San Francisco State UniversityCampusMemo
CampusMemo is published weekly during semesters and monthly in the summer for faculty and staff by the Public Affairs and Publications offices at SFSU. 415/338-1665.

Deadline for submissions is Tuesday at 5 p.m. of the week preceding publication. Send submissions to: pubnews@sfsu.edu. Please include a contact name and extension.


May 20, 2002

Volume 49, No. 32
SFSU's 101st Commencement May 25 Three to be inducted
into Alumni Hall of Fame
Star of the month
Academic senate resolution in
support of civil discourse and
the principles of the academy
Announcements Updates on pro-Israel/pro-Palestine
tension on campus
CampusMemo in the summer Green is next for NEXA Defensive driver training
A note from the Senate Chair Today Rites of passage
Fall fee waiver info Queer disability conference Experience the Collaboratory
Academic Senate Action Honor retiring faculty
Newsmakers: SFSU in the print and electronic media


SFSU's 101st Commencement May 25

Nancy Pelosi
San Francisco State University will award diplomas to its largest graduating class in history -- 7,183 students -- during commencement exercises at noon on Saturday, May 25 in Cox Stadium.

An estimated crowd of 22,000 graduates, family and friends will attend.

U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who as minority whip is the highest-ranking woman ever in Congress, will deliver the keynote speech.

"We are honored to have Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi as our commencement speaker," President Robert A. Corrigan said. "She is a trailblazer in the world of national politics -- an inspiration to all our graduates and to women in particular. Her congressional leadership on issues ranging from HIV and AIDS to the economy, housing, health care and education has shown that she truly remains a representative of the people."

Now serving her eighth term representing the citizens of San Francisco in California's Eighth Congressional District, Pelosi has emerged as a true leader.

As minority whip, Pelosi is the second-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives behind House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt of Missouri. Fellow House Democrats elected her to the post of minority whip last October. Pelosi also serves on the Intelligence Committee, where she is the ranking Democrat.

Pelosi has played a pivotal role in forging appropriations bills for the country's domestic programs and foreign investments. She has consistently advocated increased spending for prevention and research on HIV/AIDS and breast cancer. Pelosi has made campaign finance reform a top priority and she continues to lead efforts to help New York City in its recovery following Sept. 11.

A longtime friend and advocate for SFSU, Pelosi has successfully sponsored legislation on behalf of the University and helped secure support for scientific research, early childhood education programs and minority access.

She received the SFSU President's Medal in 1996.

As previously reported in CampusMemo, the University will award an honorary degree doctor of humane letters to Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International which has brought homeownership to more than 500,000 people around the world.

In addition, the University will bestow SFSU President's Medals to legendary jazz musician Vernon Alley and to San Franciscan John H. Jacobs, one of the most influential figures in San Francisco's city planning and economic development over the last four decades.

The University also will honor broadcasting and electronic communications arts (BECA) grad Peter Casey, the Emmy Award-winning co-creator and executive producer of "Fraser," as the SFSU Alumni Association's 2002 Alumnus of the Year.

Commencement can be viewed AT&T Cable Channel 27 by AT&T Cable subscribers in San Francisco. A transcript of the commencement program will be made available on the University Web site shortly after the conclusion of the ceremony at:www.sfsu.edu/~news

Reminder to faculty who plan on participating All faculty members who plan to participate in commencement should line up by noon next to the Student Services Building on the north side of the Centennial Village Roadway. The actual ceremony begins at 1 p.m. and should end by 4 p.m.

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Three to be inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame

Paul Gemignani Tony-award winning musical director and conductor Paul Gemignani, corporate affairs executive Jim Wunderman and telecommunications executive Mohan Gyani will be inducted into the SFSU Alumni Hall of Fame this year.

This year's inductees, along with Alumnus of the Year Peter Casey and President's Medal recipient Vernon Alley, will be honored at a campus reception Friday. The SFSU Alumni Association selects the Hall of Fame inductees and annual Alumnus of the Year award winner.

Gemignani, who earned a bachelor's degree in music in 1968, has been the music director for more than 35 shows on Broadway and in London's West End, including "Kiss Me Kate," "Sweeney Todd," "Evita," "Follies," and "Crazy for You." He received the 2001 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.

Jim Wunderman

Wunderman, who earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1984, is senior vice president of corporate affairs for Providian Financial Corp. and chairman-elect of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Wunderman also served as San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan's chief of staff and San Francisco deputy mayor from 1992 to 1995. He has acted as a consultant for many city campaigns and ballot initiatives through his consulting company, The Wunderman Group.

Mohan Gyani

Gyani, who earned a bachelor's degree in business in 1973 and an MBA in finance in 1978, is president and chief executive officer of AT&T Wireless Mobility Group. Previously, he was head of strategy and corporate development and a member of the Board of Directors for Vodafone AirTouch PLC.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding alumni who have earned the respect of their peers through professional, cultural and civic achievements. Past inductees include: Casey, actor Danny Glover, actress Annette Bening, UCLA head football coach Bob Toledo, Oakland schools Superintendent Dennis Chaconas, and author Melba Beals.

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Announcements

Updates on pro-Israel/pro-Palestine tensions on campus

President Corrigan will continue to update the campus community through e-mail as he did most recently on May 13. The University has also set up a Web site where more on the University's statements and actions can be found. In addition to President Corrigan's recent statements, the site also includes a summary of events, the Academic Senate Chair's report, a resolution on civil discourse passed by the Senate and more. Click on the following link to go the Web site: SFSU's Response to Pro-Israel--Pro-Palestine tensions on campus.

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CampusMemo in the Summer

This is the final edition of CampusMemo of the academic year. CampusMemo will be published twice during the summer with issues appearing June 10 and July 8. Items for those issues must be submitted by 5 p.m. of the Tuesday preceding publication. As always, the best way to submit items is to send all relevant information to pubnews@sfsu.edu

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Green is next for NEXA

After 27 years directing the NEXA Program, Michael Gregory is retiring at the end of the semester. He will be replaced by English professor Geoffrey Green, who was elected by NEXA faculty.

NEXA was established in 1975 by a development grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, following an initial pilot grant for a class taught from 1973 to 1975 titled "Major Figures and Their Impact" (Newton, Darwin and Einstein).

The NEXA program sponsors team-taught courses, seminars and public events.

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Defensive driver training

The Office of Risk and Insurance Management will conduct a defensive driver training course from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17. The class will be held in the Plant Operations Training Room in the Corporation Yard. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To make a reservation, call Environmental Health and Occupational Safety at ext. 8-1449.

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A note from the Senate chair

Outgoing Senate Chair Pamela Vaughn sends this message:

I wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to all my Senate colleagues for their affectionate farewell and generous gifts, but most of all for their support and service to the University. It has been a great two years, mostly because of you!

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Today

Rites of passage

Faculty and staff are invited to honor retiring faculty at the annual "Rites of Passages" celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the University Club.

The event will be hosted by President Robert A. Corrigan and John M.Gemello, interim vice president for academic affairs.

Faculty are invited to attend either as an emeritus honoree or to congratulate and celebrate with colleagues and friends.

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Fall fee waiver info

Fee waiver applications for the fall 2002 semester are now available in Human Resources, ADM 252.

The Staff Fee Waiver Program enables eligible University employees to take regular courses, which are considered work related or are part of an approved Individual Career Development Plan, at reduced rates. The Dependent Fee Waiver and Reduction Program enables employees who are eligible to participate in the Fee Waiver Program to transfer their eligibility to an eligible spouse or dependent child. The spouse or child must be a matriculating student enrolled in courses for credit toward completion of a degree or teaching credential at a CSU campus.

All fee waiver participants enroll through the touch-tone registration process. Participants should submit fee waiver applications and fees to the Cashier's Office, no later than Thursday, June 20. Employees applying for the Dependent Fee Waiver and Reduction Program should submit all paperwork to the Human Resources Department (ADM 252).

Employees with eligibility questions or concerns should contact the Fee Waiver Help Line at ext. 8-2678.

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Queer disability conference

SFSU's Disability Programs and Resource Center, Human Sexuality Studies Program, Institute on Disability, and School of Social Work are hosting the First International Queer Disability Conference on June 2 and 3 at the Seven Hills Conference Center.

The conference will feature a wide range of participation and presentations by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersexed and disabled communities.

The conference has been organized by a grass-roots volunteer committee, supported by the Disabled Women's Alliance--a project of the San Francisco Women's Centers, Inc. For more information or to register for the conference go to: www.disabledwomen.net/queer

Or call Gene Chelberg at ext. 5-3728.

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Experience the Collaboratory

The Center for the Enhancement of Teaching invites faculty, staff and administrators to enhance their classroom experience or maximize meeting productivity through the use of the Collaboratory, located in Burk Hall 229.

Workshops will be scheduled in fall 2002 to assist interested participants in learning more about the Collaboratory and its software.

If you're interested in attending a fall workshop, e-mail Collaboratory Coordinator Adrienne Anderson at collab1@sfsu.edu

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Academic Senate Action

Penny Warren, vice chair of the Academic Senate announced:

Chair Pamela Vaughn reported* on the importance of the Academy in the peace process. She noted:

Statewide senators Eunice Aaron and Jan Gregory reported:

Bonnie Homan, a member of the Lecturer's Council, reported:

In the action part of the meeting, the Senate:

The next meeting of the Academic Senate will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Seven Hills Conference Center. All are welcome to attend. Visit the Academic Senate Web site: www.sfsu.edu/~senate

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To send events: call EXT 8-1665 or send e-mail to pubnews@sfsu.edu



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