SAN FRANCISCO, December 20, 2002 --- In recognition of its strong educational opportunities for Hispanic students, San Francisco State University has been selected as a "Publisher's Pick" by the publication Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education.

SFSU was among 19 California State University campuses chosen for the publication's national list of colleges and universities that offer an excellent education for Hispanic students. The picks, published in the December 17 edition of Hispanic Outlook, are based upon formal and informal inquires as well as from the National Center for Education Statistics.

"We are proud to be numbered among the top institutions nationally in attracting and supporting Hispanic students," said SFSU President Robert A. Corrigan. "We continue our strong commitment to provide an outstanding educational experience not only for them, but also for students from all backgrounds."

Earlier this year, SFSU was honored by Hispanic Outlook as one of the Top 100 institutions graduating Hispanics, ranking 38th in undergraduate degrees and 54th in graduate degrees. At SFSU, Hispanics make up 7.1 percent of the University's 28,378 students.

Jim Quesada, chair of anthropology and faculty co-chair of SFSU's Raza Faculty and Staff Association, attributed the selection by Hispanic Outlook to the University's recruitment of Hispanic faculty and staff. "When students see faculty of color they feel that they are on a campus that is inclusive and familiar," he said. Quesada added that SFSU's College of Ethnic Studies with its Raza Studies program and many Hispanic student organizations also help make the University very attractive to students.

The CSU is one of the most diverse higher education institutions in the nation, with ethnic minorities forming more than half (53 percent) of its identified student body. Hispanics make up nearly a quarter of the total student population. Some 13,400 Hispanic students received their bachelor and master's degrees from the CSU during the 2001-02 academic year.

The other CSU campuses selected are located at Bakersfield, Chico, Dominguez Hills, Fresno, Fullerton, Hayward, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monterey Bay, Northridge, Pomona, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Jose, San Luis Obispo and Stanislaus.