Dear Spartan community,

Many of you who follow Spartan Athletics know Lawrence Fan, a consummate sports information director who was recognized this past fall for attending more than 500 SJSU football games. It is with a heavy heart that I pass along word of his death late Monday night. 

Fan spent the last 42 years helping promote SJSU Athletics and thousands of Spartan student-athletes. His detailed recall of team and player statistics was legendary, earning him an unofficial title as historian of SJSU sports. Among his many accomplishments was being elected to the College Sports Information Directors of America in 2012. He was also known for his kind heart and the slices of home-baked cake that he would hand out at games.

Fan’s passing comes as a shock to our community. As Athletics Director Jeff Konya said, “We are in the process of dealing with this sad news in real time. Lawrence was a Hall of Famer in life and work … and we send our condolences to the Fan family, all of our current and former student-athletes, staff and coaches, as well as his extended media family. “

Please be there for each other as we grieve the passing of this longtime treasured member of the San José State community.

Sincerely,

Steve Perez
Interim President