Staff Awards

San José State University honors twelve outstanding staff members in four staff award categories annually at the Celebrating Spartans: Honoring Faculty and Staff.

Award Categories

  • Outstanding Staff of the Year - Exemplary SJSU staff member or auxiliary staff member who has made a valuable contribution to the campus.
  • Distinguished Services Award - SJSU staff member an auxiliary staff member who has worked for SJSU for more than 10 years and has displayed a commitment to excellent service to the campus community.
  • Spartan Spirit Award - SJSU staff member, manager, or auxiliary employee who displays exceptional Spartan spirit and pride.
  • Critical Employee Award - To honor an SJSU staff member or an auxiliary staff member who are shining behind the scenes to support our campus.

Nomination Process

The nomination form is posted annually in September/October. You can review the award criteria and nomination questions below.

Award Recipients for 2023-24

Outstanding Staff of the Year

  • Randy Rodriguez - Accessible Education Center - Award Winner
  • Lars Rosengreen - Biological Sciences - Honorable Mention
  • Melanie Schlitzkus - University Personnel - Honorable Mention

Critical Employee

  • Michael Heering - FD&O Plumbing Shop - Award Winner
  • Jason Lorton - FD&O Electrical Shop - Honorable Mention
  • Otis McInnis FD&O Energy & Utilities - Honorable Mention

Distinguished Service

  • Luann Chu - Research Foundation - Award Winner
  • Carol Santos - Justice Studies - Honorable Mention
  • Felicia McKee-Fegans - Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Honorable MentionMention

Spartan Spirit Award

  • Trisha Gilges - Career Center - Award Winner
  • Amanda Frank - University Personnel - Honorable Mention
  • Francisco Castillo - Unvergraduate Advising & Success - Honorable Mention

Congratulations to everyone who has been recognized for a staff award! Check out the staff award recipients from past years.