Invested April 20, 2017 Nine months after beginning her tenure as Sonoma State University's seventh president, Judy K. Sakaki received the presidential medallion from California State University Chancellor Timothy White at her formal Investiture ceremony on April 20 in Weill Hall at the Green Music Center. “It's been quite a dance and a time of change for the campus and for me,” said Sakaki, giving a nod to the event's "Dance with Change" theme. “I am thankful for all that everyone has done to embrace the dance and to work together — to stretch, to question, to engage, to contribute, to trust and to re-imagine a student-centered university.” Chancellor White said, “I'm confident students will look to Judy, to her journey, to her vision, her passion, her presence and her example, to help them see they too, belong, and Sonoma State is right for them.” The Ohio State University President Michael Drake, a mentor of Dr. Sakaki's, praised her as “one of the bright stars of the education galaxy.”
“I am thankful for all that everyone has done to embrace the dance and to work together — to stretch, to question, to engage, to contribute, to trust and to re-imagine a student-centered university.” ~ Judy K. Sakaki, Sonoma State University's Seventh President
A Special Program Coast Miwok blessing Buddhist offering of gratitude Taiko drumming performance Welcome speeches: Faculty, staff, student, alumni community English Professor Kim Hester Williams poetry reading Keynote address by The Ohio State University President Michael Drake Theatre Arts & Dance students dance performance Premier of new SSU alma mater
A Day to Celebrate SSU Campuswide Mini-conference Special exhibit about the President’s life Investiture ceremony Campus reception Free concert at Green Music Center by jazz fusion band Hiroshima Photos by Ed Aiona and Brennan Chin insights | FALL 2017 | 5