​Connie L. Lurie

Educator/Philanthropist

San José State University

Connie Lurie's commitment to education has had a tremendous impact on both San José State University and the Bay Area as a whole. Her dedication to the university and her philanthropic spirit exemplify the ideals of the California State University.

Connie Lurie graduated from San José State with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and psychology in 1964, admirably maintaining her connection to her alma mater to this day. She helped establish San José State's Connect Motivate Educate Society, which provides support and mentorship to former foster youth pursuing a college education. In 1998, she endowed the Lurie Author-in-Residence program at San José State, which attracts renowned national and international authors to serve as distinguished visiting artist/scholars for one or two semesters. As a result of her philanthropic generosity, the San José State University Connie L. Lurie College of Education was named in her honor.

Connie Lurie has been involved in many worthwhile causes throughout the Bay Area and California. She is currently a member of the board of directors of Strive for College, and has served as a member of the San Francisco Zoological Society, the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. She has also served as an advisory trustee to the California State Parks Foundation for more than 30 years, and a volunteer at The Painted Turtle, a Paul Newman SeriousFun Children's Network Camp for children with life-threatening illnesses.

With her innumerable charitable leadership, as well as her longstanding support of the university, she epitomizes Spartan Pride. In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments and visionary dedication, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and San José State University are proud to confer upon Connie L. Lurie the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.