Former Mayor Susan Hammer to Receive Prestigious Tower Award from SJSU

The Honorable Susan Hammer, San Jose's mayor from 1991 to 1998, has been named the recipient of San José State University's 2005 Tower Award, announced interim President Don W. Kassing. This award for service is the highest given by the university.

"Former Mayor Hammer's efforts to integrate San José State and the community are unparalleled," said Kassing. "The closing of San Carlos Street, which ran through the campus, occurred on Hammer's watch. She was the driving force behind the award-winning Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, which is now a model for cities across the country. She also supported the protection and revitalization of the neighborhoods surrounding the campus."

A native of Altadena, Calif., Hammer is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. President Clinton recognized her leadership talents and ability to forge consensus between the public and private sectors when he appointed her to the President's Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations. She was the first elected official and the first woman to chair this prestigious panel. During her tenure as mayor, the high tech community flourished and San Jose remained one of the safest major cities in the nation.

The Tower Award is presented annually to an individual in recognition for service to San José State University. The recipient is selected by the Tower Foundation's board of directors from solicited nominations.

The presentation to Hammer will take place at the 36th annual Tower Award Dinner on Saturday, May 14.