Hi, I'm Laura Larson, an '81 SJSU alumna, and once again, a student now working toward a master's in mass communications. I am writing to tell you some exciting news about San José State University. I will also share with you two quite different SJSU experiences -- my dad's and mine -- so that you understand how critical your support of the SJSU Fund is to the lives and futures of San José State students.
After waitressing for a year convinced me that I never again wanted to work for minimum wage, I chose San José State because I felt it had one of the best advertising degree programs in the United States. While at SJSU, my dad, Budd Sage, also worked for low wages as a dishwasher and fruit picker to supplement his G.I. Bill benefits. However, he chose San José State because he wanted to get away from his hometown of Berkeley. We both knew that we needed a degree in order to get decent jobs to support our families.
Our days at SJSU were very different. Back in the '50s, my dad lived on fraternity row, lettered in swimming, and loved the comfortable and fun atmosphere of San José State. He fondly remembers his many escapades on and off campus while he was earning his degree in business, and speaks of his pride in attending the well-known teacher's college that also had the best police school in the nation. According to my dad, the biggest things back then were to bring the national boxing championship to SJSU, to beat Stanford in football and for San José State to get to the NCAA tournament.
My days on campus have been more focused on academics -- both back in the '80s as I worked toward my degree in advertising, and today, as I earn my master's in mass communications with an emphasis in business and new media. Rather than sports and fraternities, my time has always been filled with schoolwork and extracurricular activities that complement my studies. During my undergrad years, I worked at The Spartan Daily, and I currently work at SHiFT, a new publication produced by SJSU students that focuses on innovation for the common good.
My dad and I are alike in that we still enjoy getting together with the people we met at San José State. Like many of you, alumni and friends of this great university, I have fun tailgating each year before the SJSU/Stanford game with colleagues from the '80s. My dad loves spending time with fraternity brothers and friends he made back in the '50s.
What college gave to both of us is what your investment in the SJSU Fund will do for current students. My undergrad degree enabled me to provide very well for my family for the many years I've been the sole breadwinner. My dad initially didn't think he had what it took to go to college; however, his success in school and achieving his degree gave him a feeling of accomplishment that took him places. He even got a good job before he graduated. Current students can also experience success, gain confidence, and acquire the education and skills that lead to a rewarding career because you care enough to give to the SJSU Fund.
Your generosity provides a multitude of programs and services that enhance the stellar education students like me experience at San José State. A few highlights from the last year that demonstrate the return on your investment include:
You can be very proud -- as my dad and I are -- of accomplishments such as these that showcase the academic excellence and application of knowledge and skills learned at San José State. Your support makes it all possible. Thank you to those of you who have previously invested in SJSU. I urge you, as well as all who have not yet experienced the special feeling a gift to SJSU elicits, to support this great university. Due to the current state budget cuts, it is more critical than ever to invest in the student experience and impact the lives and futures of countless students. Give to the SJSU Fund today.
Go Spartans!
Laura Larson
P.S. Students need your help now more than ever. Give to the SJSU Fund today to enable students to experience success, gain confidence, and acquire the education and skills that lead to rewarding careers.
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