California Attorney General Rob Bonta tells SFSU graduates to stay engaged, get involved
San Francisco State University celebrated the Class of 2025 at its 124th Commencement ceremony Friday, May 23, at Oracle Park. California Attorney General Rob Bonta provided the keynote address, telling graduates to use their skills and energy to “demand and create a better world, now.”
“Across the nation, our rights, freedoms and safety are under attack,” Bonta told the more than 3,500 graduates in attendance. “Now is not the time for silence or blind compliance. The stakes are too high. Everyone has a role to play in shaping the world we all deserve to live in.”
As part of the ceremony, SFSU commemorated honorary doctoral degree recipients Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Tommy Orange and activist, physician and minister Ramona Tascoe (B.A., ’70). In her remarks, Tascoe echoed Bonta’s encouragement to take action.
“We must be vigilant in making certain that progress is not lost, that growth continues and that all of these wonderful students have opportunities to see the same success in their children and their grandchildren,” said Tascoe. “The world will continue to be a better place because of the rainbow of brilliance that emerges from this campus.”
The University also honored the late author and beloved SFSU Professor of History Dawn Mabalon with a posthumous honorary doctoral degree. California State University Trustee and SFSU alumnus Jose Antonio Vargas (B.A., ’04), a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, was on hand to introduce Mabalon’s sister Darleen Bohulano Mabalon, who accepted the honorary degree.
“To receive this honor in one of her favorite places, Oracle Park — home to the beloved San Francisco Giants — and from San Francisco State, the university where she poured her heart into her work, is indescribable,” Mabalon said.
Other Commencement speakers included SFSU President Lynn Mahoney, Associated Students President Brandon Foley, graduate speaker Patra Holmes and undergraduate speaker Belayneh Salilew. Cal State Student Association President Iese Esera, a first-generation college graduate, used his time at the podium to speak to his childhood self — a self who was bullied for being different.
“You might be in pain right now, but someday the pain will subside,” said Esera, who earned a B.A. in Music from SFSU in 2023 and is working toward his Master of Public Administration at the University. “You will use your voice — and your voice will soar. You might feel unwanted right now, but one day your presence and your story will inspire.”
California State University Chancellor Mildred García addressed the Commencement crowd and praised SFSU’s Class of 2025.
“Tonight, graduates: We celebrate you. We celebrate your intellect, your tenacity, your curiosity, your courage to confront and conquer any challenge, large or small, that may have stood between you and your degree,” García said. “And we stand in awe and excitement for all you will accomplish.”
More than 7,000 Gators earned their diplomas from SFSU this spring, and an estimated 31,000 graduates, family members and friends attended Commencement at Oracle Park.
The Commencement ceremony will be made available to view in its entirety on SFSU’s YouTube channel.
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- 12 exceptional graduates to represent SFSU’s colleges at CommencementThe students will be honored at the University’s Commencement ceremony at Oracle Park May 23 Twelve outstanding graduates will be honored during San Francisco State University’s 124th Commencement ceremony, to be held at Oracle Park Friday, May 23. They will represent their nearly 7,000 graduating peers in the Class of 2025. As part of a longstanding tradition, each of the University’s six academic colleges selects an undergraduate and a graduate student to represent their classmates and wear their college’s academic hood during the ceremony. Additionally, two of the hood recipients, one undergraduate and one graduate student, will each deliver a Commencement address. More details about the ceremony are available on the Commencement website.
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- State attorney general to deliver keynote address at May 23 CommencementThree honorary doctoral degrees given to an author, activist and Filipino American historian California Attorney General Rob Bonta will deliver the keynote address at San Francisco State University’s 124th Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, at Oracle Park. The University will also award honorary doctoral degrees to Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Tommy Orange and activist, physician and minister Ramona Tascoe (B.A., ’70). A posthumous honorary doctoral degree will be given to author and beloved SFSU History Professor Dawn Mabalon. Doors at Oracle Park open at 3:30 p.m. The graduate procession begins at 5:30 p.m., with Commencement starting at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will close out the event at about 9:30 p.m. Live updates and photos from the ceremony will be posted to the University’s X, Instagram and Facebook accounts. Graduates and guests can tag their Commencement posts on social media using the hashtag #SFSU2025. Commencement information is available via the SFSU mobile app. Once you’ve downloaded the University’s mobile app, visit “SFSU’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony, See More Ceremony Info.” Be sure to opt in to the University’s Commencement reminders by selecting “Manage Commencement Alerts” to receive push notifications. Details are also available on the Commencement website.
- Gators Give Day raises more than $109K for students, programs and clubsMore than 640 SFSU supporters made donations during the University’s first-ever giving day Thanks to the generous support of the University’s alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends, SFSU’s inaugural Gators Give Day was a resounding success. More than 640 SFSU supporters united on April 2 and raised over $109,000 in just 24 hours. These gifts will immediately impact scholarships, academic programs, student organizations and essential University initiatives. More than 60 groups consisting of colleges, schools, departments, student organizations and clubs participated in the event through their own online fundraising pages, in addition to the main University giving page. Every donation made on April 2 counted toward the Giving Day totals. Alumni made up the majority of those giving on Gators Give Day (26%), followed closely by SFSU staff and faculty (24%) and students (20%). “This extraordinary day truly highlights the community spirit that defines SFSU,” said Jeff Jackanicz, vice president of University Advancement. “We are grateful to everyone who participated and helped us meet our goal of empowering student success. With so many alumni, faculty and staff, and student donors, it’s clear we are continuing to build a broad culture of community-driven philanthropy at SFSU.” The College of Science & Engineering (CoSE) raised more than $10,000 from 59 donors, the most money raised by any individual college. CoSE plans to use the money to support its Student Project Showcase, an event that culminates in a year’s worth of faculty-guided research. Students present their research findings from at the spring event. “I am so grateful to the donors that provided support for our Student Project Showcase on Gators Give Day. This annual event highlights more than 200 research and senior projects across our entire college,” said College of Science & Engineering Dean Carmen Domingo. “Having the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned over the years at SFSU gives students a deep sense of pride and confidence that they have developed the skills and knowledge to launch a successful career in STEM.” Ninety-six people donated to SFSU’s Men’s Rugby Club, the most for any campus organization raising more than $3,500. Kiril Gupta, secretary and head of social media for the 45-member SFSU Men’s Rugby Club team, says he was especially pleased to see that the team received the highest number of student donors of any group. “When we brought the team back during the fall ’22 semester, our old officers always emphasized campus engagement and being a part of the school community,” he said. “Having a high number of donors shows to our team that we have done a great job of being a part of the school community, and we are grateful for students at SF State supporting us.” The team plans to spend the windfall on field rentals, new equipment, travel, medical supplies, new uniforms and more. If you missed Gators Give Day or still want to help, there’s always time to make a difference. Ongoing support ensures that SFSU will continue to deliver excellence and access to transformative education rooted in innovation and equity. Learn more about giving to support SFSU. And look forward to next year’s Gators Give Day, when we’ll achieve even greater success for our campus community.
