San Jose State President Tapped As Woman Of Year By Assembly

SAN JOSE, CA -- San Jose State University President Mary A. Papazian has been named Woman of the Year for the state’s 28th Assembly District by State Assemblymember Evan Low, an SJSU alumnus.

Papazian received the honor at a ceremony during the California Legislative Women’s Caucus in Sacramento on March 4. She is one of a select group of women who are being honored by state senators and assemblymembers to mark Women’s History Month.

“I am both grateful for and honored by this distinction, and for Assemblymember Low’s
strong support of San Jose State and our students,” Papazian said. “But none of us
succeed alone, and women especially know the immense value of professional networks
and collaboration in helping us achieve our goals. This honor is a testament to the
generosity, hard work and support of my colleagues and peers at SJSU and throughout the
CSU system.”

Since 1987, the Legislative Women’s Caucus has set aside a day in March to honor those
women who are having a positive impact in their California communities.

The event has become a signature event for the California State Legislature. Both the
Assembly and Senate pause from their daily routines to celebrate and encourage women of
all ages to pursue lives of service.

“Since becoming San Jose State University’s 30th president in 2016, Papazian has had
a track record of strong leadership that centers on her core commitment to the success of
students,” said Assemblymember Evan Low. “As a proud alumnus of San Jose State University, I am proud to recognize President Papazian with this award.”

Papazian joined the university as its 30th president on July 1, 2016. As the leader of the founding campus of the California State University and Silicon Valley’s only public university, she is firmly committed to student success; open, transparent and inclusive leadership; fostering a culture of curiosity and discovery; and building enduring campus and community partnerships.