San Jose State University Alumni Association

05/28/2026

⚾💙 Calling all Spartans! 💛⚾

Join us on June 6th for an unforgettable evening at the ballpark as the San Jose Giants take on the Inland Empire 66ers at Excite Ballpark! Reconnect with fellow alumni, enjoy great food and drinks, and show off your Spartan pride during a fun-filled summer night out. 🎉

Your ticket includes: Exclusive access to the Party Patio, 90-minute all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, and two drink tickets. Grab your tickets now before they’re gone!

Find your tickets here: https://ow.ly/uE7M50Z5pik

04/16/2026

From Spartan to San José icon. 🎨

Emilio Cortez, '14 Pictorial Art, has left his mark all over the Bay Area — from murals at Nirvana Soul Coffee to a hand-painted Lombardi trophy at the Locker Room, to his "San José Game Changers" mural now on display at City Hall. And he's just getting started.
Read how this artist, community champion, and SJSU alum is shaping culture in his hometown! 💙💛

The Spartan artist's creative fingerprint is all over the Bay Area — especially this year.

03/31/2026

📣 Calling all Spartans!

Join us THIS FRIDAY, April 3 at Oracle Park for San José State University Night with the San Francisco Giants 🧡💙 Grab your ticket, cheer on the Giants, and connect with fellow alumni, students, faculty, and staff for an unforgettable night of Spartan pride and baseball under the lights! ⚾️✨

📍 Oracle Park, San Francisco
🗓️ 7:15 PM — Game time
🎟️ https://www.gofevo.com/event/SJSUNight 🎟️

Let’s show our Spartan spirit in the stands! 💪

03/26/2026

Have you spotted any sharks swimming upstream in downtown San José? If so, pull out your phone and scan the QR code to experience an innovative augmented reality (AR) experience.

"100 Sharks – Stitching Districts," is a major new public art and AR project led by the San Jose Downtown Association in partnership with SJSU artist Jim Fonseca (Jimmy Paints), the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs, San José State and the San Jose Sharks, the project entails the installation of 100 artistically painted shark murals along the pathway.

This innovative collaboration will transform the petrian experience between San Pedro Square and the SAP Center, creating a vibrant, connected corridor now being called "Sharks Way."

Check out the story by Lou Jimenez, ‘23 Art History, street life manager for the San José Downtown Association, on the SJSU NewsCenter blog to learn more: https://ow.ly/Vz1t50YyOPP

03/25/2026

Nothing but net: Swing by the SAP Center this Thursday, March 26, through Saturday, March 28 to shoot your own digital basket as part of a special light projection by SJSU faculty and students.

Visitors in town to watch the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament will have the chance to pantomime their own free throws in front of an installation outside the SAP Center, designed and programmed by Digital Media Art Professor G. Craig Hobbs and his students to replicate the participant’s movements via 100-foot light projection. Players are given three free throw shots at an LED-illuminated free-standing basketball hoop using internally lit glowing basketballs. The work creates a stunning interactive digital artwork projected onto the east facade of SAP Center along Barack Obama Boulevard.

Learn more about this week’s activities on the SJSU NewsCenter blog: https://ow.ly/sbjf50Yyjea

03/05/2026

Energy. Innovation. Spartan spirit in motion. 📣

“Krazy” George Henderson (’70) turned enthusiasm into an art form. After graduating from San Jose State University in 1970, he built a legendary career as a professional cheerleader, bringing his high-energy style to stadiums across the country—and changing the fan experience forever.

Widely credited as the inventor of “the wave,” Krazy George transformed crowds into participants, creating one of the most iconic traditions in sports history. For decades, his creativity and showmanship have united fans, electrified arenas, and proven that spirit can be a powerful force.

This year, SJSU is proud to honor “Krazy” George Henderson at the Distinguished Alumni Awards, celebrating a Spartan whose impact continues to ripple through stadiums around the world.

📅 March 12
📍 San José State University

Join us as we celebrate Krazy George and other remarkable Spartans. 💙💛

02/27/2026

📣 Calling all Spartans!

Join us Friday, April 3 at Oracle Park for San José State University Night with the San Francisco Giants 🧡💙 Grab your ticket, cheer on the Giants, and connect with fellow alumni, students, faculty, and staff for an unforgettable night of Spartan pride and baseball under the lights! ⚾️✨

📍 Oracle Park, San Francisco
🗓️ 7:15 PM — Game time
🎟️ https://www.gofevo.com/event/SJSUNight 🎟️

Let’s show our Spartan spirit in the stands! 💪

02/25/2026

Spartan innovation. Global impact 🌎

Nora Betyousef Lacey (’89) exemplifies the power of a San Jose State University education in action. After graduating in 1989, she went on to found and lead Cell Marque as President and CEO, building a globally recognized biotechnology company serving laboratories and patients around the world.

At the same time, she has championed cultural preservation and education as the Founder and Executive Director of the Assyrian Arts Institute, uplifting Assyrian history, language, and artistic expression for future generations.

Through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and cultural leadership, Nora’s work bridges science, business, and community—reflecting the bold spirit of Spartan excellence.

This year, San José State University is proud to honor Nora Betyousef Lacey at the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

🗓️ March 12
📍 San José State University

Join us in celebrating Nora and other outstanding Spartans! 💙💛

https://sjsu.edu/alumni/distinguished_alumni_awards/index.php

02/18/2026

The spirit of 1968 lives on at San Jose State University 💛💙

Patti Jo “PJ” and Roy Hirabayashi are the founders of San Jose Taiko the groundbreaking ensemble that helped shape the Asian American arts movement and elevate Japanese American taiko drumming onto the national and international stage. With deep roots in the San José community, their work has blended artistry, activism, education, and cultural preservation for more than five decades.

Through performance, mentorship, and community leadership, PJ and Roy have empowered generations to find their voice—amplifying culture, resilience, and connection through rhythm.

This year, SJSU is proud to present them with the Spirit of ’68 Award at the Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing individuals who embody the courage, activism, and community impact that define that pivotal year in our university’s history.

📅 March 12
📍 San José State University

Join us as we celebrate PJ and Roy Hirabayashi and other inspiring honorees. Purchase your tickets today and be part of this special Spartan celebration. 🥁🎟️

https://sjsu.edu/alumni/distinguished_alumni_awards/index.php

02/15/2026

🎶 Listen to the music… and celebrate another Spartan legend.

Tom Johnston—co-founder, guitarist, and songwriter of The Doobie Brothers—spent time at San Jose State University where his musical journey took shape before he helped launch one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. Known for driving hits like “Listen to the Music,” “China Grove,” “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” and “Long Train Runnin’,” Johnston’s sound helped define the Doobie Brothers’ early success and left a lasting mark on American rock music.

Though he did not complete his degree, Johnston’s career—from chart-topping albums to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recognition—embodies the creative spirit and impact of Spartan excellence.

This year, San José State University is proud to honor Tom Johnston at the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

📅 March 12
📍 San José State University

Join us as we recognize Tom Johnston and other outstanding Spartans. Tickets are available now—celebrate with us and grab yours today! 🎟️🎸

https://ow.ly/oqPy50YcWsk