Throwback Thursday: SF State 125th anniversary edition

These University photos show what has — and has not — changed about the Gator experience

This year, San Francisco State University is reflecting on and celebrating its evolution over 125 years. San Francisco State has undergone some dramatic changes over the years: There have been multiple names (beginning with “San Francisco State Normal School”), the main campus location has changed, and buildings have come and gone. Yet some beloved things — like students’ unwavering Gator spirit — remain unchanged. Below, view just a few snapshots of how campus has evolved over the decades.

Bird’s eye view of campus

SFSU’s main campus and its surrounding neighborhood have changed to keep up with the times. An aerial view from the past and 2018 shows just some of those updates. This year, that view will change once again with the addition of a new residential hall and science building.

Campus in late 1950s

Campus around 2018

New student orientation

For many incoming students, summer orientation is their first chance to explore academic experiences, make new friends and register for classes. In the 1960s, students used to line up around the block to enroll in classes. Luckily, these days students just need to hop on a computer to register for classes online.

Black and white photo of a line of students in quad

1965 photo of students heading to gym to register for classes

Students registering for classes during orientation

The Quad, a campus hub

In many ways, the heart of campus is the Quad. People are constantly traversing the lush green area to get to their next class, table for one of SFSU’s 200-plus student organizations, eat lunch or just soak up some sunshine.

The Quad in the 1958

Recent photo of the Quad

Gator spirit

Although alligators are not native to San Francisco, that has never deterred the University’s Gator mascot. In 1931, students voted for the Gator to represent the school because it’s steadfast and strong. In 2023, our beloved Alli Gator underwent a “glow up” with fashionable SF State gear and purple manicure.

Black and white photo of two old gator mascots

Twin Gator mascots from the 1950s

A person taking a photo of a smiling student and Alli Gator who is making a peace sign

Alli Gator in 2023 after their latest makeover

Student research

Hands-on experiences in and outside of the classroom are critical to a Gator’s educational experience. Students in all colleges often work with leading faculty experts to conduct independent research projects. Many students present their work at on-campus research project showcases and national and international conferences. In 2023, the University launched SF State Create as a hub for these student activities and resources.

Black and white photo of four students looking at microscopes

Students on microscopes way back when

Three students in a research lab, one is on a microscope

Students conducting independent research today

SF State students on the air

The 2021 addition of Marcus Hall (and its state-of-the-art facilities) has improved students’ ability to produce a variety of media, including online student-run radio station KSFS. In 1942, Broadcasting (radio) was part of the curriculum for Speech, Drama and Radio.

Black and white composite image of people talking into a microphone for radio

Radio students in the 1940s

Student wearing headphones recording audio

Student radio in 2024

Gators in the wild

For the last 75 years, SFSU’s Sierra Nevada Field Campus (SNFC) has been an invaluable resource for the University community. These days, it offers summer classes to students and community members and acts as a base camp for students and faculty researchers. Throughout its history, SNFC has been a training facility for teachers, a children’s camp, a retreat for creatives, a researcher base camp and so much more.

Black and white photo of children lined up by San Francisco State Collge Camp sign

SNFC began in 1949 and was previously called Camp Leonard

Six students standing around and pointing to Sierra Nevada Field Campus sign

Students, community members and researchers head to SNFC

Gators join the alumni family forever

SFSU’s Commencement is always a magical moment in a Gator’s journey. This year, more than 4,000 graduates attended the event at Oracle Park. We’ve come a long way from the first graduating class in 1901, which consisted of three dozen students, all women. In the early 1900s, San Francisco State Teachers College held Commencement at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley (left image).