The SSU Alumni Association hosts the 2012 President's Dinner, an evening celebration for this year's honorary degree recipients and distinguished alumni, on Friday, April 27 in the Green Music Center's Prelude. A champagne reception begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and the program at 6 p.m.

Philanthropists Joan and Sanford Weill will be recognized as the 2012 honorary degree recipients on Friday, April 27, at the Sonoma State University Alumni Association’s 2012 President’s Dinner.

The Weills donated $12 million to the Green Music Center Fund. This donation enabled SSU to complete the main concert hall, the adjoining lawn and commons performance venues, officially named the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall, Lawn and Commons.
At the May 12 commencement ceremonies, Joan Weill will receive an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts. and Sanford Weill will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Distinguished Alumni honored at the event include Shari Shamsavari St. Martin (’95, M.A. Psychology), and Judy Gantz (’77, B.A. Theatre Arts).

The Distinguished Awards Program is a time-honored tradition at SSU. 

The award is a symbol of achievement and success presented to distinguished alumni from among SSU’s six academic colleges. It is the highest honor bestowed by the SSU Alumni Association. Shamsavari St. Martin is being honored for her comprehensive work with children and dedication to enhance people’s lives.  She was recently awarded by the Mexican government, the “Premio Nacional de Accion Voluntaria y Solidaria” for her leadership in organizing the cultural exchange program between Mexico and SSU for a symphony of children who performed at the Donald and Maureen Green Music Center in June 2011.

Gantz is being honored as an international movement specialist, teacher and lecturer. She founded the nonprofit Center for Movement Education and Research at UCLA. She has choreographed numerous exercise videos, was the former fitness editor of Shape Magazine. integrates the expressive arts.

All proceeds go to the Alumni Association scholarship programs. For more information, call Anne Biasi at 664-2693 or e-mail alumni@sonoma.edu.