Before I took the position of interim president at San José State University, I, of course, did a little digging around about the campus. One of the first things I came across was the Fall/Winter online edition of Washington Square: The Magazine. I’m being completely honest when I say I was blown away by the quality and ingenuity of this publication. I thought to myself, “Wow, this university has some amazing talent!”

These past several months on the job have solidified how right my first impressions were. Spending time around our campus and in the community, engaging with students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the spirit and character of our university. It’s great to see so much of that reflected in Washington Square.

Whether you’re flipping through physical pages or reading in a digital environment, I think you’re going to enjoy this latest edition. From innovative ideas like SPARTAN Superway, to an alumnus redefining cancer treatments, to using artificial intelligence to predict future wildfires, Washington Square shines a light on how Spartans are transforming the world in meaningful ways.

You’ll also find fun, interesting and even inspiring material related to the work of our incredible faculty and students, as well as a peek into the future of our Interdisciplinary Science Building. All in all, the Summer/Fall 2022 edition once again is a wonderful representation of this university and its talent.

Further, I believe with this edition of Washington Square, we can look ahead with optimism — perhaps even exhilaration — as we prepare for fall semester.

Enjoy!

Steve Perez Interim President