San Francisco State University (SFSU) boasts a rich legacy of San Francisco State University notable alumni who have left indelible marks on entertainment, sports, politics, and beyond. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, this public university has nurtured talent amid the Bay Area's dynamic cultural scene, producing famous graduates of San Francisco State University who embody creativity, resilience, and innovation. With over 30,000 alumni worldwide, SFSU's network drives influence in Hollywood, professional leagues, and public service, demonstrating the transformative power of its programs in theater arts, broadcasting, kinesiology, and public administration.
The entertainment realm shines brightest, with trailblazers like Danny Glover (BA in Theater Arts, 1957), known for his iconic roles in the Lethal Weapon series and social activism, and Peter Coyote (BA in English, 1964), an Emmy-nominated actor and narrator for National Geographic documentaries. Tyne Daly, a five-time Emmy winner from Cagney & Lacey, and Billy Crudup, Oscar-nominated for The Shape of Water, highlight SFSU's role in launching careers that blend artistry with social impact. Check out the entertainment figures for more stars.
In sports, NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott (BA 1981), a four-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers, exemplifies athletic excellence from SFSU's Division II programs. His leadership on and off the field underscores the university's emphasis on discipline and community. See the full sports figures list.
Politics features influential leaders like Willie Brown, former Mayor of San Francisco and California Assembly Speaker, who attended SFSU, and Fiona Ma (BS in Business Administration, 1988), current California State Treasurer—the first Asian American woman in that role. These alumni shape policy in California and beyond. Dive into politics alumni.
SFSU's unique aspects include its pioneering Ethnic Studies department (established 1968), fostering diverse perspectives that propel alumni to breakthroughs in social justice and media. For job seekers eyeing higher-ed careers, explore higher ed jobs or rate my professor reviews for SFSU faculty insights. Parents and students can connect via the SFSU Alumni Association or Wikipedia's verified list. These stories inspire global audiences considering SFSU, proving its graduates thrive amid challenges, much like the city's innovative spirit.
San Francisco State University (SFSU) has produced numerous notable alumni from San Francisco State University who have excelled in entertainment, sports, politics, and beyond, showcasing the school's commitment to creative and leadership development. While there are no U.S. presidents or confirmed billionaires among famous graduates of San Francisco State University, the Gators' alumni network includes Hollywood stars, NFL legends, and influential politicians. Discover entertaining facts about top talents and see entertainment-figures, sports-figures, or politics for full lists. For more, visit the official SFSU alumni page.
SFSU's Cinema Department and Theater Arts program have launched icons who dominate screens and stages with charisma and talent, turning Bay Area stories into global hits.
Athletes from SFSU have tackled NFL greatness and Olympic dreams, embodying the gritty Gator spirit on fields and courts worldwide.
SFSU grads shape California policy with bold voices, from City Hall to the State Capitol, driving change with local roots.
These San Francisco State University celebrities highlight paths from campus to fame. Aspiring leaders can rate professors on Rate My Professor or explore academic jobs in San Francisco and higher-ed-jobs.
San Francisco State University (SFSU) notable alumni have made significant marks across various fields, inspiring current students and job seekers to pursue ambitious careers. These ratings evaluate alumni impact based on verified achievements from trusted sources like the university's official records and US News rankings. Ratings use a 10-point star scale, considering factors such as global recognition, awards, and societal contributions over the past 5-10 years.
These ratings reflect SFSU's strength in creative and public service fields, with entertainment leading due to Hollywood ties. For aspiring Gators, advice: Network via the SFSU Alumni Association, join clubs like the Cinema Department for hands-on projects, and check Rate My Professor for top SFSU faculty in film or politics. Job seekers, explore higher ed jobs or San Francisco academic jobs to follow alumni paths. Read how to write a winning academic CV for inspiration. Emulate by interning in SF's tech-arts hub—many alumni credit SFSU's diverse, practical training for their rise. Parents, note how these achievements boost employability in competitive markets.
Athletes from San Francisco State University have excelled in professional leagues like the NFL and international competitions such as the Olympics, highlighting the Gators' strong programs in football, basketball, and track and field. These alumni have made lasting impacts through professional careers, coaching success, and Olympic participation.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Holmgren | Former NFL Head Coach | 1968 | Legendary NFL coach who led the Green Bay Packers to Super Bowl XXXI victory and served as head coach for the Seattle Seahawks. | |
| Brian Heap | Professional Basketball Player | unknown | Played professional basketball in Europe following his college career at SFSU. | |
| Winston Moss | Former NFL Linebacker | unknown | Nine-year NFL veteran with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. | |
| Johnny Johnson | Former NFL Wide Receiver | unknown | Played for the New York Jets in the NFL after his time at SFSU. | |
| Dana Hall | Former NFL Safety | unknown | Played five seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles. | |
| Courtney Anderson | Former NFL Tight End | unknown | Played in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts. | |
| Melvin Bunch | Professional Basketball Player | unknown | Played professional basketball in Europe after starring for the SFSU Gators. | |
| Jo Anne Skyia | Olympic Track and Field Athlete | unknown | Competed in the shot put at the 1968 Summer Olympics for the United States. | |
| Jim Bradford | Olympic Track and Field Athlete | unknown | Competed in the long jump at the 1960 Summer Olympics representing the United States. | |
| Lito Sheppard | Former NFL Cornerback | 1998–2002 | Played college football at SFSU before a seven-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2004 and 2009. |
San Francisco State University (SFSU) alumni have made significant contributions to U.S. politics at local, state, and federal levels, with no notable international or royalty figures identified; these leaders have shaped policy in areas like education, finance, and urban governance through their public service roles.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Breed | Mayor of San Francisco | Political Science | 1994 | First African-American woman to serve as Mayor of San Francisco since 2018, focusing on housing and economic development. |
| Willie Brown | Former Mayor of San Francisco | Political Science | 1955 | Longest-serving Mayor of San Francisco (1996-2004) and former Speaker of the California State Assembly, influential in state politics. |
| Fiona Ma | California State Treasurer | Accounting | 1989 | Elected California's 34th State Treasurer in 2018, overseeing the state's finances and banking. |
| Delaine Eastin | Former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction | 1969 | Served as California's Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1995 to 2003, advocating for education reform. | |
| Kevin Shelley | Former California Secretary of State | 1984 | Held office as California's Secretary of State from 2003 to 2005, managing elections and business registrations. | |
| Sala Burton | Former U.S. Representative | unknown | Represented California's 5th congressional district from 1983 to 1987, known for work on health and education issues. | |
| John L. Burton | Former California State Senator | unknown | Served as President pro tempore of the California State Senate and focused on social welfare legislation. | |
| Mark Farrell | Former Mayor of San Francisco | unknown | Appointed interim Mayor of San Francisco in 2018, with prior service on the Board of Supervisors. |
San Francisco State University has produced many accomplished alumni, but a small number have been associated with criminal activities in the United States. This section lists verified individuals who attended the university and gained notoriety for serious offenses, based on reliable sources like Wikipedia.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Carpenter | Serial killer | accounting | unknown | Known as the Trailside Killer, he murdered at least seven people hiking in California state parks between 1979 and 1981 and was convicted in 1988. |
