California Attorney General Rob Bonta tells SFSU graduates to stay engaged, get involved
Bonta addressed thousands of Gator grads and their families at Oracle Park May 23
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 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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