Stephen F. Austin State University

Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) will deliver the commencement address at the Stephen F. Austin State University graduation ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at William R. Johnson Coliseum.

Representing the 21st Senatorial District since 1987, Zaffirini is the second highest-ranking state senator and the highest-ranking woman and Hispanic in the Senate.

In 2007 Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst re-appointed Zaffirini chair of the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee. She also serves as vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee and as a member of the Senate’s Education, Health and Human Services and Administration committees.

The senator’s legendary work ethic is reflected in her 100-percent perfect attendance in the Texas Senate, except for breaking quorum deliberately to prevent a redistricting that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled violated the law and disenfranchised voters. Continuing her unique career-long 100-percent voting record, Zaffirini cast her 38,530th consecutive vote earlier this year. Her legislative priorities include improving public education, higher education, and health and human services. 

Zaffirini was instrumental in securing state funding for SFA’s new $13 million Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing. Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1775 authorizing the construction of the nursing school on a 17-acre property donated to University by the DeWitt family.

Zaffirini is an award-winning communications specialist with 13 years of education experience, including teaching at the college and university levels. Through her business, Zaffirini Communications, she provides professional communication services including consulting, workshops and seminars, one-on-one coaching, keynote addresses, and writing.

She holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. The South Texas Press Association has honored Zaffirini for her distinguished career, and the Texas Public Relations Association gave her Best of Texas Awards for her Governor-for-a-Day event and her publication, 20 Dozen Tips for Better Communication and Leadership Skills.

More than 800 degrees will be awarded by SFA in December, including 731 bachelor’s degrees, 100 master’s degrees, one doctorate in forestry, and nine doctorates in education.