Honoring Janet Redding on Her Retirement from San Jose State University

HONORING JANET REDDING ON HER RETIREMENT FROM SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 11, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. ZOE LOFGREN
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2004

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, Congressman HONDA and I would like to congratulate Janet C. Redding, Vice President for University Advancement of San Jose1 State University (SJSU) as she retires after 19 years of dedicated and honorable service.

Redding was the Special Assistant to the President for Governmental and External Relations for San Jose State University, Silicon Valley's Metropolitan University. SJSU is the oldest public institution on the West Coast (founded in 1857) and one of the largest institutions in the 23-campus California State University System. With more than 3,000 employees, SJSU is the fourth largest public employer in Silicon Valley, with an annual operating budget of over $350 million.

A former schoolteacher at both public and private schools, Redding has been at SJSU for 19 years, where she oversees External, Governmental and Community Relations. Under her leadership as Vice President for University Advancement contributions to the university have totaled more than $100 million in the last decade. During her tenure, Redding created the Division of University Advancement by expanding the Alumni Association, the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, and the Office of Development. She also created the President's Advisory Council, whose members serve as advocates and advisors to the President of the university on issues affecting the university. In addition Janet was involved with helping to secure both public and private funds for the new Martin Luther King, Jr. joint library serving both the University and the City of San Jose. She helped raise $10M from private sources and $90M from the California State Legislature. Over the past two years she worked to secure Federal funding for the CSU Coastal Initiative at Moss Landing and for Nanotechnology Research in the College of Engineering here at SJSU.

A 1993 graduate of Leadership San Jose, Redding served on the San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau Board for six years, including a term on the executive committee as treasurer. In 1997, San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer honored Janet as one of the Outstanding Women of Silicon Valley. She is a member of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, Silicon Valley Chapter, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council.

Throughout the years, we have always been impressed by her energy and dedication to the many causes she has worked so hard for. She leaves big shoes to fill and we will miss working with her for the betterment of San Jose State University. Good luck Janet.