Diana Fitts, an occupational therapy student who works with clients on art projects and other activities that help with rehabilitation, received a Support Our Staff Scholarship for 2015-16.

The 2016 Spartans Supporting Spartans campaign started in March, with SJSU staff and faculty from all divisions invited to donate to University Advancement. The theme again this year is “My Grounds For Giving at SJSU” and Spartans Supporting Spartans committee members will be hosting coffee breaks around campus, with free coffee and snacks for faculty and staff.

Donations support such programs as Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity; SJSU’s General Scholarship Fund; Support Our Staff Scholarship Fund; or donors can select any program or fund they want to support. Those who make one-time donation of at least $53 or enroll in payroll deductions to donate $5 or more a month will receive a t-shirt.

Last year, 36 percent of donors were from Academic Affairs and 64 percent of overall donations benefited students directly. Last year’s Support Our Staff Scholarship Fund received enough donations to give five $500 scholarships to San Jose State staff members who are completing a degree at SJSU.

Diana Fitts works as an assistant residential life coordinator while she is completing her master’s in occupational therapy. Fitts said she was inspired to pursue occupational therapy after spending time in El Salvador and the Philippines.

“People were in need of assistance, but they didn’t have resources,” she said. “I like figuring out what someone’s needs are and how to meet those needs.”

Fitts, who is scheduled to graduate in spring 2016, said the “Support Our Staff” scholarship allowed her to purchase books that will help her prepare for licensing exams and board certification.

Learn more about the Spartans Supporting Spartans campaign.

Upcoming events include:

• March 15: 9 to 11 a.m. – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and Student Union
• March 23: 9 to 11 a.m. – Administration and Clark Hall
• March 29: 9 to 11 a.m. – Student Services Center, Corporation Yard and FD&O
• April 7: 9 to 11 a.m. – Human Resources and Student Wellness Center
• April 14: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Faculty and Staff Dining Room, Student Union