Note: A public memorial service for Secretary Norman Y. Mineta is tentatively scheduled for either June 15 or June 16 at the California Theater (345 S. First St., San José). 

Dear San José State campus community,

We were saddened today to learn about the passing of Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, a friend not only to SJSU but to our entire nation for his many contributions.

Secretary Mineta, a San José native, was a legendary, towering figure who made important, lasting, positive contributions to our region and country. We are indebted as a community to his humanity and leadership. As noted in today’s New York Times, Secretary Mineta “was credited with helping to advance hundreds of bills for transportation improvements, economic development, trade, the environment, civil rights and science and technology projects” over the course of his nearly 21 years in the House of Representatives.

In addition to these and numerous other accomplishments, Secretary Mineta founded SJSU’s Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI). MTI is one of SJSU’s great treasures and today leads several consortiums, runs leadership academies for large transportation commissions, conducts emergency management training and earns grant monies that enable MTI to work on transportation workforce development projects. Locally, Secretary Mineta served as Mayor of San José for four years in the early 1970s. 

Our hearts are heavy but filled with gratitude for everything Secretary Mineta achieved and gave to us all. He will be missed tremendously, but not forgotten.

Sincerely,

Steve Perez
Interim President