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.

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Time: Program 2:00–4:00 p.m. | Reception 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Student Union Ballroom

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 2025-26

Outstanding Staff of the Year

  • Andrea Tully - Center for Community Learning and Leadership - Award Winner
  • Laura Osborne - College of Business
  • Jinni Pradhan - Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment (CAPISE)

Critical Employee

  • Brenjielyn Cuneta - Case Management  - Award Winner
  • Mathew J. Buchanan - Moss Landing Marine Laboratories - Honorable Mention
  • Sonia Lizama-Orduña - Case Management

Distinguished Service

  • Catherine Dougherty - Business Graduate Programs - Award Winner
  • Elena Seto - Library Resource Management and Delivery
  • Christine Marie Holmes - Library Resource Management & Delivery

Spartan Spirit Award

  • Sonya Vyas - College of Health and Human Sciences Student Success Center
  • Richard Hernandez - Connie L. Lurie College of Education
  • Roselia Lobato-Morales - Office of the Registrar

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