Washington Square: The Stories of San Jose State University
A Message from President Papazian
We transform ourselves as a university only as the needs of our students change, as the region and world around us continue to evolve—not just for the mere sake of change.
Ruth Yaffe: “You Can Do It”
Professor Emerita Ruth Yaffe was the first woman faculty member hired in the chemistry department.
Making a MARC
For 30 years, the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U*STAR) program, has provided financial support and mentorship for undergraduates who are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences to do research and prepare them for doctoral training.
The Adventure of STEM Education
San Jose State professors, alumni and educators explore what it takes to prepare a teacher to adopt a STEM-focused approach to teaching and how credential programs can set educators up for success.
Girls Can’t Be Engineers
Professor Stacy Gleixner thinks it’s society’s responsibility to fix this pipeline issue: “And that comes from both directions: girls dreaming that they can do this and parents and teachers supporting them. And CEOs making a climate that promotes diverse attitudes and visions.”
Jan English-Lueck: 2019 President’s Scholar
Cultural anthropologist Jan English-Lueck is a leading expert on one of the most unique habitats and tribes in the world—Silicon Valley and the people who live and work here.
Susan Verducci: 2019 Outstanding Professor
Susan Verducci has explored innovative ways that educators can incorporate the arts to teach compassion, empathy and constructive dialogue.
Melody Esfandiari: 2019 Outstanding Lecturer
Chemistry Lecturer Melody Esfandiari, ’08 Chemistry, says “I put a lot of time and energy into my classes, and when I am connecting with students, that is the highest reward I can get.”
Jonathan Roth: 2019 Distinguished Service Award
When History Professor Jonathan Roth sees something he doesn’t agree with, he tries to change it.
Shirley Reekie: Sailor, Rower, Professor
Kinesiology Professor Shirley Reekie first hopped aboard her father’s sailboat at age two, inspiring a career in athletics and sport history.
Center Stage with Buddy Butler
Theatre Arts Professor Buddy Butler believes his productions can engage young audiences in complex issues and inspire thoughtful dialogue.
Dan Fenstermacher: Photography for Hurricane Relief
Photographer Dan Fenstermacher, ’16 MFA Photography, traveled to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to capture the stories of survivors.
Wayne Merry: Climbing First
Wayne Merry, ’59 Conservation, was one of the first rock climbers to summit El Capitan.
Shanice Howard: In Search of the Perfect Routine
Gymnast Shanice Howard was named the 2011 Arthur Ashe Jr. Female Sports Scholar of the Year and went on to become a physical therapist.
Lisa Peters: Making Waves
Spartan swimmer Lisa Covey Peters, ’07 Physics, leads an exciting career as a systems engineer at Lockheed Martin.
Agnieszka Winkler: Silicon Valley Pioneer
Agnieszka Winkler launched and led one of Silicon Valley’s most successful independent advertising agencies in an era when she was often “the only woman in the room.”
Big Network, Small World
Learning an entrepreneurial mindset prepares students for work and life in Silicon Valley.
Winning Spirit
San Jose State inducted eight legendary Spartan athletes into the SJSU Sports Hall of Fame.
It’s Alive! Frankenstein at 200
San Jose State celebrates the Frankenstein Bicentennial and launches an exploration of the deep humanities.
Faculty Spotlight: Ehsan Khatami’s “Super” Research with Machines
Associate Professor of Physics Ehsan Khatami explores superconductivity.
Mental Health in Saila Kariat’s The Valley
An engineer-turned-filmmaker directed and financed The Valley, an award-winning film that explores mental health in Silicon Valley.
Sandra De Leon’s Storied Career Counseling
Sandra De Leon, ’13 MA Counselor Education, guides SJSU students as they pursue career pathways in Silicon Valley and beyond.
