SF State News {University Communications}

Image: Photos of SF State students and scenes from around campus

SF Mayor Newsom to keynote Commencement

April 25, 2008 -- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom was selected as the keynote speaker at San Francisco State University's 107th Commencement to be held on Saturday, May 24 at 1 p.m. (student procession begins at 12:15) in Cox Stadium on campus. The mayor will address the largest graduating class in SF State history. The class of 2008 totals approximately 8,200 graduates.

Mayor Newsom, a native of San Francisco, has partnered with SF State on a variety of initiatives and programs since he became San Francisco's 42nd mayor in 2004. Among these partnerships is SF Promise, a program that guarantees acceptance to SF State for San Francisco high school students who qualify for college. 

"Mayor Newsom is a visionary leader whose policies and practices embody San Francisco's unique strengths and values," SF State President Robert A. Corrigan said. "He is a strong supporter of higher education who appreciates the contribution San Francisco State makes towards economic development and the cultural life of this great city."

A photo of Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Now serving his second term, Mayor Newsom enjoys an international reputation for innovative solutions to problems ranging from homelessness to climate change. He took office facing historic budget deficits, widespread unemployment and commercial office building vacancies due to the "dot.com bust." By the time Newsom completed his first term, millions of dollars of waste had been cut from the City budget, unemployment was reduced by 26 percent and 117 companies had relocated to San Francisco.

Named one of the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders, Mayor Newsom, 40, has demonstrated a personal commitment to equality. Just weeks after his first inauguration, he defied federal restrictions and ordered San Francisco's City and County Clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In 2007, Mayor Newsom launched "Healthy San Francisco," which ensures that all 82,000 San Franciscans without health insurance receive comprehensive, high-quality healthcare.

Mayor Newsom's rapid rise in political circles began with an appointment to the San Francisco Parking and Traffic Commission when he was a small business owner. In 1996, he was elected for his first of two terms on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Newsom holds a B.A. in political science from Santa Clara University.

For more information about SF State's 2008 Commencement, visit the SF State Commencement website.

-- Denize Springer

 

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