Jennifer Elias

Jennifer Elias

By Pat Lopes Harris, Media Relations Director

San Jose State’s Jennifer Elias is one of 23 students who will receive a 2011-2012 William Randolph Hearst/CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. The trustees will honor the scholars on Sept. 20 at the CSU Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach, California. Elias will receive a total of $4,000, including $1,000 from a scholarship fund endowed by CSU trustee and SJSU alumnus William Hauck.

Elias is a standout member of SJSU’s student newspaper, the Spartan Daily. She decided to use that platform during her junior year to share with others her story of sexual assault and violence, and to provide resources to others who may be afraid to speak out about their own experiences.

Elias and her family have struggled financially, and this year has been extremely difficult with multiple family medical issues. This award will keep her on the path of success and help her attain her bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.

The Hearst/CSU Trustees’ award is among the highest forms of recognition for student achievement in the CSU. The students receiving the awards have all demonstrated inspirational resolve along the path to college success.

The William Randolph Hearst Foundation originally established the endowed scholarship fund in 1984. In 1999, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation partnered with the CSU Board of Trustees to supplement the endowment with contributions from CSU Trustees and private donors.

Read more on the Hearst/CSU Trustees’ Award.