With a new school year about to begin, the outlook at San Francisco State University is bright. Our faculty and staff joined in community on Aug. 21 for the Opening Convocation, a traditional academic ceremony celebrating each new academic year. The event took place in McKenna Theatre and was streamed live.  

In his speech, Associated Students President Brandon Foley talked about his appreciation for the dedication of our Gator faculty and staff, encouraging a continued focus on the wellbeing of our students.  

“While we continue our advocacy and fight for justice and a better San Francisco State in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., never underestimate the good you can do in a single day right here on campus,” said Foley, a graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering. “The extension you give to a student because they’re going through a rough patch in life might be the reason they stay enrolled next semester. That office birthday celebration — which by the way, if you’re thinking of doing it, definitely do it — could be the highlight of someone’s day. The resources you decide to share, even though if it’s not specifically a part of your job, could be someone’s lifeline, for real. These choices you make aren’t just kindness — They’re changing lives one step at a time.” 

In SFSU President Lynn Mahoney’s annual address on the state of the University, she discussed opportunities to prepare students for careers that will require skills in artificial intelligence and strategies to boost enrollment. 

“We will lean into what makes SFSU distinctive, in ways that the purpose-driven young people of today and tomorrow can relate to,” Mahoney said. “A university that embraces its responsibility for post-collegiate outcomes. A university that transforms lives and promises upward mobility. A university where equity, innovation and community meet.” 

Other speakers included California Faculty Association chapter President Brad Erickson, CSU Employees Union chapter President Christine Hintermann, Staff Council President Dylan Mooney and Academic Senate Chair Jackson Wilson. Administrators welcomed the four new tenure-track faculty members joining the Gators this year. 

Convocation also featured an awards ceremony honoring our distinguished faculty and staff:  

Foley, the Associated Students president, ended his speech with a rallying call to get things going: “Now let’s make it matter. Thank you so much and go Gators!” 

Visit the Academic Senate website to learn more about the Opening Convocation.  

Jackson Wilson, Academic Senate president