Kassing, CSU alumni meet with legislators

By: Kyle Hansen

Posted: 3/21/07

San Jose State University President Don Kassing led a delegation of 10 staff and alumni in meeting with legislators from the San Jose area during the annual California State University alumni legislative day on Monday.

"We were a strong group from the alumni association and staff," said Nancy Stake, the director of SJSU government and media relations. "It went very well, we had six really good meetings. I think everyone was very supportive of the CSU."

Stake said that the alumni and staff went to Sacramento to help encourage the state legislature to pass bills that will help the university system.

"We were stressing the message that not only do we want to see students come to college, but we want them to graduate," Stake said.

Steve Levers, one of the members of the delegation, said it is important for alumni to support the university and the crucial role it plays in the local economy.

"If we, the alumni, don't support it, who should expect anyone else to support it?" Levers said. "We are a product of the system, so if we don't support it, who should?"

Representatives from all 23 CSU campuses were on hand for the daylong event at the State Capital in Sacramento.

"The day provided an opportunity for us to join with representatives from other CSU campuses at the State Capitol to speak with one voice to state legislators urging them to continue to invest in the CSU," Stake said by e-mail. "And to re-emphasize that the CSU provides the quality education, research and innovative programs that are indispensable to the future of California."

SJSU Alumni Association President Patricia Smith said that the event was a large success.

"We went because the CSU is funded by the state and we need to speak with the legislature and make sure they know the issues that are important to us."

SJSU's delegation included Kassing, Stake and Smith, as well as other SJSU alumni, staff and community members.

"We tried to take people from all different walks of life to show that even though we have graduated, we are still concerned about San Jose State," Smith said.

Levers said that he was glad to be able to add his perspective as a graduate of SJSU and now a business operator in Silicon Valley.

"What you realize is that it is one thing for someone from the university organization to come in and say 'please fund us,'" he said. "... How much stronger is the message when, as an alumnus, I can say 'I came out of this organization and here is my experience'?"

Members of the delegation visited Assemblyman Jim Silva, who is a SJSU alumnus. They also talked with staff members from six other members of the legislature representing the San Jose area.

Stake said that the group had three main goals in meeting with members of the legislature, to increase the amount of money included in the state budget for the CSU system, to improve financial aid and increase student services.

Stake said that the governor's proposed budget cuts $7 million from the CSU outreach programs. These funds are important in recruiting students and helping them prepare to enter a university. Stake said that the group asked the legislature to not cut these funds.

Stake also said that the CSU is also asking the legislature for $27.6 million to fund a pay increase for CSU employees. In addition, the university system has asked the governor for $24.6 million to fund student services, such as counseling and tutoring.

The group from SJSU also heard CSU Chancellor Charles Reed speak and joined the other CSU campuses in honoring an alumnus of the year from each campus. SJSU's honored alumnus was Washington public affairs strategist Leslie C. Francis.

The delegation also participated in a reception Monday evening for SJSU alumni who work in the Sacramento area. Smith said the reception was well attended and that the alumni were very supportive of the school.

Associated Students Legislative Director Michael Reyes said that students and representatives from A.S. will be participating in another legislative day with the California State Student Association on April 16.