The Fall/Winter 2024 issue, now available online, includes a look at Alli Gator through the ages and a Q&A with alumna Annette Bening
The Fall/Winter 2024 issue of SF State Magazine marks a momentous occasion: San Francisco State University’s 125th birthday. Now available online, this special issue delves into the rich history, influential alumni and groundbreaking innovations that have shaped the University into what it is today.
Headlining the issue is a captivating Q&A with Academy Award-nominated actress and SF State alumna Annette Bening (B.A., ’80). In this exclusive interview by SF State Magazine columnist Ben Fong-Torres (B.A., ’66), Bening reflects on her time at SF State, her career and the enduring influence of her alma mater.
A feature on the University’s beloved alligator mascot traces its evolution from quirky beginnings to its current status as a sassy symbol of Gator pride. Another powerful story explores how the 1968 student strike that led to the creation of SF State’s College of Ethnic Studies inspired another group of activists — those fighting for LGBTQ rights.
This celebratory issue also includes:
“125 Surprising Facts About SF State”: A deep dive into little-known milestones and hidden treasures from the University’s storied history. A very personal “My SF State Story” essay by alumna and University archivist Meredith Eliassen (B.A., ’88). Updates on dozens of Gators using their SF State degrees to make a mark on the world.Don’t miss this extraordinary tribute to 125 years of history, activism and pride. Check out the Fall/Winter issue of SF State Magazine now.
Latest SF State News V2
- Student researchers investigate possible connection between fungal pathogen and frog matingStudent research at SFSU leads to a new article on frog calls and deadly infections in the journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
- SFSU Commencement to be held May 23 at Oracle ParkGators grads return to the ballpark for the ninth year Class of 2025, save the date for San Francisco State University’s 124th Commencement, which will be Friday, May 23, 2025, at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. This is the ninth year the downtown ballpark will host the more than 30,000 graduates, family members and friends anticipated for the celebration. “I look forward to Commencement each year,” said San Francisco State President Lynn Mahoney. “I love celebrating the success of our students as they embark on their next journey. I stand proudly on the sidelines knowing we’ve prepared them to take on the problems of tomorrow.” More information about the May 23 ceremony will be shared throughout the year as it becomes available. Keep checking the SFSU Commencement website for updates! Follow SFSU on social media and tag your Commencement posts #SFSU2025.
- SFSU’s Pain-Free Guide to Applying for Financial AidApplying for financial aid can feel overwhelming. But with our financial aid guide, you’ll navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) like a pro. Whether you’re an SFSU student or not, we’re happy to provide some tips and tricks to make your 2025 – 2026 FAFSA application smooth and easy. Important dates Dec. 1: Applications have opened March 3: State aid priority deadline Guide to preparing 2025-2026 FAFSA applications Create a StudentAid.gov login (FSA ID): Visit studentaid.gov and select Create Account. Save your FSA ID somewhere safe — you’ll need it every year! Complete the 2025 – 2026 FAFSA form: Go to studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and log in with your FSA ID. Fill out the form with personal and financial information. In most cases the IRS will directly transfer all of the tax information the FAFSA needs! Sign and submit: Sign the FAFSA electronically, ensuring that both the student and parent (if applicable) sign before submitting. Wait for financial aid offers: SFSU will use your 2025 – 2026 FAFSA to create a financial aid package. You’ll receive the package via email, and it will be available on your Student Center. Offers will be available in early 2025. Guide to preparing 2025-2026 CADAA applicationAccess the 2025 – 2026 CADAA application: Visit dream.csac.ca.gov to start the application. Gather required documents: You’ll need federal income tax returns and/or W-2s. Select San Francisco State University as your school and use school code 001154! Complete the CADAA form: Fill out the application online with personal and financial information. Review instructions carefully. Sign and submit: Sign electronically using the provided options on the CADAA platform. If applicable parents may sign electronically as well once the application is completed! Wait for financial aid offers: SFSU will use your 2025 – 2026 CADAA to create a financial aid package. You’ll receive the package via email, and it will be available on your Student Center. Offers will be available in early 2025. Not sure which application to fill out? Learn more about the 2025 – 2026 FAFSA and CADAA applications at financialaid.sfsu.edu/start. Campus resources The Financial Aid Outreach Team hosts Fin Aid Fridays to help with any financial aid questions you may have. Learn more about these events by visiting financialaid.sfsu.edu/fin-aid-fridays. Other questions? Reach out to the SFSU Office of Student Financial Aid at (415) 338-7000 or finaid@sfsu.edu. Good luck, Gators!
- SFSU students, alumni contribute to animated operaPocket Opera collaboration brings Animation students into new film adaptation of Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’
- New Department of Defense, Energy grants prepare SFSU students for industry jobsThe grants expand research opportunities in engineering, robotics and quantum computing
- Campus food resources help students thriveFree food, cooking demos, workshops and more help SFSU students avoid food insecurity
