Ten San José State University students have been named 2026–2027 Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association, giving the SJSU community an impressive presence in one of librarianship’s most recognized national scholarship programs.

The SJSU recipients are Kristen Beck, Cristina Maria Canales, Marisela Chevez, Rocio Espinoza, Mitzi Garcia Hernandez, DaVonna Phoenix Hytower, Hyunjung “Crystal” Rie, Luna Saber-Bilder, Chloe Kathryn Williams, and Alisha Zaheer. They are among only 60 students nationwide selected for the 2026–2027 cohort—meaning SJSU students
account for one-sixth of this year’s Spectrum Scholars.

The Spectrum Scholarship Program supports graduate students preparing to enter the library and information science profession while developing a network of emerging leaders committed to building stronger and more inclusive information organizations and communities. Selection was especially competitive this year. According to ALA, the program received approximately four times as many applications as scholarships available.

The achievement reflects both the talent of SJSU’s students and the impact they are preparing to make across libraries, information organizations, and the communities they serve. 

Congratulations to all ten of our newest Spectrum Scholars!