News: Alumni
iSchool Alum Jonna Paden Appointed President of the American Indian Library Association
Jonna C. Paden, an archivist at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, has been named president of the American Indian Library Association for 2024-2025. A graduate of the San José State University School of Information’s Master of Library and Information Science program, Paden brings extensive experience in library science and archival work to her new leadership role.
CLA Awards iSchool Affiliates for their Commitment to Innovation and Community Impact
The California Library Association’s annual Awards Gala held on October 18, 2024, highlighted the remarkable contributions of library professionals statewide, including several affiliates of the San José State University School of Information. The award recipients shared insights into the significance of their work and its impact on their communities.
California Library Association Elects Chow and Tani to Leadership Roles
Dr. Anthony Chow, a distinguished professor and director of the San José State University School of Information, has been elected president-elect of the California Library Association. Chow secured 52% of the vote, surpassing opponent Migell Acosta, who received 46%.
Celebrating 2024 Movers & Shakers
Library Journal Recognizes Seven iSchool Graduates
For the past 22 years, Library Journal has recognized the most incredible information professionals who have significantly contributed to the library and information science field. Given the moniker “Movers & Shakers,” the Class of 2024 includes seven alumni from the San José State University School of Information.
Alumnus Mychal Threets Honored with Prestigious 2024 I Love My Librarian Award for Transformative Community Service
In celebration of outstanding service to libraries, the American Library Association has recognized Mychal Threets, a 2018 graduate from the San José State University School of Information, as one of the 2024 I Love My Librarian Award Honorees. Threets stands among a select group of librarians honored for his exceptional community service and advocacy for mental health awareness.
Alumni and Student Named 2024 ALA Emerging Leaders
Three alumni and one current student from the San José State University School of Information have been selected as part of the American Library Association’s 2024 Class of Emerging Leaders. Dominique Dozier, Jillian Underwood-Jenkins, Ariana Varela, and Mia Gittlen are part of a class of 50 individuals from across the United States and Canada.
iSchool Alumnus Named North Dakota’s Librarian of the Year
The North Dakota Library Association has chosen a standout alumnus from the San José State University School of Information for its prestigious title of Librarian of the Year. Aaron Stefanich received the award that recognizes individuals who have made “outstanding contributions to the North Dakota library profession.” For Stefanich, being recognized as Librarian of the Year “is humbling, because I know so many other North Dakota librarians who deserve the award.”
California Library Association Board Election Winners Announced
Three alumni from the San José State University School of Information were voted into officer positions on the 2024 California Library Association board. Genesis Hansen is the new president-elect. Brandy Buenafe and Darla Wegener assume directors-at-large positions.
iSchool Students, Alumni Receive California Library Association Awards and Scholarships
Several students and alumni from the San José State University School of Information have received awards and scholarships from the California Library Association. These individuals were honored this past June during the Gala event at the CLA Annual Conference.
iSchool Alumnus Named 2023 Mover and Shaker
Library Journal Selects 2010 MLIS Graduate Keith Kesler as a Community Builder
Keith Kesler, a graduate from the San José State University School of Information, has been named a 2023 Mover and Shaker Community Builder by Library Journal. Kesler was nominated for the award by his manager. He considers it a “great honor…since there are only around 40 librarians selected for the honor each year, and it’s for all of the libraries in the United States.”
San José State Alumna and Librarian Wins I Love My Librarian Award
The American Library Association has selected a San José State University alumna and librarian for its 2023 I Love My Librarian Award. Kathryn Blackmer Reyes graduated from the SJSU School of Information with her Master of Library and Information Science degree. She now holds the director position of the Africana, Asian American, Chicano, and Native American Studies Center at the university’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Library.
iSchool Alumna Named Dorothy Helfeld Fellow
The Association of Children’s
Librarians of Northern California has chosen an alumna of the San
José State University School of Information for its Dorothy
Helfeld Fellowship.
Dr. Sandercock Earns Doctorate through Gateway PhD Program
Dr. Patricia Sandercock is the 22nd person to have had a doctorate conferred through the Gateway PhD program offered through a partnership between the San José State University School of Information and Queensland University of Technology from 2008 to 2021.
iSchool Alumni and a Student Named ALA 2023 Emerging Leaders
The 2023 Class of Emerging Leaders from the American Library Association has been announced. Out of the 46 chosen to participate in this prestigious leadership program for new library professionals, four are from the San José State University School of Information. Congratulations to Jennifer Castle, ’18 MLIS; Cybele Kohel, current student; Jennifer Powell, ’21 MLIS; and Brandi Veal, ’20 MLIS.
Alumna Named Vice President/President-elect of the Washington Library Association
Congratulations to Sarah Logan, '12 MLIS
The membership of the Washington Library Association recently elected a San José State University alumna as its vice president and president-elect. Sarah Logan earned her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the SJSU School of Information in 2012 and has since worked as a teacher-librarian. She says her job at the Dorothy Fox Elementary School in Camas, Washington, prompted her to run for the WLA board.
iSchool Director and Two Alumni on Ballot for CLA Board of Directors
The California Library Association has announced the roster of candidates for the Board of Directors. Continuing a strong representation of leaders from the San José State University School of Information, the 2022 CLA ballot includes the iSchool’s director and two alumni.
iSchool Poster Session at 2022 CLA Conference Boosts Confidence for Student and Alumni Presenters
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, students and alumni at the San José State University School of Information converged in Sacramento to present at the iSchool’s poster session, held during the 2022 California Library Association Conference.
A total of 14 group and individual
projects were presented by current iSchool students and alumni.
Presentations covered a variety of topics, from cultural
preservation to information literacy.
Dr. Lettie Conrad is 21st Graduate of Gateway PhD Program
Dr. Lettie Conrad has completed the Gateway PhD program with her doctorate conferred by Queensland University of Technology, the former partner university of the San José State University School of Information.
iSchool ‘Movers and Shakers’ Exceeds 35
Class of 2022 Sees Two More Alumni Added to the Prestigious List
Every spring, Library Journal names its “Movers and Shakers” for the year. Forty-one individuals make up the Class of 2022, with two having graduated from the San José State University School of Information.
Six iSchool Graduates Selected for ALA’s 2022 Emerging Leaders Program
The American Library Association has announced its Class of Emerging Leaders for 2022. Six graduates of the Master of Library and Information Science program at the San José State University School of Information have been chosen for this prestigious title. They are Emily Aaronson, ’15 MLIS; Bryan Duran, ’18 MLIS; Lauren Hall, ’20 MLIS; Victoria Montes de Oca Perez, ’17 MLIS; Kristin Peers, ’16 MLIS; and Patricia Zeider, ’16 MLIS.