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SF State President Dr. Leslie E. Wong spoke to faculty and staff publicly for the first time at the opening faculty meeting Aug. 31.

His speech focused on the budget cuts and on the importance of good public higher education. He also spoke about his excitement toward this year.

“The beginning of the semester and the beginning of my first year at San Francisco State University — you can only imagine my level of excitement and anticipation,” Wong addressed in his speech.

Provost Sue Rosser awarded three faculty members with the Distinguished Faculty Awards, which are meant for faculty members who have done special or meaningful contributions in teaching, professional achievement and service.

The award for Excellence in Professional Achievement went to Camille Dungy, professor in creative writing. Barry Rothman took the award for Excellence in Service for helping students get into careers in health.

Lastly, the Excellence in Teaching Award went to professor of sociology Karen Hossfeld, who works in the department of sociology.

Ellen LeBlanc and David Frost from sociology and sexuality studies were rewarded with the First Arrow Grant from the National Institute of Health. Their study was titled “Minority Stress and Mental Health Around Same Sex Couples.”

In March SF State was awarded with the senator Paul Simon Award for comprehensive internationalization. The Paul Simon Award was given to five colleges who make progress on internationalization with using new and creative methods.

President Les Wong will go to Washington DC to receive this award in November.