Recently, A Spartan Tribute honored Phyllis Simpkins as the first recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the San Jose State University Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

More than 400 people turned out to honor Mrs. Simpkins at the first university-sponsored event on the new Spartan Stadium FieldTurf surface.

"With this special award ceremony in your honor, we celebrate your extraordinary passion for education and what you have done to make San Jose State a better place for all of us," President Jon Whitmore stated in a congratulatory letter.

For her unwavering and continuous exemplary service to San Jose State University, Mrs. Simpkins also received commendations from California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Click on the camera link above for memories of A Spartan Tribute.

Event supporters included:

The Simpkins & Bordoni families
Arctic Express
Mark Carbonaro, disc jockey
Citti Florist
Corinthian International Parking Services
Crunch Catering
Danny Thomas Party Rentals
Event Architects, Inc.
Fierro Design
Gayle Kludt & Donna Rooney
Krazy George
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Terrell Lloyd Photography
Los gatos Brewing Company
McIntyre Vineyards
Becca Mosley
The David & Lucile Packard Foundation
Ben Reichmuth
Seabourn Cruise Line
San Jose State Alumni Association
San Jose State cheer team
San Jose State International House
San Jose State Marching Band
San Jose State Nutrition, Food Science & Packaging Department
San Jose State Tower Foundation
San Jose State Office of the President
San Jose State student-athletes, coaches & staff
Frank Sunseri