Armen Hanzad - Long-Time San Jose University Supporter Dies At Age 72

Armen Hanzad - Long-Time San Jose University Supporter Dies At Age 72

San Jose, Calif. (Feb. 26) -- Armen Hanzad, whose association with San Jose State University as a student, follower of sports teams and contributor to the school's educational, athletics and alumni programs spans the last seven decades, died at his home early Monday, February 26, at age 72.

As he was known to virtually everyone, "Arm" was hospitalized earlier in the month, underwent an angioplasty procedure and was recuperating at home at the time of his death.

Hanzad graduated from San Jose State in 1950 with a triple major in journalism, history and political science. A native of San Francisco, he received his teaching credential from San Jose State in 1951 and earned a master's degree from the school in public school administration and counseling in 1954.

His adult career was spent as a school teacher and administrator. Hanzad taught briefly in Cupertino before joining San Jose's Alum Rock School District in 1952. For 33 years, he held administrative positions as well as principal of the school district.

Since 1985, Hanzad worked with San Jose State University student-athletes as an academic coordinator and liaison, assisting them with course selection, with their progress towards fulfilling graduation requirements and with nominations for academically-oriented athletic awards. With his assistance, San Jose State University student-athletes have received more than 50 NCAA Sixth-Year Degree Completion grants, the most of any school in the nation.

He was a lifetime member of the university's Alumni Association and served as its president in 1988; a member of the Spartan Foundation board of directors; a member of the Order of Sparta selection committee for the San Jose State University Sports Hall of Fame; and a member of the Community Advisory Council of the Education Department.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Pat, a 1948 San Jose State graduate.

A memorial service on the San Jose State University campus is being planned. Donations in his memory can be made to the Pat & Arm Hanzad Endowment at San Jose State University, care of the Spartan Foundation, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192.