SF State has named Dr. Kenneth Fong its 2006 Alumnus of the Year. Fong, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1971, will receive the award at the University’s 105th commencement exercises, which will be held at 12:30 p.m. in Cox Stadium. Fong was inducted into SF State’s Alumni Hall of Fame in 1998.

Fong went on to receive his Ph.D. in micro and molecular biology from Indiana University and spent the next three decades working with cutting-edge technologies in the field of genetics and gene cloning.

“We are honored that Kenneth Fong discovered and developed his interest in genetic research on the campus of San Francisco State University,” SF State President Robert Corrigan said in a press release.

“He has never forgotten his roots and for that we are deeply grateful.”

Fong was born in Guangzhou, China and raised in Hong Kong.

“I feel very honored to receive this award,” Fong said. "Returning to the college I attended is almost like returning to the village where I was born, I feel a sense of high emotion.”

The award is given to former students who have made significant contributions to their field of work. Fong joins the ranks of previous winners: Manny Mashouf, founder of bebe stores Inc., journalist Ben Fong-Torres and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.