2024 Year in Review

From the unveiling of the Spartan Village on the Paseo to the launch of the Digital Humanities Center and an impressive list of research accolades, grants and awards, 2024 has been an epic year for Spartans. Relive some of our greatest moments below.

2024 Year in Review

From the unveiling of the Spartan Village on the Paseo to the launch of the Digital Humanities Center and an impressive list of research accolades, grants and awards, 2024 has been an epic year for Spartans. Relive some of our greatest moments below.

SJSU Climbs the Ranks

SJSU is a world-class institution on the rise — just ask the Wall Street Journal.

#1

Most Transformative University

Money Magazine

#3

Top Public Schools, Regional West

U.S. News & World Report

#4

Public University in the Nation

Wall Street Journal/College Pulse

#12

In Social Mobility, Regional West

U.S. News & World Report

SJSU Is On the Rise

Nina Chuang, '23 Nutrition and Food Science, celebrates SJSU’s rise with a heartfelt tribute to the City of San José — a city where Spartans thrive, innovate and succeed. From AI and robotics to nursing, marine research and the arts, SJSU students are equipped to lead in Silicon Valley and beyond. The proof is in the numbers.

Students enrolled in fall 2024

of Career Center graduate respondents reported securing impactful jobs

Reported annual average starting salary of SJSU graduates responding to the Career Center's First Destination Survey

Organizations reported hiring SJSU graduates

37,500

Students enrolled in fall 2024

90%

of Career Center graduate respondents reported securing impactful jobs

$76,786

Reported annual average starting salary of SJSU graduates responding to the Career Center's First Destination Survey

4,118

Organizations reported hiring SJSU graduates

The Year in Events

From honoring SJSU’s 31st president at Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson’s investiture to opening the doors to the Spartan Village on the Paseo to hosting Spartan icons Tommie Smith, ’69 Social Science, ’05 Honorary Doctorate, and John Carlos, ’05 Honorary Doctorate, campus hosted a number of memorable events and celebrations in 2024.

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson was sworn in as the 31st president of San José State University this spring.

John Carlos, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Cynthia Teniente-Matson, City of San Jose, Speed City

SJSU, City of San José Honor John Carlos and Tommie Smith

October 16 is now recognized as Tommie Smith and John Carlos Day in San José, in honor of legendary Spartans Tommie Smith, '69 Social Science, '05 Honorary Doctorate, and John Carlos, '05 Honorary Doctorate, whose iconic civil rights salute at the 1968 Olympics established a legacy of social justice at SJSU and beyond.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra shakes hands with Katy Reyes, ‘26 Aviation, during a recent visit to SJSU. Photo by David G. McIntyre.

A Visit From U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra visited SJSU in October to describe the new ARPA-H Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative, which aims “to increase access to government research funding and address health care gaps in the U.S."

Spartan Village on the Paseo Welcomes Inaugural Cohort of Residents

Nearly 700 students moved into the Spartan Village on the Paseo (SVP) home this fall, nine months after the announcement of a unique student housing concept that will position San José State as a national model for urban residential living.


2024 marks 100 years since San José State students adopted Spartans as the official university mascot and identity — 100 years of research, achievements, community building and innovation.

Video produced by Keith Sanders, '82 Radio-Television-Film.

Visit the Century of Spartans timeline

The Year in Research

2024 was a banner year for SJSU research, from the opening of a new college to the awarding of grants to student and faculty collaborations with NASA, the Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Student researchers conduct lab work as their professors observe in the background.

Active principal investigators


Students employed on sponsored research projects, grants, or contracts


Peer-reviewed manuscripts, articles, abstracts, books, and theses published

*Preliminary Data from Jan. 1–Nov. 20, 2024

For FY 2024



Total amount of research expenditures


Total grants awarded

SJSU Launches the College of Information, Data and Society (IDS)

The new College of Information, Data and Society (IDS) is the first of its kind in the CSU system, formed as part of a cross-campus strategy to expand access to degrees that crosscut information and data sciences.

The Next Century of Spartans

No one knows what the future will bring. What we do know is that San José State will be a part of it, as our Spartans help shape the future through patents, scholarship, business ventures, community projects and much, much more.

Tyler Yuen Explores Europa (From a Distance)

As part of Tyler Yuen’s Europa Clipper internship program, he visted NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena with his fellow interns.

In Their Element

When scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory discovered a new way to make livermorium (element 116) this summer, it made national news. An SJSU professor and his four student researchers were part of this incredible team.

An Internship to ASPIRE To

Students in the ASPIRE program study in NASA research labs to help unlock the secrets of exobiology and astrobiology. ASPIRE students are paid to work on NASA internships all summer and then remain connected with their internship mentors throughout the following two years.

CHiPPing Away at the Future

In the space of two years, Danitza Hernandez, ’25 Materials Engineering, went from sleeping in a restaurant next to a grease trap while attending community college, to working in the prestigious Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Year in Partnerships

In 2024, SJSU partnered with industry, government and other universities to help students, faculty and the wider world.

Flying High: SJSU Aviation Partners With Alaska Air Group for Pilot Development Program

In early September, the SJSU Aviation Department and Alaska Air Group formally announced their partnership to help graduates get on the fast track to becoming commercial pilots.

Cynthia Teniente Matson, Matt Mahan, NVIDIA

SJSU to Collaborate with NVIDIA and the City of San José on AI-Focused Innovation Initiatives

San José State University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson and San José Mayor Matt Mahan announced groundbreaking AI-focused collaborations with NVIDIA to cultivate a future-ready workforce. San José State University and the City of San José have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with NVIDIA.

San José State Joins Aqueous Battery Consortium for Clean Energy Storage

San José State joined the Aqueous Battery Consortium, an energy hub research project supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) and led by Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The project aims to find a reliable, sustainable way to store electricity, partially by creating a rechargeable battery made mostly of water (the “aqueous” part of the consortium) and other abundant materials.

The Year in Media

Top Media Stories

Along with stories told on the SJSU NewsCenter and Washington Square magazine, local and national media outlets have featured SJSU students, faculty, staff and alumni throughout the year. Here are some of our favorites from 2024.

Talking leadership: Cynthia Teniente-Matson on running ‘Silicon Valley’s university’ - Times Higher Education

New college rankings show massive jump for one Bay Area school - SF Gate

Yoshihiro Uchida, Peerless Judo Coach, Is Dead at 104 - NY Times

SJSU Spartan Racing students build Formula and Baja style cars for national competitions - KGO TV

Couple with young baby graduates together at San Jose State - CBS News Bay Area

Media Inquiries


The number of media inquiries fielded by SJSU.

Media Experts


The number of faculty who can be called upon to provide their expertise for a story.

Meet an Expert: Melinda Jackson

Melinda Jackson is a dean of undergraduate education and professor of political science. Her research focuses on public opinion and political engagement in American politics. She is an expert on polling and the importance of Silicon Valley in U.S. politics. In 2024, she gave 71 interviews.

Melinda on the 2024 election season

The Year in Creativity

Through its growing humanities, arts, social sciences and education curriculum, SJSU provides a high-quality liberal arts education focused on creativity, innovation and problem solving.

Introducing the Digital Humanities Center

Thanks to generous donors and a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Challenge Grant, SJSU's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library’s Digital Humanities Center opened in fall 2024.

Art as Catharsis: Introducing the Record Clearance Project’s First Exhibit of Client Artwork

The Record Clearance Project, a record expungement initiative led by the Justice Studies Department, hosted its first exhibit of artwork produced by RCP clients at the DiNapoli Gallery at King Library.

Learning From the Scene of the Crime

This year, SJSU celebrates the 20th anniversary of its forensic science program within the Department of Justice Studies. Faculty members like Assistant Professor Shawna Bolton and Lecturer Mary Juno are among those leading the next generation of crime scene investigators and forensic scientists.

Students sit in the classroom while all wearing VR headsets.

Exploring the Spartan-Verse: How Immersive Storytelling Cultivates Empathy

How can virtual and augmented reality help people tell stories and support the public good? The Immersive Storytelling Lab at San José State offers unique opportunities for Spartans to create compelling stories using the latest tools and technologies.

The Year in Community Impact

Community development is central to the Spartan ethos.

A City on a Hilltop

SJSU nursing students spend a semester visiting a senior living facility called Hilltop Manor, bonding with residents and learning how to help the community and let the community help them.

Lurie College Becomes First in the State to Offer PK-3 Teaching Credential

Like many of the Lurie College’s teaching programs, the PK-3 credential offers multiple pathways for educators, including the option of adding a master’s degree in teaching or bilingual authorization.

Spartans At Your Service

Spartan Athletics received the 2023-24 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Community Service Award in recognition of 20,000 hours of community service by Spartan student- athletes, ranging from toy drives to mentorship programs and more.

Male Educators of Color Initiative (MECI): Funded Teaching Preparation and Master’s Programs

A new program in the Connie L. Lurie College of Education provides aspiring educators who are committed to improving educational equity while diversifying the teaching workforce.

The Year in Humanity and Civic Engagement

The Future of Humanity and Civic Engagement framework is an actionable initiative to shape collective learning as students confront new experiences, tensions and differing perspectives.

PIT-UN, Public Interest Technology University Networks, SJSU, Cynthia Teniente-Matson

Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN)

SJSU hosted the first PIT-UN conference on the West Coast, and one of the first to feature corporate panelists as well as government and academia. The two-day event featured a fireside chat with SJSU President Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, esteemed scholar Safiya Noble of UCLA and Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, entitled “Meeting the Moment."

Day of Remembrance

Day of Remembrance Recognizes the Impact of the Incarceration of Japanese Americans During World War II

San José State President Cynthia Teniente-Matson issued a Presidential Directive to commemorate the Day of Remembrance. On Monday, February 19, members of the SJSU community attended this year’s Day of Remembrance at the Hammer Theatre, co-sponsored by the Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empower (CAPISE), Asian American Studies and other departments across campus.*

Georgetown Free Speech, SJSU, First Amendment, Roxana Marachi, education

Free Speech at the Crossroads

San José State hosted Georgetown University's Free Speech Project in September for "Free Speech at the Crossroads: A Silicon Valley Dialogue." The two-day event was made possible by Georgetown University, San José State, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University.

Top Social Posts

Our social feeds were full this year. Feast on some of the 2024 highlights from our @SJSU accounts.

🏈✨ What a win for our Spartans against the Nevada Wolf Pack! 🎉 Parents Weekend made it even more special with families coming together to cheer us on. The stadium buzzed with energy, and it was incredible to see our hard work pay off! 💙💛 Big thanks to all the fans, students, parents, and alumni for your support—it truly makes SJSU feel like home. Let’s keep this momentum going! Go Spartans! 🥇🙌 #SJSU #SpartanPride #Victory #ParentsWeekend

Hey Spartans! Looking for ballot boxes on campus?🗳️Follow Sammy on his map tour!

This year’s Veterans Day Celebration at SJSU was both meaningful and unforgettable. Today, we gathered to honor our veterans with a ceremony on the West Patio, where speakers shared powerful reflections on their service and sacrifices.

Join Jay and Sammy the Spartan at the SU Bowling Center to train for Spooky Bowling & Baskets!

🎶 "Sammy will walk 500 miles, and then 500 more, just to be the Spartan who walks a thousand miles to fall down at your door!"🎶 Happy National One-Hit Wonder Day! Celebrating with The Proclaimers and their iconic hit "I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)" today! Who else can capture the spirit of a classic like this? 🚶💚 #SammySpartan #SJSU #OneHitWonderDay #TheProclaimers #500Miles

The Year in SJSU Athletics

Scholar Athletes

For the third consecutive year, a school-record number of San José State student-athletes received a 2023-24 Mountain West Scholar-Athlete Award as 128 Spartans are honored for their performances in the classroom during their athletic career.

Beach Volleyball Stands Out

The SJSU Beach Volleyball team finishes the 2024 season with the most wins in school history (14).

Jennah Loggins’ Journey From the Soccer Field to Adobe Headquarters

Since graduating from SJSU in 2023, the Spartan soccer player has launched a career at Adobe.

Scholar Athletes

For the third consecutive year, a school record number of SJSU student-athletes received 2023-2024 Mountain West Scholar Awards (3.5 GPA or higher) as 128 Spartans were honored for their performances in the classroom during their athletic career. 96 Spartans were named Dean's Scholars (G.P.A. of 3.65 or higher) and 48 were recognized as President's Scholars (G.P.A. of 4.0).

Recognizing Greatness

San José State recorded a program-best 256 points in the LEARFIED Directors' Cup standings, finished second among Mountain West schools for the first time in school history and led all other CSU institutions. The Spartans finished 81st in the annual competition that awards points based on each institution's finish in NCAA Championships.

Hawaii Bowl, San José State Spartans

2024 Hawai'i Bowl

Spartan Football competes against the University of South Florida on December 25 at 5 p.m. PST.

Prep for the bowl game

Find Your Path Forward at SJSU

Choosing San José State University will propel your life and career forward. As a Spartan, you’ll cross any finish line ahead of you.

The Year in Giving

502

Corporations and foundations

donated to SJSU in 2024

$25.1 Million

Given to support SJSU

4,782

Total donors

4836

Scholarships awarded

$2250

Average scholarship amount awarded each semester

Corporations and foundations

donated to SJSU in 2024

Given to support SJSU

Programs supported

Scholarships awarded

Average scholarship amount awarded each semester

Silicon Valley is changing the world. Support the students who are changing Silicon Valley.

Jim and Becky Morgan, philanthropists, Lurie College of Education, early childhood education, giving, SJSU

Early Childhood Education: The Ultimate Investment

Jim and Becky Morgan are dedicated supporters of the Connie L. Lurie College of Education’s early childhood education initiatives.

Molly and Gene Rauen, SJSU, philanthropy, Nutrition Science Research Center, College of Health and Human Sciences

A Legacy of Learning: The Rauen Family’s Transformative Gift

The College of Health and Human Sciences at San José State received a transformative gift from the late Molly and Gene Rauen to support the creation of the cutting-edge Molly and Gene Rauen Nutrition Science Research Center, adding to the legacy they began with the Molly and Gene Rauen Endowment for the Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging Department, established in 2003.

Woman in maroon top is seated at a piano, playing the keys. A bust of Mozart is in the foreground. Charlene Archibeque, music, choir, professor emerita, conductor

All Together Now

Celebrated choir director, conductor and Professor Emerita of Music Charlene Archibeque believes music education empowers Spartans to discover new perspectives.

Read the Award-Winning SJSU Magazine

Washington Square serves as SJSU’s university and alumni magazine, sharing compelling and inspiring stories that embody the Spartan pride and resilience we all treasure. Check out this year's issues!

Fall 2024

Washington Square: The Magazine over a diagonal wave of bright yellow, blue and purple sweeps across the space over a gradient of green and orange. A transforming path of lines and glitter sweep horizontally across.

Spring 2024

Helping a Student Starts With You

Give to SJSU

Images and videos courtesy of Robert C. Bain, Jim Gensheimer, Javier Duarte and SJSU Athletics

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