On March 12, the San José State University community gathered to celebrate the Spartans of Significance, the university’s Distinguished Alumni Awards. More than 400 people gathered to celebrate the achievements of six extraordinary Spartans.
Alumna of the Year: Nora Betyousef Lacey, ’89 Biological Sciences
The Alumna of the Year Award is bestowed upon a San José State University graduate who has demonstrated extraordinary success in their professional career and made meaningful contributions to the community.
Nora Betyousef Lacey (left) with SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. Photo: Brian Anderson, ’24 MFA Digital Media Art.
Born in Abadan, Iran, and raised with a deep belief in education and possibility, Lacey balanced motherhood and coursework while studying biology at SJSU, supported by mentors who shaped her values and love of science. After graduation, she built a successful career in biotechnology, founding her own company in 1994 and growing it to more than 100 employees before selling it to Sigma-Aldrich (Merck). In retirement, Lacey turned her passion toward cultural advocacy, founding the Assyrian Art Institute.
Spirit of ’68 Award: Roy and PJ Hirabayashi, ’77 MUP
The Spirit of ’68 Award recognizes San José State alumni who demonstrate outstanding leadership, compassion and a commitment to addressing critical social issues. This award symbolizes the values shown by San José State alumni Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who drew attention to injustice and inequality during the 1968 Olympics medal ceremony in Mexico City.
PJ (left) and Roy Hirabayashi. Photo: Brian Anderson, ’24 MFA Digital Media Art.
Meeting during a pivotal era of student activism, Roy and PJ Hirabayashi helped shape the foundation of Asian American Studies at SJSU and cofounded community organizations serving San José Japantown. In 1973, Roy cofounded San José Taiko, with PJ soon joining to help transform traditional Japanese drumming into a powerful, contemporary expression of Japanese American identity. As longtime leaders of the internationally recognized ensemble, and recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowships, PJ and Roy are honored for a legacy that blends art, activism and enduring community impact.
Spartan Spirit Award: “Krazy” George Henderson, ’70 Industrial Technology
The Spartan Spirit Award recognizes an individual who embodies the true spirit of San José State through enthusiasm, pride and unwavering support of the Spartan community.
“Krazy” George Henderson with SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. Photo: Brian Anderson, ’24 MFA Digital Media Art.
Originally recruited to SJSU to compete in judo, “Krazy” George Henderson discovered cheerleading as a student and went on to invent the Wave, which first debuted in 1981. With a professional career spanning more than five decades, Henderson is honored with the Spartan Spirit Award for his lasting impact on fan engagement and Spartan pride.
Lifetime Achievement Award: The Doobie Brothers
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an alum or alumni whose professional accomplishments, groundbreaking contributions and exemplary leadership have garnered widespread recognition and admiration, and have elevated the reputation of SJSU on a national or international scale.
Pat Simmons, cofounder of The Doobie Brothers, with SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. Photo: Brian Anderson, ’24 MFA Digital Media Art.
Tom Johnston, cofounder of The Doobie Brothers, with SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. Photo: Brian Anderson, ’24 MFA Digital Media Art.
While studying art at the university, The Doobie Brothers cofounder Tom Johnston helped shape the band’s early sound, writing “Listen to the Music” just steps from campus. A Grammy Award winner and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Johnston continues to create and perform, including The Doobie Brothers’ 2025 album “Walk This Road.”
A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, The Doobie Brothers cofounder Pat Simmons has earned multiple Grammy Awards and continues to write and record music, including the band’s 2025 album “Walk This Road.” An inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Hall of Fame, Simmons has earned multiple Grammy Awards and continues to write and record music, most recently on The Doobie Brothers’ 2025 album “Walk This Road.”
In addition to celebrating six transformative Spartans, proceeds from the 2026 Spartans of Significance program will benefit the SJSU Alumni Association Scholarship Program.
Learn how you can support the next generation of Spartans.