Distinguished Alumni Awards

Spartans of Significance Distinguished Alumni Awards 2026

Distinguished Alumni Awards - March 12, 2026

Thank You for Joining Us at Spartans of Significance 2026 On behalf of the mini传媒 Alumni Association, thank you to everyone who joined us on March 12 to celebrate our remarkable 2026 honorees. Your presence made the evening truly special. A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors whose support helps fund the Alumni Association Scholarship Program 鈥 and to our guests and volunteers who brought the night to life. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year. Go Spartans!

2026 Awardees

Patrick Simmons
 Lifetime Achievement Award

Patrick Simmons, attended 1967-1969

Founding member of the Grammy Award鈥搘inning band The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston
 Lifetime Achievement Award

Tom Johnston, attended 1968-1970

Founding member of the Grammy Award鈥搘inning band The Doobie Brothers

Krazy george Henderson
 Spartan Spirit Award

"Krazy" George Henderson, 鈥70

Professional cheerleader and inventor of 鈥淭he Wave鈥

Patti and Jo Hirabayashi
 Spirit of '68

Patti Jo "PJ" Hirabayashi, 鈥77 & Roy Hirabayashi, attended 1969-1974

Founders of San Jose Taiko and pioneers in Asian American Studies at mini传媒 and in social activism. National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows

Nora Lacey
 Alumna of the Year

Nora Betyousef Lacey 鈥89

Founder and Executive Director, Assyrian Art Institute                               Founder, President and CEO of Cell Marque Corporation

The Spartans of Significance: Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrate exceptional Spartans who have made a profound impact in their fields and uplifted the San Jos茅 State University community. This prestigious program honors alumni for remarkable achievements, including professional excellence, dedicated community service, and a commitment to mini传媒鈥檚 values. Through the Spartans of Significance, we proudly showcase the diverse accomplishments of mini传媒鈥檚 community, inspiring pride and connection among alumni, students, and friends of the university. This event goes beyond celebration鈥攑roceeds directly support the mini传媒 Alumni Association Scholarship Program, helping students achieve their dreams.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Adobe logo

Adobe

Blue Level Sponsor

Beacon Pointe

Blue Level Sponsor

Cadence

Blue Level Sponsor

Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems

Blue Level Sponsor

Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands

Blue Level Sponsor

Direct Connection

Direct Connection

Blue Level Sponsor

HumanizeHer

Blue Level Sponsor

Sott LeFaver BA '68 MUP '72

Blue Level Sponsor

Potentia

Blue Level Sponsor

Provident

Blue Level Sponsor

Spartan Eats

Blue Level Sponsor

Star One

Blue Level Sponsor

Alliant

White Level Sponsor

Danny Thomas

White Level Sponsor

Edgeman Coaching

White Level Sponsor

Full Circle Brewing logo

Full Circle Brewing

White Level Sponsor

Heritage

Heritage

White Level Sponsor

Ed Oates '68

White Level Sponsor

Ballroom
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Dave Cortese
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