Woman graduates from college where she was left as a newborn

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than 30 years after she was abandoned as a newborn in a dorm at San Francisco State University, Jillian Sobol has graduated from the school where she began her life.

Sobol, 31, graduated with a bachelor’s degree on Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. She was left by a 19-year-old sophomore, who had concealed her pregnancy, in a box in the dorm laundry room on Nov. 5, 1984.

“I believe it to be a story of hope, joy, optimism, family and San Francisco State University,” said Sobol, who plans to full time at an event production company this summer and is eyeing a future organizing conferences, maybe for tech companies, for San Francisco’s Moscone Center, or the city’s entertainment commission.

After the mother left the baby in the box, the newborn was discovered by a student putting his clothes in the dryer.

A baby! He turned, walked into the washing- machine room next door, and asked the only student there: “Did you know there’s a baby in a box in here?” the newspaper reports he said at the time.

Students shot into action. As luck would have it, Esther Wannenmacher, a studious, 21-year-old nursing student taking a course in newborn care, was in the washing area.

She swept her finger through the baby’s mouth to make sure her airway was clear. She then unfurled the dirty towels, all the while growing concerned for the baby’s bluish color.

“Go get help!” she ordered fellow student Patrick Coughlan. “Call 911!” She picked up the baby and cuddled her to warm her.

Years later, Sobol tracked down the woman who likely saved her life.

“I really don’t believe in luck,” said the former student, now Esther Raiger, 53. “This would have to be divine intervention.”

The baby was later adopted by Sam and Helene Sobol, who had adopted a son three years earlier, and were on the list for a girl.

Their new daughter proved outgoing and especially determined.