GIVING
Spartans of Significance: A Night Honoring Our Distinguished Alumni
By Sam Kamangar
This year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, held on February 21 at San José State, was an unforgettable evening of inspiration, gratitude, and celebration. As we gathered to honor the outstanding achievements of our alumni, the event became more than just an awards ceremony — it was a powerful reminder of the impact Spartans continue to make in their industries, communities, and beyond.
Throughout the evening, we reflected on the remarkable journeys of our honorees, whose dedication and leadership have shaped the world in extraordinary ways. Special bio videos showcased their inspiring stories, while heartfelt speeches and shared moments underscored the lasting bonds of the San José State University community.
I invite you to explore the stories below and watch the videos showcasing their inspiring stories.
With Spartan pride,
Judy A. Nagai, Ph.D.
Vice President, University Advancement
CEO, Tower Foundation
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Bette Loomis, ’67 Health Science Dave Loomis, ’63 Industrial and Systems Engineering
Dave and Bette Loomis actively support SJSU student initiatives because they believe in the power of education. Their passion led them to create the Bette and Dave Loomis Record Clearance Project Endowment, which supports the Record Clearance Project, an initiative at SJSU that gives students hands-on legal experience to help their clients clear their criminal records to facilitate their access to housing and employment.
The Bette and Dave Loomis Engineering Student Leadership Endowment and the Dave and Bette Loomis Scholarship and Student Support Endowment further exemplify their dedication to providing resources for academic and professional development. Additionally, their ongoing support for the Guardian Scholars program assists former foster youth to pursue their college degrees. This steadfast commitment highlights their belief that philanthropy can create positive change for the next generation of leaders.
Edward A. Oates, ’68 Math
Edward "Ed" Oates is a second-generation Spartan. His mother, Lolita, earned a BA in education from SJSU in 1962. In 1969, Oates was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Washington, D.C., as a computer programmer. After leaving the service, he worked for the U.S. Army Personnel Information System Command, thanks to his contact with an SJSU math professor. His journey continued at Ampex and Memorex, where he honed his skills before a pivotal meeting with Larry Ellison at a convention in 1975.
This connection sparked the creation of Software Development Laboratories, which transformed into Oracle, a testament to vision and collaboration alongside Larry Ellison and Robert Miner. Oates retired from Oracle in 1996, having made significant contributions as vice president for advanced products, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and leadership.
Today, Oates plays with two bands, one of which includes friends from college. In 2006, he and his bandmates attended their first Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the band, as well as his 60th birthday. Oates enjoyed camp so much he invested in it and returns when his schedule permits. He is committed to supporting San José State programs, including the College of Science, STEM education, entrepreneurship and athletics.
Janine Pelosi, ’06 Marketing
Janine Pelosi joined Zoom in 2015 and rose through the ranks to chief marketing officer. She helmed the company’s bold brand strategy, powerful demand engines and e-commerce business. As a founding team member, she played a crucial role in guiding Zoom from its early stages to its IPO and navigating the significant growth during the pandemic.
During her tenure at Zoom, she was listed on Fortune’s 40 under 40 in Tech in 2020 and was named one of the most innovative CMOs in the world by Business Insider. She was also chosen as Ignite Visibility's Marketer of the Week and listed on the Forbes World’s Most Influential CMO list in March 2022. In 2023, Pelosi left Zoom to become the chief executive officer of the pioneering video technology company Neat. As CEO, she aims to work with her incredibly talented team to further operational excellence and revenue growth. She serves as a board member for technology-focused NGOs and works with early-stage founders as an advisor and investor.
Judge Robert R. Rigsby, ’83 Criminal Justice Administration
Judge Robert R. Rigsby began his journey at San José State on an ROTC and Educational Opportunity Program scholarship, developing the resilience and dedication that would define his distinguished career. With more than 30 years of military service, he became the first sitting judge from the District of Columbia — and the first military judge in the U.S. Army — to deploy full-time to an active war zone. He served as attorney general for the District of Columbia, and his dedication to justice led to his unanimous confirmation as an associate judge of the D.C. Superior Court. A tireless advocate for equity, youth development and legal education throughout his career, Judge Rigsby recently established the Judge Robert Ray Rigsby Law and Social Justice Scholarship at SJSU. A true embodiment of the Spartan legacy, his significant contributions to the legal profession, military service and community empowerment have left an indelible mark on society.
Speaker Robert Rivas, ’11 MPA
Speaker of the California Assembly Robert Rivas, a lifelong resident of the 29th Assembly District, has served as Speaker of the California State Assembly since June 30, 2023. First elected to the Assembly in 2018, he previously chaired the Assembly Agriculture Committee and served as Vice-Chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus. Before his time in the legislature, Rivas spent two terms on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.
In the Assembly, Speaker Rivas has championed legislation to expand affordable housing, protect worker health and safety, support educators through the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, and led the nation in COVID-19 relief for farm workers. His environmental efforts include the bipartisan Oil Transportation Safety Act and initiatives to advance renewable energy and carbon sequestration.
dollars raised through the 1857 Minutes of Giving in 2025, doubling the $1.8 million raised in 2024
donors contributed in 2025, a 40% increase from 2024
SJSU projects and initiatives participated in the Day of Giving event, a 68% increase from 2024
gifts, a 38% increase from 2024
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