The San José State University American Library Association Student Chapter has been named the 2025 ALA Student Chapter of the Year, securing its seventh win and back-to-back recognition following last year’s honor. The chapter previously earned the award in 2000, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2022, and 2024, and has now won three of the last four years.

Chair Cat Tang described the recognition as a reflection of the group’s ongoing commitment to excellence. “Winning SCOTYA (again!) feels like affirmation and recognition of all the hard work our Executive Committee has put into building and sustaining the organization,” she said.

Tang has been a member of ALASC since she began the fully online Master of Library and Information Science degree program at SJSU in the spring of 2023. “I’ve grown and learned so much since starting the MLIS program, and I have my involvement in ALASC to thank for much of that,” she said. She first served as a social media and events assistant, then as events coordinator, and now leads the chapter as chair. Tang said she poured her passion for event planning into the chapter’s programming and has continued to host and plan events while serving as chair.

“For the student chapter as a whole, I think winning SCOTYA doesn’t change our commitment to building and sustaining the organization, but rather reflects that intention,” Tang said. “We will continue doing the best we can, prioritizing the organizational health and longevity of the student chapter, and hopefully being an exemplary ALA Student Chapter.”

Tang emphasized that the chapter’s mission is grounded in connection and community. “Our mission and primary objective are to connect students to our parent organization, the American Library Association; raise awareness of opportunities, issues, and trends within the library and information science field; and most importantly, create a space for students to connect, as we know it can be isolating or challenging to be part of a 100% online graduate program,” Tang said. “Many of our Executive Committee members join the organization because of this desire to connect with other students and find a community in the online program.”

In addition to her leadership, Tang credited the contributions of past chair Brianna Morales and former website coordinator Shannon Broden, both of whom graduated but helped revise the organization’s constitution and co-presented a poster on organizational preservation at the ALA Annual Conference. Tang said, “I believe Brianna and Shannon’s accomplishments and contributions to the organization helped to lay the framework for our continued success, and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for all of their efforts. It was an honor to work alongside them!”

Tang also highlighted current executive committee members Eddie Lagos, vice chair and membership coordinator; and Jackie Roussin, social media coordinator. “I think of my role as chair as being our ALASC’s ‘cheerleader’ and biggest supporter, but every leader would be nothing without their support,” she said. “While I try to support our organization as a whole, Eddie and Jackie support me, and I am immensely grateful for all of their help!” Tang added that she and Lagos share a common vision of leadership, and Roussin goes above and beyond her role to support the chapter.

As the group looks ahead, Tang reflected on the pressure and pride that come with continued excellence. “Since we have won the award twice in a row and seven total times now, I do think there’s a bit of (self-imposed) pressure for us to ‘maintain our winning streak,’ but no matter what, the most important thing is for us to continue doing work we’re proud of,” she said. “When I graduate next spring, I want to look back on all the work I’ve done in ALASC with contentment, cherishing the friendships I’ve made and believing that I was a good leader to the organization.”

Lagos said the award underscores the team’s ability to collaborate and remain resilient. “Winning the Student Chapter of the Year award has meant that our contributions have helped to build a team that works well together in bringing information and opportunities to our student body,” he said. “We lost a couple of key members this semester, yet we were still able to provide opportunities for students.” He noted signature events, such as Connect Over Coffee, which featured iSchool alums, and social events like Trivia Night.

“Our team can face challenges and overcome them by working together toward a common goal,” Lagos said. “It also brings recognition to the iSchool program as a whole. Perhaps this win will raise expectations, set a higher standard for our chapter, and motivate us to improve continually. It might also encourage more students to join our Executive Committee in the future.”

Treasurer Saleha Khan shared her enthusiasm for the chapter’s recognition. “I would like to say, it’s so exciting to see ALASC recognized again!” Khan said. “I recently became treasurer, and I’m happy to be part of such a supportive and inspiring team.” She added, “I really admire ALASC’s mission to build community among students, especially in an online learning environment. It’s rewarding to support a team that makes such a meaningful impact.”

Faculty advisor Alison Johnson praised the student chapter’s resilience and drive. “Thanks to Cat Tang’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication, ALASC not only persevered through a challenging year but thrived,” Johnson said. “Taking on multiple roles, she kept our momentum strong, organized more events than usual, and helped build a resilient and engaged team. Her impact on this year’s success cannot be overstated.”

Johnson added that the award “is a reminder of the amazing and resilient students that we have at the iSchool and their dedication to serving each other and the profession.” She believes this recognition will inspire future participation. “Being recognized in this way boosts our morale and energizes our team. It reinforces the value of student leadership and the impact they can have. We hope it will also inspire more students to get involved and contribute to ALASC’s continued growth,” she said.

Johnson summarized her view of the group in the chapter’s award application: “This chapter consistently demonstrates commitment, creativity, enthusiasm, and stewardship, making it a model for ALA Student Chapters nationwide.”

The award has already had a positive impact on the ALASC, with increased website traffic and heightened interest in chapter activities. The recognition serves to inspire more students to participate in ALASC events and information sessions, and to consider leadership roles within the Executive Committee.

Johnson commended the following students for their exceptional service:

• Cat Tang — Chair
• Eddie Lagos — Vice Chair/Membership Coordinator
• Saleha Khan — Treasurer
• Tiffany Runyan — Website Coordinator
• Sierra McGee — Website Assistant
• Sabrina Bobadilla — Blogging Coordinator
• Andrea Patlan — Blogging Assistant
• Juliana Oliveira — Events Coordinator
• Lisa La — Events Assistant
• Jackie Roussin — Social Media Coordinator
• Rebecca Natali — Social Media Assistant
• Marina Corrales — Social Media Assistant
• Wendy Thompson — Social Media Assistant