CSSA selected Shirvani as this year’s keynote speaker because he is known for having a strong rapport with students and advocating for their interests.
Alexander Hoang, a CSSA Executive Committee member representing CSU San Marcos, said, “President Shirvani is a sincere champion for students and he expresses that through his words and through all his work with us. Truly, I think he is the best. He is unique because there is no pretense with him.”
Shirvani’s speech was delivered on the eve of CSSA’s lobby day (4/20), when students marched to the State Capitol and spoke to legislators about the importance of reinvesting in higher education.
In his speech, Shirvani encouraged the students to advocate boldly. “It is time for you – as the proven leadership of our student body – to display your character to our elected representatives,” he said. “You tell the legislators that you are and will be a responsible citizen, not for personal gain, and you demand the same from them. You demand that they act out of their conviction and beliefs, rather than political correctness of satisfying their campaign contributors.”
Shirvani continued, “Our cause is simple and clearly understandable. The world is in agreement that education is the foundation of democracy and economic prosperity.”
Shirvani advised students to play an active role in rebuilding America’s economy. He said, “We are going to come out of it (the economic meltdown) stronger and better, and the individuals who are going to play a key role in reengineering our society are you. What in the past has been an entitlement is now a shared responsibility. The only way you as our future leaders can reengineer our society is to be responsible citizens.”
Students honored Shirvani with a standing ovation both before and after his remarks, and several students expressed appreciation for his leadership and friendship.
Tim Snyder, Chair of the Board for CSSA and Associated Students (ASI) representative for Sacramento State, said, "President Shirvani is a leading example of the 'Students First' mentality of the CSU; we are fortunate that he joined us this weekend and are thankful for the wisdom he passed on to us. His deep passion for education and his commitment to the success of CSU students is truly inspiring."
Lee Otero, ASI Chief Governmental Officer at CSU Fullerton, said, “Shirvani is a prime example of an effective leader. He makes you feel like more than just a student; he makes you feel like a friend and that is truly a great quality to have in any President.”
Nicole Anderson, Secretary of State Affairs for ASI at Sacramento State and winner of the CSSA Student Advocate of the Year award, said, “Dr. Shirvani has shown numerous times over his respect and dedication towards helping CSU students grow as leaders. It is for these reasons that it was an honor for all attendees to have Dr. Hamid Shirvani, the California State Student Association’s President of the Year, give the keynote to the students and alumni at the CSSA 50th Anniversary Celebration”.
Udeepto Maheshwari, ASI President at CSU East Bay, said "Dr.Hamid Shirvani is perhaps the role model CSU President. He is not only a walking encyclopedia, but has a very unique perspective with a strategy that is clearly going to place CSU Stanislaus on the map. His international work and knowledge is extremely admirable, as he pioneers with Stanislaus leading the other 22 campuses on the global circuit. He is an amazingly friendly man, and I am looking forward to taking him out to lunch when he comes to the Bay Area next."
Diana Heredia, ASI President Elect at CSU Stanislaus, said, "As a student leader, I am inspired by our University President who leads by example. President Shirvani has shown me what it means to be more involved as a leader inside and outside of the classroom. I am most honored to have the opportunity to work closely with President Shirvani in the upcoming academic year as ASI President Elect for 2009-2010.”