The San José State University ASIS&T Student Chapter earned the prestigious Student Chapter of the Year Award, an exceptional accomplishment for the student organization and a reaffirmation of its ongoing contributions to the information science community. The award recognized a year distinguished by innovative programming, strategic outreach, and meaningful community-building.
Reflecting on the chapter’s achievement, Assistant Professor Yu Chi described the recognition as “truly meaningful for the SJSU ASIS&T Student Chapter, affirming the dedication and passion of our student leaders and members.” Chi emphasized how the students strengthened their impact throughout the year. “Over the past year, they have organized engaging events, built meaningful peer connections, and created spaces where students across programs could learn and grow together,” Chi said. “I’m incredibly proud of how they have stepped into leadership roles and supported one another.”
Student leaders Emma Cummings, Sara Asad, and Chris Reynolds expressed a shared sense of pride, noting that the award served as a powerful affirmation of the chapter’s efforts. They described winning the honor as “an incredible honor” that “acknowledges the hard work of our members and validates our commitment to advancing the role of information science and technology.” They added that the award held personal significance, saying it “fills me with pride and joy because it reflects our student chapter’s collective passion for the field and our mission to inspire and educate.”
The opportunity to connect with members at this year’s ASIS&T Annual Meeting added to that sense of accomplishment. “Many newer members as well as legacy members attended ASIS&T this year, and getting to meet and learn from them in person is inspiring and heartwarming,” the group said.
Faculty advisor Sandy Hirsh, who completed her term with the chapter this year, expressed deep appreciation for the students’ achievements. “I am incredibly proud of the ASIS&T student chapter for their remarkable programming, communication, and outreach efforts, as well as their exceptional community-building initiatives,” Hirsh said. “As their outgoing faculty advisor, it is particularly gratifying to see this recognition of their outstanding work for the second consecutive year with the prestigious Student Chapter of the Year Award!”
As chapter leaders reflected on what contributed most to the honor, they pointed to their wide-reaching initiatives and consistent engagement. They explained that their efforts “fostered learning and networking opportunities for students across the globe, which significantly enhanced our chapter’s impact and visibility.” With what they described as “an outstanding team,” the group maintained a strong cadence of high-quality programming, helping set the chapter apart. This included monthly virtual events and webinars featuring industry experts on timely issues “ranging from misinformation and disinformation in online spaces to demystifying artificial intelligence.” According to the leadership team, these sessions “helped us build a stronger community while highlighting important conversations in our field, such as emerging technology and artificial intelligence.”
The chapter’s ability to cultivate community was especially notable given its fully virtual environment. To support student engagement, the team coordinated “12 Executive Committee Meetings, 6 guest speaker events, multiple social hangouts, an open studio, and an innovative live stream from the ASIS&T Annual Meeting.” These offerings, they said, “kept members actively involved and fostered meaningful interaction despite the physical distance.”
Their communication efforts also played a vital role. The chapter regularly publishes updates through its newsletter, blog, and social media channels. These platforms, leaders explained, “keep students updated about chapter news, the broader professional organization, and emerging trends in LIS technology spaces, while creating an inclusive online space where every member felt valued, heard, and supported.” They added, “Together, we turned the limitations of a virtual setting into opportunities for deeper engagement and connection.”
Looking ahead, chapter leaders are committed to maintaining the momentum. “In the coming year, we aim to expand our outreach and continue fostering connections within the information science community,” they said. Their priorities include “enhancing professional growth opportunities for our members, hosting more interactive events, and building partnerships with organizations to create pathways for students beyond graduation.” Ultimately, they hope their mission “will not only inspire future leaders in information science but also help them build the skills they need to succeed.”
In spring 2025, the School of Information at San José State University hosted the Bridging Knowledge Scholars Closing Ceremony, celebrating Indigenous students pursuing careers in libraries, archives, and museums. The event brought together graduates, families, mentors, and leaders in library and information science to mark a milestone in Indigenous representation in the information profession.
