make the book come alive.


Gifts for the musician

Tired of lugging a bulky guitar around? Design and Industry alums Joe Luttwak (M.A. '04) and M.A. candidate Kyle Wolfe are receiving rave reviews for their Blackbird Rider Guitar, a lightweight instrument they developed. The carbon-fiber guitar weighs only three pounds and features an all-hollow body.

A visit to Rassela's Jazz Club in San Francisco's Fillmore district makes a great gift for any jazz aficionado. The club is owned by alum Agonafer Shiferaw and features live jazz every night of the week and a diverse selection of Ethiopian cuisine.

A photo of the Blackbird Rider Guitar

The Alexander String Quartet's new album "Retrospections" is a wonderful addition to any music-lover's library. In its newest release, SF State's ensemble in residence plays the compositions of Wayne Peterson, professor emeritus of music. The internationally renowned Alexander String Quartet celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006 and has performed around the world.

Saxophonist John Handy's (B.A. '63) performance of his composition "Spanish Lady," recorded live at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1965 has been reissued. The rare recording captures the talent of one of SF State's legendary jazz alumni.


SF State at the Movies

Aspiring filmmakers can get a sampling of alum Steven Zaillian's screenplay prowess by picking up the American Gangster DVD. Zaillian (B.A. '75) earned an Oscar for the screenplay he wrote for "Schindler's List."

Check out the work of alumni Ethan Van Der Ryn (B.A., '85) and Christopher Scarabosio (B.A., '90) who were nominated for Academy Awards for Achievement in Sound Editing on the movie "Transformers" and "There Will Be Blood," respectively. Both are now available on DVD.


Ready for the real world

For the graduate who needs new duds for a high-powered job, alum Nellie Partow is quickly making a name for herself in the fashion world.

Recent graduates can still reap the benefits of the University with a lifetime membership to the SF State alumni association for just $45.

-- Michael Bruntz

 

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