SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2003
Contact: Susan Kashack, Director of Communications, (707) 664-2057
Nearly 2,000 to Receive Diplomas at SSU's 42nd Commencement as Many are Honored
Sonoma State University holds its 42nd annual commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 31 in an event expected to draw more than 15,000 people to the Rohnert Park campus.The ceremonies are scheduled at 10 a.m. for the Schools of Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, and Education and 3 p.m. for the School of Science and Technology and the School of Social Sciences.
Keynote speaker is Bernie Goldstein of Petaluma, the provost and vice president of academic affairs at SSU, who has been involved with the California State University system for over 40 years,
Last week, San Francisco State University awarded Goldstein the President's Service Medal for his inspirational teaching and contributions to SFSU where he first arrived on the campus as an undergraduate student. State Senator John Vasconcellos also issued a proclamation in his honor for his many years of service to higher education.
On Saturday, SSU will award Goldstein an honorary degree. His keynote speech is called "Moments That Make a Lifetime."
A similar degree will also go to Ed Stolman of Glen Ellen who helped the university create its highly successful Lifelong Learning Institute.
Student speakers at the commencement include Jonnetta L. Woods who is graduating with a bachelor's degree in sociology and Armen Khachaturian who is getting his bachelor's degree in business with a concentration in wine business strategies. Woods speech is entitled "Adapt, Improvise and Overcome." Khachaturian's remarks are called "The Journey."
Excellence in Teaching Awards will go to psychology professor Maria Hess of Sebastopol and mathematics professor Bill Barnier of Santa Rosa.
Donors supporting these awards are Wayne Rowlands, who graduated from Sonoma State University in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in biology, and the Sarlo Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund.
Staff Excellence Awards will go to Henry Amaral of Petaluma, a member of Facilities Services, and Vanessa Franklin of Santa Rosa, an administrative analyst in Admissions and Records.
Reservations and tickets are not needed to attend Commencement 2003 and the public is invited to attend. Parking is free in designated areas. The campus is located at 1801 E. Cotati Ave. in Rohnert Park.
For further information see the Commencment 2003 website at www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/commencement/