Sonoma State University Notable Alumni Achievements

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The prestige of Sonoma State University (SSU) is not only reflected in its academic excellence but also in the remarkable achievements of its notable alumni. As a public comprehensive university located in Rohnert Park, California, SSU has been instrumental in shaping the minds of numerous individuals who have gone on to make a significant impact in their respective fields.

The university's commitment to providing a high-quality education has enabled its graduates to excel in various areas, including business, arts, sciences, and more. In this article, we will delve into the notable achievements of some of SSU's most accomplished alumni, highlighting their contributions and the impact they have made in their chosen fields.

Business and Entrepreneurship

SSU has a strong reputation for producing business-savvy graduates who have gone on to achieve great success in the corporate world. Some notable alumni in this field include:

• Jeff Weaver, CEO of Trulia, a real estate website that was acquired by Zillow in 2015 for $2.5 billion. Weaver earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SSU in 1992.
• Kirsten Tobey, Co-Founder and former CEO of Revolution Foods, a company that provides healthy meal options for schools and families. Tobey graduated from SSU with a degree in Business Administration in 1998.
• Troy Carter, Founder and CEO of Atom Factory, a talent management and technology company. Carter, who graduated from SSU in 1999 with a degree in Business Administration, has worked with top artists such as Lady Gaga and John Legend.

Arts and Entertainment

SSU has a thriving arts program, and many of its graduates have gone on to achieve success in the entertainment industry. Some notable alumni in this field include:

• Leslie Silva, Actress and Producer, known for her roles in TV shows such as "How to Get Away with Murder" and "The Good Wife". Silva earned her Bachelor's degree in Theater Arts from SSU in 1999.
• Ryan Coogler, Film Director and Screenwriter, known for his work on films such as "Fruitvale Station", "Creed", and "Black Panther". Coogler graduated from SSU with a degree in English in 2007.
• Dante Basco, Actor, known for his roles in films such as "Hook" and "The Debut". Basco, who graduated from SSU with a degree in Theater Arts in 1997, has also worked extensively in voice acting.

Science and Technology

SSU has a strong reputation for producing graduates who excel in the fields of science and technology. Some notable alumni in this field include:

• Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Oceanographer and former NASA Astronaut, who became the first American woman to walk in space in 1984. Sullivan earned her Master's degree in Marine Science from SSU in 1978.
• Dr. Thomas Malone, Computer Scientist and former Director of the MIT Center for Collective Intelligence. Malone, who graduated from SSU with a degree in Computer Science in 1975, has worked extensively in the field of artificial intelligence.
• Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, Nobel Laureate and President of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Blackburn, who earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology from SSU in 1975, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009 for her work on telomeres.

Public Service and Social Impact

SSU has a strong commitment to social responsibility, and many of its graduates have gone on to make a positive impact in their communities. Some notable alumni in this field include:

• Juan Sanchez, Former Mayor of Petaluma, California, and current Director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department. Sanchez earned his Bachelor's degree in Sociology from SSU in 1995.
• Mary Moore, Executive Director of the Sonoma County Community Development Commission. Moore, who graduated from SSU with a degree in Sociology in 1985, has worked extensively in the field of affordable housing and community development.
• Marianne McBride Hammond, Founder and Executive Director of the North Bay Children's Center. Hammond, who earned her Master's degree in Education from SSU in 1995, has dedicated her career to providing early childhood education and support services to families in need.

Gallery of Sonoma State University Notable Alumni Achievements

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As we can see, Sonoma State University has a proud tradition of producing graduates who go on to achieve great success in their chosen fields. From business and entrepreneurship to arts and sciences, SSU alumni have made a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.