"A gift to the Spartan Foundation makes a difference, it helps offset the athletics budget by providing scholarship support and creates new opportunities. While I know my gift isn't huge, I do know every dollar truly matters."

Those sage words come from San Jose State student Robb Silverstein. A loyal Spartan energizing student sections in Spartan Stadium, The Event Center and Spartan Gym, Silverstein recently stepped forward and is the only known Spartan Foundation member that is a current full-time undergraduate student.

SCHOOL SPIRIT FROM A STUDENT'S POINT OF VIEW

"I would always look at proud alums with awe, how they travel to road games and show unwavering support for their alma mater," says the public relations major that also is pursuing a minor in business. "I've always dreamt of becoming just as proud of my university."

As the President of the SJSU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Silverstein's participation in the Spartan Foundation is about connecting to and representing his University.

"My true dream is that one day I will be sitting on the SJSU side of a stadium when the Spartans defeat Cal in a bowl game. Of course, my father (Duane Silverstein) will still be sitting on the Cal side, but I'll be the one with a big smile on my face," Silverstein says as his eyes widened with excitement. "I believe we will get there, but the support of the entire community beginning with the student-section is vital to the success of Spartan Athletics!

IT'S SPARTAN PRIDE TIME

 "I grew up a big Cal fan, mainly because my dad went there. The second I stepped foot on the SJSU campus all of my affinity towards Cal went numb. At that very moment I became a Spartan for life."

Silverstein's school spirit can be traced back to his days as a student at Albany High in the East Bay where he successfully created the official student section for boys' basketball, "The Cave."   

His first experience as a Spartan Foundation member was the Spartan Athletics Town Hall prior to the 2013 spring football game.

"The Town Hall was a great opportunity to meet loyal Spartans and to learn about the state of Spartan Athletics directly from the senior management team." Silverstein said, "I enjoyed networking with business professionals and am really looking forward to the rest of the benefits provided from my support of the Spartan Foundation."

SUPPORTING THE SPARTANS WITHOUT MISSING A BEAT

By becoming a member of the Spartan Foundation, Silverstein was able to make an immediate impact on the future of over 450 student-athletes. Taking advantage of the payment options and fulfilling his pledge via $10 monthly installments allows Silverstein to make an impact without really feeling any effects on daily lifestyle.

"Athletics is a rallying point. Supporting the Spartans is a point of pride and when SJSU football wins this season I am going to be able to turn to the students next to me in the student section and tell them that I am doing my part to make this happen. After making my contribution, I am now invested as part of the team," says Silverstein.

For just $8 a month, you too can become a member of the Spartan Foundation and receive all the benefits of being a member of the Team Behind the Teams. Benefits of the Spartan Foundation include the Spartan Weekly email, membership card and decal, invitation to exclusive events, priority seating and parking for football, VIP hospitality events and much more.

The Spartan Foundation is the fundraising arm of San Jose State Athletics, with the primary mission of raising scholarship support for more than 300 student-athletes in 16 sports through the Spartan Scholarship Fund. Membership levels start at just $8 a month and a variety of payments methods can be arranged to make investing in the Spartans work for your individual financial situation.

For more information on how you can join Rob and BE THE ONE to make a difference in the lives of Spartan student-athletes call the Spartan Foundation at 408-924-1720, visit us online by clicking "GIVING" while at www.sjsuspartans.com or send an email to spartanfoundation@sjsu.edu.